Meet the Staff: Rokele Mikell-Castillo

Name: Rokele Mikell-Castillo

Company Role: Economic Development Specialist

Favorite quote:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Your top 3 favorite Podcasts/Books?

I couldn’t name a favorite. Rather, I gravitate to books surrounding architecture, interior decorating and entertaining.

What is something that the people you work with have to deal with that you want to fix?

Create awareness around SBA 504 lending and COMIDA’s programs/incentives in efforts to support business ventures that drive local economic and job growth.

What do you do at COMIDA?
Promote Monroe County’s value as a business location through variety of programs and incentives and provide technical assistance to businesses.

What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position?

I’ve earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Minor in International Relations from SUNY College at Brockport.  I possess years of Operational Management, which include focus on Minority & Women Business Enterprises creating job opportunities and implementation of business to business accounts.

What do you like about working at COMIDA?

By far, it is the interaction with individuals that are reinvesting in are local area and represent well diverse industries.  I enjoy learning about their businesses.

What’s your background?

I’m a native to Rochester.  I’m now enjoying raising my family in Monroe County.

What are the values that drive you?

I hold Integrity and Respect most valuable.  

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I enjoy time with family and friends.  My family also enjoys road trips!