Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) Welcomes Five Accomplished New Board Members
Leaders from Airbnb, PayPal, Block, Meta, and NLC to Begin Tenure on March 20, 2025
[Washington, DC] – February 5, 2025 – The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), a leading national nonprofit dedicated to fostering economic opportunity for entrepreneurs in rural and urban communities, is proud to announce the addition of five distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors. These leaders bring a wealth of expertise from industries including technology, financial services, public policy, and social impact. They will officially begin their tenure on March 20, 2025.
The new board members include:
- Irma Esparza Diggs, Senior Executive and Director of Federal Advocacy, National League of Cities (NLC)
Irma is a nationally recognized leader in political affairs and grassroots advocacy, having secured $150 billion in federal assistance for local governments through the American Rescue Plan Act. She also championed the bipartisan infrastructure law, unlocking $500 billion in funding for municipal projects.
- Janaye Ingram, Director of Community Partner Programs and Engagement, Airbnb
Known for her pioneering work in social justice and equity, Janaye oversees Airbnb’s $100 million Community Fund and leads multicultural community engagement initiatives. She was a co-founder of the Women’s March and has been recognized as one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year.
- Tyler Spalding, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs and Global Head of Social Innovation, PayPal
Tyler leads PayPal’s efforts to create a more inclusive digital economy by advancing social innovation and sustainability initiatives. A 2015 Aspen Institute First Mover Fellow, he has extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and corporate social responsibility.
- Ebony Johnson, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Block
A seasoned attorney and Air Force veteran, Ebony has extensive knowledge of financial regulations and consumer protection. She has secured over $100 million in consumer redress and played a key role in industry-wide rulemaking initiatives at the CFPB.
- Chris Upperman, Head of Global Governance Engagements and Partnerships, Meta
Chris leads Meta’s Governance Partnerships Team, focusing on leveraging external stakeholder expertise and data-driven research to inform company strategies on societal issues.
“We are honored to welcome these transformative leaders to our Board of Directors,” said Natalie Madeira Cofield, President and CEO of AEO. “Their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to driving equity and opportunity for entrepreneurs will strengthen our mission to empower small businesses nationwide.”
As AEO continues to expand its initiatives, these new board members will provide strategic guidance and thought leadership, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth.
For more information on AEO and its Board of Directors, visit www.aeoworks.org.
About AEO
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating economic opportunities for small businesses. AEO supports entrepreneurs by delivering innovative programs, conducting groundbreaking research, and advocating for policies that foster economic growth and inclusivity.