Winston Peters, Dean Hany Guirguis, and Anna Burnett, winner of the Spring 2025 Manhattan University Innovation Challenge, pictured together. @ENTREPRENEURS_AT_MU / INSTAGRAM
Maddie Rosado, Staff Writer
Winston Peters, program director of Manhattan University’s entrepreneurship center and an adjunct professor of marketing, has been named interim president of the Bronx Economic Development Corporation (BXEDC) as of October 2025. Selected by the BXEDC board to guide the organization through a period of transition, Peters will lead efforts to strengthen economic opportunities and foster growth for businesses.
The BXEDC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering economic growth in the Bronx, focuses on expanding opportunities for local businesses and strengthening community prosperity. The BXEDC’s goal is to support and grow existing Bronx-based businesses while offering incentives to attract new businesses to the borough.
To accomplish this mission, the organization works closely with community groups, government leaders and private investors to deliver key resources, including funding opportunities, business development assistance and strategic support. With programs such as commercial development and microloans, along with regular community roundtable discussions, the BXEDC helps ensure entrepreneurs have access to the tools necessary for growth. By focusing on job creation, innovation and sustainable economic progress, the organization also remains a driving force behind the Bronx’s continued development and prosperity.
Dean of the O’Malley School of Business Hany Guirguis, highlighted the significance of Peters’ appointment as interim president of the BXEDC. He emphasized the position’s importance for Manhattan University, as it will open up more opportunities for students and the greater Bronx community.
“His appointment is expected to enhance the Innovation Challenge, improve the university’s visibility, provide numerous internship and consulting opportunities for our students and strengthen our connections with the Bronx communities,” Guirguis wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
Guirguis made note of the ways Manhattan University and the O’Malley School of Business can actively contribute to the BXEDC’s mission. He pointed to the university’s resources, programs and initiatives that provide both expertise and support to the Bronx community.
“Manhattan University and the OMSB [O’Malley School of Business] offer the expertise and commitment needed to support the BXEDC through our Entrepreneurship Center, Innovation Challenge and academic programs,” Guirguis wrote. “Thus, many projects can be initiated and supported by Manhattan University to further the Bronx Economic Development Corporation’s critical mission.”
Melody Flores, a junior accounting major and president of the entrepreneurship club, has fully embraced the opportunities mentioned by Guirguis. She explained that the guidance and support from Peters, as both a professor and the director of the entrepreneurship club, create a space where students can engage in hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.
“He goes above and beyond by organizing events with successful entrepreneurs, giving us the opportunity to ask questions, learn from real-world experiences and better understand what it takes to start and grow a business,” Flores wrote in an email to The Quadrangle.
Initially, upon hearing the news of Peters’ appointment, Flores shared her personal excitement. Her reaction illustrates the significant impact Peters has had on his students while advancing the mission of the BXEDC.
“I was so excited for him because I knew he had been working toward this goal for the past year, and had always spoken passionately about the role,” Flores wrote.
Flores continued to highlight not only Peters’ dedication to student learning, but also the personal impact he has on those around him. Peters’ enthusiasm and commitment to nurturing growth, both for students and the university, are evident in the opportunities he creates and the excitement he inspires.
“I remember the first question I asked him was how he felt about it, and his expression showed genuine shock and happiness,” Flores wrote. “He spoke about how this opportunity would open doors not only for him but also for the school and the entrepreneurship club.”
Flores’ comments highlight not only Peters’ passion, but also the broader impact of his appointment. Peters’ leadership is creating opportunities for university students to engage with community projects and local startups.
“It bridges the gap between classroom learning and practical experience, giving students a chance to network, intern and collaborate,” Flores wrote.
In a recent interview posted to the BXEDC’s Instagram account, Peters reflected on his new role and shared his devotion to continuing the organization’s mission. He expressed both gratitude for the opportunity and a commitment to advancing economic development initiatives throughout the Bronx.
“I am honored to step into this new role with The Bronx Economic Development Corporation and continue building on the impactful work already happening across the borough,” Peters said.
Peters acknowledged that the work of the BXEDC is a team effort and spoke about his hopes for the organization’s future.
“I’m grateful to work alongside an incredible team that’s driving real change for Bronx entrepreneurs, small business owners and community partners,” Peters said. “I’m hitting the ground running and committed to expanding access to capital, cultivating partnerships and attracting new businesses that strengthen the Bronx’s economic future.”
As Peters steps into this role as interim president, his vision reflects both optimism and urgency, calling on the BXEDC, Manhattan University and the wider community to move forward with goodwill and purpose. He emphasized that the borough’s progress is rooted in collaboration and a deep commitment to its people.
“The Bronx has always been a hub of resilience and innovation and together, and we’ll keep that momentum moving forward,” Peters said.