03/24/2026
Thirty years ago, the Mayfield Fellows Program set out to answer a simple but powerful question: what if entrepreneurial leadership could be taught—not just in theory, but through lived experience, community, and reflection?
Last week, that question echoed across generations.
From Ash Wallington’s opening and Professor Tom Byers reflections on building the program alongside Professor Bob Sutton and Michael Levinthal, to Navin Chaddha’s celebration of a 30-year relationship with Mayfield, the evening reminded us that enduring innovation is a collective act.
We were honored to welcome Stanford President Jonathan Levin, School of Engineering Dean Jennifer Widom, and MS&E Department Chair Ashish Goel—leaders who continue to shape the university’s commitment to innovation and impact. President Levin and Adjunct Lecturer Ann Miura-Ko invited us to consider why universities are so important to the innovation ecosystem.
Tina Seelig brought the spirit of the program to life—bridging past, present, and future through alumni reflections and voices from fellows, including Eyrin Kim and Ahmed Muhammad.
From the first cohort to this current class, what we saw in the room was a living network of builders, thinkers, and leaders committed to shaping a more thoughtful future.
To everyone who has been part of this journey—thank you. Here’s to the next 30 years
![“I’m not surprised [The Mayfield Fellows Program] has thrived. It was the single most meaningful and impactful education...](https://img4.ngos1.com/220/510/1333027802205105.jpg)
