optiMize Mentor Directory
Tips for using this directory:
Scroll profiles and check out the bios of the mentors
Click “contact” below a mentor’s photo to see the ways you can connect
If a mentor has a LinkedIn profile, try adding them or sending them an intro message
If a mentor has a calendar link to schedule a chat, it’s a good idea to email them to give them a heads up about who you are and why you are scheduling a meeting.
All of mentors are excited to connect with the optiMize community!
We encourage mentors to use this directory to connect with one another as well.
Our Mission
We cultivate the optiMize community by bringing people together for transformative education and creating projects that illuminate possibilities. In passionate pursuit of a just and sustainable future, we practice love and care in all we do to help everyone we meet ask themselves, “Why not me?”
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Retired (Ford Motor Co.) Sr. Finance and Strategy Exec. Have loved mentoring with Optimize in previous years and interacting closely with student teams to help them fully realize their visions, goals and objectives. Personally, greatly enjoy travelling, international cultures, reading, movies and sports of all kinds ... particularly tennis.
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A native Michigander who graduated from Wayne State’s Global Supply Chain Management program in 2015 and earned my MBA from Yale in 2022. Before business school, I worked for a Japanese automotive supplier on $30M+ programs, handling cost analysis, international logistics, procurement, contract negotiation, and supply chain strategy. At Yale, I discovered my passion for startups while interning with a robotics company focused on preventing oil pipeline corrosion. After a brief stint in management consulting, I became a financial advisor with Prudential Advisors in Ypsilanti, where I now help entrepreneurs build strong financial and structural foundations for their ideas. Beyond my professional life, I am a lifelong Eagle Scout, a former operatic tenor, and an avid dog lover with endless stories to share.
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Arman Golrokhian is a curious builder of ideas, conversations, and communities, always exploring how people can live a more fulfilling, intentional, and meaningful lives in harmony with the nature. He’s drawn to storytelling, coaching, and creative ventures that sit at the intersection of life purpose, sustainability, and human connection. Whether brainstorming new startup ideas, refining a short story, or helping others clarify their life direction, Arman brings both heart and structure to the table. Above all, Arman is motivated by impact, growth, and helping people move a little closer to the life they actually want to live.
Arman Golrokhian is a strategic adviser with over a decade of experience in the energy industry. He is the founder of Strategic Energy Advisers (SEA) LLC, an energy consultancy dedicated to helping organizations that prioritize sustainability and positive social impact achieve their long-term strategic objectives. Arman brings an interdisciplinary perspective across strategy, finance, policy, regulatory affairs, sustainability, and engineering to help clients navigate their most complex energy challenges. Arman holds dual master’s degrees in Public Policy and Sustainability from the University of Michigan -
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I’ve spent my career in consumer goods (CPG or FMCG). I’ve worked for food, nutritional supplements, apparel, and furniture companies in the areas of finance, supply chain, strategy, operations, and commercial partnerships (sales & marketing). I understand how products are made and what it takes to sell them across different channels like D2C (eCom) or in Retail stores.
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I'm from the Metro-Detroit area and an alum of the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. I earned my PhD in Engineering Education from Purdue University where I investigated what Black males experience at historically white institutions. Currently, I lecture on computing for creative expression and tech justice. A few of my hobbies include writing poetry, watching anime, and listening to deep cuts of Hip Hop.
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My name is Hien (like the ketchup with the z) Lam, the Chief Prophecy Fulfiller at Huck Finch - an oddball design studio focused on unapologetic websites for brands that demand attention - and Grabbag Studio, where we create strategically designed websites for startups who are here to chew gum and kick ass. We're also launching Grabbag Website, our free splash page builder for super early stage startups who need to look legit yesterday.
Born to refugee parents who fled the end of the Vietnam War, I grew up in San Jose, California. Before attending the University of Michigan, I spent a year in Aachen, Germany as an exchange student. After earning my bachelor's, I went on to complete my Master's in Healthcare Administration from Saint Louis University and spent a couple of years working for the St. Louis VA Health System. My zigzagging path to design was anything but predetermined - healthcare administrator turned accidental designer - yet it's this unconventional background that shapes my approach to creative problem-solving.
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Jack Griffin is the Founder & CEO of FoodFinder, a nationwide nonprofit whose website and app help people find their closest food pantries. Once an optiMize fellow himself, Jack’s commitment to hunger relief began in high school and continued through his studies at the University of Michigan. Since graduating, his food pantry locator has guided 3 million Americans to food aid, and in 2022 he was named Forbes 30 Under 30 for social impact. Outside of work, Jack is always happy to swap recipes, talk basketball, or share favorite spots in Ann Arbor!
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I'm currently the Managing Director, Marketing & Campaigns for the Environmental Media Association. I have over a decade of experience with marketing, social media, branding, events, media, and influencer marketing. My speciality is marketing for environmental and entertainment companies.
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I'm a passionate HR professional who enjoys learning people's stories, and strives to leave them better than I found them. Particularly, I love all things organization, emotional intelligence, planning/process-building and coaching. When I'm not being an unconventional HR-lady, I practice Indian classical music, take in my surroundings on long walks, try out new recipes from various cuisines (it's giving authentic but egg-eatarian!), and read books (yes, audiobooks count; yes, my to-be-read list is ever-growing)! I am also an amateur crocheter and exploring my (light) green thumb.
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Most startups fail not because they can’t build, but because they build the wrong thing—on the wrong foundation. Startups don’t just need code, they need clarity.
Without experienced technical leadership, early-stage companies face bloated architectures, costly rebuilds, and hiring decisions that don’t scale.
That’s where I come in.
I’m a fractional CTO and product-minded technologist with a track record of helping early-stage startups ship fast, hire smart, and scale sustainably.
✅ Led platform and cloud strategy for a global smart device brand (2M+ devices shipped)
✅ Helped YC-backed and venture-funded founders architect and launch successful MVPs
✅ Scaled software orgs from solo devs to full-stack teams across multiple domains
I specialize in:
✦ Early-stage product architecture and platform design
✦ Startup hiring strategy and technical due diligence
✦ Founder coaching around tech planning and prioritization
If you’re a founder looking to build smarter and not just faster, let’s connect! -
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Born and raised in Detroit, my life was transformed by education and the possibilities of business and entrepreneurship. I studied business at Oakland University and Bradley University, and I lived in both South Carolina (for two years) and Illinois (for over a decade).
Serving as a mentor for optiMize is something that I am both inspired by and looking forward to. As a mentor, I have been impressed and interested in the process of helping students actualize their ideas in a meaningful, authentic and relevant way. -
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Manager and operator of various entertainment and beverage spaces over 15yrs. Currently GM at the Last Word. From coffee shops to 5k person concerts. 2nd generation in the music space
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Embracing and thriving Life's journey with passion and purpose
I have had the privilege of working in different sectors in different cities both in India and USA. Banking, that led me to Sales in IT Training and IT Engineering solutions .My next job was always different from my previous one.
And then, as life unfolded Teaching and Learning - A journey of discovery and learning - I am a #michigancertifiededucator
Beyond the classroom When I am not teaching, you can find me spending time as a mentor with optiMize program
Apart from all this, I am also passionately curious about culture, their food and tradition. I am obsessed about whys and how’s of it.
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Tianyu is a triple Wolverine (undergrad, master's, and current staff) who works as a Business Intelligence Analyst on the Integrated Data Services team at the Office of University Development (OUD).
She is more than happy to share her two cents on data analysis, data visualization, and general fundraising. As a member of the 2021 Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ELP) cohort, Tianyu can speak to the entrepreneurial ecosystem at U-M and direct students to relevant resources. She has also served on the e-board of several student organizations and launched two student organizations at U-M, and is glad to share her experiences with founding student orgs as well. -
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Chris Powers spends his time building companies & communities that connect people together for the public good. He's been a long-time lover of nature and has started & helped a number of organizations focused on circular economies & land stewardship. Right now he's focused on building Advocate as a platform to connect households in need with community resources. When Chris isn't starting or building companies or volunteering in his neighborhood, he enjoys time w/ friends & family, reading, playing games, going for long walks, swimming and paddle boarding.
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Heather Martel is a University of Michigan alumna with a Master of Arts in Leadership and Administration and over 15 years of experience in business development, strategic growth, and investor relations. She has held leadership roles at Imperium Capital and Rove Investment, where she focused on commercial real estate acquisitions and business expansion. Passionate about innovation with purpose, Heather is currently collaborating with four stealth AI startups spanning healthcare, marketing, disaster relief, and a soul-driven direct matchmaking platform. She loves building ideas that merge technology with human connection and social impact. Outside of work, Heather is an avid traveler, Italian language enthusiast, and lover of deep conversations about leadership, creativity, and the future of AI.
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calendly.com/hamartel/15min
hamartel@gmail.com
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Finn (they/them) is a Two-Spirit writer and storyteller with a long history of leadership and mentoring. They are focused on activism, community building, and volunteer work when not spending time with their two and four legged family or seeking the closest beach. Finn strives to be insightful, empathetic, and quick witted for excellent comedic timing because who doesn't love a good laugh?
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Microbiologist and all-around nerd who enjoys science communication. Has worked at different start-up companies in the biotech/medtech space. Love helping STEM projects and education projects especially.
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Joe Sipher started his career helping two nascent startups grow into multi-billion-dollar public companies (Palm and Handspring). Next, he founded two profitable mobile app companies that generated over 200M downloads. Joe has held various VP and C-level positions in both product management and marketing for tiny startups to public companies. He holds 26 patents related to mobile technology, wireless communications, and user interface design.
Joe's next big thing is HealthScout, an AI-power app that empowers patients with their own health data to navigate the complexity of today's healthcare system.
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Kirsten is a UMich alum and former optimize Lead Team member. She currently resides in New York City working as a Creative Strategist at an ad agency and has experience in Marketing, Branding, and Creative Development. Outside of work, Kirsten is an avid crafter and has explored everything from leather craft, sewing, scrapbooking, and more.
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I am a New York City-based scientist and educator who uses research-based methods to help students with learning differences (dyslexia, executive functioning, NVLD) build the skills they need to thrive in school. Outside of the classroom, I work with community organizations such as the American Museum of Natural History and the Billion Oyster Project, where I share my passion for local ecology and hands-on environmental restoration with NYC natives and visitors alike. I am also pursuing an Urban Naturalist certificate through the New York Botanical Garden to deepen my engagement with the city’s unique environmental and ecological concerns. Beyond the sciences, I find joy in the cultural and creative life of New York City. On any given day, you can find me reading, writing poetry, spending time with my Bengali community, chatting with my Upper East Side neighbors, or outside exploring the foodways, farmers markets, and ethnic enclaves of the outer boroughs with my friends and fiancé. As an optiMize mentor of nearly ten years, I am eager to work with any and every project, especially those at the intersection of science, education, cultural preservation (particularly through food, language, and literature), and community building.
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Michael Wilson is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, where he served as president of the Michigan Mock Trial team and worked as a campus tour guide. He also served as finance chair for Camp Kesem at Michigan, a nonprofit that provides free summer camps for children whose parents have cancer. Through this work, he gained experience in grant writing and fundraising. Professionally, Michael has interned at the Department of Justice, worked in state courts, and now works full-time at a Washington, D.C., law firm.
Michael was a peer mentor for optiMize for two years, becoming deeply familiar with the organization’s values, community, and curriculum. Before that, he was a funded optiMize fellow, working on a project to build a care assistant database for students at the University of Michigan with disabilites. He continued this interest during a study abroad program in Ireland, where he conducted independent research on end-of-life care for individuals with disabilities.
A huge fan of optiMize, Michael is always excited to connect with others interested in political engagement, political advocacy, working on UM-based organizations, fundraising, or disability-centered projects. Fun facts: Michael is addicted to oatmeal raisin cookies and is obsessed with the show Survivor! -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-wilson2025/
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8+ years in health tech product. Really interested in solving the right problem and testing quickly. In my free time, I love cooking/baking, ashtanga yoga, and playing with my cat Finn.
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This will be the 4th time I will be mentoring with optimize. I am from India and have been a teacher for 21 years and a Principal and Director for more than 2 decades. My experience with students of all ages has helped me in all the mentorship programs. At present I am a Board member of the Senior centre in Seattle and help plan fundraising activities.
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Hi, I'm Tress and I love all things mental-health and mental-wellness! I think it's valuable to talk through the common human experiences of challenges, overwhelms, anxieties, and fears - all vibes have the potential to teach us something. I firmly believe that everyone has a story worth hearing, and that fuels my love for optiMize. I'm in school and I work full-time but during my non-screen hours I hang out with my cats, love to cook, and enjoy watching documentaries often focusing on Ancient Egypt!
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