Jason Curry is in his 26th year as Founder and President of Big Apple Basketball, where he oversees all aspects of the organization's daily operations, including basketball training, exposure programs, mentoring, and community events.
He graduated with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Saint Michael's College, where he was a four-year starter on the men's basketball team and later inducted into the college's Athletic Hall of Fame.
In 2019, he was awarded the Jr. Knicks Coach of the Year, as well as the National Jr. NBA Coach of the Year. That same year, he was also inducted into the Cheshire Academy Athletic Hall of Fame, where he graduated from high school. In 2020, he was named Saint Michael's College Alumnus of the Year.
Jason currently serves on the Jr. NBA Executive Voting Panel, responsible for selecting the Jr. NBA Coach of the Year, and is a board member for the Tom Konchalski Foundation. He also served on the Men's Ministry Leadership Committee at the Greater Allen A.M.E. Church, and was a member of the Saint Michael's College Alumni Board of Directors, where he chaired the Admissions Committee.
In addition to his nonprofit leadership, Jason has 10 years of experience in media production, working with NY1 News, NBA Entertainment, CNN, WNBC, and WABC. He also has over 15 years of experience working as a college basketball color commentator and sideline reporter. His on-air roles have included serving as an analyst on MSG-TV for the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G-League and on ESPN3 for the Manhattan College men's basketball team.
Over the past 15 years, under Jason's leadership, Big Apple Basketball has impacted more than 3,000 youth, helped over 450 student-athletes earn college scholarships, and seen more than 80 NBA players participate in its programs.
Angelina Casanova is the Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Command Holdings, a company owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. A devoted member of the Mashantucket Pequots, Angelina oversees Command Holdings’ growth strategy, working to ensure it will provide a sustainable economic resource to the Tribal Nation for many generations to come. Angelina helped to establish the company in 2017 and has since managed multiple acquisitions. Command Holdings currently has over 450 employees and offers a wide array of expertise in government, health, facilities management, and technology.
With a career spanning more than 20 years, Angelina is a seasoned professional in federal government relations, strategic communications, and business development, serving as the Tribe’s National Legislative Affairs Manager. In 2021, Angelina was awarded the “40 Under 40 Award” from the National Center of American Indian Economic Development (NCAIED), recognizing the best and brightest emerging leaders in Indian Country. Angelina holds a bachelor’s degree from Towson University and a graduate certificate in Business Communications from Harvard University Extension School.
Beyond her career obligations, Angelina is co-owner of Native Way Blend, LLC, an official Dunkin’ franchise with a flagship store located at Foxwoods Resort Casino, which also provides employment opportunities to her tribal community.
Robert Lewis is an accomplished attorney and community leader originally from Queens, NY. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and law degrees from St. John’s University, where he built the foundation for a successful legal career.
As an attorney, Robert focused on advocating for individuals and families, helping them navigate difficult circumstances with clarity and support.
Now based in Charlotte, NC, Robert is the founder of Transformative Care, a behavioral health organization dedicated to crisis intervention, trauma recovery, and long-term healing. His combined experience in law and mental health enables him to guide people through some of the most pivotal moments in their lives.
Robert brings to Big Apple Basketball a steady presence, a commitment to service, and a passion for helping people access opportunity and support.
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Washington Heights, NYC, Juan Abreu brings to Big Apple Basketball a rich cultural perspective and a dynamic career path shaped by a deep commitment to learning and growth. He earned his undergraduate degree in Finance and Investment from Baruch College in New York, where he was actively involved in the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and completed several internships that laid the foundation for his professional journey.
Juan has experience in banking and the financial services industry through his time at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He expanded his horizons through the pursuit of a master’s degree at NYU, where he explored the intersection of finance and sports through internships with the Brooklyn Nets and NY Yankees, gaining firsthand insight into their operational and business strategies. After completing his graduate studies, he returned to finance with a fresh lens, joining the real estate department at Montefiore Medical Center. There, he developed expertise in real estate management within a healthcare setting. His career then took him to Disney, where he continues to build on his diverse experience across finance, real estate, and entertainment.
Hannah Vogel is a software engineer based in New York City, currently working in the fintech industry. She began her career in data science and analytics, and has since led technical teams and developed solutions at the intersection of data and technology. She holds a PhD in mathematics and brings a problem-solving mindset to everything she does — both in and outside of work.
Hannah got involved with Big Apple Basketball after picking up the sport a few years ago. As both a player and a fan of basketball, she believes deeply in the power of sports — especially team sports — to teach life skills like leadership, accountability, resilience, and communication. She is proud to be a part of Big Apple Basketball's mission of using the game to uplift and empower the community.
Born in Boston but transplanted to New York City, Kim Barrett's passion for sports and entertainment is at the center of everything she does. Her energy, positivity, and passion have become well known throughout the marketing industry. With an optimistic outlook and 25 years of experience, Kim has managed national and global experiences for top brands.
In the marketing world, Kim has led some of the most high-profile, collaborative, and successful activations, including Michelob Ultra’s Super Bowl partnership with Netflix, Bvlgari’s 20th Anniversary Celebration, Nike’s Leadership Challenge, Verizon’s Presenting Sponsorship of NFL Honors, and Moet Hennessy’s Global Logistics and Activations.
Kim has professional success both at the property level, with 10 years at the National Football League in Sales and Marketing, and agency-side, with 15 years at the Sports and Entertainment leading MKTG Sports and Entertainment, Mosaic, and 424 Productions.
Personally, Kim’s favorite thing to do is spend time with her 13-year-old son, Jack. You can find them hitting the links, traveling, or grabbing tickets to the Giants… much to her Patriots-loving chagrin.
Ben Crane joins the Board of Big Apple Basketball with gratitude for the opportunities and support that shaped his own journey. As a participant in the very first BAB High School exposure event, Ben credits the organization with opening doors that helped him advance as a player to the collegiate level.
Ben graduated from Baruch College in 2007 with a B.A. in Finance and Investments. He went on to pursue a career in finance and currently works at Point72 Asset Management within the global macro division.
Ben remains passionate about basketball and believes deeply in the life skills that sports impart—including strong work ethic, teamwork, resilience, and self-confidence. Inspired by the mentors and coaches who guided his development, he is committed to leveraging the skills gained throughout his professional career to help advance BAB’s mission so others can benefit from positive mentorship, connection, and opportunity.
Maisha Cadet Duval is a resilient New York City native whose 17-year career as an educator and leader has been defined by her unwavering advocacy for youth in underserved neighborhoods. Currently serving as an Assistant Principal at the NYC Department of Education, she specializes in supporting students with disabilities, demonstrating her commitment to meeting individuals where they are and fostering their success.
Maisha's deep dedication to youth development has extended powerfully to the basketball court, coaching younger youth before transitioning to the Head Coach of Frederick Douglass Academy (FDA) in 2012. As Head Coach of the FDA Varsity Girls Basketball Program from 2012 to 2022, she transformed a struggling team into a highly-ranked program in NYC and New York State. This achievement reflects her ability to cultivate talent and build a winning culture, while also emphasizing core values. Her coaching philosophy centers on instilling resilience, and empowering players through academic excellence, sisterhood, and competitive spirit.
Her approach to fostering student resilience is multi-faceted, drawing on her own experience as an NYC Public School student and athlete who used basketball to navigate life’s challenges. Maisha leads by example, sharing her personal journey from growing up in underserved areas and commuting to high school in Harlem, to attending DePauw University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education and a minor in African-American Studies. This firsthand account provides a relatable framework for her players, demonstrating how basketball can be a powerful tool to overcome adversity. She also actively integrates academic excellence, fosters strong team bonds and sisterhood, and empowers players to embrace challenges.
Maisha's extensive experience as an educator and administrator has honed her expertise in communicating effectively with diverse perspectives, identifying strengths, and collaborating to find solutions. This, combined with her proven track record in coaching and her profound understanding of the needs of student-athletes in NYC, commitment to empowering students to overcome environmental challenges and improve their quality of life, alongside her dedication to guiding them through their educational journeys, directly supports Big Apple Basketball’s mission of providing exposure and assistance to young people in their athletic, educational, and life skill development.
David Ettinger counsels multinational companies on food, drugs, cosmetics, health, consumer, and tobacco-related products. He assists clients in navigating the import and export of goods to ensure compliance with regulations in the United States, Europe, and Asia. David counsels companies in China and throughout Asia on matters ranging from ingredient and labeling to product seizure and detention, to food and consumer product recalls and consumer complaints, to brand reputation and product protection.
David is the Chief Representative in Keller and Heckman’s Shanghai, China, office and previously worked in the firm’s Washington, DC, and Brussels offices. His global experience uniquely positions him to counsel foreign companies who need to navigate the regulatory landscape in Asia. David is delegate and Past-Chair of Mackrell International, a global legal network of over 90 international, independent law firms in over 60 countries. Additionally, David is Past-Chair and current Vice Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai’s (AmCham Shanghai) Food, Agriculture & Beverage Committee and serves as a moderator and presenter for many of its seminars and conferences. He is a listed and ranked lawyer in Chambers China: Life Sciences (International Firms), 2018-2024, and in Best Lawyers in America®: FDA Law, 2016-2023.
Prior to joining Keller and Heckman, David was a trademark attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He has extensive trial experience as a former assistant district attorney in the Nassau County District Attorney's Office in New York, where he prosecuted felonies and misdemeanors. His advocacy skills are frequently used to defend companies before various international regulatory bodies and to help implement crisis management strategies.
Jerry Flanagan has been a dedicated member of the Colchester, Vermont, community since he began his professional journey at Saint Michael's College in 1973. His career has been marked by significant contributions in both educational and civic arenas.
Jerry embarked on his academic journey at Saint Michael's College in 1967, majoring in political science and graduating in 1971. He furthered his education by earning a Master of Education degree in Student Personnel Services in Higher Education from the University of Vermont in 1973.
Upon completing his graduate studies, Jerry returned to Saint Michael's College in 1973 as the Assistant Dean of Students at the age of 24. Shortly thereafter, President Ed Henry appointed him to lead the admissions department. Over the years, Jerry held various positions at the college, including Vice President for Admission and Enrollment Management, and later served as a Senior Philanthropic Advisor in the Institutional Advancement department.
Beyond his roles in higher education, Jerry has been actively involved in local governance and community services in Colchester. Jerry has served multiple terms as the Town Moderator, presiding over annual town meetings and facilitating civic discussions. He has contributed to the community's infrastructure by serving as a commissioner for Colchester Fire District #1, overseeing water services and related matters.
Jerry and his wife, Judy, have been long-time residents of Colchester. They raised five children: Chris, Patrick, Michael, Katie, and Megan. Their son, Chris Flanagan, followed in his father's footsteps in the field of education and was a beloved school principal before his untimely passing in 2023.
Throughout his career, Jerry Flanagan has exemplified dedication to education and public service, making lasting impacts on both Saint Michael's College and the town of Colchester.
Anderson Labaze is a visionary entrepreneur, community leader, and former professional athlete whose journey reflects resilience, service, and a deep commitment to empowering others. Born in Haiti and raised in Brooklyn, New York, he is a dedicated husband and father of three who has built a multifaceted career rooted in leadership, mentorship, and business excellence.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Anderson owns three successful restaurants and is a part owner of RCJ Construction, demonstrating his passion for building thriving businesses that serve and uplift the community. Before entering the hospitality and construction industries, he worked with the Administration for Children’s Services, where he mentored youth and guided them toward education, stability, and long-term success. This early work laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to youth empowerment.
Anderson’s leadership extends beyond business. A former Queens College basketball player who went on to compete professionally overseas, he credits the sport for shaping his values of teamwork, discipline, and resilience—principles that continue to influence his personal and professional life.
Today, he serves as a Board Member for Big Apple Basketball, where he furthers his commitment to supporting youth and families through athletic development and community engagement. Outside of his entrepreneurial ventures, Anderson enjoys staying active, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. With a steadfast drive and a heart for service, he continues to make a meaningful impact in every arena he enters.
Karim McKenzie earned his B.S. in Accounting from Molloy University in 2009, where he attended on a four-year basketball scholarship that Big Apple Basketball helped him attain. He currently serves as a Grants Associate (Assistant Vice President) at Citi, bringing over a decade of expertise in project management, federal and private grants management, budgeting, non-profit management, and program management.
Throughout his career, Karim has held roles at leading institutions, including the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society (DFMS – Episcopal Church), New York University’s Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences (CIMS), International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and New York Institute of Technology.
In addition to his professional experience, he is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), and is currently pursuing his MBA. Outside of work, he enjoys working out, traveling, cooking, studying, and training his dog. A lifelong basketball enthusiast and devoted Knicks fan, he considers himself both a fan and student of the game. Karim is passionate about helping others experience the opportunities that basketball has brought into his life.
Luis Navarro is a global product creation and merchandising leader with deep experience across performance, lifestyle, and children’s footwear. He has led cross-functional teams at Reebok, New Balance, and entrepreneurial ventures, building products that unite brand heritage with innovation.
As Principal Consultant at Groovely, he partners with consumer brands to shape strategy, strengthen product pipelines, and deliver profitable growth. Luis blends design thinking, merchandising insight, and operational discipline to bring ideas from concept to market with commercial precision.
He holds an MBA and brings over two decades of experience guiding teams through complex global product ecosystems. Beyond industry leadership, he serves on the Board of Big Apple Basketball, supporting youth development, mentorship, and community engagement through sport. He is passionate about connecting purpose with performance—both in business and in life.
Based in the Boston area, Luis continues to champion authenticity, mentorship, and innovation across the global footwear and apparel landscape.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Zaire Peoples graduated from Saint Michael's College in Vermont. Since then, she has worked in events, starting in the education sector and currently in the fintech industry, planning events around the world. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, practicing yoga, and traveling.
A lifelong athlete and advocate for the power of sports, Ali Rocchi brings both professional expertise and deep passion for youth development to the Big Apple Basketball program.
In 2014, Ali graduated with a degree in Economics and Entrepreneurial Leadership Studies (ELS) from Tufts University, where she was a four-year member of the women’s basketball team, serving as team captain and co-chair of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. While at Tufts, she also volunteered with Level the Field, mentoring local youth through a combination of academic support and sports activities.
After college, Ali began her career in financial services in Manhattan. While in New York, she stayed close to the game—volunteering at Big Apple Basketball events and coaching the East Side Escalades girls AAU program. In 2018, she moved to San Francisco, where she now works in the insurtech space, specializing in cybersecurity. She also serves as an assistant coach for a local high school girls’ varsity team, staying connected to the game while sharing the benefits of sports with the next generation. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing how sports can build confidence in young athletes and carry over into all aspects of life.
Ali lives in San Francisco with her husband and young son. When she’s not working or coaching, you can usually find her outside—skiing, hiking, or just enjoying time with family and friends.
Terrell Simmons is a Queens College graduate and former collegiate athlete who attended on a full basketball scholarship.
After completing his degree, Terrell carried the discipline, leadership, and teamwork from his athletic career into real estate. With over 11 years of experience as a licensed broker and investor, he’s built a reputation for excellence, integrity, and a deep understanding of how to create long-term value in both properties and people.
Beyond business, Terrell is a passionate advocate for community empowerment and youth development. He believes mentorship and exposure are key to guiding young people toward education, discipline, and purpose. His mission is to help them recognize their potential and use sports as a foundation for character and life skills.
Committed to giving back, Terrell has remained involved with his high school and community programs, raising funds for Big Apple Basketball events that support youth access to quality training, facilities, and educational resources. Through his combined experience as an athlete, entrepreneur, and mentor, Terrell brings a perspective rooted in teamwork, resilience, and service to the board.