Near Westside Initiative names Jimenez new director

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Near Westside Initiative, Inc. (NWSI) has named Gregorio Jimenez as its new director.

Jimenez started in his new role on Sept. 24, the NWSI said in a news release.

He replaces Maarten Jacobs, who now serves as director of community prosperity for the Skaneateles–based Allyn Family Foundation, Sheena Solomon, president of the NSWI board of directors, confirmed in an email reply to a BJNN inquiry.

Jimenez has “strong roots” in the city of Syracuse “and in particular” the Near Westside, per the NWSI. He was born and raised in the neighborhood, played basketball in Skiddy Park, and later led youth programming with the local Boys and Girls Club and the City of Syracuse Department of Parks, Recreation & Youth Programs.

Jimenez is a graduate of Fowler High School, Onondaga Community College, and SUNY Oswego, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen to lead the Near Westside Initiative during this very important transition period,” Jimenez said. “I am a product of the Westside community and I am focused on creating a better path for those who live work and play here, I am truly excited about this opportunity to give back to my community.”

The Near Westside Initiative (NWSI) was formed in 2007 as a group of academic, business, religious, public, private, and neighborhood volunteers.

Under the leadership of its board of directors, the NWSI has spent the past year developing its plan for sustainability, “and together with Jimenez, is well prepared to lead the organization” into its next 10 years of growth and service to Syracuse’s Westside community, the organization contends.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

Photo credit: Gregorio Jimenez