In this VCs Off the Record episode, host ⁠⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠ chats with ⁠⁠Desiree Almodovar⁠⁠, a venture capitalist at Alley Corp VC, and advocate for underrepresented founders. Desiree shares her inspiring journey from leading advertising campaigns to investing in diverse, innovative startups through venture capital. Discover how her unique career path shaped her approach to mentorship, her dedication to empowering founders, and her strategies for fostering diversity and inclusion within the ecosystem. Desiree opens up about the evolution of mentorship in the digital age, practical tips for founders seeking funding, and the importance of resilience in navigating entrepreneurship. Tune in for actionable insights, inspiration, and an honest conversation about building authentic relationships in venture capital, supporting women of color, and driving equity in the startup world. Hosted by ⁠Gayle Jennings-O'Byrne⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Co-hosted with ⁠⁠ ⁠Victoria Byrd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Produced by ⁠ ⁠Wocstar Media⁠