Empower
a new generation
Students can learn from mentors from top employers
Who We Are
We’re a passionate group of former international students and professionals that know how hard it is to be successful in the U.S.
Our Leadership
Don Collins
Executive Director
Don is an accomplished professional with a rich background in connecting international talent with opportunities in the U.S. technology sector. He is currently the Executive Director of The Parachute Project. Prior to joining, Don led the Silicon Valley Internship Program, successfully matching top international STEM graduates with Silicon Valley startups, overseeing the sponsorship of necessary U.S. visas. Don’s experience extends to Product Management, having previously built software products in the telecommunications tech space. Don’s strong commitment to innovation in the space is complemented by a background in navigating complex immigration processes.
Ali Ramezanzadeh
Legal Counsel
Ali is a highly-skilled lawyer currently serving as pro bono Counsel at The Parachute Project, and Chief Compliance Officer at Ellis Technologies, a premier, tech-enabled immigration law firm. With a deep background in immigration law, Ali brings a specialized perspective to his responsibilities, having previously served in the immigration and global mobility legal tech space, helping guide two successful corporate acquisitions. Prior to that, Ali worked as a Senior Attorney at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, the world’s largest immigration law firm. Earlier in his legal career, Ali served as a Congressional Aide and Counsel to Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, specializing in immigration policy and casework.