About Us

Lisa Curtis

Founder, CEO

Lisa began working on Kuli Kuli while in the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa. As a volunteer in her village’s health center, she gained an understanding of nutritional challenges faced in West African villages and how moringa can help address those challenges. Prior to Kuli Kuli, Lisa served as the Communications Director at Mosaic, wrote political briefings for President Obama in the White House and worked at an impact investment firm in India. Lisa has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 leader, a Udall Scholar and a “dedicated humanitarian” by the Muhammad Ali Center.

Lisa’s favorite way to eat moringa is by mixing Kuli Kuli’s Pure Organic Moringa Powder in her morning oatmeal with almond butter, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and fruit.

Jordan Moncharmont

Founder & CTO

Jordan keeps Kuli Kuli running smoothly, leading our tech, finance, and legal teams. A software engineer by training, Jordan founded Kuli Kuli with Lisa to foster the positive feedback loop offered by the moringa tree, one of the most nutritious plants on the planet. Jordan has always been interested in how communities and technology interact to solve the world's problems. Prior to joining Kuli Kuli, Jordan designed and implemented the online systems for Tesla’s cars, one of the largest internet-of-things deployments in the world with over 30 million connected sensors. He also served as a software engineer at Facebook from 2005 - 2010, where he learned how to scale a company quickly.

Jordan loves Kuli Kuli’s Energizing Moringa Tea.

Ericka Karner

Chief Growth Officer

Ericka comes to Kuli Kuli with over 25 years of marketing, sales and general management experience in the consumer goods industry. She holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA from UCLA. Ericka's career has included positions at large companies like Kraft and Nestle, but start-ups have been where she feels most at home for the last decade. At Kuli Kuli, Ericka's focus is to drive profitable growth through innovation and strategic sales expansion. She is passionate about the Kuli Kuli mission to improve the lives of women across the globe with both business opportunities as well as healthy food options. A moringa fan herself, Ericka's favorite products are the Raspberry Acai Focus Focus Focus Shot, as well as the Dark Chocolate Moringa Energy Bar .

Manny Alvarado

Head of Operations

Manny's essential role at Kuli Kuli is balancing product quality and safety with operational efficiency and excellence.  He is motivated by Kuli Kuli's mission of bringing moringa's health benefits to the masses while supporting a network of sustainable farmers who implement regenerative agricultural practices.

Manny is passionate about building, whether that be his own businesses from scratch, or restructuring a company's existing supply chain. In 20016, he founded and later sold OptiPro Logistics, a fulfillment and logistics company supporting b2b and dtc companies. Prior to joining the Kuli Kuli team, Manny worked for emerging wellness and lifestyle brands like Juice Served Here, Moon Juice, The Sill, and Woven. Manny's favorite product are the Moringa Energy Bars.

Jim Fitzpatrick

Director of Sales

Jim is an experienced brand builder in the fast-moving consumer goods industry with a track record of success for over thirty years. A true sales professional, Jim has pioneered startups, led transformational change and has had an impact on many brands, across multiple categories, in most channels of trade. He has built lasting relationships with the trade and broker partnerships. Jim has key expertise in building brand strategies, including developing pricing, gaining and expanding product distribution and developing sound trade marketing plans for large and small diverse brand portfolios, then, insuring the focused, flawless execution of the plans.
After years of working with Top 500 companies, Jim turned his focus towards working with start-ups as well as companies that were relaunching product lines. He finds much satisfaction and reward in developing new businesses and closing sales on products that he truly believes in.
He has a real passion for selling Kuli Kuli products and since becoming a huge fan of the Organic Pure Moringa Powder, he is committed to making it possible for more health-minded people to become consumers of all Kuli Kuli products by making it available wherever they buy food.

Julie Degnan

Director of Digital Marketing

Julie comes to Kuli Kuli with more than 20 years of experience in digital marketing, working for both small start-ups as well as larger organizations. She also has experience running her own online retail business, and is thrilled to be joining a company that helps support women entrepreneurs. Julie is excited to drive e-commerce growth at Kuli Kuli through multiple digital channels including paid search, SEO, social media, email, and affiliates. Julie's favorite product is Kuli Kuli's Raspberry Chia SuperBark.

Heidi Afoa

Logistics Manager

Heidi joined Kuli Kuli with 12+ plus years experience in the logistics world working in both the manufacturing and freight forwarding/3pl industries.  Heidi is looking forward to applying her supply chain background from a warehousing and transportation perspective in the POP retail fixture and capital machinery industries to the CPG world.  Heidi is excited to help Kuli Kuli optimize all of their transportation needs and meet all their logistics goals.  Heidi holds an affinity for the Organic Moringa Powder as she calls it her family’s super supplement.

Tim Pauldon

Innovation Manager

At Kuli Kuli, Tim is focused on bringing new ideas and conceptions to life. With an extensive background in Food Science supporting innovation at companies such as Starbucks, Dunkin and Burger King, Tim is thrilled to bring his expertise and passion for new product innovation to Kuli Kuli. From owning his own private events catering company, ALIO, to commercializing products for large CPG companies, Tim enjoys every aspect of the innovation process. His favorite part being the creation of products in the test kitchens.

Upon finding an opportunity with Kuli Kuli, Tim knew that this would be the perfect company to not only create amazing “better for you” products, but to also do so with a purpose! Kuli Kuli’s mission of ethical sourcing and sustainability hit home personally for Tim.

As a regular gym goer, Tim loves Kuli Kuli’s Superfood Powders in his protein shakes! (Mood Magic is his favorite.)

AHMED RAHIM

Chief Alchemist of Numi Organic Tea

Ahmed Rahim is the Co-Founder, CEO, Chief Alchemist and Board chair behind Numi Organic Tea, one of the largest premium, organic, Fair Trade Certified tea companies in North America. Ahmed chairs the Numi Foundation board, working within their farming communities around the world on issues from education to health and nutrition. Ahmed co-founded OSC2, One Step Closer to an Organic Sustainable Community, a national community of sustainable natural products CEO’s and business leaders. Ahmed co-founded Impact HUB Oakland, a community workplace for businesses and non-profits, and community events. Ahmed’s core goal is to be of service to those focused on caring for their community and creating positive change for our environment.

Ahmed’s favorite product is our Pure Organic Moringa Powder.

Jonathan Kucinski

Managing Director, eighteen94 Capital

Jon currently is Managing Director of eighteen94 capital and the Director of Corporate Development & Strategy at Kellogg.  In his time at Kellogg, Jon led the acquisition of RXBAR and the following integration into Kellogg’s corporate structure.  Additionally, he co-led the divestiture of Kellogg’s Keebler Cookies, Pie Crusts, Cones and Fruit Snacks businesses, from initial evaluation and diligence through the ultimate closing and transition to the Ferrero Group.

Prior to joining Kellogg, Jon held various roles across 10-years in the commercial banking industry.   He has an MBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and dual B.A.s in Business Administration and Economics from Hope College.

KATIE MARSTON

Chief Marketing Officer at Once Upon a Farm

Katie’s love of health-conscious brands began during her early years at adidas where she spent 12 years working both domestically and internationally. She has had the great fortune to develop brand strategies for both small- and large-scale fast-growth companies from Brew Dr to Kendra Scott, even rolling up her sleeves as an entrepreneur with her own consulting business. This background has laid the perfect foundation for her current role as Chief Marketing Officer for Once Upon a Farm. Katie is responsible for linking the creativity of the company’s product team to a customer-focused communication strategy while also driving their fast-growing DTC business.   

Katie's favorite Kuli Kuli products are the Black Cherry Energy Bar and the Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. 

CHUCK TEMPLETON

Managing Director, S2G Ventures

Chuck Templeton is a long-time entrepreneur who has a deep passion for helping early-stage and emerging entrepreneurs and companies across multiple verticals. He is the founder of OpenTable and is now a Managing Director at Seed to Growth (S2G) Ventures. Chuck joined S2G Ventures because of a deep-rooted belief that it holds a unique opportunity to help reimagine our food system to move from cheap calories to cheap nutrition, while also mitigating and adapting to climate change. As an ultra-runner and former Army Ranger, Chuck is well-versed about the importance of healthy, nutritious food for maximum mental and physical performance. And as a father, a citizen and a business person, he believes the only solution that makes sense, is one with nutrient dense, affordable, sustainable and climate stabilizing food.

Chuck loves to take Kuli Kuli’s Black Cherry Bars along on his outdoor adventures.

CHUCK HOLT

Vice President, InvestEco Capital Corp

Chuck is Vice President at InvestEco Capital Corp, a Toronto-based venture capital investment manager that focuses on the sustainable food sector. He has worked in venture capital impact investing for over 10 years, and is qualified as a lawyer and a Chartered Business Valuator. In addition to Kuli Kuli, he has worked with various portfolio company boards, including Chef’s Plate, one of Canada’s leading meal kit companies that was sold to Germany’s Hello Fresh in 2018. Chuck has an LL.M. from the London School of Economics, and an LL.B. from the University of Ottawa.

Chuck loves making green smoothies with Kuli Kuli’s Pure Moringa Powder.

SUMESH SACHAR

Co-Founder, Managing Partner at Rocana Capital

Sumesh spent 18+ years in operating & C-suite roles across industry agnostic businesses all over the world. Having spent time in hyper-growth markets, he is well positioned to understand the balancing act of investing for growth while managing a healthy P&L. He started investing in Better-for-You CPG brands with Gurdeep 7 years ago and is a deep networker. His passion for the space and supporting entrepreneurs through hyper-growth phases is what makes him really tick. He’s lived in 5 different countries and now calls sunny L.A home. Sumesh loves Kuli Kuli's new wellness shots.

JIM THORNE

SVP Global Strategy & Marketing, Griffith Foods

Jim is a dynamic leader and a decisive business executive with global experience in the exciting, dynamic fast-moving consumer goods industry. A Canadian native, Jim has spent 30 years in the food industry, working with well-known companies including Nabisco, Campbell Soup and Maple Leaf Foods. Jim has held leadership positions at Griffith Foods for the past five years where he is driven by Griffith's purpose to Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World. Jim is a fan of Kuli Kuli's Pure Organic Moringa Powder and is working hard with his team to get it onto menus worldwide.

LINDSAY LEE

Founder, Managing Member at Authentic Ventures

Lindsay is the founder and managing member of Authentic Ventures, an early stage venture fund based in Oakland, California. Lindsay has been an investor in technology for over 18 years. Lindsay started his career at Merrill Lynch. He then co-founded a financial services software company. He subsequently served as CIO for an investment management firm he helped to grow to almost $1B. Immediately prior to starting Authentic Ventures, he managed a family office where he built and managed a very successful seed and early stage venture portfolio. Lindsay received his BA in Economics (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Florida. He received his JD and MBA degrees from Stanford University.

Lindsay’s favorite moringa product is Kuli Kuli’s Organic Moringa Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie.

RICH GRANT

Founder, Managing Director at Touchdown Venture

Rich is a founder and managing director at Touchdown Ventures, a firm that partners with leading corporations to help manage their corporate venture capital investment activities. In this role, Rich works closely with several corporate partners including Kellogg’s eighteen94 capital and is involved in all aspects of the investment process including identifying, evaluating, executing and managing venture investments. Rich co-founded Touchdown Ventures after seven years in venture capital and strategic development at Comcast. Prior to Comcast, Rich held corporate finance and development roles with Sony Pictures and Lehman Brothers. Rich graduated from UC Santa Barbara and received an MBA from The Wharton School.

Rich enjoys Kuli Kuli’s Moringa Green Energy shots.

JED FAHEY

Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University's Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Director of the Cullman Chemoprotection Center

Dr. Fahey is a nutritional biochemist with extensive background in plant and human nutrition and phytochemistry. Dr. Fahey was an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, where he directed the Cullman Chemoprotection Center, a leading center for the study and development of plant-based protective agents.  He had faculty appointments in three departments at Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health where he conducted laboratory and clinical trials, taught graduate courses, and mentored students since 1993.  He spent the first 15 years of his career in agricultural biotechnology research and industrial process development. Dr. Fahey “retired” in mid-2020 to focus his attention entirely on outreach and educational efforts which include podcasts, writing, and lecturing widely.  He maintains adjunct appointments at JHU and consults with Kuli Kuli and other socially responsible companies and foundations.

BETH SIRULL

President & CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego

Beth Sirull is a mission-driven, pragmatic leader with the demonstrated ability to marshal both financial capital and human resources to deliver exceptional results on time and within budget. Beth is the President and CEO of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego (JCFSD), which manages nearly $450 million in philanthropic assets for organizations and individuals. Prior to joining JCFSD, Beth served as President/CEO of Pacific Community Ventures (PCV), a combined for-profit/nonprofit community development organization that leverages human and financial capital investment to create jobs and economic opportunities in low income communities. Previously, Beth worked in several marketing and strategy positions in financial services. Beth received the 2015 James Irvine Foundation California Leadership Award and was named to Forbes' list of 30 Top Social Entrepreneurs and to the San Francisco Business Times' list of Most Influential Women in Business. She is the author of Creating Your Life Collage: Strategies for Solving the Work/Life Dilemma (©Random House, 2000). Beth holds an undergraduate degree from Brandeis University, an MBA from Boston University and an MPP from the Goldman School of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley.

WOOD TURNER

Vice President at Agriculture Capital

Wood brings over 20 years of experience in corporate sustainability, environmental management, and consumer engagement. Most recently, he was on the executive team at organic yogurt pioneer Stonyfield Farm as the company’s VP Sustainability Innovation. Prior to that, he was founding executive director of Climate Counts, an international NGO focused on measuring and scoring the world’s largest consumer companies on their concrete, enterprise-level responses to climate change. Wood has consulted to brands, elected officials, and public agencies on mobilizing the public around ideas that improve the environment and build community. Born and raised in North Carolina, Wood earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University and a graduate degree in urban and environmental planning from the University of Washington. He is an expert in residence at the Presidio Graduate School and sits on the advisory boards of Sustainable Brands and Harvard’s Center for Health and the Global Environment.

CHRIS MANN

CEO / Chairman of the Gourd @ Guayaki

Chris got his BA in Economics from Harvard University but quickly realized that economics conveniently forgot about sustaining the environment and protecting people. Through his experience with Guayaki and previously with Natural Flavors, a 100% organic, vegan restaurant that employed 25 people and 60 local farmers, Chris is finding that by recognizing common purpose, seemingly disparate groups can integrate social justice, environmental restoration and economic success.

LARRY LITVAK

Lecturer at Stanford University

For three decades Larry Litvak has been a leader in the management, financing and governing of organizations pursuing social change. He has been a senior manager in two highly successful, socially- oriented business ventures: Walden Asset Management, one of the pioneers of socially responsible investing, and Working Assets/Credo Mobile, a telecommunications firm that has generated nearly $70 million to support progressive non-profits. He has been a board member of eight different entities, including domestic and international loan funds, social service providers, a public oversight board, a fiscal sponsor and a drug development enterprise. Larry has been a decision maker in the granting of approximately $100 million to social sector organizations. Larry has a bachelor's degree from Stanford and a master's degree from the Harvard Kennedy School.

SAM GOLDMAN

Founder & Chief Consumer Officer of d.light

Sam co-founded d.light in 2007 and served as the company’s founding CEO. d.light has impacted over 84 million lives, providing solar powered lights and home systems to families with limited or no electricity. d.light has offices across Africa and Asia serving 62 countries, and provides employment to thousands of solar entrepreneurs. Sam is an Ashoka Fellow and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader; and recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s top 30 social entrepreneurs, and by the African Leadership Network as a next generation leader for Africa. Prior to d.light, he founded and managed multiple ventures in Africa, including improved agriculture and construction businesses, a for-profit NGO cultivating Moringa, and the distribution of low-cost latrines. Sam joined the Peace Corps in Benin, West Africa where he first worked with moringa. He has degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies and an MBA from Stanford.

DEREK PROUDIAN

Venture Investor, Start-Up CEO, and Entrepreneur

Derek Proudian is a Silicon Valley venture investor, start-up CEO, and entrepreneur. Derek has served as the CEO of six venture-capital backed companies, including Zip2 (Elon Musk's first company) which he sold to Compaq for over $300 million. Derek has worked as a general partner at the venture capital firm Mohr Davidow Ventures (MDV), a Venture Partner at Morgan Stanley Ventures, and an R&D manager at Hewlett-Packard Labs. As a general partner at MDV he was part of a team that turned $225 million of investment into $3.5 billion in returns for limited partners. He holds a BS in Cognitive Science, a BA in Creative Writing, a Masters in Computer Science and a Masters in Business, all from Stanford University. He also holds five issued US patents. As a founding board member Derek has helped shepherd a number of companies to successful exits, including mSpot sold to Samsung in 2012 for $50 million, Daintree Networks sold to General Electric in 2016 for $100 million, and SquareTrade sold to Allstate in 2017 for $1.4 billion.