YC's Director of Events

Fines describes changing course from law school shortly before applying. She built event experience through college and personal organizing, then worked at Frog Design, where she planned events including South by Southwest and hackathons. That portfolio helped her market herself as an events professional and eventually join YC.

Fines says club events focus on attendance and revenue, while YC events prioritize who attends and what comes from the gathering. Her outreach has included scholarships, school career weeks, and work with Code2040 and Big Brothers Big Sisters. She also brought the Raiders to learn about startup investing, with the goal of helping trusted role models share what they learn.

Cowansage says YC taught her to identify the problem she is trying to solve before spending time on a project. When she feels hesitant to act, she reminds herself that someone has to take the first step. Fines describes how conferences can make the results visible, including a diverse New York Female Founders Conference audience.

Fines says event planning for a leading tech company had been her goal, and she is now figuring out what comes next. She has become more open to creating startups and does not want to limit herself to one career direction or graduate school. She also makes time to recover after events, often by traveling and reducing work contact.

Fines closes by encouraging people to begin with whatever step fits their goal, whether it is small or ambitious. She says waiting can give fear and self-doubt more room to grow.