Full Team Bios
Brendan T. Mims
Brendan T. Mims serves as the Superintendent of the historically recognized Bedford-Stuyvesant Community School District 16, located in Brooklyn, New York. Under his leadership, District 16 has achieved significant academic improvements, notably reporting gains in reading and a 20% proficiency increase for students in grades three through eight in mathematics.
In recognition of his dedication to academic excellence and fostering a collaborative district and community environment, Mims was honored with the prestigious Dr. Albert Vann Vanguard Leadership Award by the New York State Association of Black, Puerto Rican, & Asian Legislators, Inc. This accolade highlights his commitment to fostering academic success and equity within the district.
Superintendent Mims actively collaborates with local community partners in the arts and sciences to support school communities by ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded, high-quality educational experience that supports them in thinking critically, leading, and thriving in life, college, business, and entrepreneurship post K-12. By building strong relationships with parents and the community-at-large, Mims continues expanding upon a culture and legacy that is inclusive, caring and committed to continual growth and excellence.
Jocelynne Rainey, Ed.D.
Jocelynne Rainey is a strategic leader and community advocate with over 20 years of experience driving impactful change through community engagement, talent management, and workforce development. As Chief Executive Officer of Brooklyn Org, Jocelynne leads Brooklyn’s first public foundation dedicated to supporting local nonprofits and community initiatives that promote racial justice and community-led change. Her strategic approach has strengthened the Foundation’s reach through an expanded donor base and new partnerships with community- based organizations, aligning resources to address the specific needs of Brooklyn’s diverse communities.
Throughout her career, Jocelynne has pioneered innovative talent management practices and built strong, mission-driven teams. At Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, she redefined workforce development efforts, leading initiatives that placed hundreds of local residents in meaningful jobs and championed career pathways for Brooklyn’s youth through hands-on training and development programs like the STEAM Center. Her human resources leadership extended beyond recruitment; she cultivated an organizational culture of accountability and excellence, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that continue to drive sustainable growth and community impact.
Jocelynne’s contributions have earned her numerous awards and recognition and appointments to several nonprofit, higher education and City government boards, including Mark Morris Dance Group, Southern Connecticut State University, New York College of Technology, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Brooklyn Bridge Park and New York City Workforce Investment Board. She holds an Ed.D. in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College and has serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Teachers College, where she mentors the next generation of HR and nonprofit leaders.
Peter Brookins
Peter Brookins is a 3rd generation Bedford Stuyvesant resident and home owner. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia and serves as the Vice President of the Putnam Ave. /Lewis to Marcus Garvey Block Association. He retired from the NYC Department of Corrections as a Warden Level 1 after 28 years of service.
He is passionate about arts and culture and maintaining an intellectually diverse community in Bed-Stuy.
Richelle Trivedi
A resident of Brooklyn for nearly 30 years, Richelle Trivedi has long been committed to fostering positive change within our community. As an activist and leader, Richelle started her journey in her 20s working with Clean Water Action and NRML, continued her community involvement through membership on multiple school leadership teams across Brooklyn, and currently serves as president of her block association.
Richelle’s passion for sustainability is also reflected in her past leadership of one of Bed-Stuy’s largest compost collection sites, where, as a certified master composter, she oversaw a team of volunteers who processed over a ton of organic waste a year.
In addition to her community work, Richelle is a seasoned holistic healer with over 30 years of experience. As a Master Herbalist, Acupressurist, Ecotherapist, Vibrational Sound Therapist, and Reiki Master and Teacher, she works towards cultivating a healthier, more balanced community.
Richelle is excited to serve as an advisor for the renovation of the Brooklyn Armory, combining her skills in community engagement, environmental sustainability, and wellness to ensure the project meets the needs and aspirations of Bed-Stuy residents.
Stevenson A. Dunn, Jr.
Stevenson A. Dunn, Jr. is a dynamic entrepreneur deeply immersed in the art world. Seamlessly navigating roles as a gallerist, curator, art advisor, and co-owner of The Bishop Gallery in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Dunn has passionately fostered gallery into a global beacon for the art community. The gallery proudly exhibits a diverse array of artistic expressions, from uplifting emerging talents like Sophia Victor, an SVA Professor, to collaborating with the estate of Harlem Renaissance luminary Lois Mailou-Jones. Notably, The Bishop Gallery has left an indelible mark on history by introducing Jean-Michel Basquiat's iconic artwork to HBCUs and the Smithsonian’s NMAAHC.
With over a decade of dedicated experience in fine arts exhibitions and programming, Dunn has curated powerful exhibitions featuring artists from six continents. As a true collaborator, he has engaged with esteemed institutions such as the Smithsonian, U.S. Congress, and the Armenian Museum of America, extending his influence globally through co-curating exhibitions in the United States and Switzerland. An accomplished speaker and commentator, Dunn has left his mark on prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Parsons College, and the US Naval Academy. His insightful perspectives have not only found a platform on news programs, including appearances on MSNBC's Squawk Box, but have also been recognized by industry authorities such as The Art Newspaper and Hyperallergic.
Tokunbo Anifalaje
Tokunbo Anifalaje brings over ten years of management consulting experience primarily in the telecom, banking, and clinical research sectors. In early 2022, Tokunbo Anifalaje became the Director of the Business Center at Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, where she leads initiatives that provide business coaching, referrals, access to capital, and planning support to small businesses. Under her leadership, the Business Center is undertaking ambitious growth plans to scale its reach to businesses within central Brooklyn.
Previously, Tokunbo spent close to 7 years in the inaugural role of Director of Business Services at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. In this role, she established a suite of business support services, developed business programming, and provided referral resources for 500+ manufacturing to creative businesses operating at the Yard.
In September 2020, to support MBE small businesses impacted by COVID-19, she launched Moving Past a Million a small business cohort program aimed to equip MBEs with the skills and resources needed to meet their revenue goals and weather financial downturns, while ensuring they are well-positioned to access future capital –the principal barrier to MBE success both locally and nationally.
Ms. Anifalaje enjoys contributing to community economic development and inclusionary planning. She is very committed to economic development and urban redevelopment that will create sustainable communities that attract families, businesses, and address the needs and challenges of communities.
Ms. Anifalaje is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Pratt Institute where she received her Masters in Regional and City Planning.
Assemblymember Stefani L. Zinerman
Assembly Member Stefani L. Zinerman represents New York State's 56th District, covering Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights in Brooklyn. Now serving her third term, she is a dynamic leader dedicated to equity, opportunity, and sustainability.
Assembly Member Zinerman serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Workforce and sits on the Standing Committees on Aging, Agriculture, Corporations, Authorities and Commissions, Labor, People with Disabilities, and Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development. She is also a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, the Legislative Women’s Caucus, and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
During the 2025-2027 Legislative Session of the New York State Assembly, Assembly Member Zinerman will serve as Deputy Majority Whip. She will work alongside Rodneyse Bichotte (Majority Whip) and Simcha Eichenstein (Assistant Whip) to support Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader, in ensuring the committee continues to work cohesively and effectively in advancing the needs of all New Yorkers.
As Chair of the Subcommittee on Emerging Workforce, she champions green job career pathways, aligning workforce development with New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). She is also leading transformative projects, including the redevelopment of the Cultural Museum of African Art, Kosciusko Pool, Marcus Garvey Armory, and Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza.
Assembly Member Zinerman is a tireless advocate for housing stability, food justice, maternal health, and voter rights. She has partnered with District 16 to implement the Black Studies Curriculum and expand Community Schools and works to promote small business growth and healthy aging through local initiatives.
A recognized leader in voter engagement and a Silver Life Member of the Brooklyn NAACP, Assembly Member Zinerman is building a future where justice, sustainability, and opportunity are accessible to all.
Paul T. Williams, Jr
Paul T. Williams, Jr. is co-founder and Managing Director of Williams Strategy Advisors, LLC (“WSA ”). WSA works with private sector infrastructure contractors and developers to identify and secure new project opportunities, develop financing strategies, and build strategic partnerships to support and maximize participation of under-utilized minority and women-owned businesses. WSA is currently a strategic advisor to One Brooklyn Health System in its delivery of a $664 million transformation grant.
Williams previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) completing over $30 billion in bond transactions and directing over $6.3 billion in deployed in construction projects. His public service also included his work as Chair of Governor Paterson’s MWBE Task Force, where he led the effort to overhaul the State’s procurement policies to rapidly increase business opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses, particularly in financial and professional services.
Prior to his government service, Williams was an investment banker and previous thereto practiced law for many years as a partner in a firm he co-founded and later as a partner in an international law firm. He continues his practice of law as a partner in the firm of Brown Hatchett & Williams LLP. Williams is a graduate of Yale University, Columbia University Law School and spent a year abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt.
James Johnson-Piett
James Johnson-Piett is Principal and CEO of Urbane, a social impact agency strengthening small businesses and community anchor institutions in historically disinvested communities. James has worked in 100+ communities across North America/Caribbean, with 1500 small businesses, representing 1.5M+ SF of commercial and community facility space. James has helped raise over $75M for small business and community development initiatives.
Stephanie Etienne
Stephanie Etienne’s career has spanned from grassroots organizing to the nonprofit sector and now public policy. She seeks to maintain a framework of servant leadership through the intentional engagement and cross-collaboration of people and institutions. Hailing from South Florida, Stephanie’s experience as a Haitian American has heavily influenced the trajectory of her educational pursuits and professional direction. She is a staunch advocate for equitable policies and good government practices that will create lasting opportunities for generations to come.
In addition to her work in public policy, Stephanie founded Choeblack Strategies, a political consulting practice that supports nonprofit organizations and private entities seeking to empower leaders who are dedicated to uplifting and supporting others. Through Choeblack Strategies, she creates strategic solutions that foster collaboration, strengthen leadership, and drive sustainable, positive change.
Anaelechi Owunwanne
Mr. Owunwanne is an American born Nigerian architect raised in Kuwait with over 20 years of professional experience within the fields of architecture, design and construction. He has worked on several New York City projects ranging from high rise Hotels, Affordable Residential projects, Brownstone renovations, private homes, and restaurants and bars. Anaelechi Owunwanne is the founding partner at Freeform Deform LLC and has overseen its day to day design work for the past 12 years.
Notable Project:
Freeform Deform was the design architect for the mixed use, affordable housing development located at the corner of Flatbush Avenue, and Caton Avenue just south of Prospect Park in Brooklyn. The Original Flatbush Caton Market was a local vendor’s market established in 1997 that primarily served the neighborhood's Caribbean population. A ULURP application was filed in 2016 to facilitate the development by BRP Caton Flats LLC and Urbane of a new improved Flatbush Caton Market on the ground floor and 255 units of affordable housing above comprising of 194,914 square feet. The new mixed use building also includes 19,434 square feet of commercial retail floor area, and the new 9,370 square foot Flatbush Caton Market for the vendors previously located at original market. The second floor of development houses the new Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry headquarters in 9,134 square feet of office space.
Patricia L. Adell
Patricia Adell is the Managing Partner and owner of Real Estate Solutions Group, LLC, a consulting firm that advises on the development of diverse real estate projects, including mixed-use complexes, sports complexes and hotels, projects. With over 30 years of experience in real estate, she has expertise in market and financial feasibility, public-private development partnerships, and strategic project development.
Her previous roles include Regional Director at Ernst & Young, LLP, Vice President at Legg Mason Real Estate Services, and Director of Commercial Development at the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. Ms. Adell holds a Master's in Urban Policy and Planning from the University of Illinois Chicago and a BA in Urban Affairs from Carnegie Mellon University. She is a certified Counselor of Real Estate and actively involved in professional organizations such as The Urban Land Institute and founding member of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) and on the advisory board of the American Graffiti Museum. Additionally, she has authored publications on economic development and project financing and conducted seminars for various prestigious institutions.
Charles A. Shorter
Charles A. Shorter is a senior real estate advisor, specializing in Public-Private Partnerships nationally and internationally. He began his real estate career at the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation prior to becoming a Principal at Arthur Anderson and most recently with Ernst & Young. His work has been as an advisor to developers, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and public agencies (Federal, State and Local).
Neil Wynter
Neil Wynter is a Vice President in Goldman Sachs’ Asset Management Division, where he specializes in leading and executing complex transformational initiatives. With over 20 years of consulting experience across the real estate, financial, and media industries, Neil has collaborated with a diverse range of companies, from technology start-ups to established firms, to modernize their infrastructure.
An experienced Project Manager, Neil has a strong background in asset management, finance, regulatory compliance, data governance, out-of-home digital media, and real estate. In addition to his professional roles, he serves as the Block President of the 500 Putnam Ave. Block Association.