RFW - Key Persons
Dr. Knotts has over a decade of industry experience working with government agencies, universities and private sector companies. He is a researcher, educator, and leader in the field of business management and policy analysis. At R.F. Wilkins, he is involved with every operational aspect of the company, from big-picture strategy, to the nuanced day-to-day operational activities.
Blondel provides consulting in her many areas of expertise from social impact investing, capital sourcing, and change management. She is the President of BP Capital Strategies, LLC. Blondel is a former senior banking executive with experience in project finance, economic development and public/private partnerships. She volunteers in her community as President of the board of directors of the Levitt Foundation, as board chair for the Neighborhood Housing Services of New York, and was recently appointed by the governor to the New York State Charter Advisory Board.
Blondel provides consulting in her many areas of expertise from social impact investing, capital sourcing, and change management. She is the President of BP Capital Strategies, LLC. Blondel is a former senior banking executive with experience in project finance, economic development and public/private partnerships. She volunteers in her community as President of the board of directors of the Levitt Foundation, as board chair for the Neighborhood Housing Services of New York, and was recently appointed by the governor to the New York State Charter Advisory Board.
Job Titles:
- OFFICE MANAGER
- Representative
Bridgitte is a dedicated professional representative who has a varied background with over 30 years of administrative experience and 17 years in event planning, program management and construction in the non-profit and private sectors. Also, she has experience in Cargo and document control in the Aviation industry. She approaches all aspects of any job with a positive, hard-working mindset, and is passionate about helping find solutions to any challenges.
Diana Hilaire has a breadth of experience that, while varied, consistently revolves around the intersection of people, spaces, service and experiences. She is a true servant leader and thrives when able to enable others around her to excel.
On a personal level, Diana is a mother of energetic twins. In her spare time she loves to attend concerts, do Sunday brunch with friends, and watch basketball.
She holds degrees from Hunter College (Media Studies) and Georgetown University (Public Relations & Corporate Communications).
Job Titles:
- DATA & ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST
Donna is a self-motivated and results oriented professional with over 10 years of progressive accounting experience. Providing accounting leadership as a Project Accountant on major construction projects throughout New York. Her current role as part of the RFW team is allowing her to explore the project management and client relations arenas as well as specializing in data tracking and support. She is an enthusiast in music, writing and other fine arts.
Job Titles:
- DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
- Construction Project Director
Dwayne is the Construction Project Director for RFW, providing leadership in his areas of expertise, commercial real estate finance, acquisition, construction and real estate development. Dwayne is a principal of United Partners. Prior to forming United Partners, Dwayne was a Acquisition Director for a leading real estate development firm in NYC. Dwayne is very active in leading organizations that bring more people of color into commercial real estate. He is a founding board member of New York Real Estate Chamber (NYREC).
Job Titles:
- CEO
- Founder
- CEO and Founder of R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc
- CEO of R. F. Wilkins Consultants
Francilia Wilkins Rahim is the CEO and Founder of R.F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc., a development and management consulting firm dedicated to leveraging project management to drive the success of the nation's businesses. Founded in 2011, the firm manages a diverse portfolio of public and private sector projects including commercial real estate and construction, non-profit program expansion, logistics, MWBE and inclusionary initiatives, compliance, stakeholder engagement and technical assistance.
To date, Francilia has led the company in raising more than $877 million for clients through grant writing, advocacy and events: growing its reputation in the ranks of top-performing management consulting firms, owned by a minority woman. She has aided in the development of numerous city-wide diversity and inclusion initiatives and continues to advocate for equal opportunity for minority real estate developers, contractors, and small businesses. In partnership with the New York Real Estate Chamber and New York City's Economic Development Corporation, she worked to develop the City's Emerging Developer Loan Fund. She leads Google's NYC Google Digital Coaches program in an effort to create access for minority and women small businesses throughout the city. In 2019, HNTB and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey named R.F. Wilkins Consultants one of two Compliance contractors responsible for ensuring minority and local inclusion across the $13 billion John F. Kennedy Airport Redevelopment Project.
In addition to her role as CEO of R. F. Wilkins Consultants, Francilia serves as the Executive Director of the New York Real Estate Chamber, Member of New York State's Housing and Community Renewal's Multifamily Advisory Council, Vice Chair of Brooklyn's Pitkin Avenue Business Improvement District, Assistant Treasurer for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Queens Alumnae Chapter and the Vice Chair for I Am Acceptance, Inc. - a mental health non-profit. Formerly, she served as Director of Economic Development for the National Black MBA Association-New York Metro Chapter, and Chair of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.'s Regional Economic Development Committee.
Francilia holds both a Bachelor's of Science in Finance as well as a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing from St. John's University. She has more than 13 years of multi-industry experience in strategizing, integrated marketing, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, project management, and diversity and inclusion consulting.
Geovanny supports multiple projects at RFW and is involved in stakeholder engagement, research, data analysis, event planning, and programming. Geovanny is a driven individual with a background in aviation and management. He is an Air Force veteran, holds an M.B.A. from St. Joseph's University and is currently completing an M.S. in Organizational Management.
In his free time, he loves to play guitar and play sports.
Job Titles:
- SENIOR MANAGER of BIDS & SPECIAL PROJECTS
- SENIOR MANAGER of BIDS & SPECIAL PROJETS
Jacqueline de Dios is a passionate fundraising professional with over fifteen years of experience working for non-profit organizations whose budgets have ranged from $1M-$15M. Ms. de Dios holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Goddard College and a Bachelor of Arts in comparative literature and Asian/Pacific/American Studies from New York University. She is an alumna of the Queens Fellowship Program for Non-Profit Professionals through the Jewish Community Relations Council and The NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.
Jamila is a results-driven attorney who has worked in the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility space for over 13 years. She specializes in M/W/L/DBE and SDVOB advancement, counseling, and compliance. Throughout her career, Jamila has created and led compliance initiatives in-house at some of New York's top construction companies, and served as an integrity monitor over developers on projects throughout New York State. Jamila also served as counsel for small to mid-sized businesses and brought a wealth of intellectual property, transactional contracting, procurement, and vendor relations knowledge. Jamila is also a 2nd generation Grenadian and Soca lover.
Letia is a business analysis and project management professional with 12 + years of experience in Analytics, Business Intelligence, Strategy Development, and Process Optimization. Successful SME with expertise in Client Relationship, Application, Project and Product Management. Creative problem solver who is flexible; communicates effectively and is service-oriented. A self starter and team player that uniquely utilizes strong interpersonal, leadership and analytical skills to create effectual solutions.
Louise started with R.F. Wilkins as a Senior Project Intern. With her highly commended work ethic, she transitioned to a full-time team member.
Aside from supporting multiple projects at RFW, she is heavily involved in coordinating outreach efforts, stakeholder engagement, and administrative operations for compliance oversight. Prior to joining the firm, Louise held positions in the hospitality and real estate industries with experience in client and revenue management, construction, and document control.
May has multi-industry and multi-disciplinary experience in program/project/product management, project controls, process improvement, strategy, and hospitality real estate development. She's a team player and will ensure that project KPIs and goals are on track. In her free time, she's chasing sunsets, sunrises, stars or simply on the hunt for the next adventure.
Melody has over 20 years of experience working in program development, execution, and management. Her expertise covers a diverse range of industries including, consumer goods, telecommunications, cosmeceuticals, manufacturing, and government agencies (to name a few) with ROI responsibilities and budget oversight of up to $75 million.
Her sweet-spot is working with small to midsize businesses, helping them to scale and build sustainability through the development of processes, operational efficiency, fiduciary responsibility, and marketing communications & social media.
Quinton served as a Project Manager, Operations Manager and Relationship Manager in financial services for many years, but he found his true calling working with small business development.
He credits his time assisting Minority and Women-owned, Disadvantaged, Veteran-owned and under-represented businesses with certification and capacity-building in developing a passion for helping small businesses access new contract opportunities.
Quinton is a Jamaica, Queens native and enjoys exploring new neighborhoods and restaurants all around the City with his wife and daughter.