Joanne Yuan C09 W09

29; associate partner, Cowboy Ventures, a seed-stage-focused investment fund; founder of Investment Committee of the Women’s Building, which provides resources to social justice leaders

Toughest obstacle you’ve overcome? I recognize my own insecurities with imposter syndrome in venture capital, an industry that’s seven percent women and one where self-promotion is common. I’d like to carve a path that stays authentic to my own convictions and let my returns speak for themselves.

Proudest professional accomplishment? I invested in and helped startup founders build a strong team, navigate a business model shift from consumer to enterprise, and grow to serving tens of thousands with millions in annual revenue. It’s a humbling privilege to find extraordinary founders when they’re just starting out and to impact the trajectory of their companies through capital, advice, and connections.