A reader of HarlemGal Inc has provided a newsworthy tip about an East Harlem business. On October 1, the Founder and CEO of Hot Bread Kitchen (HBK), which has a presence in East Harlem through Hot Bread Almacen, received the 2013 Global Citizen Award from the Clinton Global Initiative. Jessamyn W. Rodriguez, who is also a Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ) Granteee, was recognized with among six other exemplary individuals who have created effective and scalable strategies that link public, private and non-profit sectors in order to bring about positive and lasting social change.
Since 2007, Hot Bread Kitchen has supported immigrant and low-income women and men through its culinary workforce and business incubation programs. UMEZ awarded HBK a $150,000 grant in 2011 to establish a retail outlet, Hot Bread Almacen, at the historic La Marqueta at 116th Street and Park Avenue in East Harlem.
Since opening in 2012 in East Harlem, Hot Bread Almacen has been featured in several publications including Zagat, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. Congrats to HBK and Almacen on the accolades. And a big thanks to our reader for sending in this news for all of us to learn about!
L to R: Melissa Mark-Viverito, Christine Quinn, Jessamyn W. Rodriguez, Christina Bahn, My Sweet Brigadero (HBK Incubates Member), Paula Barbosa, My Sweet Brigadero (HBK Incubates Member), Kenneth Knuckles (UMEZ), Seth Pinsky (EDC)
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Congratulations to Jessamyn. She’s such an inspiration!