Mission

BOLD Purpose Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering PhD trainees to discover their purpose and become tomorrow’s leaders. Through mentorship, recognition, and strategic support, we build a bold community united to inspire, uplift, and transform the future of scientific innovation.

Meet the Team

By Ph.D., for Ph.D.

  • Founder/Chief Executive Officer

    “What we're doing here at the foundation matters because brilliant scholars shouldn’t lose their sense of purpose on the path to becoming leaders. When we support and believe in them, they rise and they take the world forward with them. “

  • Co-founder/Chief Marketing Officer

    “DFW is primed with talents from academic powerhouses. I believe that talent development is the next step in expanding the Biotech ecosystem here.”

  • Chief Finance Officer

    “There is an immense amount of scientific talent emerging from the DFW ecosystem, and I want to help empower the next generation of leaders in this space.”

  • Chief Program Officer

    “Through BOLD, we aim to empower trainees to unlock their potential and engage with a supportive professional community.”

Board of Directors

  • Gabby Everett, Ph.D.

    Director of Business Operations and Strategy, Site Head | BioLabs Pegasus Park

    The BOLD Purpose Foundation is built on a simple belief: when PhD trainees feel seen, supported, and inspired, they can change the world. By surrounding them with meaningful mentors, uplifting their accomplishments, and nurturing both their personal and professional growth, we help them step into impactful leadership - just as those same experiences helped me discover my purpose and shaped my “why”.

  • Natalie Lundsteen, Ph.D.

    Director of Operations | Alloy Therapeutics

    I've spent decades delivering career and professional development programs and resources for PhD trainees at world-class research universities, and am deeply committed to expanding opportunities for all PhD trainees to gain meaningful self-knowledge and have the ability to explore a full range of potential career paths.

  • Cyonna Holmes, Ph.D.

    Director of Strategic Initiatives | McKesson

    PhD students have a world of career paths open to them, and it is essential that they feel prepared to pursue them. The BOLD Foundation shows trainees the doors that their training unlocks and it empowers them to make an impact at and beyond the bench.

Our Ph.D. Ambassadors

  • Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate | UT Southwestern Medical Center

    I believe effective Ph.D. training requires intentional support for students’ personal growth, so they can preserve their original scientific vision and lead with purpose. BOLD will do just that.

  • Cancer Biology Ph.D. Candidate | UT Southwestern Medical Center

    As an international student, I recognize the challenges of building networks and finding support. I believe BOLD Purpose is a community where Ph.D. trainees can support one another, expand their networks, and grow into the next generation of leaders. 

  • Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate | UT Southwestern Medical Center

    I believe BOLD Purpose Foundation will empower trainees to power through their PhD journey, no matter how tough it is; and support a sense of community and belonging.