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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

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.

READ MORE

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. 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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

Stefani L. Zinerman was elected in 2020 to represent the historic neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights in the New York State Assembly. Now serving her third term, she is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing equity, opportunity, and sustainability in her vibrant community.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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’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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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.

READ MORE

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).