“The Envisioneer”

If you visit Pier 17, be prepared to appear in Emilia’s Instagram story.

As our CEO, Emilia’s job includes telling people what to do without giving them the feeling of telling them what to do. Before joining Swissnex, Emilia was an Advisor to the Swiss Federal Council. She holds a MA in Political and Economic Philosophy from the University of Berne. In her spare time, you can find Emilia at Dolores Park and buying overpriced cappuccinos.

“Cori-pedia”

Remembers everything, except where she left her water bottle.

As Deputy CEO and Head of Programs, Corine is keeping the overview over our diverse programs ranging from arts, entrepreneurship to academia and corporate innovation. She graduated with a MA in International Affairs from IHEID/Graduate Institute in Geneva. In her spare time, you can find her hiking in national parks or trying out new restaurants in and around San Francisco.

“The Finance-Sis”

What do Harry Potter, Cats and Taylor Swift have in common? Right, they are all loved by Caitlin!

As Head of Finance and Operations, Caitlin handles our budget and administration. She is not just great at her job, but also able to make the most complex topics easy to understand. Caitlin graduated with a MS in Accountancy from San Francisco State University. In her free time, she likes to go on a hike in the redwoods and spend time with her cat.

“The Everything-Enthusiast”

Gets excited about everything, all the time.

As Head of Communications, Sophie is developing and overseeing our multi-channel communication strategy. She holds a BA in Journalism and Corporate Communications from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). In her spare time, Sophie can be found ecstatic dancing or roller skating in Golden Gate Park.

"The Swiss Army Knife"

Always chasing the perfect serve, the next true crime twist, and the secret to eternal youth.

As the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Lead, Omer is responsible for sparking innovation, designing & guiding impactful programs, connecting entrepreneurs with the right people, and making sure their time at Swissnex is filled with game-changing opportunities and experiences.
Prior to joining Swissnex in San Francisco, Omer was part of the Plug and Play team for the last 6 years. In his free time, you can find Omer competing in West Coast tennis tournaments, seeking out the best mojitos, and hiking new trails wherever adventure calls.

“The Pop Culture Enthusiast”

Will always mention Pop Culture in her conversations.

As Academic Engagement Program Manager, Sarah is cultivating strategic relationships with Swiss and US universities and academic institutions. She holds a MS in Political Science from the University of Geneva. In her free time, she likes to explore the city, visit bookshops, and is into gaming.

“The 1.5x speed podcast listener”

Sharing great articles and podcasts is her love language.

As the AI Program Manager, Maulde is responsible for connecting Switzerland and the US in AI. Her main objective is to make sure that we are active in the future of AI and that Switzerland continues to be a key player in this sector. Before joining Swissnex, she completed a Master’s Degree in Cultural Economics and Entrepreneurship from the University of Rotterdam as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from the University of Art and Design Lausanne (ECAL). In her free time, you can find Maulde relaxing at the beach, exploring the cultural scene, or comparing the Swiss and American wines.

“The Traveler”

After visiting more than 40 countries, he still insists that Pizza is the best food.

As the Entrepreneurship Program Manager, Matteo is supporting and connecting the Swiss entrepreneurship ecosystem with the US. He holds a MS in Economics from the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) as well as a MS in Economics and International Policies from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. Outside the office, Matteo loves to surf in the Pacific Ocean and explore all the Italian places in the city.

“GenZ Kid”

Will take the best pictures of you for any occasion.

As the Communications Associate, Gwenaëlle is responsible for developing and executing communication strategies that promote Swiss innovation, and our brand as well as attracting people through our various channels. Because of her talent in multimedia content creation, she will work on developing our social media channels. Before joining Swissnex, she completed her BSc in Political Economics at the University of Lausanne (HEC) with an exchange at Altoo Business School Helsinki and a Swiss Mobility at the University of St.Gallen (HSG). In her free time, you can find Gwenaëlle cooking and trying new recipes or strolling through flower stores, looking for sunflowers.

"The wave watcher, and bridge builder"

Part overthinker, part improviser, always building bridges and playlists.

As the Creative Industries Program Manager, Lucas is responsible for building bridges between the creative industries from Switzerland and the Bay Area, aiming to foster meaningful projects that bring together innovators, creatives, and entrepreneurs. Lucas graduated with a Master's degree in Art History in a Global Context from the University of Zurich (UZH) and a Bachelor's degree in Art History from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich). In his free time, you will find Lucas playing tennis, walking, or watching dogs at Alamo Square.

“The Swissnex Memory”

Loves sweets and can be tricked into coming to the office for desserts.

As Senior Communications Manager, Julia is responsible for letting the world know about all the amazing things our team is working on. One of her many specialties is the monthly newsletter from Swissnex in San Francisco. Julia graduated with a MA in Marketing, Services, and Communications Management from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). In her freetime, Julia likes to escape Karl The Fog and explore new playgrounds with her gazillion kids who never seem to run out of energy.

"The Encourager"

Will hype you up, no matter what.

As the Startup Programs Associate, Benjamin is responsible for supporting the startup team in coordinating existing entrepreneurship programs, building new partnerships, and creating content that enables visionaries to transform their ideas into tomorrow's reality. He holds a Bachelor in International Hospitality Management from EHL hospitality business school with focus on developing entrepreneurial projects, management consulting and leadership. In his free time, you’ll find him enjoying long walks, discovering the local art scene and finding the best chefs in town.

"The Hiker"

Always ready to plan the next themed office party.

As the Operations Manager, Dana ensures that everyone who comes through our office has an excellent experience at Pier 17. She welcomes you not only in English or German but also always with her bright smile and happy attitude. Dana graduated with a Dual Degree in International Business from Northeastern University in Boston and Reutlingen University in Germany. Before starting at Swissnex, she spent six months on the Pacific Crest Trail, hiking from Mexico to Canada.

“The Swissnex Model”

Will rate and judge our daily outfit choices.

As Community & Events Manager, Diego is creating a unique event experience for our visitors. He’s also in charge of our team’s lunch break entertainment. Diego holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Lausanne. In his spare time, he likes going to the ocean for a walk or reading a book in Golden Gate Park.

“The Cross-Disciplinary Combinator”

Loves nerd-talks about AI, surfing, and performance art

As the Programs Associate, Pascale is organizing and executing programs that connect Swissnex’s various stakeholders in art, science, education, and innovation across Switzerland and the US. Pascale holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), as well as a BA in Art Education from Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) with an exchange at the University of Applied Arts Vienna in Cross-Disciplinary Strategies. In her free time, you’ll find her browsing bookstores, scouting new foodie places, doing yin yoga, or simply at the beach.

"The Broccoli fan"

Will find the best broccoli recipes.

As the Events & Operations Associate, Sarah is responsible for handling the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps our office and events running smoothly, ensuring everyone can connect and have an unforgettable experience. Sarah holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a Major in Communication Sciences and Media Research as well as a Minor in Environmental Sciences from the University of Zurich (UZH). She participated in a 3-month volunteer in Costa Rica for the Animal Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo, to perfect her Spanish. In her free time, Sarah likes to explore the city and nature with her friends, and discover new restaurants and bars.