About Us

At PhiloFund, our mission is to create a positive social impact by leveraging technology and philanthropy to connect donors (of all sizes) with nonprofit organizations. Our mobile app will empower the nonprofit sector by bringing funds to grassroot organizations. We believe in creating a world where everyone has equal access to financial resources and opportunities, and we work tirelessly to achieve this vision by supporting organizations that share our commitment to social justice and financial inclusion.

Our Story

PhiloFund was officially founded in September 2024, but its roots were planted months earlier. Andrea, driven by a deep passion for nonprofit sustainability, spent hours searching for the right co-founder to bring her vision to life. After months of ideating and seeking the perfect partner, Andrea found Ashley—someone who shared her commitment to empowering grassroots organizations and understanding the challenges they face.

Together, Andrea and Ashley have built PhiloFund with a shared goal to simplify giving and amplify impact.

The name "PhiloFund" is a combination of two meaningful elements: Philo, derived from the Greek word meaning "love" or "fondness," also short for philanthropy—reflecting on our dedication to the love and support of charitable causes and Fund, representing the essential financial support that drives every nonprofit’s mission. PhiloFund reflects our belief that nonprofits deserve both the love and the funding to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Through our story as Latinas and experience in navigating the nonprofit sector, Andrea and Ashley are committed to creating a platform that helps nonprofits flourish—supporting their growth with a combination of passion, technology, and accessible resources. We are excited to continue this journey and empower organizations to build stronger, more sustainable futures.

Meet The Team

Dra. Andrea Ortega

Co-Founder & CEO

Andrea Ortega, PhD, CNP, is the Co-Founder and CEO of PhiloFund. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Andrea combines her expertise in organizational management, compliance, and fundraising to help small organizations connect with donors and secure sustainable funding.

Andrea is among the 1% of Latinas with a PhD in Public Affairs and has dedicated her career to empowering underserved communities. She also uses her personal brand, Palante Nonprofits, to host a podcast in Spanglish, fostering dialogue for Hispanic-led nonprofits.

A former Executive Director and educator, Andrea has taught nonprofit management courses at Ana G. Mendez University and led curriculum development at a nonprofit tech startup, creating over 200 courses. Her work bridges the gap between innovation and social impact, equipping organizations with tools to thrive.

Based in Central Florida, Andrea continues to lead initiatives that amplify the voices of grassroots organizations.

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Ashley Rivera Mercado

Co-Founder/Chief of Staff

Ashley Rivera Mercado is the Co-Founder and Chief of Staff at PhiloFund. In her role, Ashley oversees daily operations, strategic planning, and team coordination, ensuring the seamless execution of PhiloFund's mission to connect small nonprofits with donors.

Born in Puerto Rico and based in Orlando, Florida, Ashley is also the Founder and President of Mujeres in Marketing (MIM), an organization committed to empowering Latina women in marketing through professional development, mentorship, and community building. Her work has been featured on platforms such as Luz Media and Jevas Combativas, where she explores feminist perspectives and the impact of Latine cultural influence globally.

Ashley holds an MBA from the University of Central Florida, where she developed her expertise in business strategy and organizational management. Through her multifaceted career, she exemplifies leadership, innovation, and dedication to uplifting communities in both the nonprofit and marketing sectors.