About ConnectUP!
Our Mission
We curate connections among entrepreneurs, investors, and the business ecosystem to advance equitable access to capital, resources and networks (for underinvested communities) with an emphasis on Black and Brown women and their lived experiences.
Our Vision
We know that when Black/Brown women do well, we all do well. To that end, our vision is for Black/Brown women entrepreneurs to have intergenerational wealth through equitable access and culturally responsive resources, capital, & networks.
Our Values
Our value pillars have been shaped by our experiences, community, and vision for the future.
INTENTIONAL TRANSPARENCY
...with the work we do, the communities we serve and the relationships we build.
RESPECTING
..who people are, where they are and the identities they hold.
360-DEGREE COMPASSIONATE ACCOUNTABILITY
...to foster equitable and economically vibrant communities.
BEING GUIDED BY ANCESTRAL KNOWLEDGE
...that Communities hold wisdom that works.
BEING UNAPOLOGETIC
...about who we are, where we’re from and who we serve with courage and passion.
Our Team
Joanna Drew
Fundraising Lead
Joanna Drew is an independent fundraising consultant with ten years of experience. Working to increase the fundraising capacity of US-based nonprofits, international NGOs, and community-led projects, she manages all facets of the fundraising process. Her fundraising work includes individual giving, sponsorship and membership management, grant writing, event planning, and database administration. Joanna’s broad experience uniquely positions her to adapt her strategic thinking to a variety of contexts, build strong cross-cultural relationships, and thrive in dynamic, goal-driven professional environments.
Joanna holds a BSc in Business Administration from Boston University and an MA in International Development from the University of Kent Brussels School of International Studies. She is fluent in Spanish, a certified grant writer, and a member of the Association of Consultants to Nonprofits.
Joanna uncompromisingly partners with organizations that align with her values of inclusion and empowerment, striving to uplift the marginalized to ensure their seat at the table.
Samantha Forliti | Misko Binesi Ikwe
Program Specialist
Samantha, also known as Misko Binesi Ikwe (translated as “Red Thunderbird Woman”) is an Indigenous woman of Ojibwe heritage, deeply committed to advocating for sustainability and justice within marginalized communities. With a background in program development within housing sustainability, Samantha brings a wealth of experience working alongside communities that have been historically underserved and underrepresented.
As a dedicated activist for clean water, air, and land sovereignty, Samantha is passionate about protecting the environment for future generations. Her work is guided by a deep respect for Indigenous values, aiming to blend traditional knowledge with modern solutions to create sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities.
In her role as a Program Specialist, Samantha focuses on developing impactful programs that address immediate community needs while fostering long-term change. She strives to uplift voices within marginalized communities, championing efforts that protect both people and the planet.
Y. Elaine Rasmussen
Founder + CEO
Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital Y. Elaine Rasmussen founded ConnectUP! Institute. Grounded in her work as a mediator, a communications and finance professional, Rasmussen has extensive experience in building transformational relationships in a wide range of sectors: for-profit, philanthropy, government, education and finance.
Y. Elaine Rasmussen has been recognized for her innovation in driving impact & organizational effectiveness. She is a Cordes, Boston Impact Initiative and RSF Social Finance Integrated Capital Fellow where her Integrated Capital Fund project was named a MetLife Foundation Inclusion Competition semi-finalist. Rasmussen was featured in Fearless Commerce Magazine and received the NAWBO Achieve! Innovation Award for her work on inclusive economic development. Rasmussen was named Finance and Commerce’s Top Women in Finance, AARP/Pollen’s 50 Over 50. Rasmussen’s board service includes Minnesota Diversified Industries (MDI) and serves on the investment committees of Opus Group, Nexus Community Partners and Swift Foundation. Her overarching goal? To move billions of investment dollars in Black/Brown and rural communities. #MovingBillions #MoneyMoves
Elaine has worked for large and small organizations such as Shearson/Lehman Bros., Native Americans in Philanthropy, Warner Bros!, Dreamworks and the US State Department, and social enterprise ventures. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and international business from Woodbury University, as well as a masters degree in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University.
Elaine is an avid traveler. From her hometown of Los Angeles, California to the seas of Bosporus in Turkey and the Native American tribes across Turtle Island (United States). Elaine always seeks the strength of people, place, and culture—always making sure to break bread and foster connections. In her free time, you can find Elaine unwinding by crocheting, or with a glass of wine in hand, as a fire serenades a symphony of crackles at her feet.
Jennifer Tuder
Strategic Partnership Lead
scale events, and cultivating meaningful stakeholder relationships. Jennifer’s leadership has consistently driven measurable improvements in program satisfaction, engagement, and operational efficiency.
Deeply committed to strengthening communities at the grassroots level, she is passionate about creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and lasting impact. Jennifer’s enthusiasm extends to her personal life as well. You can find her volunteering with local arts organizations, walking her two dogs, and enjoying the vibrant Twin Cities theatre scene.
Linda Wang
Integrated Capital Fund Fellow
Niaria Williams
Program Coordinator
Our Board
Leigh Lester
Denise Butler
Felicia DeSmith
Y. Elaine Rasmussen
Jon D. Rasmussen
View Our Gallery of Images
See ConnectUP! in action. Filter through our gallery to get a glimpse of our impact.
