Tulsi Patel

Tulsi Patel is a dedicated advocate for economic mobility and workforce development, bringing a deep understanding of both entrepreneurship and manufacturing to her work.

As Managing Principal at Estolano Advisors, she focuses on creating opportunities for individuals to build sustainable careers—whether as workers in the manufacturing sector or as independent makers selling their own products. In 2016, she designed and launched the Biotech Leaders Academy, connecting East Los Angeles College students with internships at startups and research centers in the life sciences industry. The program introduced students to career possibilities that could provide long-term economic security and mobility—values that align closely with Mechanism's mission.

Tulsi’s passion for economic opportunity is personal. Growing up, she saw her mother navigate the challenges of small business ownership as a means to support her family, while her father worked in manufacturing. This dual perspective shaped her career and commitment to helping people see viable pathways in both sectors.

With a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy from UC Berkeley and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA, she has a deep appreciation for the intersection of urban spaces, sustainability, and economic opportunity.

When she’s not helping others become makers, Tulsi enjoys hiking and exploring the green spaces of Los Angeles, from the San Gabriel Valley to Griffith Park.