PROGRAM MANAGER

Sia Pickett, Program Manager of the Childcare Business Development Project at Business Outreach Center.

Ms. Pickett’s background is in business management with a focus on retail industries from fashion to cellular phones, and startups of Fortune 500 companies. After three decades as a corporate trainer, she left the corporate world because she wanted to give back to the community at the grass roots level.  She took a position as the Project Coordinator at the Business Outreach Network Center providing her expertise at the non profit.  After working as a business counselor and trainer for some years with a specialty in entrepreneurship and then project coordinator, she was named the Program Manager. 

Due to the success of the Childcare Means Business Program, Sia has developed partnerships with NYCHA and other programs throughout the years. She has also helped lobby for the childcare industry at the city, state and federal level, speaking with officials at every level to get support for childcare.     

She has trained generations of trainers and business counselors who are available throughout the five boroughs of New York and surrounding area to assist childcare providers in establishing and enhancing businesses that support the diversity of New York’s neighborhoods.

She is an expert in business start up and management, promotion and marketing, and has a special interest in nutrition. She is very passionate about helping children and families gain access to healthier food and brings her lifelong interest in cooking and diet to teaching children that food preparation can be rewarding and Fun!

BUSINESS COUNSELOR

Originally from the Dominican Republic, Geiny Paulino was raised in Washington Heights in a community that is mainly comprised of Dominican-Americans. She began working at a young age for the Department of Education as a Program Coordinator and was later promoted as Program Director. In 2005, she joined BOC’s partner organization Washington Heights Inwood Development Corporation as a Child Care Project Director. Since then, she has joined BOC as a Child Care Program Coordinator/Business Counselor and manages BOC’s Harlem EAC. She continues to work within her community by assisting childcare providers with starting their home-based day care businesses, child-care training, and technical assistance in managing their business. She is very passionate about the work she does and finds satisfaction in helping her clients achieve their goals through obtaining their license and opening their businesses.

BUSINESS COUNSELOR

Michelle Minaya is a trainer and business counselor at BOC, born and raised in the Bronx, where she developed a deep connection to her community. She is the proud mother of an 11-year-old daughter. Michelle holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has owned and operated a successful family childcare business for the past three years, demonstrating her passion for nurturing and educating young children. Michelle loves reading psychological thriller books in her spare time and cherishes moments spent with her family.

CHILD CARE GRANT MANAGER

Program Director of the Childcare Business Development Project (CCBDP) from 2006-2008, Bobby Cohen left to pursue a law degree.  Returning in 2023, she resumed her work as a business counselor and trainer, with an emphasis on childcare, with fifteen additional years experience in counseling home-based childcare facility owners on business management and regulatory issues.  Along with business counseling and technical assistance, Ms. Cohen trains entrepreneurs in financial planning, accounting and credit building.  She represents childcare providers in legal disputes with the Office of Children and Family Services.  She is a member of the SCR Screening Committee of the NY Bar, and lobbies for fair, unbiased, and equitable regulations and law enforcement for low income and BIPOC small business owners.  One of her favorite aspects of this work is brainstorming unique and original marketing and promotional ideas with these small business owners in order to publicize their essential services to the underserved communities who most benefit from home-based childcare.  Currently, she also serves as the manager of BOC Capital’s Childcare Grant program. 

PROGRAM ASSISTANT

Reny Minaya is a dedicated professional currently completing her Bachelor’s degree after earning an Associate’s degree from BCC. She works at BOC Network as an Assistant Office Manager and Childcare Program Assistant, supporting organizational operations and contributing to the child care program. Reny also brings extensive experience in healthcare, strengthening her ability to understand and support diverse populations.

Her academic interests center on psychology, particularly behavior and cognition. Outside of her professional and academic roles, Reny practices yoga and enjoys traveling—experiences that broaden her perspective on culture and human behavior.

CONSULTANT

Annette Cohen is a business consultant who has worked with childcare providers in Far Rockaway, as a business counselor and advocate for decades. She helped launch the Child Care Means Business Project at BOC over 20 years ago.

Her professional has been in government which includes military service and working for several public officials. 

She holds a Master's degree in public administration and is currently an active member of Queens County Community Board #14.

She enjoys traveling, long walks on the beach, shopping, and savoring life.