About Us
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide aspiring entrepreneurs in Northern New Jersey with the tools they require to get a business off the ground. We bridge the gap in underserved areas by providing financial advice, professional networks, and hands-on workshops. By connecting our neighbors with mentors and practical resources, we help them build wealth and create new opportunities within our own communities.
Our Vision
We envision a future where the opportunity to build a business is defined by a person’s drive rather than their bank account. We are working toward a generation of self-sufficient leaders who possess both the financial fluency and the community support needed to thrive. By making high-level business education accessible to everyone, we aim to foster resilient neighborhoods and a more inclusive economy across Northern New Jersey.
Our Story
The Seed of a Mission
UNPKD started with a firsthand look at the challenges facing families and entrepreneurs in Northern New Jersey. Having moved to Hackensack from Venezuela when he was eight, Santiago Bermudez grew up seeing a clear disconnect between the desire to start a business and the resources actually available to do it. In March 2025, Santiago teamed up with Mauricio Fernandez, a financial analyst and Passaic native, to figure out how to bridge that gap. They spent months on the ground, talking with restaurant workers, laborers, and other locals to learn about the specific hurdles they faced. Those conversations led to a detailed report in August 2025, which became the foundation and roadmap for UNPKD.
From Home to Community
Santiago and Mauricio wanted to help others achieve the same American Dream their families pursued. They started by connecting with business owners across Union City, Hackensack, and Newark to build a practical curriculum. Their first workshop took place in a family home in June 2025, hosted by a local restaurant owner and nine neighbors. Demand grew quickly, and soon they were hosting over 20 people per session, eventually outgrowing the original space. By August 2025, they formalized the project by launching a website and recruiting three more contributors to the team. UNPKD is their collective effort to give back and do their part in supporting the local economy.
Board of Directors
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Founder & General Director
Middletown, NJ
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Outreach Director
Glen Rock, NJ
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Oversight Advisor
Passaic, NJ
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Partner Relations Director
Fort Lee, NJ
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Oversight Advisor
Jersey City, NJ