Meet the Team

  • Stacey Dimas serves as the Interim Executive Director of Amplify Equity, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in strategic planning, legislative affairs, and community development. She has held key positions in both the New York State Assembly and Senate, where she excelled in shaping policy, managing stakeholder engagement, and fostering meaningful community connections.
    Stacey has a long history of community involvement, including serving as Treasurer for the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, where she supports the organization’s mission to foster unity, strengthen Latino identity, and promote cultural pride and civic engagement. She also co-organizes the annual Latine Festa during Hispanic Heritage Month.
    Previously, she was a member of the Women’s Fund Advisory Committee of the Community Foundation of Tompkins County and served as Parent Liaison to the Cornell Science & Technology Entry Program Advisory Council.
    Stacey’s passion for breaking down barriers and creating pathways to financial stability aligns closely with Amplify Equity’s mission of equipping entrepreneurs with tools, education, and access to capital for lasting economic growth. Outside of her professional work, Stacey is a proud mother of two and a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

  • Elizabeth “Ellie” Rivera serves as Business Navigator at Amplify Equity, where she supports underrepresented entrepreneurs in accessing the tools, education, and resources needed to grow thriving businesses. She brings over 25 years of experience in education, entrepreneurship, and community leadership.

    Ellie previously led the Entrepreneurship Assistance Center at SUNY Broome, where she supported small business development and contributed to campus-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives as a member of the President’s Taskforce. Ellie has worked with K-12, Higher Education and Adult Basic Education, with specialization in writing, college readiness, professional development and performing arts.

    Alongside her best friend and husband, Ms. Ellie and Coach Joe, demonstrate a commitment to service and equity when they began One Village Community (OVC) in 2024.  OVC emphasizes affordable lifelong learning while developing community engagement through recreation, performance, mentorship and more.

    She is currently pursuing an EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Innovation at Marymount University and holds advanced degrees in Education and Theatre from Mercy University, Pace University, and CUNY Lehman College.  Her mission in all her endeavors is to cultivate connections through education and empowerment of others.