September 17, 2025 – StartOut, the national nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, announced today the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors— Alexander-Ali Dalipi, Sidd Gavirneni, and Traci Keen—as well as the appointment of Cori Coccia as the organization’s new Director of Operations.
“These leaders represent the very best of what StartOut stands for: innovation, resilience, and community,” said Genesis Garcia, StartOut Board Chair. “Sidd, Alexander-Ali, and Traci are all successful entrepreneurs who know firsthand the challenges of building companies. Their voices will strengthen our board as we guide StartOut’s next chapter of growth.”
Sidd and Traci are both alums of StartOut’s Growth Lab accelerator program who led their respective companies through successful acquisitions. Alexander-Ali has been a longtime StartOut volunteer and host committee member for the annual StartOut Awards, with his company serving as a sponsor for the last two years.
In addition to the new board members, Cori Coccia joined the StartOut staff in the newly created role of Director of Operations, bringing extensive nonprofit management experience and a track record of leading organizations with strong operational foundations. Cori previously served as Executive Director of the nonprofit GirlVentures.
“Cori’s leadership in nonprofit operations will be instrumental as StartOut grows to meet the needs of LGBTQ+ founders nationwide,” said Brian Richardson, StartOut CEO. “Her ability to align strategy with execution will ensure we can deliver greater impact.”
Each of the new leaders brings a unique background and proven record of impact.
Alexander-Ali Dalipi (he/him)
For more than 25 years, Alexander-Ali Dalipi has led in human resources and payroll, designing systems that enhance efficiency and support organizational growth. As founder and CEO of HR1Systems, he provides full client-side and vendor implementation and strategic services for small to midsize companies. Under his leadership, HR1Systems became a corporate sponsor of the StartOut Awards since 2023. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, Development, and Change at Lehman College and holds a Master’s in Human Resources Development from Villanova University. With certifications in PHR, SHRM-CP, National Payroll Compliance, and Data Analytics, Alexander-Ali is also a frequent national speaker on HR and payroll innovation.
Sidd Gavirneni (he/him)
Sidd Gavirneni is a cybersecurity entrepreneur, executive, and LGBTQ+ advocate who has lived and led across India, Spain, and the United States. He founded Zeguro, one of the first startups to integrate cybersecurity and cyber insurance for SMBs, which was later acquired by HSB, a Munich Re company. Today, Sidd leads cyber products at HSB while serving on DEI committees at both HSB and Munich Re. A StartOut Growth Lab alum and recipient of the 2019 StartOut Next Generation Award, Sidd remains deeply connected to the StartOut community as a mentor and Growth Lab selection committee member. He continues to champion purpose-driven leadership, believing true success is measured in how many people you empower along the way.
Traci Keen (she/her)
Traci Keen is an accomplished Founder, CEO, strategic advisor and CFO with a track record of leading mission-driven companies through rapid growth, operational transformation, and successful exit. A recognized fertility innovator, she has pioneered the use of digital tools, AI-driven clinical support, and scalable infrastructure to expand access to care and empower generalist providers. Over the course of her career, Traci has raised more than $25M in venture capital and debt, led complex M&A transactions, and advised startups and growth-stage companies on strategic finance, fundraising, and operational clarity. She is known for her ability to navigate complexity with both empathy and precision, bringing a rare blend of vision, execution, and emotional intelligence to every table she sits at.
Cori Coccia – Director of Operations (she/they)
StartOut also welcomed Cori Coccia as its new Director of Operations. Cori has worked in the nonprofit sector since 1999, dedicating their early career to expanding equitable access to the outdoors for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and low-income communities. At StartOut, Cori brings deep expertise in nonprofit operations, organizational leadership, team development, and financial management systems. They are passionate about strengthening systems that support sustainable work culture and lasting impact.