Aliesha Porcena

Aliesha Porcena most recently served as the Director of Growth, Equity & Impact at Interise, a national economic development nonprofit dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap through small-business growth. In this capacity, she focused on business development and partnered closely with the Small Business Administration to deliver impactful programs nationwide. Her experience in strategic growth and partnership development has been instrumental in advancing economic opportunity and activating neighborhood spaces across Boston.

As Boston’s Director of Small Business within the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Porcena oversees services and programming that support over 40,000 small businesses. Guided by her deep commitment to inclusive economic growth, she works hand-in-hand with local entrepreneurs to build an equitable, accessible economy that uplifts families, strengthens cultural hubs, and drives Boston’s recovery in the post-pandemic era.

A proud Boston native and the daughter of Haitian immigrants, Porcena holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Tufts University and a Bachelor’s in Political Science and International Affairs from Northeastern University. She is active on the boards of Girls LEAP and the Cummings Foundation and continues to champion the power of small businesses as a source of strength and community for all residents.