About Kenwood

Kenwoodʼs mission is to provide students with financial support, experiential learning, and networking opportunities with a broad range of professionals, all while engaging and benefiting the local community.

About Kenwood

Kenwood is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping higher education through real-world, experiential learning. Founded on the belief that education should extend beyond the classroom, Kenwood bridges academic theory with industry practice, giving students the opportunity to learn by doing.

Since 2010, Kenwood has worked alongside students, faculty, and industry partners to create experiential learning opportunities that emphasize financial sustainability, systems thinking, and community impact.

Our History

Founded in 2010, Kenwood was created to rethink how higher education prepares students for the real world. From the beginning, the organization focused on experiential learning, financial sustainability, and community partnership—building programs that move beyond theory and place students in active, decision-making roles. By 2014, Kenwood expanded its presence across public and private academic institutions, developing hands-on models in entrepreneurship, business management, and community engagement.

As Kenwood grew, so did its commitment to applied education. In 2017, project-based learning and industry partnerships became central to its offerings. By 2023, these programs proved self-sustaining, enabling further expansion into banking and real estate. This growth culminated in the beginning of 2026 with the launch of Kenwood’s Career and Leadership Launchpad. 

experiential learning for Tomorrow’s Leaders, connecting students to industry, strengthening the community.

Our Approach

Kenwood’s Career and Leadership Launch programs are designed to push students beyond theory into application, judgement, and execution. We believe the best learning happens by doing. Our initiatives unite education, business, and community. Together, we build opportunities that shape leaders, strengthen communities, and inspire lasting impact.

Meet The Team

Kenwood is led by educators, professionals, and community leaders dedicated to building a stronger future for students.

  • As President of Kenwood, Dr Graig Arcuri leads with the belief that education should empower as well as inform. A systems thinker, lifelong business leader and educator, he developed Kenwood’s hands-on learning model that connects students to industry, strengthens local economic ties, and builds confidence for lasting impact. He is dedicated to creating a sustainable revenue generation model while creating opportunities where students, professionals, and communities come together to spark innovation and positive change.

Dr. Graig Arcuri, PHD

  • As Vice President of Organizational Development at Kenwood, Paul Lomanto helps drive the organization’s mission of hands-on education through strategic planning, systems development, and student collaboration. A SUNY Oswego Finance graduate, he was deeply influenced by Dr. Graig Arcuri’s hands-on learning approach and is committed to expanding those opportunities so more students can experience the same real-world impact.

Paul Lomanto

  • As Event Program Director at Kenwood, Kenneth Ocasio focuses on turning ideas into action by managing the logistics, systems, and day-to-day execution that keep the organization moving forward. A SUNY Oswego Finance graduate with experience in real estate development and event management, he has played a key role in coordinating initiatives. Kenneth is passionate about building reliable processes that allow Kenwood’s mission of hands-on education to thrive in practice, ensuring every program and event runs with impact and efficiency.

Kenneth Ocasio

  • As Vice President of Team Experience at Kenwood, Eason Lee fosters growth, collaboration, and a shared vision that empowers people to reach their fullest potential. An MBA graduate inspired by Dr. Graig Arcuri’s lessons on bold, unified leadership, he is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students and team members to learn, connect, and excel. At Kenwood, Eason works to strengthen the community and expand the impact of hands-on education.

Eason Lee, MBA

  • As Marketing Program Director at Kenwood, Brad Zieman leads the organization’s brand, storytelling, and outreach efforts to amplify its impact and mission. Drawing from hands-on experience in branding, design, and strategic marketing, he focuses on creating cohesive visual identities, compelling campaigns, and meaningful engagement with students and industry partners. At Kenwood, Brad works to elevate awareness, strengthen connections, and showcase the power of student-led initiatives through thoughtful, purpose-driven marketing.

Brad Zieman

  • As Vice President of External Relations at Kenwood, Hayden Levi builds and strengthens relationships that connect students with industry leaders, partners, and the broader community. With a focus on outreach, collaboration, and long-term partnership development, he works to expand Kenwood’s network and create meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. At Kenwood, Hayden plays a key role in positioning the organization as a trusted bridge between students and professionals, advancing its mission through strong external engagement.

Hayden Levi