Our People

What do you care about?

I care deeply about dismantling systemic racism in America. I believe that, in the land of the free and home of the brave, everyone should have the right to build generational wealth without structures put in place to discourage or hinder their upward economic mobility. I care about moving Interise’s mission forward –  an economy that works for all.

Why Interise?

Born and raised in rural South Carolina, I witnessed my parents labor tirelessly in our family’s small business. It was my parents’ fortitude and courage that inspired me to work with small business owners. It’s knowing that, following your passion, along with community support and resources, can push small businesses from good to great. By being a part of Interise’s mission, I hope to build sustainable businesses that uplift all communities.

As the Senior Manager of Community Engagement, Jerrianne works to build relationships and expand the Interise network with the goal of building brand, driving revenue, and increasing mission impact.

Prior to working at Interise Jerrianne was the Senior Economic Development Specialist for the City of Charlotte, NC where she strategically managed AMP UP Charlotte. She also is the founder and broker in charge of Blu J Agency. A graduate of Winthrop University with a degree in Economics and Political Science, Jerrianne has worked in both the corporate and government sectors, as a successful Marketing Analyst and Economic Developer. 

What do I care about?

I’m passionate about personal growth and pursuing one’s passions. It’s important to me that my work helps local neighborhoods because I believe that small businesses make communities more vibrant, diverse and ultimately better places to live.

Why Interise?

While working in Lowell, I’ve seen how innovative programs like Interise can positively impact communities and change lives. Now more than ever I feel it’s important to support at-risk communities and keep the work we do current and meaningful.

As a Program Associate for the National Programs team Emelia supports the Emerging Leaders initiative with a focus on data analysis and relationship building. Emelia graduated from University of Massachusetts, Lowell with a B.A. in English with a concentration in Journalism.

What do I care about?
I care about data driven decision making and continuous learning as ways to maximize impact. I believe that business ownership is a powerful tool for wealth building across race and place, and that we need to support the capacity building and growth of diverse small businesses.

Why Interise?
We use research and data to reinforce our mission. I appreciate that at Interise we leverage our core competencies and acknowledge which pieces of economic development we are uniquely suited to address. We understand the need for networks and collaboration, and we embrace that there is always room for improvement.

As Research Manager, Harrison serves as a cross-functional liaison across multiple departments to both deepen our Research & Evaluation work and develop new initiatives. Harrison holds a B.A. in Political Science and International Affairs with minors in Economics, Global Social Entrepreneurship, and History from Northeastern University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude.

What do I care about?
I care about Interise staying relevant and visible. I am confident that we are poised for big things.  

Why Interise?
What I came to understand very quickly once I started working at Interise was that what we offer as an organization is as unique as it is essential. I have several friends who are small business owners and when I tell them about our programs, and they go on our website and look at our impact reports, the response is always the same, “I could have so used this!” When you start to comprehend what we are doing and the communities we are serving, you come to  realize just how important and relevant this work is. 

As the head of Human Resources, Charlene brings 35 years of extensive experience as an HR and Board executive, and as a consultant to for-profit and nonprofit organizations. She currently serves as a Board member for Market Street Trust Company and was the first HR executive to be appointed to CDM Smith’s Board. Since 2016, she has served on the Advisory Council  for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA). Charlene holds a B.A. in History from Regis College. 

What do I care about?

I hold an unwavering belief in what’s possible when people come together to imagine a greater good with a willingness to work and make it so. As a third-generation educator-activist and former entrepreneur, I care deeply about the work to eradicate systems of oppression and remove barriers of access to information for under-resourced, and marginalized communities. My father and grandfather modeled for me a passion for doing transformative, community-based work and a commitment to liberate, empower and create meaningful change.   

Why Interise?

I am energized by work centered on addressing the root causes of economic injustice and the critical interpretation of data to improve societal outcomes. My tenure as a business educator and school leader in the US and abroad afforded me the opportunity to engage and be inspired by a culturally diverse community of thought partners. Similarly, I am emboldened by Interise’s commitment to innovation in the design and delivery of programs; and the intention to ensure lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve.

As Program Manager for Learning and Development, Risa supports Interise’s program development, delivery and hiring process nation-widet. Prior to working at Interise, Risa served as an education consultant, entrepreneur, and business educator in the U.S. and abroad.  Risa holds a B.A. in Economics from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois and a MBA with a concentration in Finance. 

What Do I Care About?

I care deeply about equity, social justice, and the environment. I seek a more just, harmonious world where difference is celebrated while our common humanity is never forgotten. I believe that it all comes down to a need of showing respect for each person and creature on this planet. To do this we must undo institutional inequality, systems of oppression, provide equitable access to resources, and care for our environment so that all living things have a chance to live their best life.

Why Interise?

I have always loved supporting my local, small businesses. I believe that they are an engine for building vibrant, thriving, and inclusive communities. Interise is the perfect joining together of my passions for social justice, racial equity, and community development. Supporting small businesses is good for the environment. I also chose Interise because they do an incredible job of providing the data to show their impact.

What is my role at Interise?

As Development Manager, Harper leads the planning and executing of a comprehensive development and fundraising program at Interise. Harper raises funds through individuals, corporations, and foundations to help advance Interise’s mission and programs. Before joining Interise, Harper led development at the Society of Arts and Crafts, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, and Ocean River Institute. Harper has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Boston College and a BA from Earlham College. When not working to advance social justice, he can be found painting watercolors and singing in choruses.

What do I care about?
I believe that small business owners have one of the greatest abilities to decrease economic disparities through job creation, wealth generation, and community leadership. I am passionate about empowering small business owners through the StreetWise MBA where they can access the peer-mentorship, resources, network, and education needed to scale their businesses and be positioned to pursue the passions that inspired them to start their business in the first place.

Why Interise?
Over the last 15 years Interise has consistently demonstrated that our programs have proven impact. I have seen time and again the power of bringing people together from all different walks of life, and stages of business, to engage in community building and learning. All of our staff is intentional in their choice to work at Interise because we all believe in the mission and are driven to achieve it.

As the Senior Program Manager of Learning & Development, Lyndsay is responsible for the training and support of our Instructor Network in the delivery of the StreetWise ‘MBA.’ Prior to this position Lyndsay ran Interise’s Boston program.  Before Interise Lyndsay worked as a Senior Regional Admissions staff member for City Year Inc. after having served as a City Year Boston AmeriCorps member. Before her time at City Year Lyndsay was an AmeriCorps member with the National Civilian Community Corps as a Wildland Firefighter in the mountains of Arizona. Lyndsay holds a B.A. from Regis University in Denver. 

What do you care about? 
My strongest professional passion is supporting the growth of entrepreneurs and small business owners. I care about giving small business owners the opportunity to innovate and see their passions come to life. My ultimate goal is to help small businesses become pillars in their communities so that they can create secure jobs and build local wealth.

Why Interise? 
In 1970 my parents, neither of whom had college degrees or jobs waiting for them, moved from Illinois to New York City to turn their passion for furniture making into a business. The small business they started eventually grew to employ 100 full time employees; however, the economic recession that hit NYC hard in the early 1990s led to the business shutting down in 2007. Why Interise? Because we support the growth and success of small businesses and give them the tools and resources they need to survive and thrive, even through times of crisis.

As Program Manager of Partnerships, Katie manages the relationships, systems and services needed to ensure quality program execution, as well as helps to identify new partnership or license opportunities.  Prior to joining Interise, Katie held positions at the Flatbush Avenue BID and Church Avenue BID as Deputy Executive Director and at the Jamaica Center BID as Director of Economic Development. Katie holds a B.A. is Community Planning from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and an M.S. in Environmental Planning and Sustainability from The New School. 

What do I care about?
I am passionate about engaging in work that builds up, supports and amplifies communities of color. As someone who grew up in the inner city of Boston, with a mother who worked for two small businesses, I see the importance of making sure small businesses have the resources they need to thrive and strengthen the communities they are serving. I feel very strongly that raising up communities of color in any and all capacities (be it economic development, education etc.) is truly a life mission of mine. 

Why Interise?
I remember there was a specific blog post that I read which talked about a gentleman in DC who, after taking the StreetWise MBA program, was able to expand his business, create new jobs and support his community. He was able to give back and help others because of what our program did for him. After that it was very clear to me that Interise was making real  change and I knew this is where I wanted to be. 

As a Program Manager of Partnerships, Tanisha manages the relationships, systems, and services needed to ensure quality program execution, participant retention, and partnership renewal. Prior to Interise, Tanisha oversaw program and partnership operations at BELL (Building Educated Leaders for Life) where she also directed a youth development program for high school students and managed an organization-wide learning management system. Tanisha holds a B.S in Organizational Communications from Northeastern University and an M.S. in Communication from Northwestern University.

What do I care about?
I always like to tell people ‘I am who I am’ because, when I was 14, someone at my church believed in me enough to give me my first job with a non-profit. Without that opportunity I truly don’t know where I would be today. As a result, I am a major advocate for providing people with opportunities that pave the road for a successful future. 

Why Interise?
I believe that business plays a key role in building up communities. I value the role Interise plays in supporting local communities by giving minority owned businesses the information and resources they need to succeed. As an organization we do not just “talk the talk” we “walk the walk” and have the data to back it up. 

As the Program Manager of Partnerships, Holden manages the relationships, systems, and services needed to ensure quality program execution, participant retention, and partnership renewal. Prior to Interise, Holden was a Community Organizer/Treasurer at Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition.  He has over 10 years of experience in community development and is an expert in using businesses and grassroots efforts to transform communities.