Balu Belz is a community strategist and startup advisor. She has spent the past decade of her career managing partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, and is now a fractional leader at a private network for entrepreneurs.

Outside of her corporate experience, she is also a certified health & wellness coach and has supported clients navigating fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.

As a mom of two, Balu is passionate about the growing motherhood economy, and supports founder-led brands that center mothers as consumers.

She’s excited to amplify the voices of diverse women who identify as mothers and founders, and to create a space where their stories can be heard and celebrated.

Jessica Butkus is a marketing strategist, certified lactation counselor, and mom of two who’s spent the last few years growing brands and cheering on the women behind them. 

She’s led digital strategy for motherhood-focused companies, built community-driven content that actually connects, and supported dozens of female founders on their entrepreneurship journey.

Jessica is the friend you text when you need a marketing plan and a pep talk — and on Founding Mothers, she brings her signature mix of wit, warmth, and “let’s make this happen” energy to every episode.

With a background in branding, content, and all things early motherhood, she’s here to ask the real questions and celebrate the messy, magical ride of building a business while raising babies.