

Lourdes Zapata
President and CEO of South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO)
Lourdes Zapata: Ms. Zapata is the President and CEO of South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation (SoBRO), a community-based nonprofit organization providing in- and out-of-school youth educational services, vocational programming and workforce development for youth and adults, and business support to new, mid-range, and established businesses. SoBro is also an accomplished developer and manager of commercial properties and affordable and special needs housing for single adults and families - having developed over 1,500 housing units in the South Bronx and Harlem with 500 units in its current portfolio - along with over 130,000 square feet of office and industrial space. With an average annual budget of $16M and as an employer of 200 dedicated professionals, SoBro is also engaged in a variety of urban planning and community development efforts. SoBro has been in business since 1972 and has successfully endeavored to 'Build a Better Bronx'. Ms. Zapata has also previously served as Chief Diversity Officer of the Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Executive Vice President at Empire State Development. She has received her MPA in Management at New York University.