UNDER THE ARCH: Conversations with our Members

Step "Under the Arch" and discover the stories behind our members. This virtual conversation series highlights the people who bring passion, purpose, and personality to our community.

Each session goes beyond the business card — exploring what drives our members, the journeys that led them to their work, and the impact they're making across Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and beyond.

Join us for a candid and inspiring dialogue celebrating the individuality, creativity, and heart that power our local business community.

This month we are joined by:

Gamal Willis, Chief Program Office, Avenues For Justice

Gamal oversees Court Advocacy, enrichment programming, and workforce development initiatives at Avenues for Justice. Since joining AFJ in 2018, he has expanded services citywide, helping grow the organization’s impact from 300 to nearly 700 justice-impacted youth annually. Gamal created AFJ’s HIRE Up Initiative, connecting young people to job readiness training, internships, and employment opportunities while integrating mental health, education, and life-skills support to ensure youth have pathways toward long-term stability and success.

Ashley Eyen, Deputy Director, Washington Square Park Conservancy

With more than a decade of experience in nonprofit development and public engagement, Ashley leads fundraising, communications, public engagement, and strategic planning in support of Washington Square Park. Prior to joining the Conservancy, she served as Senior Development Manager at the Natural Areas Conservancy and held development and partnership roles with Billion Oyster Project, Friends of Governors Island, Open House New York, and Waterkeeper Alliance. She has dedicated her career to supporting New York City's public spaces and nonprofit community.

Joel Grassi, Director of Sales, BHB Pest Elimination

Dr. Joel R. Grassi, a fourth generation Bronx resident born in Sleepy Hollow, NY, is a licensed exterminator working with BHB Pest Elimination, a family owned company based in the GVCCC footprint since 1969.  Also an ordained minister, he has a cosmological approach to pest control seeking to answer the "why" of each pest issue, while creating harmonious solutions to quality of life issues for his clients.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN SPEAKING AT OUR NEXT "UNDER THE ARCH" PLEASE CONTACT: JESSE GERICKE, EXECDIRECTOR@VILLAGECHELSEA.COM