Rony Cepeda Mekosh Senior Manager, Capacity Building Rony Cepeda Mekosh, capacity building senior manager, delivers tailored capacity building services and technical assistance to REDF’s employment social enterprise (ESE) partners. His work includes helping to lead the annual Baseline Assessment for all incoming Growth Portfolio grantees, which establishes organizational strengths and opportunities for capacity building support over their grant period with REDF. Rony believes deeply in the power of venture philanthropy and ESEs to drive innovation and create stronger, healthier communities. He witnessed first-hand the devastating impacts of an exclusive, inequitable economy in his hometown – and knows the boundless positive impact of employment on individuals and communities. Prior to joining REDF, Rony worked as a consultant to urban school districts across the nation with Education Resource Strategies (ERS). In this work, he promoted more equitable investments for students with higher needs. Rony holds an MBA from Duke University Fuqua School of Business and a BA in Economics from Harvard University. Outside of work, you can find him hiking, reading fantasy novels, hosting board game nights, or visiting a National Park.