Pooja Mehta

Pooja Mehta (she/her) is a versatile professional with a background spanning law, entrepreneurship, investment, photography, and advisory roles. Drawing on her experience as the daughter of immigrant entrepreneurs and her own entrepreneurial pursuits, she is dedicated to sharing her insights with social justice leaders, business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her mission revolves around closing gender and racial wealth gaps and promoting economic justice.

From the age of 13, Pooja began working behind the counter at her father's suburban Minneapolis Burger King, which he had purchased after working for the Whopper franchisor for a decade. The family business steadily grew and she's kept at least one foot in it while developing her own career. Her educational journey took her to Boston College to study finance and economics, rural Rajasthan, India for community work, and then law school at American University in Washington, DC. Post-graduation, Pooja represented children and families in DC's child welfare system and witnessed the inequalities within the system, particularly the disproportionate impact on communities of color.

Seeking a new challenge, Pooja ventured into entrepreneurship by co-founding a pizza and beer restaurant with her brother. This venture provided insight on business ethics, community engagement, and economic empowerment. Later, she transitioned to a nonprofit workforce development organization, where she worked to create pathways to well-paid jobs for young adults without higher education.

The sale of the majority of the family business led Pooja to establish her own investment and advising firm, The Marigold Effect. The name reflects her aspiration to serve as a supportive companion in closing opportunity and wealth gaps prevalent in society. Through her work and advocacy, Pooja grapples with important questions concerning the most effective approaches to reducing racial wealth disparities, encompassing inclusive capitalism, regenerative economics, and the solidarity economy.

Pooja also mentors cooperative entrepreneurs, volunteers at a pro bono legal clinic, and serves as a board member of a nonprofit advocating for change to the juvenile legal system. Pooja is happiest when at a concert, cooking for friends, or hiking in nature.

Founder, The Marigold Effect