As we celebrate Small Business Month, there’s one celebration I’m particularly excited about—BID Day, which will take place on May 6.

In a city as vibrant and diverse as New York, community engagement is critical. Local communities play a crucial role in shaping policy, driving social change, and determining the direction of public life. It’s no surprise that public officials, nonprofit leaders, businesses, and activists prioritize connecting with community members as a key part of their work. Through my experiences at Perch Advisors, I've witnessed firsthand how effective community engagement can transform neighborhoods, foster resilience, and create a sense of belonging.

Hi everyone!
My name is Kayla Joyner, the newest member of Perch’s team, specializing in community engagement. But let me rewind a bit. In 2023, I earned my BA in international relations and political science, however, I soon found myself on a career path that was quite different from what I envisioned during my college years…