"MY PASSION PROJECT" --- donna wells

---

I founded Valencia Ventures as an exclamation point to a 25 year career in Financial Services, FinTech, E-commerce and Software. Over that time, I had the privilege to lead phenomenal teams at both Fortune 500 companies and start-ups and contribute to the digital transformation of three industries.  Valencia Ventures is the umbrella company for my continuing work in Digital Innovation and Corporate Governance, Marketing Excellence, and my support for entrepreneurs, women and minorities in Tech.    

I currently serve as an Independent Director on the Boards of Walker & Dunlop (NYSE:WD), Mitek Systems (Nasdaq: MITK), and the FinTech "Unicorn" Betterment.  I previously served on the Boards of Boston Private Bank (acquired by Silicon Valley Bank NASDAQ: SIVB), CWT Travel Holdings, and Apex Technology (merged with AvePoint NASDAQ: AVPT).  One of the highlights of my decade in Board Service came in September 2021, when I was named Board Director of the Year by the Women in Information Technology organization.

My last operating role, from 2010 to 2017,  was as President, CEO and Board Director at Mindflash Technologies, Inc., a private,  VC-backed  Palo Alto company providing a market-leading, cloud-based SaaS platform for corporate and partner training. I'm proud to say that Mindflash was named a Top 50 Small Workplace in the US by Fortune magazine in 2016. Mindflash was acquired by Turn River Capital. 

Prior to Mindflash, I was CMO  and  employee  #9  at  Mint.com,  held  senior leadership positions at  American Express  and  Charles Schwab,  and led US Marketing for Intuit and Expedia. I was honored to be one of 10 people nominated as Business Role Model of the Year by Information Age in 2018.    

I'm extremely optimistic about the convergence of cloud, mobile and generative AI. With thoughtful and responsible stewardship, the combination of these technologies can and will increase the standard and quality of living for all.  Which is why I'm very excited by the incredible, current opportunities to collaborate and contribute to Leadership for What Comes Next.    

It’s going to get amazing. I can't wait.  

--- Donna Wells