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#RenoFirst

Talent - Resilience - Opportunity

About the Reno First Foundation

Our Mission is Ambitious:

to cultivate 100 consumer-facing tech startups right here in Reno—startups that enhance lives, create high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth across industries like robotics, AI, drones, and beyond. By embracing innovation and inviting our community to participate in cutting-edge technologies, we aim to give Reno the same opportunities and excitement experienced in Silicon Valley. Together, we can build a future where our city leads in creating technologies that benefit everyone. Join us in shaping Reno’s next chapter of prosperity and progress!

Years Of
Experience

Startups in
our programs

Membership
Goals

#RenoFirst

Talent - Resilience - Opportunity

Meet the Team

Adryenn Ashley, President, Reno First Foundation — President, Board of Directors
Adryenn Ashley

President, Board of Directors

Adryenn Ashley

Adryenn Ashley is a visionary venture capitalist and founder of Slay Ventures, specializing in identifying and nurturing groundbreaking startups to achieve global success. With decades of experience in tech, finance, and strategic investments, Adryenn’s expertise lies in empowering entrepreneurs to scale sustainably while driving meaningful impact.

A dynamic speaker and recognized thought leader, Adryenn is committed to fostering a framework for blockchain integration within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Her work champions startups that address global challenges and promote consumer engagement, aligning with the Reno First Foundation’s mission to advance innovation and community growth.

Adryenn’s dedication to mentorship, resource development, and creating opportunities for founders underscores her belief that businesses can catalyze positive change. Her strategic insights and passion for uplifting others make her an invaluable member of the Reno First Foundation’s board.

email:adryenn@renofirst.org

Board of Directors

Christa Pepper

Christa Pepper is a seasoned entrepreneur and community organizer with over eight years of experience supporting startup founders in achieving their business goals. As the founder of Body Positive Personal Training, she has successfully navigated the challenges of launching and scaling a mission-driven company, demonstrating her expertise in building inclusive and impactful ventures.

Beyond her entrepreneurial work, Christa has been a driving force in fostering collaboration and growth among startup founders. Through her events, mentorship, and strategic networking initiatives, she has cultivated vibrant communities that empower entrepreneurs to innovate and excel.

Christa’s dedication to founder success and her proven ability to inspire collective progress make her a valuable asset to the Reno First Foundation.

email:christa@renofirst.org

Board of Directors

Sherry Boyer

Sherry Boyer is a seasoned entrepreneur and business strategist with a proven track record of transforming small ventures into thriving enterprises. Starting her dog training, boarding, and daycare business in a town of fewer than 2,000 people, Sherry scaled it into a highly profitable seven-figure operation, ultimately selling it for a profit in 2018.

For nearly a decade, Sherry has been a sought-after business coach, empowering entrepreneurs in the pet care industry to achieve sustainable growth. Her expertise in navigating challenges, coupled with her innovative strategies, has ensured that her clients not only survived the pandemic but emerged stronger and more successful.

Sherry’s passion for building resilient businesses and fostering economic vitality aligns seamlessly with the Reno First Foundation’s mission to drive innovation and community development. Her entrepreneurial acumen and dedication to helping others succeed make her an invaluable asset to the board.

email:sherry@renofirst.org

Board of Directors

Tracy Dufur

Tracy Dufur is a results-driven leader and creative innovator with over 20 years of experience spanning operations management, marketing, and sales across the financial services, insurance, technology, and medical sectors. Her expertise lies in building strategic partnerships, revitalizing teams to exceed performance goals, and executing transformative strategies that drive revenue growth and operational efficiency.

Tracy’s leadership is underscored by a talent for human resources and team development, ensuring organizations thrive through effective recruiting, training, and performance management. A consistent top performer, she has earned multiple awards for surpassing revenue and profit targets while enhancing customer and client experiences.

Dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation, Tracy brings exceptional communication and negotiation skills to the Reno First Foundation. Her ability to align diverse interests and inspire excellence makes her a valuable advocate for the foundation’s mission to drive community and economic development in Reno.

email:tracy@renofirst.org

You can be a part of the #RenoFirst Movement

Join the #RenoFirst Team

We are always looking for amazing volunteers, community organizers, fundraisers, mentors, and workshop leaders.

Join Us

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a 509(a)(2) different from a 501(c)(3)?

A 501(c)(3) organization is presumed to be a private foundation until they prove they are a public charity. Once they have proved they are a public charity, a nonprofit will then be distinguished as a 509(a)(1), 509(a)(2), or 509(a)(3) public charity.

Do you only support tech startups?

No, we support all entrepreneurs with education and training. For startups to join one of our accelerators, they must meet a viability standard, meaning not MLM or solopreneur projects.

Reno First is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to fostering groundbreaking startups and driving innovation in Reno. We empower local talent, support high-growth startups, and connect global investors with our community to ensure Reno’s place as a first-mover on the path to the next generation of unicorn companies.

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Quick Links

Causes

Resources

+800 123 4567

5320 S Lindbergh Blvd

Mon - Fri 8:00 to 7:00

donorfull@help.com