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 Sharon Joseph, President & CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF).
Sharon is a transformative leader dedicated to driving economic empowerment and community development. As the President & CEO of Harlem Commonwealth Council and HEF, 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 HEF, 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 HEF 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 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
Meet Tanya, our Business Development Officer 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.
-
Chief Impact Officer
Meet Angela Zenon, Chief Impact Officer of Harlem Commonwealth Council and Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF).
Angela Zenon leads the impact strategy for the Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) and the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), where she oversees capital deployment and community programming to ensure measurable benefits for Harlem and New York City residents. She brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in community development finance, impact investing and strategic growth.
Angela holds an MBA in Finance and Real Estate from Columbia Business School and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Southern University and A&M College. Her deep expertise in strategic planning, impact investing and community development guides HCC and HEF in advancing economic opportunity and equitable growth in Harlem.
-
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.