About Us
Building bridges to access and proximity in tech
Our Story
It started with a simple idea in 2017. Could we get founders, CEOs, designers, and developers, people who normally wouldn't have time to mentor, to spend just 1 hour, with 1 mentee, once a month?
Founded by Darye Henry, Mentors of Color began as an organization to help people of color break into tech, whether as founders or professionals. It wasn't about formal mentorship programs. It was about giving people access and proximity to the leaders and resources that could change their trajectory.
We started small, connecting people over lunch every other week at different spots around Indianapolis. Then COVID hit. We went virtual, and something unexpected happened: we realized the need for what we were doing extended far beyond Indianapolis.
Over time, Mentors of Color grew to serve professionals across different industries, from finance to healthcare to creative fields. While this broader reach helped many people, we recognized that our deepest impact came from our roots in the tech ecosystem.
Behind this work was Wellcrafted Startups, a successful software development agency. Through years of building products and working with clients, we saw firsthand the barriers that kept talented people from entering tech. We also witnessed countless founders with great ideas who lacked the guidance and support to get started. This experience, running a successful agency while seeing so many others who wanted to break into tech, inspired us to create pathways for others to do the same.
That's why we've evolved into Wellcrafted Foundry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a focused mission: empowering the next generation of Black innovative leaders to break into and thrive in the tech startup ecosystem. The name reflects our purpose: this is a place where we forge relationships, mentorships, new founders, and new paths into tech.
Through education, mentorship, and hands-on programs, we provide practical tools and pathways to build sustainable startups and careers. We're building bridges that bring proximity to power within reach, ensuring that the next generation of Black innovative leaders has access to the resources and networks they need to succeed.
From those first lunch meetups in Indianapolis to a national platform serving founders and professionals across the country, our core belief remains unchanged: access and proximity can transform lives and careers. Today, we have active hubs in Atlanta and Indianapolis, with plans to expand to more cities.
Our Mission
Wellcrafted Foundry is a mission-driven organization empowering the next generation of Black innovative leaders with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities to join and thrive in the tech startup ecosystem.
Through education, mentorship, and hands-on programs, we provide practical tools and pathways for diverse talent to build sustainable startups, advance their careers, and succeed in technology and entrepreneurship.
Our Vision
We envision a tech startup ecosystem where every founder and tech professional has access to the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to join, contribute, and succeed - regardless of their background.
Through our network and programs, we're building a dynamic ecosystem where the next generation of Black innovative leaders gains visibility, practical skills meet strategic guidance, and emerging talent transforms from outsiders to essential contributors.
We create pathways where mentorship fuels growth, education unlocks capability, and every connection opens doors to meaningful careers and successful ventures in the tech startup world.
Our Founders
Meet the leaders behind Wellcrafted Foundry
Mike Lee
Co-Founder & Director of Community Development
Mike oversees mentorship programs and partner engagement, bringing years of experience in guiding emerging professionals and founders. His commitment to accessible mentorship shapes our culture.
Rachel Lee
Co-Founder & Director of Culture and Operations
Rachel leads operations and program development at Wellcrafted Foundry, ensuring our events and initiatives create meaningful impact. Her expertise in program building drives our organizational excellence.
Darye Henry
Co-Founder & Chairman of the Board
Darye brings extensive experience in technology leadership and entrepreneurship, with a passion for creating pathways for Black founders. As Chairman, he guides the strategic vision and growth of Wellcrafted Foundry.
Our Values
Access
Creating pathways to resources, opportunities, and networks that accelerate growth.
Connection
Building supportive networks where professionals and founders can thrive together.
Authenticity
Fostering spaces where people can show up fully and lead with their true selves.
Impact
Driving meaningful change in the tech ecosystem through education, mentorship, and opportunity.