WHO WE ARE.

As Greenville continues to grow as a dynamic hub of innovation and culture, The Upstart Initiative, lead by Dr. Kaipo Sotelo and Evan Rogers, aims to amplify the voices shaping our community’s future and share their ideas with the world. Our mission is to ignite transformative ideas, foster community connections, and elevate Greenville’s unique voices on a global stage.

Two young men sitting on a black bench in front of a plain wall, posing for a photo in a photo studio.
A man in a floral jacket speaking on stage at a TEDx event in UnityPark, with a large red and black TEDx UnityPark sign beside him.
A woman smiling and talking to a man in a crowded indoor setting, possibly a conference or social event.
Group of people on stage at a TED event, standing together with a TED backdrop.
A young man with short dark hair, wearing a black jacket over a gray shirt and beige pants, sitting on a black surface against a neutral gray background

Dr. Kaipo Sotelo

CEO of Upstart & co-ORGANIZER of tedxunitypark

• Raised on the Island of Guam, Moved to Greenville is 2013

• Founder, Method Performance Labs, Creator of "MyTrain" App: AI-Powered Training Software for the Modern Athlete

• Rehab and Performance Specialist: PT, DPT, CSCS for Guam National Olympic Committee & Limitless Therapy and Wellness

• Adjunct Faculty, North Greenville University Health Sciences/Anderson University DPT Program

• 2025 TEDxCharleston Speaker: "Move Well, Move Often"

A young man with dark hair sitting on a stool against a plain background, wearing a beige jacket, dark t-shirt, jeans, and white sneakers.

Evan Rogers

CMO of Upstart & co-ORGANIZER of tedxunitypark

• Los Angeles born film director and brand strategist known for work with HBO Max, ESPN+, Meta, Manychat, LinkedIn Learning, PGA TOUR

• Founder of award- winning post production company "Gradient Post Production"

• Co-creator of James Beard Award Winning film “Great Wall” about Khailing Neoh and the creation of Sum Bar

• Disability advocate through work on Phoenix Film Festival Best Documentary winner "SPELLERS" following the stories of non speaking autistics

• Co-founder of Greenville Film Society & Greenville Film Rentals outfitting Greenville productions

• Faculty member at The Governor's School Film Program

Meet the team

Director of Partnerships & Board Member

Sam Blumin

Khailing Neoh

Speaker Coach & Board Member

Fin Sheridan

Speaker Coach & Board Member

Josh Fleck

Design Director

Greenville PR Lead

Tabitha Skipper

Emily Marcus

National PR Lead