Spotlighting Future Founders and Speaking with the New York Business Fellowship
Last week I had the privilege of speaking to the Summer 2026 cohort of the New York Business Fellowship (NYBF), and the day was a joy from start to finish.
Designed, in the words of co-founders Giovanni Gallina and Carlos Tacchetto as a one-week, selective program bringing young professionals and students from abroad to NYC "to connect them with the business ecosystem through workshops, networking, mentorship and company visits (e.g. Google, LinkedIn, IBM, Meta, BlackRock, Salesforce, Bank of America, NYU etc.),” NYBF's mission spoke to me from the start.
And the members I met with impressed me from the moment I walked through the door. The cohort I was privileged to speak with about mentorship included:
· Sofia Wennerås (Sweden) - Finance professional with international experience and a strong focus on inspiring women entering the industry, who is also active in GAIN;
· Alae Jama (Morocco) - Deep tech founder with a background in engineering, VC fundraising and diplomacy, who led the first Formula 1-style vehicle project in Morocco;
· Nodirbek Iskandarov (Uzbekistan / Italy) - Banking and accounting student at the University of Padova with hands-on banking experience and a top 20 finish at Harvard University's M&A case competition;
· Eduardo Marchena (USA / Costa Rica) - VC analyst and co-founder with a background in economics from Texas A&M and experience at both Capgemini and an Oklahoma-based VC firm;
· Angeliki Bogiatzi (Greece) - Finance and MBA graduate with consulting experience at PwC and EY along with international work experience across Europe and Asia; and
· Marco Biagi (Italy) - Finance student at the University of Turin now based in the United States and seeking to build a network in New York’s financial industry.
What did we talk about? Think...
How to find a mentor and the differences between mentors, sponsors and champions.
Ways to summon the courage to leave one career or path of study to start something entirely new.
Granular tips about leveraging networks, making uncomfortable asks and crafting the perfect cold DM.
Differentiating your ideas with smart data points and unapologetic passion.
What have previous cohorts said about their NYC experiences?
“I had my ideas and vision affirmed from the highest caliber of talent in one of the most competitive cities in the world." - Leo, Fall 2025
"Less than a year after Silicon Valley, where I learned how things get built, NYC taught me how they get sold, told and remembered." – Pietro, Spring 2026
“Being exposed to the NYC ecosystem, to ambitious people and real-world business dynamics, made me think bigger and more globally." – Lorenzo, Spring 2026
When does the next session begin and how can young founders get involved?
The Fall 2026 semester is scheduled to run from September 28th to October 2nd and will focus on startups, tech, marketing, media & communication. With 7 spots left as of this morning, the application form is here. Partial to full financial aid is available through the Future Forward Fund by 521 Global, and more information can be found here.
Finally, why do programs like this matter so much and warm my heart?
Because whether Être is ushering girls into boardrooms as early as middle school or the NYBF is bringing Gen Z founders across the globe to meet experts in NYC, one common and vibrant thread remains true: mentorship matters – early and in person.
I was delighted to be part of this summer’s session and can’t wait to stay in touch with these innovative leaders. If you’re interested in seeing what the future of tech, media or finance looks like here and around the world, start following the names above and say yes if one reaches out with a question..
They’re going to make you proud.
Looking forward,
Illana
ÊXTRAS: Three more aspects of the NYBF you won’t want to miss: click here to receive the NYBF newsletter, apply to become a mentor here, and a calendar of NYC events can be found here.
