Renaissance

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 5^th Street.  Born in Guatemala and raised in San Francisco, Aracely has business ownership in her blood - she owns her own business and has worked in her father's business for many years.  Aracely resides in Bayview with her husband and son, 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]

Diane Bradford, Facilities Operations Manager, has been with Renaissance for 16 years.  She works to keep Renaissance's SoMa Office building polished and professional, responds to the needs of the 30 on-site businesses, and supports the HR needs of our staff.  Diane is a graduate of Renaissance's Business Planning class and has attended University of San Francisco and City College of San Francisco.  A busy great grandmother who loves to cook, she makes a mean plate of ribs! [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6224]

Amanda Carlin,  Development Associate at Renaissance’s SoMa Office,  assists in fundraising, grant research and writing, and database upkeep. She is from New York City, graduated from Brown University, with a B.A. in American Civilization (focusing on Critical Race & Gender Theories and Prison Studies). Before moving to San Francisco, Amanda facilitated creative writing workshops in Dorothea Dix women’s medium and maximum security prisons and led leadership/group challenge/ropes course initiatives at Seeds of Peace International Camp. She has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, won “Best Baked Alaska” in a state fair, and co-starred in an off-off-Broadway production of Inherit the Wind. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6223]

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Oscar Dominguez, Program Manager for Renaissance Mid-Peninsula, was born in Texas and moved to the Bay Area to attend Stanford University.  After graduation and several years in customer service, sales, marketing and operations, Oscar earned an MBA from San Francisco State University.  As the proud son of former entrepreneurs, Oscar utilizes his professional experience, biculturalism and passion for economic justice to help clients launch and grow sustainable businesses, initially with the Mission Economic Development Agency of San Francisco and now with Renaissance.  Oscar is working to expand both the scope and reach of the Renaissance Mid-Peninsula.  He and his wife, Mila, are happy homeowners in the East Oakland hills. [ email | (650) 321-2193 ext. 10]

Robyn Fountain, Program Coordinator, supports clients of Renaissance Bayview and runs Renaissance's Individual Development Accounts (IDA) program in partnership with SF EARN.  She performs much of the case management for business owners at our Bayview office, as well as being responsible for financial analysis and any loan packaging. Robyn has extensive experience in community outreach and organization through previous work with the Democratic National Committee, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).  A self-proclaimed math fiend, Robyn studied Mathematics and Economics at Howard University and is currently working towards a Masters in Mathematics.  She is passionate about working with Bayview's long-standing African-American community and has a keen interest in Gay and Lesbian issues on both the local and national level.  She is bilingual in English and Mandarin and a proud Los Angeles native. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3728 ext. 408]

Yamilet Gonzalez, Program Assistant at the Renaissance Bayview Office has been with Renaissance for over ten years.  Yamilet provides programmatic, administrative and outreach support, and is the first person BBRC clients meet when they walk thru the door.  She is a graduate of Renaissance's Business Planning class.  Born in Nicaragua and raised in San Francisco, Yamilet is bilingual in English and Spanish, as are her six busy and bright children. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3728 ext. 402].

Wendy Guzman, Program Assistant, has provided programmatic and administrative support to clients of Renaissance Bayview since 2007. A Salvadorian-American San Francisco native, she works in outreach and marketing of our programs, most recently in launch of the new business planning class offered in Spanish at the BBRC.  Wendy has been working for non-profits for 8 years; her first job was with the San Francisco Arts Commission under Writers Corp; she also served on the San Francisco Youth Commission board. Wendy wants to be a teacher and loves to sing and write poetry. Having grown up in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood, she is now a proud resident of the Mission neighborhood. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3728 ext. 409].

Avory (Christopher) Howlett, is the Executive Assistant to Renaissance's CEO Sharon Miller, and is the first person you talk to when calling our SoMa Office on 5^th Street.  When not promoting our programs and services to the public, Avory is fielding clients and visitors of our 30 on-site businesses.  Before joining Renaissance in 2007, Avory supported the public affairs work of California's state NAACP office after earning a B.A. in Languages and Lit.  Avory loves soul music and cooking elaborate and overly ambitious meals from scratch. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6228].

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.  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.  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.

Ben Kaufman is the Outreach Coordinator for the Bayview Merchants' Association, where he works to promote the development of the Bayview business community through merchant organizing and small business empowerment.  Originally from Boston, Ben is a self-described "political junkie," who also enjoys biking and the outdoors.  Before moving to San Francisco, Ben earned a B.A. in Government from Skidmore College in upstate New York; he then worked in Washington, DC for U.S. Senator Jim Jeffords and later for an organization focused on youth civic engagement and activism. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3748 ext. 407].

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, a position she has held since 1999.  Sharon also serves as the Board Chair of CAMEO (California Association of Micro-enterprise Organizations) and is a member of the board of the National Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC).  Sharon's extensive experience prior to Renaissance includes work with American Jewish World Service and WNYC New York Public Radio, as well as co-ownership of a wholesale travel company.  Sharon is an alumna of Leadership San Francisco (2001) and a Leaderspring Fellow (2005 - 2007), and holds a B.S. from U.C. Berkeley.  A native New Yorker, Sharon's passion for social justice and love for shopping result in her continued inspiration from our emerging entrepreneurs, their dreams for better lives, and the products and services they bring to the Bay Area.  In May 2009, Sharon will be recognized for her leadership in the field, receiving the Social Entrepreneur Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) San Francisco Chapter. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6243].

Antoinette Sanchez is the Program Coordinator in our SoMa Office on 5^th 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 is enrolled in La Cocina's Incubator Program. Antoinette recently launched her business, Endless Summer Sweets, selling freshly made funnels cakes, kettle corn and other yummy treats.  A Mexican-American native to the Bay Area, Antoinette is a serious 49ers fan and has a beautiful white pit bull named Baby.  She somehow still finds time to enjoy her husband, daughter and extended local family. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6248].

Tom Temprano is the Program Associate at Renaissance’s SoMa Office on 5^th Street.  He spends a great deal of time on marketing, outreach and maintaining Renaissance's Twitter and Facebook accounts as well as client data and tracking.  In May 2009 he graduated magna cum laude from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Political Science.  Raised in southern California, Tom happily moved up to the Bay Area and currently lives in San Francisco's Mission District.  Prior to Renaissance, Tom worked in the office of San Francisco Supervisor Chris Daly, and volunteered with SF Housing Rights Committee, Equality California and others.  When he's not working, Tom likes to explore the City on his bike, hang out with his cat Irma and DJ 60s and 70s soul records. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6203].

Luis Vizcardo, Renaissance Mid-Peninsula's Program Coordinator, 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. 14].

La Shon Walker, Center Manager of Renaissance Bayview, is new to our staff but not to our work.  La Shon has been providing one-on-one consulting and instruction to clients at Bayview Renaissance since 2007 and came on board as staff in February 2009 to manage client services and support.  A licensed real estate agent and Notary Public, La Shon's expertise includes leasing, financial literacy, and business attraction as well as experience supporting students in San Francisco's secondary schools.  La Shon holds a Masters in Nonprofit Management from the University of San Francisco, has a passion for social justice and believes in the power of individual entrepreneurship in the BV/HP community. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3728 ext. 404].

Lola Whittle, Director of Renaissance Bayview, directs programs focused on Bayview/Hunter's Point and San Francisco's southeast communities and entrepreneurs.  A San Francisco native and third generation Bayview resident, Lola was the first African American business owner to receive a business loan from the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Community Development.  In 1996, Lola was appointed by the Mayor to serve as a San Francisco Small Business Commissioner and was elected Vice President of the Commission during that time.  Lola received the National Council of Negro Women Golden Gate Chapter's Business Leader award in 2008.  After 19 years, Lola continues to successfully operate Boulé Cafe, which is presently located in the San Francisco International Airport.  Whenever time allows, she loves to dote on her two sons and her Bischon Frise, Papi. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 647-3728 ext. 401].

Jasmine Worrell, Director of the Women's Business Center  and Program Manager, manages the programs and services at our SoMa Office location.  Jasmine is responsible for ensuring that clients receive top-quality services and works to identify and develop new classes and services to further the success of the diverse small businesses we serve.  Prior to Renaissance, Jasmine developed significant work experience in marketing and advertising including stints at Google and Pandora.  Jasmine is fluent in German, resides in Oakland, has an MBA from Mills College and an undergraduate degree from U.C. Berkeley.  When not supporting entrepreneurs, you can find her dancing lindy hop, playing the drums, knitting or otherwise expressing her creativity. [ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (415) 348-6220].