Announcing Co-Presidents Jess Salinas & Phil Sanders

LOS ANGELES, February 2025 – New Media Ventures (NMV) and New Rising Ventures (NRV) proudly mark the beginning of an ambitious new chapter as Jessica Salinas and Phillip Sanders officially take the helm as Co-Presidents. Building on the organizations' 15 years of impact, they bring a strong vision and deep expertise to lead NMV and NRV into their most transformative era yet—one that pushes the boundaries of how capital can serve democracy and fuel social change.

A Unified Vision for Impact

New Media Ventures (NMV), a 501(c)(4) organization, and New Rising Ventures (NRV), its affiliated 501(c)(3), share a fundamental belief: redirecting capital can reshape power structures to benefit more communities. Through strategic investments in media, technology, and movement infrastructure, these organizations work to strengthen democratic participation and advance social change.

"For 15 years, NMV has been at the forefront of investing in the people, platforms, and ideas that shape our democracy," said Jessica Salinas. "Now, as we step into this leadership role, Phil and I are more determined than ever to build on that legacy, strengthening progressive infrastructure and fueling transformative change."

Phillip Sanders added, "The future of our democracy depends on our ability to fund forward-thinking, scalable solutions that empower communities, elevate truth, and drive meaningful action. We are honored to lead NMV and NRV into this next phase, expanding our reach and deepening our impact."

A Track Record of Innovation and a Vision for the Future

The appointment follows a successful organizational evolution under former leader Carlissia Graham, who established NMV and NRV as distinct entities to maximize impact and sustainability. As co-leads of NMV's investment and portfolio management over the past four years, Salinas and Sanders have demonstrated their capacity for transformative leadership, expanding the portfolio to include 56 new early-stage startup organizations across media, civic technology, and advocacy sectors. Through their completely open funding process, they've deployed close to $4 million while maintaining a high-value portfolio support program that nurtures these pioneering ventures.

Through this portfolio support program, they’ve also helped catalyze an additional $6+ million in capital for their portfolio organizations, accelerating their ability to scale transformative solutions and strengthening the connective tissue of the progressive ecosystem.

Under their leadership, NMV and NRV will deepen their focus on three core imperatives: 

• Expanding Media Ecosystem: Strengthening local and cultural media ecosystems to fortify democracy and challenge disinformation, with an emphasis on communities historically excluded from mainstream narratives.

• Scaling Innovation: Accelerating high-impact startups and technology platforms that are reshaping and advancing social and political change.

• Building Lasting Infrastructure: Ensuring that the capital directed today contributes to long-term, systemic transformation, fostering a resilient, people-powered democracy.

Democracy Beyond Elections

The organizations' collective thesis is that social and political power is rooted in people power; that democratic participation extends far beyond voting and that true transformation requires a radical reconstruction of systems and institutions to ensure justice, equity, and longevity. NMV and NRV invest in infrastructure that enables communities to exercise power in their daily lives, especially where traditional institutions fall short. Their vision encompasses community-led media initiatives, civic technology platforms, and other innovative models and technology across industries that shift power back to the people.

Values-Aligned Ownership

Central to their mission is the belief that the ownership of media, technology, and data dictates whose voices are amplified, whose interests are advanced, and who reaps the benefits of innovation. NMV and NRV are committed to ensuring that values-aligned ownership remains a cornerstone of their work, funding structures and organizations that prioritize community control, equity, and long-term viability over short-term profits.

Looking Forward

"We are not just reacting to the moment—we are designing the future," said Salinas. "This is a time for audacity and a deep commitment to the fearless ideas that will define the next decade of progressive change."

"We're ready to do the work, to dream bigger, and to build the kind of future we all deserve," added Sanders.

Under this new leadership, NMV and NRV are positioned to expand their impact through strategic initiatives that strengthen democracy and advance social change. The organizations will continue to champion visionary leaders, transformative technologies, and innovative media initiatives that reshape the social and political landscape. With unwavering dedication to innovation and equity, Salinas and Sanders will lead NMV and NRV into a dynamic new phase—one defined by growth, impact, and the belief that a stronger democracy starts with bold, strategic action today.