Our Board — Trenton Microloan Collaborative

Rev. Karen Hernández-Granzen has served as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Trenton, NJ, for 30 years, dedicating her leadership to social justice and community empowerment. She played a key role in co-founding the Trenton Microloan Collaborative, a program supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives. Her advocacy extends to education and civil rights, having served on the City of Trenton’s Latino Advisory Council and as a commissioner for Princeton’s Civil Rights Commission. In 2017, she was named the inaugural Community Partner-in-Residence at Princeton University’s Pace Center for Civic Engagement to strengthen campus-community partnerships. She also serves as co-chair of the United Mercer Interfaith Organization, chaplain of Bethany House of Hospitality, and board member of the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund. Her writings are featured in Intercultural Ministry: Hope in a Changing World and Faith of Our Mothers, Living Still, reflecting on her pastoral journey. A Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) delegate to the Jubilee World Council of Churches, she received the PCUSA Women of Faith Award in 2018. She is married to Rev. Dr. Michael Granzen and is the proud mother of Mikaella and Olivia.

Recently retired, Loren volunteers with Literacy NJ as an ESL instructor, and with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Washington Crossing as a Congregational Engagement Leader. Before retiring, she served for 11 years as Director of Human Resources & Administration at Isles, Inc. with responsibility for all personnel and administrative functions, including recruiting, training and development, compensation, benefits, administrative services, and risk management. Loren also has 16 years of experience in manufacturing and customer service with Procter & Gamble and 5 years of experience working with youth as a Mad Scientist. She has volunteered as a worker, leader, and/or trainer in local organizations such as Girl Scouts, PTO, Girls in Gear, Experience Yardley, Home Front, Urban Promise, and Board of Elections. Loren grew up in Kentucky and earned degrees in Electrical Engineering and Math from Vanderbilt University; she happily relocated to New Jersey in 1984 and has been in the area ever since. Loren enjoys being active outdoors (cycling, hiking, kayaking, cross country skiing, camping), dancing, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Rev. Jonathan C. Shenk is both an entrepreneur and a Presbyterian minister, passionate about supporting fellow entrepreneurs through the Trenton Microloan Collaborative. He holds an M.Div. from Union Theological Seminary (NYC) and an MS in Restorative Practices, specializing in community engagement. A Lead New Jersey alumnus (class of 2020), he previously served on the Board of the New Jersey Association on Corrections. His background includes a deep commitment to social justice and community development. Born in Somalia and raised in Kenya as the child of missionaries, he brings a global perspective to his work.

Jacque Howard is a media professional, community advocate, and micromedia content creator dedicated to amplifying voices and fostering community engagement. As the founder of Trenton 365 Micromedia and Jacques R.E.A.C.H., he champions Recreation, Environment, Art, Civics, and Health (R.E.A.C.H.) to promote equitable development across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. With extensive experience in radio, television, and digital media, Jacque connects diverse audiences through impactful storytelling and outreach. His content has reached millions of viewers across platforms like YouTube, SoundCloud, and Google Maps, where his work has garnered over 400 million views. Passionate about building partnerships and driving positive change, he brings his media expertise and advocacy skills to the Trenton Microloan Collaborative. Through TMC, Jacque continues his mission of empowering communities and expanding access to opportunities.

Kelli Smith joined the Trenton Microloan Collaborative in 2020 (or 2021), driven by her passion for connecting people with resources that create real opportunities. She has held leadership and marketing roles in the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on specialty and rare diseases. While her professional expertise lies in healthcare, she believes that true impact comes from serving others. Through TMC, she found a meaningful way to support entrepreneurs and help individuals build sustainable futures. Her dedication to empowering others and fostering financial independence aligns with TMC’s mission. Kelli continues to serve with purpose and passion, helping returning citizens and underserved entrepreneurs access the tools they need to succeed.

Sean Washington, an New Jersey native, is passionate about helping formerly incarcerated people. As a 2020 exoneree, after serving 25 years for a crime he did not commit, he wants to help advocate for others in his former situation. He is a poll worker in Camden and has worked as a youth mentor at the Canvas Institute for Youth Development, at a virtual hospital, as a paralegal, and on a Civilian Review Team for State Senator Britnee Timberlake. Sean likes Scrabble, bowling, pool, and movies.

Kate Torrey has worked as the Program Coordinator for TMC since April 2025. She has enjoyed becoming involved in helping business owners expand and grow their operations. She is a member of Nassau Presbyterian Church where she enjoys worshiping with her husband and two small children.

David Pettit is a seasoned organizational transformation executive with experience leading large-scale initiatives across industries such as financial services, healthcare, technology, and higher education. David has a BA in Psychology and an MSW in Social and Economic Development from the University of Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has specialized in process improvement, organizational design, culture transformation, and leadership development. While David’s professional expertise lies in strategy and transformation, he believes true impact happens at the community level. David brings his skills and passion to support underserved entrepreneurs and returning citizens as they build strong, independent futures. His dedication to service is reflected not only in his professional work but also in his longstanding commitment to nonprofit boards focused on hunger, homelessness, education, and faith-based outreach.