Our Executive Leadership

  • Chief of Staff

    Meet Angela, our Chief of Staff at Harlem Commonwealth Council. Angela Williams is an accomplished non‑profit leader and Bronx native who now serves as Chief of Staff for the Harlem Commonwealth Council.

    Williams’s commitment to education equity is rooted in her own experience growing up in the Bronx.

    She has dedicated her career to empowering people to move from poverty to prosperity, drawing on the lessons she learned from her mother, a teacher who valued education and mentorship. A frequent contributor to thought‑leadership forums — including the Aspen Institute and the Clinton Global Initiative — she holds a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree from Lehman College in the Bronx. Her blend of program leadership, advocacy and educational expertise positions her to support HCC’s mission of empowering Harlem residents through education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.