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.

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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.
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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"

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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

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Director of Partnerships & Board Member

Sam Blumin

Khailing Neoh

Speaker Coach & Board Member

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Fin Sheridan

Speaker Coach & Board Member

Josh Fleck

Design Director

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Greenville PR Lead

Tabitha Skipper

Emily Marcus

National PR Lead