CARMEN SEBRO

FOUNDER & MANAGING PARTNER

Like you, I believe in the power of small business. I’m dedicated to ensuring that outstanding companies endure and continue to fuel local economic ecosystems.

I grew up in the Adirondack Park region of New York, as the proud daughter of the first woman welder certified by the New York State Department of Transportation. My mother’s achievements inspired me to approach every challenge with tenacity and curiosity. Her role as a welder, and later as an educator, allowed me to see from an early age that local communities thrive when people care for one another and are able to focus their labor on local economic development.

My leadership experience has been honed running and advising many successful organizations.

I bring 15+ years of experience and will leverage the breadth and depth of my track record to bring continued growth to your company.

I am an experienced operator for family-owned consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies - including some of the largest chocolate brands in the world (M&M’s, Twix, Butterfinger, Ferrero Rocher and Maltesers). As a management leader, I oversaw manufacturing, innovation and advertising to successfully guide the growth of start-up, mature and turn-around businesses with annual revenues ranging from $15MM to $2B, securing CapEx for product expansions ranging from $2MM to $10MM and national partnerships to drive brand awareness.

Prior to running chocolate companies, I held roles in finance operations at Google and McMaster-Carr. I also admitted four classes of undergraduates to Stanford University as an Assistant Director of Admission, serving students and communities across the nation and expanding Stanford’s first-generation pipeline strategy through an innovation grant.

I am passionate about economic empowerment through education. I apply my business acumen to serving on executive boards including the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund, Macbeth Academy, Stanford Cap and Gown, and as a volunteer for Kellogg admissions and career coaching. Additionally, I have served as a consultant for Chicago Public Schools and the Pratham Education Foundation.

I create profitable, standout impact without the ego.

I am known for leading by pairing my expertise with integrity, empathy, and transparency. My business results reflect accountability and a commitment to high performance for customers - and that my teams have the support and development they need to succeed.

I pursued my education at institutions that catalyze and build a love of entrepreneurial spirit.

I hold a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. I continue to learn from and give back to each school and its students.