Each year in addition to the run/walk fundraiser for youth, the Dime McCarren 5K chooses to recognize local community heroes. The Dime McCarren 5k/10k pays it forward by spotlighting ways these heroes benefit our community.
North Brooklyn Runners
Formed in 2009, North Brooklyn Runners grew from a longing for the camaraderie and motivation of having a team to run with. A decade later, the team has grown exponentially, but has remained committed to providing a wide variety of training runs, resources, events, and free membership to the local community. NBR is made up of members of all paces and experience levels – we have Olympic Trials Qualifiers and people who are brand new to running. Some of our members join to meet new people, some want to finish a 3-mile run, some want to train with others, and some want to achieve a race day personal best. Our entire organization is run by a group of volunteers who are committed to supporting and giving back to our neighborhood and local nonprofit organizations.
St. Nicks Alliance’s dedication to supporting families in the North Brooklyn Community is very important to us, and NBR is thrilled to partner with SNA again this year for the 2019 Dime McCarren 5k and 10k event.
Jennifer Gutierrez
Jennifer Gutierrez was born and raised in Queens to parents who emigrated from Colombia in the 1980s. Having grown up in an immigrant rich community, she was exposed to diversity early on and was inspired to pursue advocacy when she witnessed her neighbor’s galvanizing to demand quality healthcare and smaller classrooms.
It was in college that she formally applied her passion for community activism. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in political science, Jennifer organized families in Santiago, Chile memorializing their relatives during the time of the disappeared and managed two state races in Arizona.
When Jennifer returned to NYC in 2013 she began her tenure at the New York City Council with Diana Reyna as the community organizer for Williamsburg, Brooklyn. In this role, she worked directly with residents on tenant and anti-eviction issues. It was in this position that she gained a deep respect for the role that local groups play in providing crucial resources and services to communities.
Currently, as the Chief of Staff to Council Member Antonio Reynoso, Jennifer has been instrumental in leading the office’s legislative and constituent services operations. However, even in this leadership position, Jennifer has remained true to her passion for giving back to community members directly. Jennifer has served as the office’s liaison in negotiating the extension of the Nuestros Niños Childcare Center and all efforts alongside community members and St. Nicks Alliance to preserve Small World Daycare and Swinging 60’s Senior Center. She successfully led four cycles of Participatory Budgeting for the district; and orchestrated multiple annual community events. In addition to her professional engagements in North Brooklyn, Jennifer has a deep personal investment in the longevity of the community and the well-being of its residents.
Equity and community based planning are at the root of Jennifer’s personal convictions, and she looks forward to continuing to work with St. Nicks Alliance, other community based organizations, and residents to advance these values and improve quality of life in Williamsburg for all residents.
The Greenline 