Saleema Vellani

Saleema Vellani is a prominent entrepreneur and the Chief Executive Officer of Ripple Impact, a business accelerator and community focused on helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses and platforms. Under her leadership, Ripple Impact provides strategic support in areas such as business strategy, marketing, branding, and sales for corporate exitors and transitioning executives seeking to establish purpose-driven enterprises.124

Background and Career:: Saleema co-founded her first venture at the age of 21, launching Brazil's top-rated language school to finance an orphanage. She later established a successful online translation agency in Italy that aimed to assist companies in expanding their digital presence globally. Over her career, she has co-founded nine ventures, achieving three successful exits.234

In addition to her entrepreneurial endeavors, Saleema is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University, where she teaches Design Thinking and Entrepreneurship. She also serves as an innovation strategist for the World Bank and has contributed to various international development projects.23 Her academic credentials include a Bachelor's degree in International Development from McGill University and a Master's degree in International Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.5

Publications and Speaking Engagements:: Saleema is the author of "Innovation Starts With 'I'" and has co-authored numerous publications in international development. She is also a frequent contributor to Forbes and has delivered keynote speeches at various conferences, focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact.456

Languages and Cultural Background:: Fluent in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Italian, Saleema's multicultural background reflects her Canadian upbringing with East African and Indian roots.56

Through her work at Ripple Impact and her broader contributions to entrepreneurship education and social innovation, Saleema Vellani continues to inspire many aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.