"The Envisioneer"

As CEO, Emilia leads Swissnex San Francisco's efforts to connect Switzerland with the innovation ecosystems of Silicon Valley and the Bay Area. Before joining Swissnex, Emilia was an Advisor to Swiss Federal Councilor Alain Berset, where she provided strategic guidance on foreign affairs, innovation policy, and culture. She previously led foraus, the Swiss think tank for foreign policy. She holds a Master's degree in Political and Economic Philosophy from the University of Bern and she studied abroad at University College Dublin and New York University.

In her spare time, Emilia used to love hiking in the mountains. Since moving to San Francisco, she's traded them in for walks along the ocean.

"The Artful Explorer"

As Deputy CEO and Head of Programs at Swissnex in San Francisco, Monica brings together people, ideas and opportunities from across Switzerland and the Bay Area. Her work spans academia, startups, technology and creative industries, with a focus on creating programs and connections that turn ideas into meaningful collaborations. She began her career at various design agencies in Switzerland and Germany before joining the International Committee of the Red Cross, where she built their first in-house UX Design team. She holds a BA in Design Management from HSLU and an EMBA from EPFL.

Outside of work, she runs, explores San Francisco’s art museums, and dreams up elaborate Halloween creations.

“The Producer”

As Head of Communications, Andrea creates compelling stories about Swissnex in San Francisco and works to strengthen the brand and elevate our programs through storytelling. She has focused her career on topics including health, education, biomedicine, physics, and the environment. She started her career as an award-winning Producer at the PBS science series NOVA and most recently led communications at the non-profit Partnership on AI.

While not in the office, Andrea enjoys hiking the hills of the Bay Area, baking anything that includes chocolate, and exploring the area as if she were a tourist (despite living here for 12 years!).

“The Puzzler”

As Head of Finance and Operations, Caitlin handles our budget and administration. She not only enjoys her job, but is also able to make the most complex topics around finances and systems management easy to understand. Caitlin graduated with a MS in Accountancy from San Francisco State University and a BS in Chemistry from UCLA.

In her free time, she likes to go on a hike in the redwoods and play boardgames.

"The Pop Culture Enthusiast"

As Academic Engagement Program Manager, Sarah cultivates strategic relationships with Swiss and US universities and academic communities through residencies, topic-oriented events, and networking gatherings.

Prior to joining Swissnex, Sarah worked in learning and education, including at the University of Geneva and WDHB, or The Non-Violence Project Foundation, focusing on international cooperation and innovation. She has led programs for audiences ranging from students and researchers to professors and executives. Sarah holds a BA in International Relations and an MS in Political Science from the University of Geneva.

Outside work, she enjoys exploring cities through their bookstores and street art.

“The 1.5x Speed Podcast Listener”

Maulde is the AI Program Manager at Swissnex San Francisco, where she follows the rapidly evolving AI landscape of the Bay Area and leads AI programs for Swiss founders and researchers. She also helps Swiss corporations navigate AI trends and innovations.

Her career includes roles at Swiss institutions abroad, including Swissnex in Boston and the Swiss Embassy in the United Kingdom. Her AI expertise began at EPFL, where she contributed to the launch of the Center for Intelligent Systems (now the EPFL AI Center), coordinating programs and conferences, before joining the Vice Presidency for Innovation and Impact at EPFL.

"The Energy Bundle"

As Startup Program Associate, Luna helps make Swiss startups feel at home in the Bay Area and makes sure the Bay Area doesn't forget them. She has a BA in International Affairs from the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and is currently completing an MSc in Innovation, Human Development & Sustainability at the University of Geneva, with stops along the way at Tsinghua University in Beijing and ITAM in Mexico City.

Outside of work, you'll find her chasing sunsets, thrifting, picnicking, or hiking along the California coast.

"The Bridge Builder"

Lucas Hagin is Creative Industries Program Manager at Swissnex San Francisco, where he builds partnerships between Swiss and Bay Area organizations across media, journalism, film, museums, and design, with a focus on how these sectors are putting emerging technologies to work. Before joining Swissnex in San Francisco, he co-founded Wonnder, a B2B content platform for cultural and educational institutions, where he led growth and business development. He holds a Master's in Art History in a Global Context from the University of Zurich.

"The Clear-Eyed Idealist"

As Startup Program Manager, Sven co-conducts the startup camps in San Francisco, serves as a link between Swissnex's nine startup teams worldwide, and fosters Venture Capital connections for Swissnex in San Francisco. Before joining the office in San Francisco, Sven was at Swissnex in India and completed an MA in Economics with a minor in Behavioral Economics from the University of Zurich (UZH).

When not at work or at events, he can be found enjoying the many parks of the city, walking along the ocean, or attending cultural events throughout the Bay Area.

“The Swissnex Memory”

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 enjoys the countless donut and coffee places in the city.

“The Opportunity Maker”

As Startup Program Manager at Swissnex San Francisco, Benjamin helps entrepreneurs navigate the journey from idea to impact. He coordinates entrepreneurship programs, develops new partnerships, and creates content and connections that open doors for startups and visionaries. A former startup founder himself, he combines hands-on entrepreneurial experience with a background in international hospitality, management and consulting.

When he’s not connected with the startup ecosystem, Benjamin enjoys long walks, discovering the Bay Area’s art scene, and hunting down its best culinary experiences.

"The Creative Connector"

As Creative Industries Associate, Elodie supports the development and execution of programs and events that connect Swiss and Bay Area innovators, creatives, and cultural institutions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business as well as a Master's degree in Management with a specialization in Strategy, Organization, and Leadership, bringing analytical structure and operational precision to every project.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find her attending listening parties, discovering live music, or dissecting full albums from top to bottom.

"The Jack of all Trades"

As Operations Manager, Dana wears many hats. One minute she might be coordinating with contractors, the next sending out invoices and the next planning a fun activity for the team. Accounting, facilities, admin, and events all fall into her domain. But no matter what she is working on, her overarching goal is to make sure that everyone who comes through our office, whether team member, resident or visitor, has an excellent experience.

Dana holds a Dual Degree in International Business from Northeastern University in Boston and Reutlingen University in Germany.

Prior to starting at Swissnex, she completed the Pacific Crest Trail, spending 6 months hiking from Mexico to Canada.

“The Adventurous Creative”

As the Communications Associate, Louisa lets the world know what Swissnex in San Francisco is up to in a creative and engaging way through our communications channels. She grew up near the town of Nyon, Switzerland and holds a BSc in Tourism from the HES-SO Valais-Wallis with an exchange semester in Barcelona and a specialization in entrepreneurship.

In her spare time, you’ll find her skateboarding along the beach, taking photos of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset, or discovering San Francisco’s many different neighborhoods.