When Maya DiRado Andrews graduated from Stanford with a degree in management science and engineering, she already had a job offer – but delayed the start of her career to compete in the 2016 Olympics where she won two golds as part of the U.S. swim team. While she could have won more races, she was eager to join the team at McKinsey & Company. 

She later moved into the social sector to invest philanthropic capital towards high-performing organizations working to alleviate extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Having learned that innovative businesses can play a major role in effecting social change alongside the public sector, Maya returned to Stanford for an MBA. As she notes, societal expectations for the private sector are rising and a new generation of investors and founders can take that challenge in powerful new directions.

Maya came to General Catalyst to expand and enhance the firm’s capacity for stewarding invested funds that empower mission-driven businesses. As someone who thrives on understanding and communicating with investors, she seeks to build relationships that last decades.

Away from the office, she enjoys raising a family, cooking complex recipes from scratch and romping with her Bernedoodle. Still an athlete at heart, she remains connected to her sport by serving on the board of USA Swimming, but she’s now picked up running and cycling as well – there may be a triathlon in her future.