José Mercado joined the board of LAEDA in February of 2021. José is a US Marine Corps Veteran with over 25 years of defense related experience. After 10 years of active service, José became a defense contractor and served in various capacities of program management, business development and operations. In 2018 José transitioned into business ownership where he is the president of Thunderbolt Logistics. Thunderbolt Logistics is segment of Thunderbolt Solutions LLC, a partnership of friends that want to have a positive impact in business. Initially founded as a software development company, this enterprise expanded into areas of systems engineering and logistics. As President of Thunderbolt Logistics, José’s focus is to develop and maintain a high performing and sound logistics business, primarily focused on last mile delivery in partnership and support with Amazon. José is an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP).

José earned an MS in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania in 2007. Additionally, José graduated with a BS in English, with a minor in Spanish Cultural Studies in 1994 from the United States Naval Academy. José also earned an AS in General Studies from Ocean County College in 1991. José is married to Michele Mercado and they have 4 children, José, Elizabeth, William, and Cassandra.

Justin Deng joined the board of directors at LAEDA in 2021 and is currently the chair of the Finance Committee. He found that business training for entrepreneurs seemed to be a sustainable and effective method for helping people. Since 2019, he has also been involved with LAEDA, a nonprofit in Camden, NJ that focuses on small business training and helping entrepreneurs access capital. LAEDA commissioned Justin to evaluate the feasibility of a commissary kitchen in the Camden area. This commissary kitchen, the Food Development Business Center (FDBC), would aim to provide high-quality commercial kitchen equipment and cooking space to small food entrepreneurs on a rental basis.

Justin Deng received his PhD in accounting at New York University (NYU) before becoming an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Rutgers-Camden in 2018. During his time at NYU, Justin became interested in small business development as a way to economically empower a community. He visited Haiti for the first time in 2018 with a small team to evaluate the approaches of various non-profits towards poverty alleviation.

Mrs. Krista Bey joined the Board of Directors in October of 2017 as LAEDA’s first Alumni representative. Mrs. Bey graduated the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program in 2013 and started The Elegant Lotus, LLC, specialty floral and gift purveyor. She has been an active alumni by participating in various alumni events and volunteering her services to support LAEDA events.

While pursuing her business dream, Mrs. Bey remains active in her consultancy as a Bi-lingual School Psychologist and Speech/Language Pathologist serving schools throughout south jersey for over 35 years. Mrs. Bey hold a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University, a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology from Emerson College and a Bachelors in Arts for Speech Correction from Trenton State College.

Mrs. Bey is fluent in Spanish. She is a member of Business Network International since 2014 and serves as a mentor to alumni of the Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. As an alumni member of the board, Mrs. Bey brings an important perspective to the board and its work.

Diana Perez has been a member of LAEDA’s board of directors since December of 2018. Diana Perez began her career in retail banking in 2012. Through the years, Diana has moved up the ranks as a Banker, Licensed Banker and finally Branch Manager. She has overseen a number of branches in New Jersey including Southampton, NJ. She was recently promoted  Vice President of Sales and Client Experience Advisor for PNC.

Diana studied Business Administration specializing in Management at The College of New Jersey. Diana has volunteered for organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and United Way.

Josue Castro has been in banking for 7 years previously at Wells Fargo, Santander, and currently Citizens bank. Currently Josue is the assistant vice president of business banking at M&T Bank.  In his role he empowers businesses with the tools and resources needed to manage their day to day cashflow and grow their businesses. Josue’s experience working with non-profits to support small businesses in commercial corridors in the region will be key in informing LAEDA revitalization strategies and activities.

Prior to his career in banking, Josue served active duty in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years where he achieved rank of corporal and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Montgomery County Community College. Josue is proud of his Ecuadorian heritage and speaks fluent Spanish.

Jean C. Cruz is the Director of Strategy and Development at PMG, a Philadelphia-based property management and real estate firm, where he focuses on organizational strategy, financial management, process development, and long-term growth. His career spans a diverse range of industries and responsibilities, beginning in frontline service and operations and progressing into banking, public accounting, real estate finance, controllership, consulting, and executive leadership. Throughout his real estate career, Jean has overseen financial management for construction and development projects and prepared budgets and secured financing for projects totaling more than $90 million. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and an MBA in Organizational Management, combining a strong financial foundation with an emphasis on leadership, organizational development, and strategic decision-making.

Jean brings to LAEDA a perspective shaped by both his professional experience and his career journey: from field and customer service, retail, and mortgage servicing to accounting and senior leadership. He values the role that education, opportunity, entrepreneurship, and strong organizations can play in creating economic mobility and stronger communities. As a member of LAEDA’s Board of Directors, Jean is proud to contribute his experience in finance, real estate, business operations, and strategy to an organization focused on helping entrepreneurs and communities grow. Outside of his professional work, Jean is a longtime guitarist and musician, a writer, and enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons.

Albert Jacobs III is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with more than 15 years of experience in operations management, business development, technology, and organizational leadership. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of PrimeTime Logistics, Bright Beginnings Child Care Center, and Bridging the Gap Communications. Through these ventures, Albert has developed expertise in strategic planning, financial management, team development, and delivering innovative solutions. His leadership at Bright Beginnings reflects his commitment to early childhood education and supporting families, serving more than 100 families in the Burlington County area. A Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses alumnus, Rutgers EPI alumnus, and SCORE Business Mentor, Albert brings valuable entrepreneurial experience and a passion for helping businesses grow and succeed.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Albert is deeply connected to the local business community through his entrepreneurial ventures and mentorship. His work in early childhood education demonstrates his appreciation for creating opportunities and providing meaningful support to families. With a leadership philosophy grounded in commitment, integrity, and collaboration, Albert values building relationships, developing people, and contributing to the success of the communities he serves.

Juan Hernandez is an experienced business and employee benefits consultant with a strong background in leadership, business development, and strategic consulting. He currently serves as Vice President of Employee Benefits Consulting at USI Insurance Services, where he works with organizations nationwide to develop customized employee benefits solutions, manage healthcare costs, reduce administrative burdens, and support regulatory compliance. Prior to joining USI, Juan spent nearly 10 years with ADP, where he led and developed sales teams while helping businesses navigate complex human resources and operational needs. His professional experience reflects a commitment to relationship building, strategic problem-solving, and helping organizations achieve sustainable success. Juan is a graduate of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Speech Communication.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Juan enjoys spending quality time with his family, traveling, cooking, and being involved in his church community. Fluent in both English and Spanish, he values communication, meaningful relationships, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. His professional experience working with businesses of varying sizes, combined with his personal appreciation for community and service, allows him to bring a well-rounded perspective to leadership and community engagement.