Sara Schmitt, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Adro, has been chosen to participate in the prestigious Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center's Milestone Makers Fall 2024 cohort. This selection underscores Adro's growing influence in the fintech sector and its dedication to providing financial services for international students and workers moving to the United States. The Milestone Makers program is a highly selective initiative that supports founders whose companies align with the United Nations' 17 sustainable development goals. Over a 12-week period, participants receive personalized mentorship and resources to help them achieve critical business milestones. The program concludes with a graduation ceremony in New York City's Times Square, where participants are featured on the Nasdaq building.
Schmitt expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that it's an honor to learn and work alongside other early and mid-stage founders focused on scaling their companies. She emphasized that the Nasdaq network has incredible reach, and the depth of their experience is invaluable in guiding founders to become better leaders. With a background that includes nearly a decade at Epic, an MBA from Cornell University, and experience at Amazon, Schmitt brings a wealth of knowledge to her role at Adro. She co-founded the company with Amarildo Gjondrekaj and Kevin DeArmond, and currently teaches at several universities in the New York area, further demonstrating her commitment to education and innovation.
Adro's recent launch of no-fee checking, savings, and credit card products for internationals moving to the US aligns with the company's mission to provide financial access and support to those transitioning to life in America. This initiative addresses a significant gap in the market, as international students and workers often face challenges in accessing traditional financial services upon arrival in the United States. The selection of Schmitt for the Milestone Makers program is particularly significant as it recognizes Adro's potential to make a substantial impact in the realm of financial inclusion. By focusing on the needs of international newcomers, Adro is addressing a crucial aspect of global mobility and economic integration.
Adro's participation in the program also highlights the growing importance of fintech solutions that cater to specific demographic needs. As global mobility continues to increase, companies like Adro play a vital role in ensuring that international students and workers can seamlessly integrate into the U.S. financial system. The company's progress is further evidenced by its recent achievements, including raising a $1.5M pre-seed round and being selected to join the 2024 Hudson Valley Venture Hub Accelerator at SUNY New Paltz. Adro is also a graduate of Westchester County's Element 46 Tech Accelerator and a member of NAFSA, demonstrating its commitment to growth and industry engagement.
As Schmitt embarks on this journey with the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, the potential for Adro to scale its impact and further its mission of financial inclusion becomes even more promising. The mentorship and resources provided by the program could prove instrumental in helping Adro refine its strategies and expand its reach, ultimately benefiting more international students and workers as they establish their lives in the United States. The selection of Adro's COO for this prestigious program not only validates the company's innovative approach but also signals a growing recognition of the importance of financial inclusion in the broader context of sustainable development. As Adro continues to grow and evolve, its participation in the Milestone Makers program may well mark a significant milestone in its own right, paving the way for greater financial accessibility and support for internationals in the U.S.
