Board Members
Annette Runice - Chair
Sharein Morgan - Co-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.
Kadeem Brown - Treasurer
Kadeem Brown is a seasoned financial advisor with nearly a decade of expertise.
His journey commenced at Penn State University, where he earned a degree in
Management, laying the foundation for an exceptional career in guiding clients
nationwide. He has also recently been certified as a Holistic Financial Coach by
Columbia University. Kadeem demonstrates dedication to comprehensive financial empowerment. With a holistic approach, he empowers families and businesses to navigate complex financial decisions by breaking down challenges into manageable steps. Kadeem's passion for education ensures clients are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to take control of their financial future In his free time, Kadeem enjoys playing flag football and engaging in community service. As a leader in both his personal and professional spheres, along with being a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Kadeem brings a spirit of excellence and community to his endeavors. His commitment to empowering others and fostering collaborative relationships defines his approach, marking him as a trusted figure in the financial landscape.
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.