Aurialís [ah-oo-ree-ah-lease] Alvarez has a marketing, business management, and public relations background. Most recently, she worked in marketing at The Dimock Center supporting institutional advancement and fundraising through content creation, communications, and advertising. Before that, she held positions and internships in the business management of fashion brands. Aurialís is a ... Read More

As a Senior Associate on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses team, Danielle focuses on the implementation of the program’s outreach, recruitment, application, and selection processes. Prior to ICIC, Danielle worked on the PR team at CTP, a Boston-based marketing agency, where she created strategies and identified industry trends to generate ... Read More

Naomi has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Entrepreneurship and Global Business from Suffolk University. Prior to joining ICCC, Naomi was a manager at the Suffolk University Philanthropy Center and also interned as a Data Analyst at the Suffolk University MBA program.  Naomi has also worked with several non-profits in ... Read More

Oksana Bondar serves as ICIC’s Chief Financial Officer. Oksana has over twenty years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining ICIC in 2013, she served as the director of finance and operations at the Elizabeth Peabody House and as a finance director at Peace First. Oksana holds MBA in ... Read More

Prior to joining ICIC as an Associate, Cheryl worked as the Data and Program Manager for The Gus Bus, a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant-based literacy enrichment program in the Harrisonburg, VA area. There she managed the data and required reporting for three grants providing literacy enrichment and family ... Read More

Miles draws on a variety of social scientific and geospatial methods to characterize and examine underserved communities across the United States. Prior to joining ICIC, Miles worked as a GIS consultant for the Saratoga County Public Health Department, where his assignments included redesigning the county-wide COVID-19 data dashboard. He holds ... Read More

As Program Manager of Building for Growth, Monica leads strategic recruitment, partnership cultivation, and day-to-day operations for the program, which focuses on BIPOC- and woman-owned construction contractors. In addition, as part of the Data Strategy & Innovation (DSI) team, she supports existing and developing initiatives under the umbrella of DSI, such ... Read More

As the Director of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Nicaela manages the team at ICIC and the program nationally to recruit over 7,000 diverse and under-resourced small business owners from around the country every year. Prior to ICIC, Nicaela worked on statewide and congressional political campaigns in Massachusetts where she implemented and analyzed ... Read More

As an analyst on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses team, Kaitlyn focuses on the implementation of the program’s outreach, recruitment, and selection processes. Prior to ICIC, Kaitlyn worked for Ararat Jewelers helping the company re-develop their website, business, and media strategy, and for Mercy Corps as a Business Development Intern. Kaitlyn ... Read More

As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Caitlin is responsible for building relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Prior to joining ICIC, Caitlin worked as a Pre-K teacher with Kindercare Learning Centers. They hold a bachelor’s degree ... Read More

Anna Marie Cruz serves as the Director of Ecosystem Engagement, enhancing and expanding ICIC’s visibility, reach, and reputation by building and strengthening external relationships. Working with ICIC’s leadership team, she develops strategic partnerships to drive recruitment, research/program business development, and other synergies that support ICIC’s mission and vision. Prior to joining ... Read More

As an Analyst for the Cultivate Small Business team, Jackson focuses on business operations, program management and analytics. Prior to ICIC Jackson worked for a renewable energy company installing solar panels across the state of Oregon. His education and experience have provided him expertise in project management, corporate social responsibility, and ... Read More

Krystal Daniel is an Analyst on the 10,000 Small Businesses team. She has a background in legislative research, advocacy, marketing, and writing consulting from working in the private and public sector. Krystal has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Bowie State University, and a Master of Professional Studies in ... Read More

As executive assistant to the CEO and administrative manager, Sarah Levis Desmond is responsible for managing the calendar of the CEO, travel arrangements and correspondence of the executive team. Sarah also assists with managing special projects and events at ICIC. Prior to joining ICIC, Sarah worked in the Office of the ... Read More

As a senior research associate at ICIC, Peter utilizes academic and applied practice in both quantitative and qualitative methods to support and lead a number of research projects. A skilled data and survey analyst Peter has led and supported numerous entrepreneurship evaluation projects, including ICIC’s evaluation of JPMorgan Chase’s Small ... Read More

Dustin is responsible for the implementation of Salesforce throughout the organization. As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Dustin was previously responsible for cultivating relationships with business owners across the country.  Dustin Farris joined ICIC after a year of service as an AmeriCorps member at CityYear, ... Read More

As an Associate on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Sam is responsible for building relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Prior to joining ICIC, Sam worked as a Senate Page for the Senate President of Massachusetts providing constituent services as well ... Read More

As CEO of ICIC, Steve leads a dynamic and growing team of professionals dedicated to achieving economic prosperity in America’s under-resourced communities. Steve is focused on setting ICIC’s strategic direction, leading the organization through a period of rapid growth and extending ICIC’s national visibility and brand. He directs ICIC’s efforts to ... Read More

As an Analyst on the 10,000 Small Businesses team, Taylin focuses on the implementation of the program’s outreach, recruitment, and selection processes. Prior to ICIC, Taylin worked in undergraduate admissions at Colgate University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government and a Minor in International Relations and History from ... Read More

In her role as Senior HR Associate at ICIC, Samantha carries out a variety of essential functions within the organization’s Talent and Culture Department. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornell University, as well as a SHRM-CP certification and an Inclusive Workplace Culture specialty credential, Samantha is a skilled ... Read More

As Alumni Affairs Coordinator, Kwanza Johnson coordinates the planning, development, and execution of the alumni relations strategy. She is also responsible for managing the Inner City Alumni Network (ICAN) which provides resources for entrepreneurs. She is also leading the formation of a nationwide alumni association. Prior to her time with ICIC, ... Read More

Prior to joining ICIC, Jarred was an intern in Baltimore’s City Council. Jarred worked under District 1 Councilman Zeke Cohen as an aide in both the Public Safety Committee and Constituent Services. There he dealt primarily with issues regarding city conduits, water billing, and surveillance. Jarred has also worked as a ... Read More

Pooja oversees the outreach, recruitment, application and selection processes of scholars into the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women: Black in Business program, launched in 2022 to assist early-stage Black women sole proprietors create profitable, sustainable business models. Prior to her work on Black in Business, Pooja led strategic advising ... Read More

Eden Kalfon serves as a French-speaking Program Coordinator with the ICCC team. As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Eden is responsible for cultivating relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Eden hopes to make a positive contribution by ... Read More

Isha Kamara is a program analyst on the Goldman Sachs Black in Business and 10,000 Small Business teams. Their background includes small business development, philanthropy, and social inequality advocacy. Before joining ICIC, they worked in the District of Columbia Public Schools as a High School Special Education English Teacher and also as ... Read More

As a Development Associate at ICIC, Aprell enjoys advocating for the mission of the organization and scoping impactful ways to bridge funding from corporations and foundations to those in need. Since completing her Master’s in Urban Planning from USC in 2020, Aprell has utilized her sales background to serve in ... Read More

As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Sheril is responsible for cultivating relationships with business owners from across the country. Prior to joining ICIC, Sheril interned as a Data Analyst for the Sharing Center, a local non-profit based in Orlando. Sheril holds a B.A. in Integrated Business ... Read More

As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Nick is responsible for building relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Prior to joining ICIC, Nick worked as a Bilingual Data Collector for the University of Virginia, as a Program Coordinator ... Read More

As Director of Data Strategy & Innovation (DSI), Nadia is responsible for defining and implementing data and process strategies for the organization and overseeing the incubation and implementation of new innovative initiatives, including the Building for Growth (BFG) program for BIPOC- and woman-owned construction contractors, and the growing Inner City ... Read More

As a Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Dana is responsible for building relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Prior to joining ICIC, Dana worked as an e-commerce associate providing data analysis, customer support and tech support to various ... Read More

André Ledgister is a highly-skilled professional with more than 20 years of experience in marketing communications, storytelling, process management, and creative writing. He uses his broad knowledge and commitment to a better world to highlight the work of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City as their Director of Marketing ... Read More

As an Associate on the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses team, Paula supports the program’s application-processing and evaluation tasks, and manages local site logistics activities. Prior to ICIC, Paula worked for Esri as a Business Analyst, and is a graduate of Colorado State University, with a degree in English and Journalism. ... Read More

Jasmine Martin is the Marketing and Communications Manager at ICIC. Jasmine has a diverse background that includes more than eight years of experience working with non-profits managing marketing and communications. At ICIC, she manages the daily operations of program communications. Prior to joining ICIC, she worked as an executive assistant ... Read More

As IC100 Program Coordinator, Carolin Mejia (she/they/ella) manages the recruitment and overall operations of the annual Inner City 100 (IC100) awards. This award recognizes and celebrates the 100 fastest-growing small businesses in under-resourced communities nationwide. Professionally, Carolin brings a background in advocacy, community outreach, and project management from working with ... Read More

As Senior Director of Urban Business Initiatives, Sonia manages ICIC’s partnership with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses and Santander Bank’s Cultivate Small Business programs. Prior to joining ICIC, Sonia worked at the International Finance Corporation (IFC, World Bank Group) driving business development and knowledge management programs. With a passion for growing the ... Read More

As an Analyst, Jonsey supports the application processing and evaluation and local site management activities and logistics for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses team. Prior to ICIC, Jonesy worked for Full of Fruit Productions, Stage One Theatre and for the Office of Congressman John Yarmuth and is a graduate of Wesleyan University, with ... Read More

Genesis serves as a Spanish-speaking program coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team. Genesis is also responsible for cultivating relationships with key members of under-served communities and small business owners across the country. Prior to ICIC, Genesis worked as a legal assistant for a divorce law firm, a Spanish interpreter, ... Read More

As the Deputy Director of the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Marynee oversees the growth and development of the ICCC program, from cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to supporting the expansion to different markets and demographics. In addition, she leads recruitment for ICCC cohorts in Chicago, Memphis, and ... Read More

As Director of the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Diego plays an important role in ICCC’s cohort management, including the development of recruitment strategies, designing internal team goals, analyzing recruitment channels, and cultivating relationships with inner city CEOs across the U.S. Before joining ICIC, Diego worked as a Registered Representative ... Read More

Ameka Powell is a Program Analyst for ICIC working primarily with Goldman Sachs Black in Business and 10,000 Small Businesses programs. As an analyst, she is responsible for the analysis and implementation of the program’s current processes. Prior to ICIC, she worked in association management where she served thousands of ... Read More

Liz Pugh serves as the Director of Development, overseeing the implementation of ICIC’s fundraising and alumni relations strategy. She is responsible for maintaining ongoing relationships with ICIC’s current partners, as well as a cultivating new prospects to support our expanding thought and practice leadership. Prior to joining ICIC, Liz worked in nonprofit ... Read More

As a Senior Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections team, Laura is responsible for cultivating relationships with key community stakeholders and partners to support small business owners across the United States and Canada. Prior to joining ICIC, Laura held internships at her state, county, and municipal governments. Most recently, ... Read More

As the Business Operations and Human Resources Associate, Valentina works daily to address all the needs of the ICIC staff and support their contribution to closing the racial wealth gap and eliminating concentrated poverty in the United States and Canada. With her Masters’s degree in Management and Finance, Valentina has ... Read More

Chris brings a diverse skillset and background in academic research, local government policy, and socioeconomic data analysis to ICIC. As a senior research associate, Chris primarily engages on projects relating to economic development and cluster growth and provides support in the form of qualitative and quantitative analysis of inner city ... Read More

As Director of Innovation, Michael Shore is responsible for helping drive positive change at ICIC. He works on new, innovative/strategic projects and is responsible for managing our Salesforce CRM. Prior to ICIC, Mike was Director of Data and Continuous Improvement at JVS, a non-profit workforce development organization.  He led continuous improvement ... Read More

As an associate on the Development team, Callan serves ICIC through the maintenance and expansion of the individual giving program. This includes managing the annual donor cycle, leveraging and enhancing our data strategy, and providing support to the executive team’s fundraising efforts. Callan has also played a key role in the ... Read More

As a Lead Program Coordinator on the Inner City Capital Connections (ICCC) team, Indhira is responsible for cultivating relationships with key community stakeholders and partners to connect with small business owners from across the country. Additionally, Indi is responsible for the creation of all ICCC’s graphics on social media and ... Read More

Elizabeth Vega (She/her/ella) serves as the Director of Talent & Culture for ICIC, where she provides thought leadership, oversight and direction to the overall provision of people and HR services. She serves as a partner with ICIC’s leadership team to develop and implement strategic initiatives, focused on driving an organizational ... Read More

Prior to joining the 10,000 Small Businesses team, Sebastian interned with ICIC’s research team between his sophomore and junior years through Boston College’s Corcoran Summer Internship Program. He also has experience working in Marketing Operations for a large Boston cybersecurity company. Sebastian is a 2022 graduate of Boston College, holding a ... Read More

Howard Wial is Senior Vice President and Director of Research at ICIC. A specialist in urban and regional economic development, he is responsible for designing and overseeing a research agenda to promote the revitalization of economically depressed communities. Howard has extensive experience as an economist and economic policy advisor. He has ... Read More

Beverly Wolf is a Staff Accountant at ICIC supporting the CFO on finance and accounting matters.  Prior to joining ICIC, Beverly worked in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, most recently as a consultant to start-up nonprofit organizations.  She is a CPA and holds a BS in Accounting from Lehigh ... Read More

As a Senior Associate on the Research team, Devon is a key contributor to ICIC’s foundational research on inner cities, including work on the definition of an inner city and on inner cities’ economic and social conditions. Working with Census data and GIS mapping tools, Devon applies expertise in statistics ... Read More