Mileyka Burgos-Flores

Executive Director

Mileyka Burgos-Flores is a Dominican-American activist and founding Executive Director of The Allapattah Collaborative, CDC- a placed based, non-profit organization that uses Main Street Approach to preserve and expand cultural authenticity and wealth building in marginalized immigrant enclaves. The organization aims to revitalize the Little Santo Domingo commercial corridors in the midst of mitigating climate gentrification pressures as it focuses on its mission of (1)implementing place making techniques to foster identity, (2)supporting wealth building strategies for marginalized communities of color and (3)advocating for policies/procedures that support equitable, comprehensive and sustainable community development. Mileyka holds a bachelor degree from the University of Miami and a master degree from Florida International University.  She is an avid advocate for social justice in marginalized communities by working with neighborhood stakeholders in grassroots community engagement campaigns and inter-agency collaborations. She has been a champion in asset-framing the Latinx immigrant contributions and experience, as well as advocating for the preservation of culture in marginalized cultural enclaves under the principles of access, equity, representation, inclusion and upward mobility.

Francesca Escoto

Dir.  Economic Development & Strategy

She is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and business coach, founder and CEO of Startups For Social Impact. She enjoys dancing salsa, hanging out with her small group of friends, reading like there's no tomorrow, and writing all the time.

Santander Arguelles

Small Business Navigator

As the Small Business Navigator,Santander supports small business owners in accessing capital and navigating resources to improve business performance.  With a wealth of experience in the financial and banking industry, Santander connects with small business owners to guide them in their road to success.

Elysa Delcorto

 Community Engagement Coordinator. 

With over 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations.  As the Community Engagement Coordinator, she implement a community engagement and education program on equitable development, wealth-building techniques, and economic inclusion for low- and middle-income families and businesses.

Chelsea Hercules 

Community/ Small Business Outreach Coordinator

In her role as Community/ Small Business Outreach Coordinator, Chelsea implements a community engagement and education program on equitable development, wealth-building techniques, and economic inclusion for low- and middle-income families and businesses. In addition, she oversees the Allapattah Community Fellows Program and the Stories of Allapattah Oral History project. She brings over 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations to the job. 

Steering Committee

The community at the table

The steering committee is composed of local business owners, residents, service providers, and local experts. They review data, identify issues, brainstorm solutions, programs, policies, and process optimization to ease current community pressures.

Jacqueline Pena

Board of Directors

Dr. Pena is an educator, consultant, small business owner, author, speaker, and podcaster. She focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their goals and thrive in the changing economic and social landscape. As the daughter of Dominican immigrants, she has always understood the value of education and how access to educational opportunities can empower individuals to succeed.

Ahmed Mori

Board of Directors

Ahmed is an attorney and community economic development professional who believes in economic democracy and community self-determination. He is the Vice President, Community Economic Development at Catalyst Miami, where he oversees worker and investment cooperative development, small business assistance and community building, and other programs centered on building community wealth

Angela Cruz

Board of Directors

Angela Cruz is a bilingual, multicultural leader and former sales and business development executive for global technology companies to support the revenue and geographical expansion of accounts such as Disney, ESPN, PIXAR, Nike, Scotiabank, Citibank, Dell, Cable and Wireless, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt. In addition, she develops programs, events, and VIP experiences for the corporate world, multinational companies, conscious entrepreneurs, and philanthropic organizations.

Charles Dabney

Board of Directors

Mr. Dabney serves as Director of Real Estate Development for the South Florida Community Land Trust (SFCLT). In this role, he’s responsible for cultivating real estate development opportunities throughout SFCLT’s market area that promote permanently affordable, sustainable housing solutions. Before joining SFCLT in July 2017, Dabney most recently served as Senior Program Officer for Real Estate and Lending with the Jacksonville Program Office of Local Initiatives Support Corporation.

Gabriela Guzman

Board of Directors

Gabriela Guzman is a Business Coach, holding 1-1 strategy sessions and coaching that blends strategic planning, mindset and energy work for a fully personalized experience. She helps women become who they are, so they can be free. Through entrepreneurship, they express their authenticity, community, clarity, and courage. Read more. 

Advisors

Provide advice to board & staff

The Allapattah Collaborative CDC counts with a wide range of advisers who connect the organization with best practices resource development and assist in positioning the organization to achieve its mission.