Suggestions
Samara Hernandez
Founding Partner and Jefa at Chingona Ventures
Samara Mejia Hernandez is a prominent figure in the venture capital industry, known for her role as the Founding Partner and Jefa of Chingona Ventures.1 Based in the Greater Chicago Area, Hernandez has established herself as a leader in investing in underrepresented founders and overlooked communities.3
Professional Background
Hernandez founded Chingona Ventures in April 2019, focusing on investing in "badass founders" at the earliest stages of their startups.2 Prior to launching her own fund, she gained experience as a Venture Partner and Principal at MATH Venture Partners.2
Education and Affiliations
Hernandez holds a degree from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.2 She is also involved in several prestigious programs and organizations:
- Finance Leaders Fellow at The Aspen Institute
- Kauffman Fellow
- Board Member of Venture Forward, a 501(c)(3) supporting organization to the National Venture Capital Association2
Board Positions
Hernandez serves on numerous boards, demonstrating her commitment to various sectors and causes:
- Betterleave Bereavement
- Papaya (STEM tutoring)
- Suma Wealth (financial wellness for U.S. Latinx community)
- Certiverse (testing solutions)
- Angeles Investors (advisory board)
- Chicago
(advisory board)2
Investment Focus
Through Chingona Ventures, Hernandez is dedicated to disrupting the status quo in the startup ecosystem by providing funding and opportunities to underrepresented communities.4 Her multicultural background and journey from a low-income upbringing to engineering and venture capital inform her approach to investing.5
Recognition
Hernandez's work in venture capital and her efforts to support underrepresented founders have gained her recognition in the industry. She is often featured in podcasts and media discussing her journey and the mission of Chingona Ventures.45
Samara Mejia Hernandez's LinkedIn profile (username: samaramejia) provides a comprehensive overview of her professional achievements and current endeavors in the venture capital world.2
