Hey there! I’m Ilana.

When I’m not gallivanting around the world with my camera, I wear a different hat (or several) in the world of early-stage startups. Currently, I serve as a Principal at Cintrifuse Capital, an early-stage VC firm dedicated to accelerating innovation and economic growth in Cincinnati. Previously, as Director of Learner Experience at Mainstay, I had the privilege of supporting over 14 million students on their journey to and through college with AI-driven, nudge-powered chatbots. I’m also the failed founder of Ohr, where I dreamed of creating similar impact for early career professionals and reached the finals of UChicago Booth’s Social New Venture Challenge. Having studied at MIT, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and UChicago Booth, I’m passionate about integrating cutting-edge ideas in learning, innovation, and strategy to help entrepreneurs and communities thrive.

Let's build something awesome.