Mileyka Burgos-Flores Chief Executive Officer
Mileyka Burgos-Flores is a Dominican-American activist and founding Executive Director of The Allapattah Collaborative, CDC- a placed based, non-profit organization that uses Main Street Approach to preserve and expand cultural authenticity and wealth building in marginalized immigrant enclaves. The organization aims to revitalize the Little Santo Domingo commercial corridors in the midst of mitigating climate gentrification pressures as it focuses on its mission of (1)implementing place making techniques to foster identity, (2)supporting wealth building strategies for marginalized communities of color and (3)advocating for policies/procedures that support equitable, comprehensive and sustainable community development. Mileyka holds a bachelor degree from the University of Miami and a master degree from Florida International University. She is an avid advocate for social justice in marginalized communities by working with neighborhood stakeholders in grassroots community engagement campaigns and inter-agency collaborations. She has been a champion in asset-framing the Latinx immigrant contributions and experience, as well as advocating for the preservation of culture in marginalized cultural enclaves under the principles of access, equity, representation, inclusion and upward mobility.
Francesca Escoto Chief Programs Officer
Francesca Escoto, Chief Operations Officer, an established Certified Professional Coach (CPC), Project Management Professional (PMP), and Certified Scrum Master (CSM), with an Industrial Engineering & Management degree from WPI, and graduate courses in IT, business, and leadership. She brings extensive experience in program design and implementation, as well as non-profit board leadership. As a Dominican immigrant serial entrepreneur, Francesca brings a culturally sensitive approach to building Main Street businesses based on her own experience.
Santander Arguelles Community Assets & Preservation Officer
Santander Arguelles brings extensive experience in banking and has successfully secured over $5 million in loans and grants for small businesses within the Allapattah commercial corridor. In 2024, Santander completed the prestigious NALCAB Pete Garcia Community Economic Development Fellowship and is currently spearheading our commercial real estate acquisition and development initiatives.
With deep cultural and generational competency, Santander is dedicated to empowering local business owners to transition into storefront ownership, helping prevent displacement and fostering generational wealth within the community.In addition to his expertise in banking and economic development, Santander is a licensed real estate professional and a chemical engineer, offering a unique blend of technical and financial acumen to drive impactful community preservation and growth.
Elysa Delcorto Director of Grant Operations
Elysa Delcorto is a dynamic community builder with a strong track record of programming excellence, and relationship-building. With over 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations, Elysa has implemented community engagement and education programs on wealth-building techniques, and economic inclusion for low- and middle-income families and businesses. She now oversees ACDC’s Grants efforts to help the organization continue its mission of helping small businesses thrive in the Little Santo Domingo corridor.
Meysa Arguelles Director of Small Business Growth
With over five years of experience in business consulting, Meysa Arguelles is a certified Life Coach dedicated to helping entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners unlock their full potential. Holding a master’s degree in Management Science, Meysa combines analytical expertise with strategic insights to drive business growth, operational efficiency, and leadership development.
Throughout their career, Meysa has worked with startups, small business, and corporate leaders, offering tailored coaching programs focused on business strategy, financial planning, leadership skills, and market expansion. Their approach blends data-driven decision-making with practical, results-oriented solutions, empowering clients to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable success.
Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, a Business Coach is committed to guiding businesses toward scalable success through strategic planning, process optimization, and performance enhancement. Whether you’re looking to refine your business model, strengthen leadership skills, or navigate market shifts, Meysa Arguelles provides the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
Zaney Marena Perez Director of Neighborhood Programs and Events
Zaney Marena Perez is a community leader dedicated to fostering local engagement, cultural preservation, and economic development. As Director of Neighborhood Programs and Events at Allapattah CDC, she oversees initiatives that connect businesses, residents, and city stakeholders to strengthen the community. With a focus on advocacy, small business support, and intergenerational programs, Zaney works to create equitable ecosystems in the community that foster growth and resilience in Allapattah.
Cristopher Lopez Executive Operations Manager
Cristopher Lopez is the Executive Operations Manager at Allapattah Collaborative CDC, where he oversees strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and community-driven programs aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development. A proud Allapattah native, he has a deep-rooted passion for uplifting his community and creating opportunities that drive long-term impact.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Florida International University and a Small Business Management Certification from Miami Dade College. With a strong background in operations management and organizational leadership, Cristopher is dedicated to optimizing processes, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for equitable development.
Beyond his professional work, he enjoys engaging in conversations about business strategies and personal growth, always seeking ways to improve and inspire others to reach their full potential.
Ana Ortega Manager of Neighborhood Programs and Events
Ana ortega cultivates meaningful connections between youth and seniors through art, music, and cultural programming. Dedicated to fostering creativity and community, she coordinates interactive workshops that provide a safe and inclusive space for collaboration. Ana also plays a key role in organizing El Festival del Plátano and supporting small business development, helping to strengthen Allapattah’s cultural and economic vitality.
Drelly Rios Program Manager for SBRC
Based in Miami, Drelly Rios is a distinguished communicator and strategist recognized
for her leadership in business and community development. She currently serves as
Program Manager for the Small Business Resilience Cohort at The Allapattah
Collaborative CDC, where she has been supporting small business owners since
2024, when she first joined as a Business Navigator. Her expertise spans technical
assistance, grant and loan application support, and digital solutions for entrepreneurs.
She is also the co-founder and vice president of M10 (Mujer 10), a leadership and
sustainability network that partners with organizations such as Florida Prepaid College
and First Bank Florida to empower women and entrepreneurs.
In 2024, Rios led “El Cuento de los Cien Niños” one of her most ambitious projects:
the creation of a children’s art and creative writing book, unveiled at the Miami Book
Fair. Alongside her business partner, Marybel Torres, she launched a platform where
children from Miami, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Venezuela, and
Germany could share their vision for the future. This groundbreaking initiative blended
technology, artificial intelligence, and innovative pedagogy, enabling young authors
and illustrators to bring their stories to life.
