Sacred Heart Greenwich Announces Grace Isford '15 as 175th Commencement Speaker
Sacred Heart Greenwich, a prestigious all-girls school, has announced Grace Isford '15 as the speaker for its 175th commencement ceremony. Isford, an accomplished early-stage venture capitalist and influential figure in the technology investment world, will address the Class of 2024 on June 7, 2024.
A Trailblazer in the Technology Investment Field
Isford, an alumna of Sacred Heart Greenwich, earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering from Stanford University in 2019. During her time at Stanford, she excelled as a Mayfield Fellow and served as the President of Stanford Women in Business. Isford also conducted research as a Principled Entrepreneurial and Action Knowledge researcher, showcasing her commitment to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Recognized by Forbes and Lux Capital
Recently named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Venture Capital List, Isford is praised as a trailblazer among young investors supporting next-generation startups. In 2022, she made history as the youngest partner at Lux Capital, a leading venture firm dedicated to the convergence of technology with hard sciences.
Isford's exceptional leadership at Lux Capital is highlighted by her sourcing and leading eight key investments. These investments include a generative AI video platform that achieved a remarkable valuation of $1.5 billion. She also played a pivotal role in the success of an AI infrastructure company based on an open-source project and a company building nature-inspired foundation AI models led by an ex-Google team in Tokyo, Japan.
Returning Home to Inspire and Empower
"We are honored to welcome Grace Isford back home to Sacred Heart Greenwich as our commencement speaker," said Michael Baber, president of Sacred Heart Greenwich. Isford's remarkable achievements in the field of venture capital, particularly in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning, serve as an inspiration to the graduating class. Baber looks forward to the valuable insights she will share with the students as they embark on their journeys beyond Sacred Heart Greenwich.
Journey in Venture Capital
Before joining Lux Capital, Isford served as a principal at Canvas Ventures, where she deployed $100 million in capital and worked closely with a portfolio of 10 companies. She initiated her venture capital journey while completing her Master's Degree at Stanford University. Isford also gained experience at Handshake, a platform for college students, and the Stanford Management Company, which manages Stanford's endowment.
Sharing Insight and Celebrating Milestones
"I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to address the graduating class of 2024 and share my journey investing in groundbreaking technology," said Isford. She considers it a privilege to inspire and empower female leaders who are inventing the future. Isford is excited to celebrate this significant milestone with the incredible Sacred Heart Greenwich graduating class.
Marking a Significant Milestone
The commencement ceremony, scheduled for June 7, will mark a significant milestone for the 2024 graduating class of 75 seniors. The Sacred Heart Greenwich community looks forward to celebrating the accomplishments of these students as they prepare to embark on their future endeavors.
Analyst comment
Positive news. Recognition of Grace Isford’s accomplishments and her success as a young investor will likely inspire and motivate the graduating class. Isford’s expertise in cutting-edge technologies and venture capital will provide valuable insights for the students as they enter the real world.
