As Women’s History Month unfolds, we spotlight some of the women entrepreneurs and leaders who help make Downtown Brooklyn so vibrant. From retail pioneers to hospitality innovators, these women aren’t just running businesses—they’re creating communities.
Jennifer Kellogg
Jennifer Kellogg: Reimagining Retail at House of Kellogg
For over 20 years, Jennifer Kellogg has witnessed Downtown Brooklyn’s evolution firsthand. Her shop, House of Kellogg, opened at the tail end of COVID and rapidly became a neighborhood treasure. Step inside, and you’ll find an exuberant explosion of kitschy trinkets, conversation-starting t-shirts, statement jewelry, and meticulously curated vintage pieces.
“I am a jewelry designer and metalsmith,” Jennifer explains. “When the price of gold became prohibitive, I pivoted to textiles and repurposing preppy clothing—subverting it to create one-of-a-kind pieces.” This sustainable approach, involving recycled fabrics and mixed methods, aligning creativity with environmental consciousness.
Jennifer credits designers Betsy Johnson and Pat Fields as inspirations and has advice for aspiring creative entrepreneurs: “Save your money. Get educated. Know as much as you possibly can, and when you start to feel ready, go for it.” She emphasizes starting small with shows, fairs, and pop-ups to gather feedback without major investment.
For Jennifer, being a creative entrepreneur in Brooklyn carries “a big responsibility.” She values the community of women business owners who support each other, including neighboring businesses like Take Me With You, Eva Gentry, and Paige Sargisson. “All these women are putting themselves out there,” she says, “and that creates a wonderful community. I couldn’t do it without other people.”
Gabrielle Napolitano
Gabrielle Napolitano: Brooklyn’s Story at Brooklyn Made
Just a few blocks away at City Point, Gabrielle “Gabby” Napolitano serves as Director of Partnerships and Communications for Brooklyn Made Stores, the ultimate Brooklyn gift shop featuring products conceived and crafted locally. As a fifth-generation Brooklynite, Gabby brings deep roots and entrepreneurial spirit to her role.
With a background spanning advertising, retail, and community building, Gabby previously owned a children’s boutique, was runner-up for the Power Up business plan competition, and designed for the NYC Marathon. What began as a holiday pop-up has grown into a mission-driven store “focused on elevating businesses based in Brooklyn and boosting the local economy,” she explains.
Brooklyn Made showcases nearly 200 businesses, with particular attention to BIPOC and women makers. “We tell the stories which become the stories of Brooklyn Made,” Gabby shares. “Each product represents a piece of Brooklyn’s diverse cultural landscape.”
Gabby offers a perspective on Brooklyn’s creative community that many aren’t aware of. Her parents met in art school in 1969, her great-grandfather was a muralist in the 1940s, and her mother’s friends were artists squatting in Industry City in the 1970s and 1980s. “People don’t realize the history of Brooklyn’s creative spirit – it’s been here for a long time.”
Like many women leaders, Gabby has faced challenges. “Women are not taken seriously, and it’s still a challenge to get your voice heard without being called pushy. You have to advocate for your position.”
Tara C. Marcelle and her mother Jean A. Marcelle
Tara C. Marcelle: Hospitality Excellence at Fogo de Chão
Down the hall from Brooklyn Made, Tara C. Marcelle leads sales and marketing at Fogo de Chão, Brooklyn’s premier steakhouse celebrating the art of Churrasco. With over 20 years of experience in hospitality and a master’s degree from NYU, Tara has become the face of its Downtown Brooklyn location, which will soon mark its first anniversary. Tara explains. “I get the word out, book large groups and private events, and work closely with Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the Brooklyn Chamber to network and build our presence.”
Tara’s journey in hospitality spans two decades across the tri-state area, including prominent positions with Restaurant Associates. “I’m a people person,” she says, explaining her natural fit for the industry. “The hospitality industry can be very challenging, but I’ve learned to handle different situations and persevere.”
Tara has witnessed firsthand how women have transformed Brooklyn’s dining landscape. “Twenty years ago, Downtown Brooklyn was different. Now, with the Partnership’s and the Chamber’s efforts, especially City Point and Barclays Center, we’re getting more eclectic, varied restaurants. It’s not just about Manhattan anymore—and Downtown Brooklyn is still in its infancy and growing positively.”
Under Tara’s leadership, Fogo de Chao has quickly established itself as a culinary destination in Downtown Brooklyn. “We’re proud of how successful we’ve become in such a short time. We ensure every guest receives a five-star experience, and that has generated tremendous word-of-mouth promotion.”
When asked about her inspiration, Tara credits her mother, Jean A. Marcelle, who immigrated from the West Indies. “She showed me how to speak up for myself, how to persevere, and instilled a strong work ethic in me—values that have guided my entire career.”
Devin Fassberg
Devin Fassberg: Setting the Stage at BROOKLYN Paramount
The entertainment sector of Downtown Brooklyn shines with trailblazers like Devin Fassberg, Director of Sales for Special Events at Live Nation’s Brooklyn Paramount Theater. Her 11-year journey with Live Nation spans venues across their portfolio, culminating in her role helping open the historic Brooklyn Paramount in March 2024.
Devin’s entry into the industry came unexpectedly while biking with her mother at Jones Beach in Long Island. I walked in [to Live Nation’s Northwell at Jones Beach] and asked for a job,” she recalls. “Two interviews later, and 11 years after that, I’m still here.” Her passion for live music and events has fueled her ascent through the ranks at one of the world’s largest entertainment companies.
In her current role, Devin orchestrates a diverse array of events beyond concerts: corporate functions, fundraisers, galas, film shoots, and product launches all fall under her purview. “I love that I work with so many different departments, personalities, and outside vendors,” she shares.
Brooklyn Paramount’s opening has transformed Brooklyn’s entertainment landscape. “It’s been a game changer for live music everywhere. Companies and people want to be here—it’s quickly become a favorite venue. What makes it special is how we’ve preserved and restored as much as possible from a century ago, maintaining that historical connection.”
For Devin, the venue holds personal significance. “I used to play basketball on the court,” she notes, referring to when the Brooklyn Paramount served as LIU’s basketball court before its restoration. “So working here feels like coming full circle.” She recently completed her most rewarding project—a four-day event with Taco Bell that was organized in just five weeks.
Brooklyn holds special meaning for Devin and her family, who were born and raised in the borough. “It’s really special to open this venue here and keep the tradition alive,” she reflects. Her advice to women pursuing careers in entertainment echoes her own path: “Follow your dream and don’t think it’s impossible. I started by riding my bike and asking for a job, then worked my way up. It was hard, but I kept at it—persistence is everything.”
Bari Finkel
Bari Finkel: Amplifying Voices at Pineapple Street Studios
Bari Finkel is SVP/Co-Head of Pineapple Street Studios, whose work shapes what Brooklyn—and the world—listens to. Beginning as the first full-time employee at the renowned podcast production company, Bari rose through the ranks to producer and eventually co-head following the studio’s acquisition by Audacy.
“I’ve had a career spanning journalism, radio, and podcasting,” Bari explains. “This industry captured my heart from the start.” Her journey began with formative internship experiences where women mentors played crucial roles. “So many of my teachers were women, introducing me to pioneers like Julie Shapiro and Ellen Horne. What’s remarkable about podcasting is that women have been at the forefront from the beginning—at the executive level and at the microphone, not just behind the scenes.”
Bari’s path to Pineapple Street began at WNYC, where she met Jenna Weiss-Berman, who would later co-found the studio. This connection eventually led to Bari joining as the company’s first full-time hire, a decision that would shape her career. As the studio grew, so did her roles, culminating in a leadership position.
Today, Bari collaborates with a wide range of talent on high-profile projects, including the companion podcast for the acclaimed series Severance. “When this project came to Audacy and Pineapple Street Studios, I was excited because I love making TV and film companion podcasts,” she shares. “Working with Ben Stiller, Adam Scott, and Naomi Scott has been phenomenal—they bring such insight to the conversations.”
Under Bari’s co-leadership, Pineapple Street Studios continues to produce groundbreaking content that pushes creative boundaries while maintaining a distinctly Brooklyn sensibility.
Her work exemplifies how women are driving innovation in digital media, creating new platforms for diverse voices and perspectives.
The Future is Female in Downtown Brooklyn
These five women represent just a fraction of the female entrepreneurs and leaders transforming Downtown Brooklyn. From Bond Street to City Point, from the stage to the studio, women are the driving force behind the neighborhood’s creativity. Theirs are Brooklyn’s stories—diverse, resilient, and constantly evolving.
