Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is thrilled to welcome our new Executive Director, Amanda Zenteno! She has a long history of community advocacy and non-profit work, including leadership experience with the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy, the Brooklyn Public Library, Adam Street Foundation and, most recently, the Bay Ridge 5th Avenue Business Improvement District.
Amanda spearheaded the opening of a new Adult Learning Center in East New York and helped secure Work Force Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) funding for increased ESOL and PreHSE programming for students throughout the borough. As Executive Director for the Bay Ridge 5 th Avenue BID, she increased funding with multiyear grant awards, individual giving, and event sponsorships. Amanda is very proud of her community building work in Bay Ridge. Her efforts led Bay Ridge to be the first in the nation to install Ramadan lighting that acknowledged and celebrated the neighborhoods diversity. As a result, many other New York City neighborhoods were inspired and are now making Ramadan lights a new tradition. By increasing community partners, Amanda has built the largest community Iftar in the city, expanded street events, and worked tirelessly to improve the lives and livelihood of small business owners.
As a strong believer in the power of business improvement districts to create thriving commercial corridors, Amanda holds the position of co-chair of the BID Association Mentoring Committee. Her work establishes professional development opportunities for all NYC BIDS and creates a space for Executive Directors and BID staff to share skills, knowledge and support. Amanda is very excited to be part of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership team to continue and grow their many successful programs that support small businesses and the community.