I’ve spent over 15 years mentoring individuals to help them gain clarity, define their vision, and achieve their goals, both personally and professionally. My journey began as a UCLA Bruin and has since spanned across Ernst & Young, Fortune 500 tech companies, startups, and and just about everything in between. Along the way, I’ve gained invaluable experience guiding organizations and individuals through transformation and growth.

Beyond being a CFO, I’ve built an extensive toolkit that goes far beyond traditional finance and accounting. I specialize in business transformation, strategic planning, and operational optimization. I’ve worked with companies to reshape their financial and operational strategies, delivering results that align with both long-term vision and immediate objectives. My passion is empowering others to translate their aspirations into clear, actionable strategies and execute them to achieve sustained success.

At Forge Optima, I’m dedicated to inspiring growth, fostering resilience, and helping individuals navigate challenges to unlock their full potential. Whether you're refining your professional trajectory or crafting a personal development plan, I’m here to help you build a purposeful and rewarding future.

I bring a diverse background in finance and strategy, shaped by years of experience in corporate finance, public equity markets, investment banking and public accounting.

As a proud graduate of the Wharton school of Business and Indiana University's Kelley school of business, I combine a top-tier education with practical expertise to help others navigate complex financial and strategic challenges.

My career has equipped me with the skills to analyze complex business issues, identify trends, and recommend value-driven strategic alternatives. With a CPA designation and a passion for strategy, I thrive on mentoring individuals to achieve clarity and execute confidently on their goals.

At Forge Optima, I’m committed to empowering others to unlock their potential and chart a path to success in both their personal and professional lives.

With over 15 years of experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, I’ve built a career at the forefront of scientific innovation. My journey spans biotech startups, mid-sized companies, and large pharma, where I’ve led teams, scaled capabilities, and driven impactful drug discovery and early-stage R&D programs. Leveraging a PhD in Biological Chemistry from UCLA, I specialize in cell and molecular biology, developing screening assays and translational models that have contributed to therapeutic breakthroughs and advanced drug development pipelines.

Beyond research, I’m passionate about mentorship and volunteering. I am actively involved in promoting careers for women in the life sciences as a Steering Committee member for the Women in Bio chapter in Southern California. Through roles as a scientific advisor and consultant, I’ve guided early-stage companies and individuals toward achieving their goals.

At Forge Optima, I am dedicated to fostering innovation, inspiring future leaders in the field of biopharmaceuticals, and mentoring the next generation in STEM careers.

I’ve spent over 20 years at the intersection of finance, strategy, and technology, helping organizations drive efficiency, optimize operations, and scale for growth. My journey spans corporate finance, accounting, and executive leadership, from transforming financial operations at mid-sized companies to leading innovation as a tech startup founder.

With an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a CPA license, I combine deep financial expertise with a passion for leveraging technology to improve business outcomes. I thrive on building high-trust, high-impact teams and guiding companies through change with a focus on people, processes, and results.

At Forge Optima, I’m passionate about mentorship, professional growth, and sharing what I’ve learned with students, young professionals, and future leaders. Whether you’re figuring out your career path, looking to build leadership skills, or interested in finance and business strategy, I’m happy to share insights and guidance to help you succeed.

I'm a People & Culture leader with over 20 years of experience building and scaling HR functions across high-growth tech, fintech, and mission-driven organizations. Currently, I serve as VP of People & Culture at Esusu, where I lead with both data and heart—designing strategies that help companies grow while creating workplaces where people genuinely thrive.

Throughout my career, I’ve led teams through rapid growth, transformation, and restructuring, always focused on aligning talent with business strategy. I’ve built performance systems, reimagined Total Rewards programs, and advised C-suite leaders on everything from organizational design to cultural transformation. What drives me most is creating high-trust environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Mentorship is a big part of how I lead. Whether I'm coaching a senior leader through a tough moment or helping someone early in their career find their path, I show up with curiosity, clarity, and a deep belief in people’s potential. At Forge Optima, I’m here to help others navigate complexity, lead with purpose, and build better workplaces for the future.

Keith Alexander Ashe is an AI engineer, transformation consultant, experienced technology leader, full stack software engineer, Python enthusiast, and Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt. He has 20+ years of experience with operational and digital transformation in healthcare, finance, and startups.

He has served as a mentor and startup competition judge with Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Mr. Ashe earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Florida A&M University. He also earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University. He attained Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification from Villanova University.

My journey with Forge Optima began in high school, where I received mentorship that shaped my path through college and into my career in public accounting at a Big 4 firm. With a degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton, and years of hands-on experience, I’ve gained valuable insights into helping others align their ambitions with actionable goals.

As a mentor, I’m passionate about supporting students as they navigate pivotal transitions from education into their careers. My approach focuses on building confidence, honing strengths, and creating a clear vision for success. Drawing from my own experiences, I offer practical advice and encouragement to help others unlock their potential.

At Forge Optima, I am dedicated to fostering growth, providing guidance, and inspiring the next generation to build purposeful and fulfilling futures.