Alyssa Belle
East New York
She/Her
The New Yorkers Helping Us Move Millions To Brooklyn’s Communities
Every conversation we have at Brooklyn Org returns to the question, “what do you love about Brooklyn?” Whether we’re speaking with our staff and board, nonprofits, supporters, civic and business leaders, or members of the broader community – it all comes down to our shared love for the borough. That’s why we’re so proud to work hand in hand with New Yorkers through our community Advisory Council, moving millions of dollars in funding across Brooklyn every year.
Our Advisory Council is made up of 12 Brooklynites who bring a range of lived experience and professional know-how to the table, each serving for 2 years. Building on our longstanding participatory grantmaking practice, these community members review funding applications from nonprofits, attend site visits with our staff, and help decide which organizations should receive grants from us.
Learn more about our current Advisory Council below!
The Brooklyn Org Advisory Council
Jo-Ena Bennett
Bushwick
She/Her
Monique Brizz-Walker
Prospect-Lefferts
She/Her
Melanie Hart
Bed- Stuy
She/Her
Xavier Ifill
East Flatbush
He/Him
Farrah Lafontant
East New York
She/Her
Traci Lester
Flatbush/Prospect Park South
She/Her
Jackie McKinney
East Flatbush
She/Her
Nicole Robinson-Etienne
Canarsie
She/Her
Jordan Smoczyk
Williamsburg
She/Her
Bonnie Sultan
South Brooklyn
She/Her
Adrien Lorenzo Weibgen
Flatbush
They/Them
Brooklyn embodies a true melting pot. The various communities, cultures, cuisines, arts are like no other.Alyssa Belle
I love the convenience of transportation in Brooklyn and neighborhood amenities.Jo-Ena Bennett
Brooklyn's charm lies in its diverse community and the lively tapestry of its sights and sounds. Our differences not only define us but also bring us together, fostering a united spirit that strengthens our borough and makes it a wonderful place to call home.Monique Brizz-Walker
I love that Brooklyn is home. It represents my people, our struggle and beauty.Melanie Hart
Brooklyn is the greatest place in the world. Having lived here for most of my life, I still discover new neighborhoods.Xavier Ifill
I love Brooklyn's diversity, grit and rich history. Brooklyn's energy is undeniable, which in large part is because of its people.Farrah Lafontant
What I love most about Brooklyn is the cultural richness and diversity of the Borough.Traci Lester
I love exploring the diverse cultures of each neighborhood through events and food.Jackie McKinney
Born and raised in Brooklyn, I take great pride in being from a borough that welcomed and embraced my parents as new immigrants to this country in the early 1970s. I mostly love the unique cultural diversity of each neighborhood and knowing that no matter where you go in the world, when you ask, 'Is Brooklyn in the house?' someone is bound to answer.Nicole Robinson-Etienne
I love and am energized and delighted by walking and biking to our world-renowned parks, waterfronts, and local businesses while encountering art, events, and other Brooklynites and visitors with shared and different experiences, interests, and passions than my own.Jordan Smoczyk
Brooklyn offers diversity, art, beauty, and something new to discover each day. Everyone and everything is right here.Bonnie Sultan
Brooklyn's energy and diversity are unmatched and there's a place for you here, no matter who you are.Adrien Lorenzo Weibgen
- Arts & Culture
- Civic Engagement
- Civil Rights
- Environmental Justice
- Families
- Health & Well-Being
- Housing
- Immigrants
- Brooklyn-wide
- BKO Impact
- For Nonprofits
- Giving Locally
- Partnerships
Related
A Message From Our Board Co-Chairs
Brooklyn Paper: The Brooklyn Org distributes $1.8M grant to 18 local nonprofits focused on racial justice
Brooklyn Org Announces $1.8 Million for Nonprofits Advancing Racial Justice
