Annette Runcie is a true entrepreneur, being the Co-owner of Pa-Nash Restaurant & EuroSoul Lounge, Inc; Co-Owner of a Golden Krust Queens Village; CEO and Co-Owner of J&P Runway Cafe at JFK Airport. Annette is passionate about the effective and sustainable personal and economic development of people, especially in the Southeast Queens Community. Annette holds a bachelor's from City College of New York and an MBA from Lubin School of Business at PACE University.
Sharein Morgan - Chair
Sharein Morgan is on a Life Journey of Purpose and Service. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Sharein attended Alpha Primary, then Excelsior High School. She then pursued her marketing studies at the Institute of Management & Production & has also studied in the area of business administration. Decades later, she has managed multiple businesses and is the founder and CEO of a marketing firm in New York that specifically empowers small to medium-sized businesses. Over the span of her career, she has worn many hats & played multiple roles as a business & and marketing consultant, a motivational speaker, a media executive, a radio broadcaster, and a producer.
Vivian Saunders - Digital Director
Vivian Saunders is the Chief Executive Officer of BuyCheapCentral, Inc., a Queens, New York–based business dedicated to providing customers with affordable shopping opportunities and a convenient online shopping experience through BuyCheapCentral.com. As a business leader, Vivian is committed to making shopping more accessible, helping customers find value for their money, and building a brand that emphasizes affordability, customer satisfaction, and community empowerment.
Through BuyCheapCentral, Inc., Vivian embraces the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic opportunity. His vision is to grow the business into a trusted online shopping destination while creating meaningful connections with customers and supporting the spirit of small-business ownership. Guided by the motto “🌟Shop✊🏾Black,📲Buy🦜Cheap🌟” Vivian champions the importance of supporting BLACK-owned businesses, encouraging consumers to shop with purpose, and demonstrating that quality and affordability can go hand in hand.
As CEO, Vivian continues to pursue opportunities to strengthen his business, expand its reach, improve customer engagement, and contribute to the growth of the small-business community. His leadership reflects a commitment to perseverance, entrepreneurship, and the belief that a small business with a clear vision can make a meaningful impact in its community.
Karen M. Elbers - Secretary
Karen M. Elbers is the current Secretary of MARLS NYC, Board of Directors. She is a life- long Educator/Administrator with more than three decades of combined experience in the public and private sectors. Her motivation and passion to make a difference in the lives of others is rooted in her Christian faith, family values, education, and commitment to her community. Over the years, Karen has worked in various settings, which allowed her to understand the needs of Black and Brown communities firsthand. In her role as administrator, she helped to strengthen relationships within her school organization, as well as liaised with elected officials and government agencies such as the Administration for Children’s Services, the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, the Department of Education, NYPD Community Affairs, and the Department of Homeland Security (for Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief). She has also partnered with numerous community based organizations such as Bahamian American Cultural Society, New Beginnings Outreach/Grow NYC, Hour Children/Hour Working Women Program, and Cooking with Nuncy & Sound Chat Radio in the New York City area; demonstrating her strong support, advocacy, and dedication to uplifting her community. Ms. Elbers received the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)—Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022, signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. She is a proud graduate of NYPD Citizens Police Academy, Class of Spring 2017. Karen also has a good Fiscal background, which stems from her experience with E. Lewis Consulting, providing financial services for non-profit organizations. When she is not busy serving others, she enjoys traveling, cooking and spending quality time with her family.
