Setting the Scene
Bronx Brilliance is more than a single event—it’s an ongoing series of gatherings led by the Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA) to spotlight the energy, innovation, and resilience of the Bronx. Each event features a unique theme, bringing together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and supporters to spark connections and share ideas. The July 9, 2025 edition, Health is Wealth, brought together entrepreneurs, community leaders, and wellness advocates for an evening that celebrated the intersection of business, health, and community.
Hosted at the historic Andrew Freedman Home, the evening opened with warm welcomes from Ayanna Williams, Executive Assistant for CEA, and opening remarks by Tim Gamory, Executive Director of the CEA. Tim spoke about his Bronx roots and how health and wellness have shaped his own entrepreneurial journey, setting the tone for an event that was as personal as it was inspiring. “This isn’t just about building businesses,” Tim said. “It’s about building whole, healthy leaders who can sustain the work and the communities they serve.”
Panel Insights on Health and Wealth
The heart of the evening was a powerful panel discussion moderated by Ibrahima Souare, Executive Director of NYPACE. Panelists included:
- Haizel McIntyre, Founder of Making Money Movers NYC
- Eric Santiago, Studio Director at Sweet Water Dance & Yoga
- Brandy Cochrane, Founder of Plant Candy
The discussion went deep, with panelists offering vulnerable and practical insights on the theme Health is Wealth. Haizel shared, “Give yourself grace when it comes to your mind, to your finances, because we have this preconceived notion of what it means to be powerful and to be successful.” Brandy underscored the role of intentional eating: “The food we feed ourselves and the people we surround ourselves with impact our ability to activate that creativity that makes us our best selves.” Eric added a powerful reminder about balance: “The biggest part of being healthy is learning to surrender to the things you can’t control.”
These reflections made it clear that for entrepreneurs, well-being is foundational—not optional. From meditation and breathwork to diet changes and daily gratitude practices, the panelists shared tools that attendees could take home and apply.
Table Tennis Takes Center Stage
After the panel, the energy shifted into motion with a highlight of the evening: a table tennis exhibition led by CEA Fellow Yasiris Ortiz of Spin & Learn, a professional table tennis player who has inspired over 10,000 students, alongside Cuban national team member Idalys Lovet. The two dazzled the crowd with lightning-fast rallies and jaw-dropping shots. But it didn’t stop at watching—attendees had the rare chance to step up to the table and play with the pros, sparking laughter, cheers, and even a few surprisingly competitive moments that reminded everyone that wellness can be joyful, playful, and yes—fun.
Bronx Entrepreneurs in the Spotlight
CEA Cohort 2 Fellows were present, including Howard G. Lindsay (Pat’s Exotic Beverages), Ibrahima Badji (Good Vibes), Anthony Epps (Eppsolutely Clean), and Kevin Shabazz (Greene Developers), further showcasing the vibrancy of Bronx entrepreneurship.
Several Cohort 1 Fellows also attended, including Millie Carbajal of M&M 24HR Daycare and Olga Perez of MVP Lifeguards, demonstrating the growing alumni network and the continued connection between fellows across cohorts.
A Lasting Impact
The evening closed with more networking and conversation, but the impact of the event will ripple forward. Health is Wealth wasn’t just a theme—it was a reminder that thriving businesses and thriving bodies and minds go hand in hand.
The Community Enterprise Accelerator (CEA) is a nine-month fellowship program supporting under-recognized Bronx entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful network. The program is founded and primarily funded by Level Up Ventures, a Hearst subsidiary, and powered by a strong coalition of partners, including M&T Bank, NYPACE, Comp Sci High, BXEDC, NYC Small Business Services (SBS), and the NYC Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE).
These collaborations ensure that Bronx Brilliance isn’t just a series of events—it’s a growing movement to build a stronger, healthier, and more connected Bronx.
What’s Next for Bronx Brilliance
The next Bronx Brilliance event will be held on September 22, 2025, at the University of Mount Saint Vincent in the Riverdale section of The Bronx. This gathering will recognize Cohort 2 Fellows for their achievements and continue building the momentum of this growing series, bringing even more voices and energy into the CEA community.
For more about the Community Enterprise Accelerator and its mission, visit ceabx.org.
Photos by Catelyn Anne
