About Us
Andy Posner Executive Director
The co-founder of Capital Good Fund, Andy Posner developed a model for innovative microfinance as a Master's student at Brown University. He is a firm adherant to the dream of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner and 'Father' of microfinance, to put poverty into museums; or, as Andy likes to put it, to put poverty out of business. Andy's work has been featured in Providence Business News, the Providence Journal, the Providence Phoenix, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's quarterly publication, the Rhode Island Small Business Journal, CNN and other print, radio and television media. In addition, Andy has forged a unique public-private partnership with Rhode Island Treasurer Gina Raimondo aimed at empowering families to achieve financial stability.
Andy is a co-founder of Lend for America and a member of its advisory committee, and he is also a member of the national Board of Directors of the Association for Enterprise Opportunity. He has published his ideas in the Huffington Post, Treehugger.com and the Stanford Social Innovation Review, to name a few examples. He was also selected as a 2013 American Express Emerging Innovator (one of 45 globally).
Andy is a ferociously pragmatic idealist who believes that creative business models, advanced data analytics, and a mix of market and mission-centered forces can lead to dramatic social change. Finally, Andy is a blogger, a poet, and in 2005 rode his bicycle across the United States.
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Kate Lyons Deputy Director
When Kate started working with CGF in the spring of 2010, she never imagined what a perfect fit it would turn out to be. With her energetic spirit and desire to make a difference she found CGF to be the ideal place to work. After graduating with her MBA (from Providence College- go Friars!) she joined the staff full-time as Director of Operations, after almost a year of volunteering and working part-time. Kate is also on the board of the Steel Yard, an industrial arts non-profit based in Providence. When she's not devoting her time passionately to innovative microfinance, she enjoys reading, the outdoors, traveling and quality time with her friends!
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Libby Kimzey Director of Programs
Libby came to Capital Good Fund from a combined background in green jobs and political organizing, with groups like Ocean State Action and Common Cause. She joined the team in 2010 as Head Loan Officer. In her current position she runs our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, manages the improvement of our Financial Coaching curriculum and platform, and works towards fully-integrated information systems for Capital Good Fund. In her free time she works with various community groups to make Providence a better place for all of us to live, work and play.
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Cameron Cunningham Head Financial Coach- AmeriCorps VISTA
Cameron attended Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT and it was there she gained her love for microfinance. Through a unique class her senior year, Cameron traveled to Nicaragua to meet with and award three entrepreneurs with microloans for their small businesses. Upon graduating in 2010, she moved to San Jose, Costa Rica to spend a year championing disarmament, peace education and demilitarization in Latin America. She was fortunate enough to spend a week campaigning at the United Nations with this organization, and her love for the non-profit world was solidified! Cameron is excited about her involvement with CGF's Financial Coaching program as she feels very strongly about financial literacy and empowerment as a tool not only for economic advancement but also self-worth. Her passions outside of CGF initiatives include vegetarian cooking, playing tennis and exploring nature.
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Maria Carranza Director of Client Services
María José Carranza, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, moved to the United States at the age of 15. She has always been passionate about helping others and committed to the mission of making the world a better place to live. She attended Bryant University in Smithfield, RI where she earned a degree in International Business and minored in Latin American and Latinos/as studies. Her strong interest in business and the humanities was the main drive for her to join the Capital Good Fund team. Maria also has true passion for cultures and languages which encouraged her to study abroad in Salvador, Bahía (Brazil) and participate in several projects nationally and internationally such as a service-learning project in the Dominican Republic sponsored by Bryant University. Maria is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and directly serves our Spanish speaking clients.
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Charles Frumerie Creative Officer- AmeriCorps VISTA
After graduating from Arizona State University with a degree in graphic design, Charles moved to Rhode Island. Seeking a meaningful line of work, Charles started at Capital Good Fund as the organization’s Creative Officer, managing CGF’s image through print, web design, and video editing. Charles’ work also extends out to CGF clients, as the organization provides design services to our graduated entrepreneurs. In addition to creative processes, Charles’ basic needs include *time outdoors* and chocolate milk.
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Lisa GallantSpecial Projects Coordinator- AmeriCorps VISTA
Lisa was part of the first graduating class ('00) at the Met School, where she first discovered her passion for community service. Lisa has been active in a variety of programs: tutoring at MLK Elementary, doing neighborhood clean-ups and, in '03 she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Central Falls, RI. Her experience motivated her to go back to college in 2004, attending Lesley University, where she obtained a BA in Business. Since graduating she has become a small business owner and a mother. Possessing strong entrepreneurial skills, business knowledge and life experience, Lisa now hopes to apply these while contributing to the CGF mission.
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Jake BobrowFC+ Program Coordinator- AmeriCorps VISTA
Jake’s passion is finding and implementing creative, simple approaches that help solve social problems. An entrepreneurial-spirited professional, Jake helped build social businesses in Nepal, Haiti and the Untied States. He’s worked to implement financial literacy and empowerment programs for NGOs, Government Agencies and Financial Institutions. In his spare time Jake loves travel, making music and bike racing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Entrepreneurship from The Community Development and Applied Economics Department at the University of Vermont.
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Quetrin KunhardtClient Services Officer- AmeriCorps VISTA
Originally from Manhattan, NYC, Quetrin moved to Providence, RI in '93 after being a victim of Hurricane Andrew. Quetrin is the daughter of Dominican-born parents, and a single mother of three teens (Alex 15, Jolany 13, and Joel 11). She first discovered her passion for helping others in '95 when she volunteered for a program for under-privileged children called Project Outreach. Quetrin canvassed and campaigned for Libby Kimzey for State Rep. and for James Diossa for Mayor of Central Falls in 2012. Whilst working for Libby's campaign, Quetrin heard about CGF and its mission for the community and decided she needed to be a part of it. In her spare time, Quetrin makes music, promotional work for events, and spends time with her children. Quetrin has a passion for history and ancient cultures and societies, but the one thing she enjoys most is relaxing with a great book and a nice cup of warm, delicious tea.
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Vanessa GarciaCommunity Outreach Coordinator- AmeriCorps VISTA
Vanessa Garcia, of Lakewood CA, joined CGF in April 2013 because it was a good opportunity, early in life, to join the social poverty movement that would close the gap one person at a time. She earned a master's degree in Sociology and bachelor’s degree in Human Communication Studies at California State University, Fullerton and previously worked on the Obama campaign and the 2013 LA Mayoral campaign. Her goal is to make a difference in the lives of her clients. Unfortunately, the financial literacy rate among the poor is not good and the effects of not being able to manage one’s own personal finance adds a lot of stress. She is most passionate about issues concerning Latinos and CGF is a great organization putting the underprivileged community members first. She gravitates to this cause because it's similar to her personal struggle and success. CGF opened her eyes to perspectives she never considered, possibly breaking poverty barriers nationwide and she is so proud to be part of CGF and inspired by the hard work it's already done. She enjoys traveling, dancing, and playing with her nephew Jonathan and dog Chewie in her spare time. She knows that she wants to move back to CA one day, when it's time to focus on the most important part of life.....FAMILY. She hopes to one day to return to CA, start a family, and wake up every day doing what she loves.
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Jose FonsecaData Analyst- AmeriCorps VISTA
Jose Fonseca started as the Data Analyst at Capital Good Fund in the Spring of 2013. He has an interest in issues related to entrepreneurship, education, and good governance and has a knack for technology and research. He spent the summer of 2010 at the Dubai School of Government supporting research related to education, entrepreneurship, and urban growth. In 2012, Jose helped identify workplace productivity issues at federal agencies while working at the Partnership for Public Service. Jose hails from Southern California, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California Lutheran University, and a Master’s of Public Policy from Pepperdine University.
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Abe AramboloFellow
Abe is originally from Brooklyn, NY and currently is a junior at Brown University where he studies Applied Mathematics - Economics. During high school, Abe was a mentor in a community enrichment program that provided Lower East Side students with extra reading and writing classes on Saturdays. His initial interest in financial literacy started when he faced difficulty filing for financial aid at his university. Through CGF, he hopes to create a positive impact in the Providence community and help others one-on-one with their finances. In his free time, Abe enjoys DJing, hanging with friends, and rock climbing.
Edward BroadheadFellow
Edward is a junior at Bryant University pursuing a degree in International Business, Finance, and Spanish. His passion for micro finance and financial empowerment programs came from time abroad where he spent time in countries witnessing individuals with limited resources pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. He hopes to take his knowledge of business and finance and apply it to the Providence community by working through the Capital Good Fund and bring about the financial empowerment of those who need it most. In his free time he enjoys traveling, an array of outdoor activities, and vegetarian cooking.
Michael CasinelliFellow
Michael was born in Providence, RI and is currently a Senior at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Legal Studies. At Bryant, Michael is part of the Delta Chi Fraternity, was the co-philanthropy chair for two years, and holds other various leadership positions within the fraternity. It was during one of Michael’s finance classes he first discovered micro-lending and learned about the many people who fall victim to these predatory services. Firmly believing that in order for positive change to happen, we need to be aware of the many opportunities and solutions for the issues we face, or else history repeats itself. During his free time, Michael loves playing sports, training in the gym, traveling, and cooking.
Nicolas EceizabarrenaFellow
Nicolas Eceizabarrena is an international student originally from Madrid, Spain. Nicolas is 21 years old; he came to the U.S. when he was 17 in the search for opportunities and has been studying in America since. He is a junior at Bryant University pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. Nicolas recently started working at Capital Good Fund after his motivation to learn and help others is what brought him here. Nicolas is very passionate about sports (especially soccer!) and is a person who likes to meet new people.
Alyssa GarrettFellow
Alyssa is a sophomore at Brown University studying Applied Math-Economics. She is originally from outside of Seattle, Washington and gets homesick for bad weather, good coffee, and her dog. She loves working at Capital Good Fund, meeting new people and serving her community. Past experiences include interning for Congressman David Reichert (WA-08) and starting a math tutoring service. In her free time, Alyssa loves watching classic movies, reading the newspaper and Cheerleading. Go Bruno!
Zachary GavryFellow
Zach is originally from West Simsbury, Connecticut. However, his Grandmother lived in Middletown his whole life so Rhode Island is like a second home. Now studying both Health Policy & Management and Global Studies at Providence College, Zach is interested in the potent connection between socioeconomic status and equity within the Healthcare sector. Zach hopes to inspire change within his clients habits both finance and non-finance related to help them live well, not better. During the sparse leisurely hours, Zach is both a violinist and photographer. He also enjoys 30 rock, road running, and shower singing.
Bella GonzalezFellow
Bella Gonzalez is a Business Economics student in her second year at Brown University. Her interest in economics and long history of volunteer work led her to join the Capital Good Fund to help educate others about finance. Bella's goal is to help empower her clients not only financially, but with respect to their life goals as well. In her spare time, Bella enjoys reading, spending time with family (especially her adorable 1 year old niece), practicing taekwondo, and going to concerts!
Richard JimenezFellow
Richard hails from the Bronx, New York. He is currently a junior at Brown University studying 20th century American History. He first learned of Capital Good Fund while at work at Brown's career center, where he overhead head coach, Cameron Cunningham, give a presentation to potential Fellows. Little did he know at the time, Richard would come to love the CGF mission of spreading financial literacy! He is a brother of Zeta Delta Xi fraternity and is currently serving as the vice president. On his free time, Richard enjoys playing his electric bass guitar, bike riding, and rooting for his beloved New York sports teams (except the Yankees).
Carolyn Maiorana Fellow
Carolyn is from a suburb of Worcester Massachusetts and is studying International Relations at Brown, entering her final year this Spring. She spent last semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina, studying at La Universidad de Buenos Aires and El Instituto Universitario Nacional del Arte. Carolyn works in the news department at 95.5 WBRU and participates in a dance company at Brown. Her interests in economic development, social entrepreneurship, and working one-on-one with people led her to the Capital Good Fund. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, running, hiking and seeing live music!
Austin MertzFellow
Austin is originally from Lancaster, PA and currently is a junior at Brown University where he studies Economics. Prior to CGF, Austin was involved with community service through Boy Scouts and environmental science workshops at the Met School. He is excited to be working at CGF and looks forward to using what he has learned in the classroom to help make a difference in the financial well being of the Providence community. In his free time, Austin enjoys backpacking, playing guitar, and watching any and all sports teams from Philadelphia.
Jerome Thompson Fellow
Jerome was born and raised in Providence, RI. A proud graduate of Hope High School (GO BLUE WAVE!); Jerome attended Rhode Island College where he is finishing his Bachelor of Arts degree, with certifications in Non-Profit Studies and Green Business Management. While at school Jerome took leadership positions in various multicultural student organizations, and was initiated into the Epsilon Upsilon Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity (OW OW!). Jerome is a staunch believer in the potential in the citizens of Greater Providence, and believes that microfinance will be a vehicle that will aid in its economic recovery. On his spare time, Jerome enjoys working out, reading, enjoying international cuisine, and slaying dragons with his son Ali.
Julia XuFellow
Julia Xu is a sophomore at Brown concentrating in applied math-economics. She is an active member of Meiklejohn Program and B.I.G. She has been interning at Capital Good Fund since 2012 and has been enjoying working on projects and meeting clients. In her free time, Julia likes to play tennis, listen to music and try out new restaurants.
Our Amazing Interns
Sarah Michel, Accounting Intern
Peter Vail, Data Mining Intern
Lola Wells, Finance Intern
John Novas, MET School Intern
Tori Smith, MET School Intern
Greg McQuaid, Providence College Public Relations Intern
Ian Trupin, Mapping Intern
Seth Weimer, FC Corps Intern
Myron Lam, Financial Coaching + Intern
Liz Perez, FC+ (Schools) Intern
Kyle Nyskohus, FC+ (Businesses) Intern
Alex Darr, Social Media/Brand Ambassador Intern
Our Awesome Brand Ambassadors
Jessica Chan-Ugalde, CGF Brand Ambassador
Kirsten Consing, CGF Brand Ambassador
Amber DeLeo, CGF Brand Ambassador
Laura Della Guardia, CGF Brand Ambassador
Delia Harrington, CGF Brand Ambassador