Kova: Curated Mentorship Platform

Kova is an AI-powered, curated networking platform designed to replace cold outreach with high-quality, intentional connections. The platform connects high-potential individuals with experienced mentors through intelligent, mutual matching—ensuring that mentees gain relevant access while protecting mentors’ time. I developed Kova as a response to the inefficiencies I experienced firsthand when trying to build meaningful connections in a new environment. Traditional platforms prioritize volume over quality, resulting in low response rates and fragmented interactions. Kova reimagines this process by focusing on curation, signal, and alignment rather than scale alone. To bring this idea to life, I designed a simple product experience, including: - User flow design: onboarding, application, discovery, matching, and scheduling - High-fidelity UI/UX prototypes in Figma, with interactive navigation and onboarding flows - Product strategy and positioning, differentiating Kova from platforms like LinkedIn and ADPList - AI integration concepting, specifically around intelligent matching, vetting, and reducing “black box” trust concerns - Marketplace design thinking, balancing incentives between mentees and mentors to ensure long-term engagement and scalability This project required a combination of systems thinking, product design, and strategic analysis, particularly in addressing two-sided network challenges such as supply quality (mentors) and demand intent (mentees). Kova was recognized as a semifinalist in the CUNY-wide CEO Pitch Competition held at Baruch College, where it was evaluated on innovation, feasibility, and market potential.