LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
Meet Our Leadership
Island Impact Fund is guided by professionals committed to expanding economic opportunity through ethical leadership, responsible stewardship, and practical support for entrepreneurs and community initiatives across Cuba.
Our leadership and advisors bring experience across entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, international engagement, law, design, business strategy, mentorship, and organizational development.
Christopher J. Cloonan
President
Island Impact Fund USA
Christopher J. Cloonan is an American scholar and practitioner of U.S.–Cuba relations with more than a decade of experience fostering educational, cultural, and policy exchange between the two countries.
As President of Island Impact Fund USA, he leads the organization’s work to expand economic opportunity in Cuba by helping selected entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community-based initiatives access concrete resources, practical training, mentorship, and professional connections.
A former academic program leader in Cuba, Christopher has designed and directed university exchange programs across multiple disciplines and has been recognized by Cuban institutions for his contributions to bilateral understanding. He also serves as Cuba Policy Fellow at Just Foreign Policy, where his work focuses on pragmatic approaches to U.S.–Cuba engagement.
LAUREN FAJARDO
Vice President
Island Impact Fund USA
Lauren Fajardo is Vice President of Island Impact Fund and the co-founder and Creative Director of Dador, a Cuban ethical fashion and lifestyle brand known for its women-led leadership, socially conscious practices, and locally made designs rooted in contemporary Havana culture.
A graduate of the Instituto Superior de Diseño in Havana, she began her career as a costume designer, working on film, dance, and documentary productions in Cuba and the United States, including 28 Hotel Rooms, Liars All, and Univision’s Havana Skate Days.
Since launching Dador in 2018, Lauren has contributed to conversations around sustainable local industry, entrepreneurship, and women-led business development in Cuba. She has shared her work and experience at Harvard, USC, MassArt, and in meetings with members of the U.S. Congress focused on dialogue and opportunities for Cuban small businesses.
Gregory Biniowsky
Strategic Advisor
Island Impact Fund USA
Greg is a Canadian-trained lawyer with more than 30 years of experience working in Cuba as an international development consultant and strategic legal advisor. A fluent Spanish speaker, he has served as a director and officer for numerous international business ventures and nonprofit organizations.
Greg previously worked with the global law firms Gowling WLG and Heenan Blaikie. He later served as an international development fund manager for the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the United Nations Development Program in Cuba.
He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia and previously studied political science and Latin American studies at Carleton University and York University.
In addition to his international work, Greg manages a law firm in British Columbia specializing in refugee law as a public defender. He has also been invited to give conferences on social entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
As Strategic Advisor to Island Impact Fund, he contributes experience related to Cuba, organizational development, partnerships, and long-term strategy.
ADVISORS
Strategic Advisors
Our strategic advisors contribute specialized experience and guidance in areas relevant to Island Impact Fund’s organizational development, governance, partnerships, and future programs.
Flory Netsch Hiatrides
Mentor, Entrepreneur & Health Coach
Flory Netsch Hiatrides is a mentor, entrepreneur, facilitator, and health coach with four decades of experience in professional facilitation and curriculum development.
She previously founded and led a strategic consulting firm and brings more than 20 years of experience in manifestation work and mentoring. Her multidisciplinary approach combines proven business practices, modern science, and holistic principles to support personal growth, professional development, and well-being.
A Bronx, New York native and Iona College alumna, Flory continues to give back to the college by serving as a mentor and awarding a scholarship to students in need in her late father’s name. She has also been a certified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator practitioner for more than 35 years.
Flory’s current work explores the relationship between management and manifestation, goal setting and personal transformation, and practical strategy and holistic development. Through her mentoring and curriculum work, she helps individuals strengthen self-awareness, clarify their goals, and realize their potential.
Ramon Peralta
Ramon Peralta is the Founder and Creative Director of Peralta Design, a creative agency specializing in branding, web development, and digital marketing.
He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and an honorary doctorate from the University of Bridgeport and was a member of the original startup team at Priceline.com where he developed experience across design, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Ramon serves as Chief Creative Advisor for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and mentors young people through professional and educational initiatives. He is the author of Launch Your Brand and delivered the TEDx talk “How to Succeed by Being Yourself.” His expertise has also been featured by NPR and Forbes.
Ramon’s multifaceted career exemplifies the power of integrating creative excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community involvement. Through Peralta Design and his various professional and philanthropic endeavors, he continues to inspire and create meaningful impact.
TEDx Speaker, Founder, Brand Strategist & Author
OUR GOVERNANCE
Committed to Responsible Stewardship
Island Impact Fund is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for strategic oversight, accountability, and stewardship of the organization’s charitable mission.
The Board oversees organizational priorities, project-selection policies, partnerships, and the responsible use of charitable resources. Strategic advisors may contribute specialized knowledge and guidance, while formal governance authority remains with the Board.
Island Impact Fund’s current Board consists of three directors. As the organization develops, the Board expects to expand its membership to include additional experience and perspectives relevant to the Fund’s mission.
Board of Directors
Christopher J. Cloonan
President and Director
Lauren Fajardo
Vice President and Director
Gregory Biniowsky
Director and Strategic Advisor
We believe clear governance is essential to building trust, protecting charitable resources, and advancing our mission responsibly.
CONNECT
Interested in Working With Us?
Whether you are interested in partnering with Island Impact Fund, contributing professional expertise, or learning more about our work, we welcome the opportunity to connect.