Our Team

Before becoming the Executive Director in June 2021, Jesse held the positions of Deputy Director and Economic Development Specialist at SBIDC. Since joining the organization in 2015, She has helped launched new programs for small businesses and job seekers like Red Hook Walks, Plan for Growth, the Industrial Career Pathways Program, and the Core 5 Construction Training Program. Jesse’s professional background is in economic development, urban policy, community organizing, and non-profit management. She has worked for local elected officials and community-based organizations in southwest Brooklyn, as well as international organizations abroad in Cairo, Egypt. She holds an MA in Urban Policy & Leadership from Hunter College and is a proud Bryn Mawr alumni. Jesse also completed the Coro Neighborhood Leadership Program in 2017. Outside of work, Jesse can be found on a hike or rock climbing with her partner in the Shawangunk mountains.

Wayne Small is the Site Director at SBIDC managing the Workforce 1 Industrial and Transportation center. He works with several businesses across multiple sectors connecting employers to the brightest talent in New York City. Wayne has an extensive background in workforce development working on numerous government contracts throughout the city. Wayne personal hobbies include cake and cookie tasting he is in search of the best carrot cake and chocolate chip cookie in New York City.

Micaela runs SBIDC’s programs, including Plan for Growth and succession planning initiatives for worker co-operatives. She leads SBIDC’s communications, including SBIDC’s rebranding in 2023, and cultivating strategic partnerships with local stakeholders and advocates. Her background combines cultural heritage and community planning, as a fellow at Pratt Center and World Monuments Fund. Back in her native Chile, she worked briefly as an environmental and public law attorney. Micaela holds a MS in Historic Preservation from Pratt Institute, and a law degree from Universidad de Chile. She is an organizer and steward of 8 Ball Community, a multimedia arts collective and community space championing DIY forms of production and association in Downtown Manhattan. She speaks Spanish and English.

Brady leads SBIDC’s suite of direct business services that span access to financing, government incentives, real estate assistance, and navigating government. He also tracks relevant city planning and policy discussions, and advocates for measures that will further strengthen Brooklyn’s working waterfront and the industrial sector throughout New York City. Before joining SBIDC, Brady was a researcher at the Urban Institute where he focused on community development, access to capital, Opportunity Zones, and place-based interventions. He holds his MS in Urban Planning from Columbia University, BA in public policy from the College of William & Mary, and is a proud product of Fairport, New York’s public school system. He loves public transit, and has been to all 97 stops in Washington, D.C.’s metro system. However, he has many subway stops still to go.

Jessicka's passion is to help the people of her communities build their skills and confidence. It was only natural for her to join SBIDC, given the organization's strong commitment to assisting the businesses and people they serve. Jessicka previously worked at a non-profit organization coordinating internships, employment placement, work readiness, community partnerships and counseling. In her spare time, Jessicka enjoys traveling, running and spending time with her friends and family.

Natalie assists job seekers with Career Advisement and Job Placement with SBIDC’s Workforce1 Center. Natalie supports identifying career & educational goals, she facilitates interview and resume building through workshops in English and Spanish and connects with community based organizations for referrals and collaborations. She also facilitates virtual and on site recruitment hiring events for community partners and businesses. Previously, Natalie worked as an Intake Coordinator with a young adult career readiness program. She is passionate about helping young adults be prepared for the working world and access academic/vocational programs.

Rashid assists clients currently looking for employment by providing resume assistance, job search coaching, and more. Rashid has an extensive background as a passionate healthcare professional, including work at Americare, and two decades as a dedicated group fitness trainer. “I’m just a ball of sunshine committed to helping people live healthier, happier lives.

As the Economic Development Program Associate, Yujia helps facilitate SBIDC’s Plan for Growth business training program and provides technical assistance to industrial and manufacturing businesses in Southwest Brooklyn. With a prospective MA in Urban Planning from Hunter College and a BA in Sociology, and a background in the hospitality industry, Yujia looks forward to engaging with and empowering small businesses, finding synergies between economic and environmental equity, and supporting working waterfront communities. 

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