People are the Answer

S6E9 (episode #59): Ibrahima Souare on empowering community entrepreneurs

In this episode, Ibrahima and Jeffrey discuss Ibrahima’s immigration at a young age from Guinea, Africa and navigating his new home, his educational and career journeys, how he helps small businesses, the incredible number of acronyms in the non-profit and government worlds, and much more…

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Qs_Dcfs8Gis 

Learn more:

Host: Jeffrey M. Zucker

Producer: Kait Grey

Editor: Nick Case

Recording date: 4/28/23

NYPACE:

https://www.nypace.org/

https://www.instagram.com/nypacenews/

https://twitter.com/NYPACEnews

https://www.facebook.com/NYPACE

https://www.linkedin.com/company/2890448/

https://www.youtube.com/user/NYPACE

Other resources:

https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2021/10/2021-new-york-city-40-under-40/185868/

Bio:

Ibrahima Souare is the Executive Director of NYPACE. Previously, Ibrahima worked as a Senior Community Development Officer at Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC NYC) where he was responsible for managing a portfolio of programs in economic development, affordable housing, health equity, and financial opportunity across the New York City local market. Ibrahima’s pillar accomplishment while with LISC NYC was the successful launch and management of a small business relief & recovery fund that awarded over $1.1 million in direct grants to 112 minority owned businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, he successfully advocated for funding and managed a network of 16 community-based organizations across New York City to provide ongoing technical assistance and business development support to small, women, and BIPOC owned businesses. Prior to LISC NYC, Ibrahima had served as Assistant Director at LaGuardia Community College’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center, where he supported a number of small businesses to become responsible vendors for government agencies, and before that, he served as Business Development Associate working with MWBEs at New York State’s Chief Economic Development agency, Empire State Development, where he led statewide efforts to increase utilization of MWBEs on procurements opportunities. Within each of his capacities, Ibrahima has intentionally positioned himself to support the launch, growth, and sustainability of small businesses and entrepreneurs access resources.

In 2021, City & State, a renowned multimedia news organization, recognized Ibrahima as one of its distinguished honorees for the NYC 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.

Ibrahima holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Lehman College, and a Master’s degree in public administration from CUNY Baruch College’s Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, where he was a National Urban Fellow.

40:18 - NYPACE