Our Executive Leadership

  • President & CEO

    Meet Sharon Joseph, President & CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund.

    Sharon is a transformative leader dedicated to driving economic empowerment and community development. As the President & CEO of HCC and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund, Sharon leads with a clear vision to create sustainable opportunities for individuals and businesses in Harlem and beyond. She focuses on fostering economic resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth.

    With over 15 years of experience in financial services, Sharon has held influential roles, including Private Wealth Advisor and Management Consultant, with a notable tenure at Goldman Sachs. She also played a key role in the creation of Harlem Lanes, the first Black woman-owned and built bowling alley and family entertainment center in the U.S., a milestone that underscores her commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and communities.

    Before joining HCC, Sharon served as the CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, where she championed youth development programs that uplifted young people and connected them with opportunities for personal and professional growth. Her work in this role reinforced her commitment to fostering equitable access to resources and creating lasting community impact.

    Sharon holds a B.A. from Tufts University and an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School. Her leadership has earned recognition from prominent figures such as President Bill Clinton, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Governor David Paterson, acknowledging her significant contributions to Harlem’s economic and community development.

    As a passionate advocate for change, Sharon continues to lead HCC with unwavering dedication, helping to unlock the resources, support, and opportunities that enable individuals and businesses to thrive in a vibrant, inclusive economy.

  • Senior Director - Operations

    Meet Terri-Ann, our Senior Operations Director at Harlem Commonwealth Council. Overseeing all Education programs, Human Resources, Marketing, Terri-Ann uses her experience to bolster community empowerment, driving initiatives and employee development across the organization.

    Terri-Ann’s journey began at TD Bank and led her to leadership roles at Investors Bank and Apple Bank. Her hard work earned her the title of 2019 Power Woman in Business. Terri-Ann holds an M.P.A. from Marist College and a B.S. in Psychology from Fordham University.

  • Director - Education Programs

    Meet Estefani, our Director of Education at Harlem Commonwealth Council. Estefani is dedicated to creating educational opportunities for our community. Her role involves facilitating and leading initiatives while collaborating closely with educators and the community.

    Estefani began as a Teach for America Corps member, working in diverse urban settings from Oklahoma City to Harlem and the Bronx. Her leadership skills flourished as she co-founded a school in the Bronx, where she served as Department and Grade Level Leader. Estefani holds a Masters of Education from Relay Graduate School of Education and a B.A. from Franklin & Marshall College.

  • Senior Director - Finance

    Meet Ayesha, our Senior Director of Finance at Harlem Commonwealth Council. Ayesha plays a vital role in budgeting, financial reporting, and strategic planning. Her analytical skills and dedication to finance make her an invaluable asset to our team. 

    With a background in financial management within the nonprofit sector, Ayesha’s expertise has improved the financial health of organizations such as the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone and Brooklyn Navy Yard. Ayesha holds an MS and a B.S. in Accounting from Long Island University. 

NYC Business Solutions Center

  • Director - NYC Business Solutions Centers

    Meet Christian, our Director of NYC Business Solutions Centers at the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Christian is at the helm of the Upper Manhattan and Washington Heights Centers, where he leads a dedicated team of Business Advisors. Together, they offer support to local businesses, helping with everything such as financing, legal issues, business planning and certification.

    In his career spanning business development and program management, Christian has excelled at forging strategic partnerships and boosting operational efficiencies. Christian holds an MBA from Adelphi University and a B.A. from Pace University, Christian is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund

  • Senior Director - Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund and Compliance

    Meet Ericka, our Senior Director at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund and Compliance. Ericka brings a deep understanding of regulatory standards to ensure our operations align with legal and ethical guidelines.  

    With a strong background in financial services, Ericka's expertise in loan origination, underwriting, and portfolio management keeps us compliant and helps our entrepreneurs manage their business. Ericka graduated Summa Cum Laude with an MBA and a B.A. in Business Administration from Monroe College and is a certified professional in Economic Development Finance. 

  • Director - Lending

    Meet Daniele, our Director of Credit at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Daniele plays an essential role in managing the organization’s lending activities, ensuring that small business owners in the community have access to the resources they need to thrive. 

    With over two decades of experience in banking and finance, Daniele has held leadership roles at institutions like Bank of America, Capital One Bank, and Chase Bank. More recently, Daniele took on a key lending role with UMEZ (Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone). Daniele holds a BBA in Finance & Investments from Baruch College.