Our Team

The dedicated professionals at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to economic empowerment in our communities. Our team combines financial acumen, deep community knowledge, and entrepreneurial insight to deliver impactful solutions for the businesses we serve. Together, we work to fulfill our mission of stimulating economic development and creating opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs throughout Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, and the Bronx. Get to know the individuals who make our work possible and drive our impact across New York City's underserved neighborhoods.

  • President & CEO

    Meet Hamil, our President & CEO at Harlem Commonwealth Council and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Hamil is committed to economic empowerment, steering our operations, strategic initiatives, and resource management.

    Hamil’s career in financial management and business development has seen him excel in leadership roles at institutions like Archimedes Alpha, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and ABN AMRO. Hamil holds an MBA from the University of Chicago - Booth School of Business.

  • 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 Lending 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.

  • Senior Director - Operations

    Meet Terri-Ann, our Senior Operations Director at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Terri-Ann leads our technical assistance programs, working closely with minority and low-income entrepreneurs to provide guidance and resources needed to grow their businesses. Through her leadership, she helps small business owners access the capital and expertise necessary to thrive.

    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 - 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).

  • Business Development Officer and Senior Credit Underwriter

    Meet Tanya, our Business Development Officer and Senior Credit Underwriter at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. With over 20 years of experience in retail and commercial banking, Tanya focuses on managing loan portfolios, assessing credit risk, and structuring financing solutions that help small businesses grow. At HEF, she works closely with entrepreneurs to provide access to capital and technical assistance, ensuring they have the financial tools to succeed.

    Tanya is committed to supporting local businesses and fostering economic development. She holds a B.A. in Accounting and an MBA with a concentration in Accounting and is a New York State Licensed Notary Public.

  • Manager of Impact & Evaluation and Grant Writer

    Meet Shakira, our Manager of Impact & Evaluation and Grant Writer at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Shakira plays a key role in measuring HEF’s impact, assessing program effectiveness, and securing funding through strategic grant writing. Her work helps ensure that HEF’s programs create meaningful, sustainable change while expanding opportunities for Harlem’s entrepreneurs.

    With a background in law and nonprofit management, Shakira has developed evaluation frameworks and secured significant funding for mission-driven organizations. Her experience includes strategic planning, fund development, and leadership initiatives with a focus on social justice and economic empowerment. She holds a J.D. from Emory University School of Law and has earned certificates in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and Fundraising from Temple University.

  • Compliance Officer

    Meet Khadine, our Compliance Officer at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Khadine ensures that HEF’s lending operations adhere to regulatory requirements and internal policies, supporting loan officers in maintaining accurate documentation and compliance standards. She also conducts internal audits and prepares reports to help strengthen HEF’s financial oversight.

    With a background in compliance, administrative management and project coordination, Khadine brings valuable experience in risk assessment and policy enforcement. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Sciences from Prairie View A&M University and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Nassau Community College.

  • Credit Underwriter

    Meet Krishi, our Credit Underwriter at Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund. Krishi brings 10 years of experience in retail and commercial underwriting, ensuring that lending solutions align with both institutional risk standards and the needs of small business owners. At HEF, she plays a key role in evaluating loan applications and structuring financing solutions that support business growth while maintaining financial sustainability.

    With an MBA in Finance and Marketing and a BTech in Electronics and Communication, Krishi combines technical analysis with strategic business insight, allowing her to assess credit decisions with both quantitative precision and market awareness.