Kerry Schrader and Ashlee Ammons are a dynamic Mother/Daughter duo who are in the new wave of entrepreneurs re-imagining daily life; creating services that make work and play simpler, better, and more satisfying. Without formal tech backgrounds, they’ve blazed trails in the male-dominated tech startup space with their company, Mixtroz, which enhances community engagement and data collection in gatherings of 25 or more people.

Following significant progress in 2017, Team Mixtroz joined the 2nd Cohort of Birmingham, Alabama’s Velocity Accelerator in early 2018 and starred in an episode of A+E Networks' investment series “Rooster & Butch”. On May 9, 2018, the duo was selected to pitch to AOL Co-Founder Steve Case during the Rise of the Rest tour stop in Birmingham, AL. Team Mixtroz won, securing a $100,000 investment from Case’s Revolution Fund. They subsequently closed a $1M round of funding, making them the 37th and 38th Black females to ever close a million-dollar round in funding. Mixtroz has been featured in prominent publications including Forbes, Business Insider, and CNN, highlighting its impact and innovation.

Kerry Schrader, Cofounder/CEO of Mixtroz, holds a BBA, MBA from Kent State University and has maintained both the SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. With over 25 years of experience, Schrader has significantly impacted the human assets of large companies including Ford, Alcoa, and Sears Holdings Corporation. She also serves on the Board of Albuquerque-based Creative Startups and as Corporate Treasurer for a Nashville-based investment group. Schrader is dedicated to initiatives that support the education and development of girls and underrepresented children, embodying her commitment through various volunteer activities.

Ashlee Ammons, Co-Founder/President of Mixtroz, holds a BA in Mass Communications and Public Relations from Baldwin-Wallace University. Ammons was notably the first intern to NBA star LeBron James and has since built a robust career in New York City as an Events Producer, collaborating with high-profile individuals like Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jay-Z, and major brands such as Moet Hennessy and Coca-Cola. Her work at Mixtroz is driven by her extensive experience in events and her adeptness at integrating technology to enhance consumer experiences. Recently named a Female Founder 100 Honoree by Inc. in 2022, Ammons actively supports the next generation of entrepreneurs through her advisory role at the Nashville Entrepreneur Center and volunteer efforts in culturally diverse K-12 school systems. She resides in Atlanta, GA.

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