Staff names are listed in alphetbetical order by last name within each location.
Programs Division
Aracely Barrios, Finance Associate, has been with Renaissance since 2007; when not working to keep our finances in order she assists other members of the Operations Team in supporting the 30 business tenants at our Central Office on 5th Street. Born in Guatemala and raised in San Francisco, worked in her father's business for many years. Aracely resides in Bayview with her husband and two kids, and is passionate about the support we provide to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6208]
JP Espino, Facilities and Operations Manager, joined Renaissance in December 2012 and works to keep the 24,000 sq. ft. SOMA office space in tip-top shape while responding to the needs of its 30 on-site businesses, as well as providing support to our Bayview, Marin, and Mid-Peninsula properties. Bringing a customer-centric background to Renaissance, JP earned his B.S. in Hotel Administration from San Francisco State University and spent the last decade in hotel management. Transplanted from the Philippines to San Francisco when he was 2 years old, you can find JP watching the Warriors, Giants, and 49ers from his couch in San Francisco’s eclectic Excelsior District. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6224]
Alice Gleason, Development Associate, has been with Renaissance since April, 2012. She earned a B.A. in Clinical Psychology at Tufts University then worked for a program coordinating services for the severely mentally ill and for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Boston, managing programs and enrolling volunteers and families. Both these jobs instilled passion in her for organizations that focus on emboldening individuals to create lasting change in their lives and achieve self-sufficiency. After being an East Coaster her entire life, Alice moved to San Francisco in March, 2012. In her free time, she likes to take advantage of all the fun activities San Francisco has to offer, read, cook, and be outdoors. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6209]
Wendy Guzman, Customer Service/Front Desk Receptionist at Renaissance's SoMa location has provided programmatic and administrative support on economic development projects in our Bayview office since 2007. In 2011 she moved over to become part of the Operations Department at our SOMA location. As a San Francisco native, the vitality and success of the San Francisco small business community are very dear to her. She is proud to know that her city believes and supports small business owners. As an entrepreneur herself (Wendy is a make-up artist), she understands what it takes to have a business and the importance of having a community of experts to nurture, foster and help you grow your business. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it I (415) 348-6228]
Maria Kelly, marketing coordinator and assistant to the CEO, joined Renaissance in 2011. Originally from Eastern Europe, Maria has spent most of her adult life studying and working in various parts of the United States. Prior to joining the Renaissance team, Maria has worked and volunteered for a number of nonprofits, including a museum and an international human rights organization at the United Nations in New York and Geneva, Switzerland. Maria holds a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University. New to the Bay Area, she is excited about discovering local treasures and admiring the Golden Gate Bridge when she gets a chance. Her favorite saying and inspiration is from Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
I (415) 348-6223]
Lisa Kirvin has been with Renaissance since 2000, initially as Development Director and currently as the Managing Director of Finance, Operations and HR. She enjoys working with her team to foster smooth internal operations so that the rest of the crew can concentrate on "transforming lives thru entrepreneurship"! Prior to Renaissance, Lisa worked in international education and conflict resolution, and had a very brief stint co-owning a small enterprise as part of her undergrad program. Lisa earned her Masters in International Economic Development at George Washington University. When not at Renaissance, you can find her in one of the City's parks with her son or volunteering in San Francisco's newest Spanish-immersion elementary school program. Fluent in German, her Spanish gets better every day. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6247].
Sharon Miller is the Chief Executive Officer of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. She has served in this position since 1999. During Sharon’s tenure, Renaissance added its second location, Renaissance Bayview (formerly the Bayview Business Resource Center) merged with Start Up, the only micro-enterprise organization in the Mid-Peninsula, expanded its small business incubator from 14 to 30 tenants, became a US Small Business Administration Women’s Business Center, launched an instructor-led online business planning class to reach potential entrepreneurs regardless of their geographic location, and will be opening our fourth center in San Rafael to serve Marin County. In 2012, under Sharon's leadership, Renaissance opened its fourth location -- a small business development center in San Rafael. In addition to her 25+ years of experience in the non-profit sector, Sharon co-owned and co-founded Travel Systems, an international travel wholesaler in New York City. Sharon is the past Chair of CAMEO (California Association of Micro-Enterprise Organizations), a founder and former co-chair of the San Francisco Economic Development Association (SFEDA) a board member of the Association of Women’s Business Centers and a member of the JP Morgan Chase Community Advisory Board. Sharon received the 2011 US Small Business Administration Women’s Business Champion of the Year Award, a 2010 National Women’s History Month History Makers Powerful Women of the Bay Award, and the 2009 National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), San Francisco Chapter Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 348-6243]
Philip Smith, Finance Manager, joined Renaissance in January, 2013. He holds degrees in business and English literature from Pacific Union College and an MBA in Finance from Babson College. Since grad school Philip has worked in nonprofit organizations, first at the Boston Center for the Arts and then at Babson College. He enjoyed working with entrepreneurs, artists and artisans at both organizations. A Bay Area native, Philip is excited to be back in San Francisco after 10 years in the Boston area. He is still surprised that he can walk outside in January without a coat. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 348-6259] 
Malik Looper is a member of Renaissance’s leadership team. As the Director of Programs, he oversees the management and expansion of Renaissance programs and services in multiple Bay Area locations. Prior to joining Renaissance, Malik held various leadership roles in local nonprofit and government agencies. He is a lifelong San Francisco resident, who has dedicated his entire life towards economic, environmental and social justice in the Bay Area. Malik, his wife Isa, and aging cat Malcolm are raising two young children in San Francisco’s Excelsior District. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 348-6207].
Yamilet Gonzalez, Renaissance Bayview Program Coordinator has been with Renaissance for over thirteen years. Yamilet coordinates Renaissance’s Individual Development Account program and provides programmatic, administrative and outreach support. She also tracks client outcomes and maintains our client database. Yamilet is a Notary Public, and is a graduate of the Renaissance Business Planning class. Born in Nicaragua and raised in San Francisco, Yamilet is bilingual in English and Spanish,and a mother of six busy and bright children. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 647-3728 x 6408]
Marcus Tartt is the Center Manager for Renaissance Bayview. As a native San-Franciscan, born and raised in the Bayview District, Marcus has worked throughout his career to help improve underserved communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has worked to secure employment and educational resources for high risk youth in San Francisco and affordable housing for low-income families in the City of Alameda. As a Senior Project Manager for Pinole Redevelopment Agency, Marcus led multiple teams to redevelop underutilized property along the city's main commercial corridor. More recently, he has worked with property owners, government officials and community stakeholders to help revitalize the Eastmont Commercial District in Oakland, CA. During his free time, Marcus likes to ride a bike and coach basketball. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
I (415) 647-3728]
Fermín Álvarez, Renaissance Marin Program Coordinator, is a native of Cuba from where he holds both a B.A. in Education, with anemphasis in ESL from Universidad de Ciencias Pedagogicas Felix Varela and a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Universidad Central de Las Villas. An entrepreneur himself, Fermin is the executive chef and co-owner of Our Cuban Kitchen, an Oakland-based catering company, serving authentic Cuban cuisine to the Bay Area community. He created his business in 2010 after completing an entrepreneurship training program (Urban FIRE) along with his wife, Sandra. Fermin has also worked as a radio journalist, teacher, administrative assistant, accountant, translator, carpenter, salesperson, website developer, and graphic designer. In his free time, Fermin loves backpacking, traveling, sports, and cooking for fun parties he hosts at his place in the East Bay. Among his interests are education, languages, community work, andof course meeting new people. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 755-1115 x 1010]
Debra Armstrong, Training Manager at Renaissance Marin, brings a unique perspective to entrepreneurial training with a background in both business and education. Born and raised in Clovis, California, she graduated from Fresno State University with a degree in Business Administration and began her career in retail banking. She later worked in chain retail management, small services business management, human resources and with her husband opened a small marketing and fulfillment business.
Debra continued her education at Dominican University of California, where she received both her teaching credential and masters of education. Her career continued as an educator for eight years with the Regional Occupational Programs at the Sonoma County Office of Education. Among her curriculum, she taught entrepreneurship, marketing and employment skills. Debra and her husband reside in the Black Point area of Novato with their cats, Buddy, Cleo and the ‘block cat’, Cody. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 775-1151 x 1026]
Lucero De Leon, Customer Service Receptionist at Renaissance Marin, was born in San Francisco and grew up in San Rafael. Her family moved to Richmond, CA in middle school but she continued to go to school in San Rafael. She graduated from San Rafael High School and recently earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Spanish and a minor in Latin American Studies from Santa Clara University. While in college, she volunteered in different non-profits in San Jose and Santa Clara; joined the salsa team, and was a member of the MECHA club (Latino club). She studied abroad in the Dominican Republic and did volunteer work at a Street School in Guatemala. She also worked for the Multicultural Center at SCU as the social/cultural coordinator. Her mother is from El Salvador and her father is from Guatemala. Lucero loves learning about other cultures and heritages including her own. She is excited to see Marin transform into a new community full of entrepreneurs, especially excited to offer access and entrepreneurship resources to the underserved population in Marin county. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 755-1115]
Ruth Kendall, Evening Receptionist at Renaissance Marin, was born and raised in San Francisco. She later moved to Marin and currently resides with a roommate and her cat, Ms. Kitty. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Dominican University. Ruth has a grown daughter, Jenny, who lives in San Francisco and is her pride and joy. In her free time, Ruth enjoys meals out, movies, and enjoys taking day trips. Ruth feels passionate about working for Renaissance Marin, an organization that promotes economic self-sufficiency.
Tim Russell, Center Manager for Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, is responsible for overseeing program operations in East Palo Alto, Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City and Richmond. Tim joins Renaissance with a great deal of experience including as an Executive Director of a faith-based nonprofit. Also, Tim has spent time as a Director and Dean of Students for various bay area schools. Tim's passion in life is helping people's dreams and visions come to fruition through education and training facilitation. Tim is a published author of the book "Conquer or Be Conquered" and an accomplished motivational speaker. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (650) 321-2193 ext. 1102]
Luis Vizcardo, Program Coordinator for Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, provides enthusiastic outreach targeted towards East Palo Alto and East Menlo Parks communities - increasing awareness and enrollment in our programs and services. Originally from Perú, Luis holds a degree from the University of San Ignacio de Loyola as a computer analyst and programmer, as well as a certificate in Multi-cultural Community Health studies from El Concilio of San Mateo County. An involved resident of the East Palo Alto community, Luis is a member of One East Palo and the East Palo Alto Measure C Oversight Committee, and sits on the board of Nuestra Casa. A part of the Start Up team since 1999, Luis loves to join his wife in road trips and overseas travel. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (650) 321-2193 ext. 1101].
Jennifer Witte, Program Associate for Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, is new to the Bay Area and excited to join the amazing team at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. Jennifer received her Master’s degree in Hispanic Linguistics from The University of Texas at Austin and recently moved from Washington D.C. where she participated in the Archer Center Graduate Program in Public Policy. As part of that program she worked as a Bilingual Ethnic Media intern at the Center for American Progress where she helped to elevate the organization’s profile among ethnic media outlets and create a progressive agenda that is more inclusive of the perspectives of underrepresented and underserved communities. With a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education and Latin American Studies Jennifer also spent eight months volunteering at a micro-finance institution in Peru working on an international fair trade project with the local indigenous artisans, as well as a year working as a high school Spanish teacher. Jennifer is eager to contribute to Renaissance’s mission as she strongly believes entrepreneurship can empower underserved communities. When Jennifer is not working, she is likely outdoors enjoying the beautiful California weather and scenery, reading a book at a local coffee shop or trying out new recipes while listening to music or NPR. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (650) 321-2193 ext. 1100]
Renaissance SoMa & Women's Business Center
Cristopher Bautista is the Program Assistant at Renaissance’s SoMa location. A lifelong native of the San Francisco Bay Area, he graduated from Stanford in 2011 with a degree in English Literature. Before working at Renaissance, he worked as a communications and social media intern at VolunteerMatch. Cris is passionate about many causes, including women’s rights, transgender rights, immigrant rights, and disability rights. As a transgender person who has experienced discrimination, he is dedicated to Renaissance’s mission because entrepreneurship serves as a sustainable solution for many marginalized communities who experience discrimination and economic disempowerment. When he’s not program assisting, Cris likes to read comic books, watch cartoons and play video games. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6227]
Paula Connelly is the Program Manager and Director of our Women's Business Center at Renaissance’s SoMa Office. Paula helps clients navigate all of the wonderful programs Renaissance has to offer, including our intensive Business Planning class, our Incubator programs, skill-building workshops, and more. Originally from New York City, Paula got a crash course in the politics, arts, and culture of San Francisco during her 4 year stint as the Publisher’s assistant and Calendar Editor for the SF Bay Guardian, where she became passionate about the positive impact that spending locally has on communities. Paula has a BA in Psychology and Literature from SUNY Purchase and enjoys live music, art galleries, and eating and biking her way around San Francisco. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6248 ]
Mr. Jackson has been welcoming attendees of our evening programs for over a decade and continues to enjoy each new client and their entrepreneurial dreams. If you come to one of the many classes and workshops we offer at our SoMa Office on 5th Street, you are sure to be greeted warmly by Mr. Jackson, our door monitor. A native of Louisiana and long-time Bayview resident, Mr. Jackson has long retired from military service, and spends as much time as he can fishing in the Delta.
Antoinette Sanchez is the Program Coordinator in our SoMa Office on 5th Street; she is responsible for the hands-on management of our intensive training classes and gives a lot of moral support to clients thru the business plan writing process. She first started as an intern and soon after earning her B.S. in Entrepreneurship at San Francisco State University, she became a full-time employee at Renaissance. A budding entrepreneur, Antoinette is a Renaissance Business Planning graduate and a graduate of La Cocina's Incubator Program. In August 2009, Antoinette launched her business, Endless Summer Sweets, selling freshly made gourmet funnels cakes, kettle corn and other nostalgic treats. A Mexican-American native to the Bay Area, Antoinette is a serious 49ers fan. She somehow still finds time to enjoy her husband and two daughters. [
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
| (415) 348-6212].