Duke Entrepreneurial Leaders Network Announces New Cohort

The Duke Entrepreneurial Leaders Network (ELN), a select group of Duke alumni and students committed to founding or leading innovation-driven ventures, has announced its 2025 cohort. 

This year, 20 new members were inducted in April, bringing the total network to over 80 members spanning sectors including AI, health tech, sustainability, and life sciences. 

“What makes ELN special is how it can turn connections into collaborations,” said Jamie Jones, Director of Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E). “These leaders are building companies, leading in organizations, and doing so with the values, vision, and community focus that Duke instills.” 

Founded in 2020, ELN provides members with ongoing access to opportunities from Duke I&E, the Duke Office of Translation & Commercialization (OTC), the Pratt School of Engineering, and Triangle-area ventures. Members are invited to explore spinout opportunities from Duke IP, connect with Duke founders in need of executive talent, and engage with a community of entrepreneurial leaders making local and global impact. 

For many, the value of ELN lies not just in the access it provides, but in the community of peers who share a deep-rooted drive to build and give back. 

“What drew me to the Duke ELN was the opportunity to join a passionate community dedicated to innovation and making a real impact. Being surrounded by fellow students and alumni who share that drive, especially at the Cohort Celebration, was incredibly energizing. The conversations I had that evening with other founders, entrepreneurs, and members of the Duke community left me feeling both inspired and supported.  I look forward to staying involved with the network and supporting the community as it continues to grow and evolve. said Shamitha Shetty, a 2025 ELN inductee.  

“Continuing to work with Duke alumni after they leave campus is one of the best parts of OTC’s involvement in ELN,” said Robin Rasor, Associate Vice President for Translation & Commercialization. “We see firsthand how these alumni continue to drive regional innovation, grow startups, and deepen Duke’s entrepreneurial impact well beyond graduation.” 

Student Inductees

• Ammara Aqeel B.S.'19, Ph.D.'25 
• Ross Baker M.B.A.’25 
• Damon Burrow M.S.'22, Ph.D.'25 
• Ceylan Cakit Altun M.B.A.‘25 
• Susan Hu M.B.A.‘25 
• Runo Obafemi M.B.A.‘25 
• Michele Riva M.B.A.‘25 
• Patrick Sabatelli M.B.A.‘25 
• Shamitha Shetty Ph.D.'25 
• Christopher Starr M.P.P.'25 
• Lana Wahid M.B.A.‘25 
• Kathrine Wetherbee M.B.A.‘25 
• Kelsey Worsham-Smith M.B.A.‘25 

Alumni Inductees

• Femi Adewunmi M.B.A.'09 
• Rob Baldoni B.S.E.'21, M.E.'22 
• Josh Black Ph.D.'19 
• Kendrall Felder A.B.'06, M.B.A.'12 
• Imran Ozer Ph.D.'21 
• Shannon Parker M.B.A.'21, M.E.M.'21 
• Elle Smyth B.S.E.'20 

ELN—a partnership between Duke I&E and OTC, with support from Duke Capital Partners—is part of a broader suite of programs that prepare and support entrepreneurial Duke students and alumni. These include courses like New Ventures: Develop, Design Health, and Duke Start-Up Ventures Clinic, as well as co-curricular initiatives like the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs, New Venture Fellows, and Student Founder Program. 

“The ELN continues to be a launchpad for bold ideas and long-term relationships,” said Josh Cohen, Director of MBA Entrepreneurship Programs and Startup Recruiting at Duke I&E. “This year’s cohort further proves that Duke is a place where founders and innovators come not just to build startups, but to build lasting impact.” 

Read more about this year’s ELN cohort in the 2025 ELN Look Book.