New Board brings expanded expertise in finance, media, entrepreneurship, and public service to support BCC’s mission of student success and community empowerment

The Bronx Community College (BCC) Foundation convened its newly-configured Board of Directors yesterday for the first time this academic year, marking the start of a new era of leadership and strategic vision in support of the College’s mission to transform lives through education. The gathering also provided an opportunity for attendees to meet BCC’s new president, Dr. Larry D. Johnson, Jr., and engage in conversation and networking with fellow supporters of the College.

Established in 1985, the BCC Foundation provides essential funding for student scholarships, faculty research, program development, community education, and cultural enrichment. The Foundation’s work ensures that Bronx Community College students have the resources they need to pursue their academic and career goals, while also preserving the College’s historic campus — home to the Hall of Fame for Great Americans and Gould Memorial Library, National historic landmarks.

“The Bronx Community College Foundation plays a critical role in helping our students overcome barriers to success,” said President Johnson. “We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished and diverse group of leaders to the Board – each deeply committed to expanding access, equity, and opportunity for our students, and to fostering meaningful connections across the BCC community.”

New Board Members for 2025–2026

Foundation Chair Michael Robinson welcomed five new board members. Robinson said, “This outstanding group of leaders brings diverse expertise and a deep commitment to education and equity, which will strengthen our ability to open doors of opportunity for Bronx Community College students and ensure that BCC continues to serve as a powerful engine for transformation in the Bronx and beyond.”

Fleriser Bello
Founder & CEO of Bellas Fashionistas, Inc. and Fleriser Bello, Inc., Bello has built a reputation for empowering Latina leaders and entrepreneurs through strategic marketing and community engagement. A proud BCC alumna, she has partnered with New York City agencies to expand mentorship and training for women- and minority-owned businesses.

Michelle Caruso-Cabrera
An award-winning journalist and business leader, Caruso-Cabrera is CEO of MCC Global Enterprises and a CNBC Contributor. The first Latina anchor at CNBC, she has reported on international markets and interviewed world leaders. She currently serves on the boards of Ballet Hispánico, Wendy’s, and Del Real Foods and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Janet Peguero
Chief Operating Officer at Constantinople & Vallone, Peguero is a seasoned public servant and former Bronx Deputy Borough President — the first immigrant woman of Dominican descent to hold the role. A proud Binghamton University alumna and graduate of New York City public schools, she has championed equitable development across the Bronx, leading major revitalization efforts and advancing opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Gina Ugarte
Deputy Commissioner of Finance at the NYC Department of Buildings, Ugarte leads citywide budget and financial strategy. A former Executive Director of Finance and Business at Bronx Community College, she brings a decade of fiscal leadership and a strong commitment to public service and student advancement.

Marc Weisenfreund, Esq.
A practicing attorney for over 50 years, Weisenfreund specializes in corporate, banking, real estate, and estate planning law. He is also an active community leader, serving on the boards of the New York State Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs and the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester.

Foundation Initiatives

The BCC Foundation continues to drive initiatives that uplift our students and preserve the College’s historic treasures, including:

• The Kalief Browder Memorial Scholarship: Supporting BCC students rebuilding their lives after incarceration, in honor of the late Kalief Browder.
• Protect the Hall of Fame: A campaign to restore the Hall of Fame for Great Americans, designed by Stanford White in 1900.
• Save Gould Memorial Library: An effort to preserve the landmark Gould Memorial Library, also by Stanford White.
• Run the Bronx: A signature BCC event founded by Dr. Roscoe C. Brown, Jr., celebrating fitness, community, and education through an annual 10K/5K run and walk. The event raises funds for student scholarships and brings together alumni, local residents, and supporters from across NYC.
• Giving Tuesday: Each year, the Foundation joins the global day of generosity to raise critical support for scholarships, emergency aid, and academic programs that empower BCC students to achieve their goals.