Janelle R. Alexander has joined PowerMoves.NOLA, underscoring the one-year old initiative’s determination to grow its presence as the nation’s leading initiative for high-growth minority entrepreneurs. Prior to joining PowerMoves.NOLA, Ms. Alexander spent the majority of her career on Wall Street—as a Vice President in Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs, and then co-founding Alprion Capital Management LP, a municipal bond-focused hedge fund investment vehicle.

PowerMoves.NOLA is a national initiative focused on providing access to capital, connections and guidance to increase the number of America’s minority founded venture-backed businesses. The organization is headquartered in New Orleans.

“A seasoned entrepreneur of color, Janelle understands firsthand the challenges of launching and growing startups,” said Earl Robinson, President of PowerMoves.NOLA. “The experience, strategic thinking and capital markets expertise she brings are a perfect fit with our goal of developing capacity for minority entrepreneurs.”

Ms. Alexander will be relocating from New York to New Orleans in her role as PowerMoves.NOLA’s second Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Ms. Alexander will focus on sourcing, vetting and coaching PowerMoves.NOLA Fellows, as well as directing the pitch competition during PMN’s annual conference. Additionally, Janelle will be a national ambassador of PMN, as New Orleans positions itself as the minority entrepreneurship hub of the nation.

Ms. Alexander’s 15 years of experience in finance, sales, marketing and business development began at global firms such as Citi, Ogilvy & Mather and Goldman Sachs. Over the last 5 years, she has focused her expertise as an active investor and strategic advisor to early-stage companies, and as a serial entrepreneur.

Ms. Alexander says of joining the PowerMoves.NOLA team, “I have the privilege of working with an immensely talented, innovative team that shares my passion for fostering entrepreneurship—I am thrilled. New Orleans is embracing its entrepreneurial activity in a way that will set it apart from other emerging startup hubs. There is a compelling energy and community here, and I feel fortunate to call New Orleans home.”

Founder of PowerMoves.NOLA Leslie Jacobs adds, “We are very excited to have Janelle on board. Her appointment is a testament that New Orleans is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for talented professionals.”