René Cuenca

René Cuenca is a New York-based community development professional with experience partnering with communities, City agencies, and designers to empower locals doing neighborhood improvement and civic engagement projects. He began his career at Design Center Pittsburgh helping organizations access architecture resources and raising awareness about the value of design in the built environment. In NYC, René led community programming at NYC Parks, advising neighborhood leaders across Manhattan on how to develop their ideas to transform public spaces into dynamic community assets. Currently at SBS’ Neighborhood Development Division, René oversees capacity building services that strengthen the long-term viability of NYC’s diverse commercial districts by servicing local emerging leaders with trainings, marketing support, roundtables, leadership programs, and nonprofit management coaching.

As a native from El Salvador, René likes making art and crafts and going on nature walks. He is part of the Latino American Small Business Task Force and sits on the board for the Park Slope BID, the Meatpacking District, and the West Village BID.