Team - The Essential Owners Fund

Our team

Our seasoned team integrates expertise across investment, industry, strategy and impact.

Malini has spent 20 years working at the intersection of finance, strategy, food & agriculture, and ESG investments, deploying over $50 million in capital to invest in more resilient food systems and improved nutrition. She has worked with middle market business owners and family office investors for over a decade. She believes employee ownership is one of the greatest tools we have to stabilize our economy. Malini is the General Partner of the Essential Owners Fund.

After thirty years in leadership roles at various CDFI’s and PE impact funds, Leslie now advises impact managers and institutional LPs that are focused on building more inclusive and equitable markets. She sees employee ownership as an effective tool for narrowing the wealth gap— and particularly the racial wealth gap—by building generational wealth for low-wage workers. Leslie serves on the Investment Committee.

Michael has been a principal investor for over 20 years, leading private investments on behalf of ultra-high net worth individuals and families. His direct investment experience spans control equity, minority equity and direct debt across multiple industries, with depth in consumer food and manufacturing. He sees employee ownership as the ultimate form of incentive alignment between owners, management and the workforce. Michael serves on the Investment Committee for the Essential Owners Fund.

Cheri is a Nurse Executive who brings her clinical, entrepreneurial, investment and healthcare innovation experience to the Essential Owner’s Fund as an Operating Partner. She serves on numerous boards and brings her acumen to the development of new companies and growth strategies. Cheri believes that employee participation, both in growth strategies and resulting successes, is key to addressing the challenges faced by businesses in the healthcare industries.

Isabelle is a veteran entrepreneur and operator with over a decade of experience in the food, beverage and tech sectors. She brings a proven track record in operations, sales and business development to the Essential Owners Fund team. As Operating Partner, she leverages her experience to engage with companies and outline ways that employee ownership can add value to the operations of a growing business.