Our Team
Shivani Siroya, CEO & Founder
Shivani began developing InVenture in late 2008, with the aim of unlocking the immense potential for micro-businesses to pursue their dreams, create jobs and alleviate poverty within their surrounding communities.
She has a wide array of professional experiences in global health, microfinance, and investment banking. Prior to InVenture she worked health costing at UNFPA and Mergers& Acquisitions at Health Net. Additionally, Shivani is a 2011 Unreasonable Fellow and also is currently teaching Mobilizing Communities at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Shivani holds a M.P.H in Health Economics and Policy from Columbia University and a B.A. in International Relations from Wesleyan University.
She lives in Los Angeles and when she's not InVenturing, he keeps herself busy and optimistic by heading outdoors, kick boxing, practicing yoga and using as many exclamation points (!) as possible!
Jennifer Chong, Director of Operations
Jen loves a good challenge and is intent on using her talents and professional skills to make a positive impact in the world.
Prior to InVenture, Jen worked in commercial real estate lending in underwriting and portfolio management, most recently at Deutsche Bank, where she developed an interest in helping under-served communities through the use of micro-credit. Jen has a constant smile, and a knack for breaking things down simply and making all things look pretty. She's responsible for growing and further engaging the global InVenture community, growing our international banking relations, and taking care of all the operational logistics that keep our organization up and running.
Jen grew up in the Bay Area and graduated with a degree in Business Economics at the University of California - Los Angeles.
When Jen isn't in InVenture Land, she tries to keep in tip-top shape by training for marathons and triathlons. She loves practicing yoga, loves all things nature, and is a foodie (and likewise an amazing cook!)
Tom Schumacher, Director of Portfolio Management & Finance
Tom loves margins, finance and entrepreneurs. Before InVenture, he worked in portfolio management at a structured finance hedge fund, held several positions in corporate finance in the internet and advertising industries, and helped to start ETFDesk.com.
Tom has a strong background in financial security analysis, modeling and revenue forecasting pooled from his work experience. He applies his background and passion for enterprise in developing relationships with InVenture's field partners and in developing our due diligence models. He is also responsible for developing our financial tracking & mobile technology platform.
Tom is a M.P.P. candidate in International Policy at the UCLA Luskin School and holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Maryland.
When he's not reading financial statements, Tom loves hiking with his dogs, surfing, and is a huge New Orleans Saints fan.
Jon Blackwell, Director of Product Development
Jon has spent his entire career working with entrepreneurs and loves figuring out how to use the latest technologies to create a positive change in the world.
Prior to joining InVenture, Jon worked at SVB Financial Group funding and evaluating early stage technology companies. Following his passion for international development he left to work at a microfinance institution in Kenya where he helped distribute loans and provide business guidance to microentrepreneurs. Returning stateside, he helped found Let’s Do This, a mobile technology company with a mission to cure boredom.
Jon is responsible for InVenture’s product line including the deployment of InSight, InVenture’s mobile application. He holds a MPP from the University of Southern California and a B.A. in Economics from Virginia Tech.
When Jon isn’t playing on his iPhone he’s busy organizing iron chef style cook offs and planning his next travel excursion abroad.
LiAnn Ishizuka, Engagement Manager
LiAnn is passionate about social entrepreneurship and is committed to the mission of creating innovative ways to address international development.
Prior to joining InVenture, LiAnn worked at UCLA where she executed large events and worked as the Project Manager, working with the Chair of the Political Science Department and UCLA Development team. She brings extensive experience in event planning and journalism from her work in non-profits and community organizations. She is also active in public health advocacy and conducted research to evaluate the effectiveness of media & outreach activities under the supervision of the co-Director of the National Children's Study Los Angeles/Ventura Study Center.
LiAnn is a 2011 StartingBloc Fellow & currently serves on the Los Angeles StartingBloc & Philanthro Productions Board. She graduated UCLA with a B.A. in International Development Studies and minor in Global Studies in 2010.
When shes not InVenturing, LiAnn loves cooking, discovering underground music events and exploring LA's ethnic enclaves.
Bonnie Oliva, InVenture Foundation – Director
Bonnie is passionate about small business growth and has worked with small business owners for the last six years. She is a go-to consultant – having most recently worked with GOOD on The Pepsi Refresh Project. She has also lent her skills to the Empowerment Group, New York City Department of Small Businesses Services and programs for the American Recovery and Reinvestments Act (ARRA).
Bonnie holds a BA in International Politics from Wesleyan University and a certificate in Finance and Accounting from Wharton. She is a StartingBloc Fellow (NY '09) as well as one of InVenture's 2011 Echoing Green Fellows.
Bonnie is a Bronx native through and through – no matter where she is in the world that calls her away and causes her to cheer for her hometown Yankees from a distance she always finds her way back home! In addition to all the amazing things she's doing with InVenture, Bonnie loves to travel, cook, and practice pilates.