A devoted Inwood Community advocate, formerly Treasurer and Chair of Business Development Committee for Community Board 12, now helms the Inwood Merchant Association Steering Committee. He's committed to community growth, leveraging vast experience and resources for the merchant association and Upper Manhattan's improvement. With a SUNY State College of Optometry degree and Wilmington Delaware VA Medical Center residency, he owns Compton Eye Associates in NYC and contributes to SUNY as Assistant Adjunct Faculty. Dr. Compton's significant roles extend beyond local involvement: Chair-Elect of the American Optometric Association’s Contact Lens and Cornea Section, Chair of Marketing Committee for NY State Optometric Association, and fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He also spearheads TheRightContact.com, a global eye care professionals' resource.

Manuel Garcia, LEED AP, is the Executive Director of the Inwood Merchant Association (IMA). With more than 20 years of experience in architecture, urban planning, and economic development, he leads initiatives that strengthen local businesses, activate public spaces, and promote Inwood as a thriving commercial and cultural destination. Manuel collaborates with merchants, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to advance revitalization projects, business advocacy, tourism, and neighborhood investment.

Isidro Medina serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Heights Business Improvement District (WHBID), overseeing strategic business development, marketing, and fiscal management. His impactful initiatives include managing Northern Manhattan Car Free Day and supervising the Neighborhood 360 Inwood grant. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Inwood Merchant Association, advocating for local small businesses. As a Manhattan Community Board 12 member since 2014, he chaired the Licensing Committee and served as Second Vice Chair for three years. Isidro's commitment extends to the 34th Precinct Commander's Advisory Council and the Dominican American National Roundtable. A NYC Small Business Services’ Neighborhood Leadership Fellow, he's highly regarded in the community. Previously, he managed Latin American Markets at Global Reach & Associates and worked extensively in real estate. Isidro holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Relations & Economic Development from City College of New York.

Arelia Taveras is the Executive Director of the NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association, advising owners on operational and business maintenance steps. As a founder of NY Business Licensing, she specializes in liquor licenses and sidewalk cafes, guiding businesses from construction plans to operations. She launched www.NYRestaurantChannel.com, offering instructional videos on regulations and advisories. Serving in the NYS Coalition of Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, she supports trade and commerce. With a Juris Doctor in Law and a Bachelors in Business Administration, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. A New York resident, she lives with her family.