About Sunnyside Shines

Sunnyside Shines is a business improvement district (BID) covering all properties fronting Queens Boulevard from 38th Street to 50th Street, as well as Greenpoint Avenue from Queens Boulevard to mid-block between 42nd and 43rd Streets.

Dirk McCall de Palomá is the Executive Director of Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District. Previously, Dirk served as the Director of Civic Engagement for Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz and as the Director of External Affairs to Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

He has an over thirty year career in government, non-profits and political activism, and has worked in such roles as Director of Communications at Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Executive Director of the Bronx Community Pride Center, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village-Chelsea Chamber of Commerce (GVCCC) and as Chief of Staff to NYC Councilmember Alan Jay Gerson.

In his political work, Dirk served as the President of the Stonewall Democratic Club of NYC, the largest LGBTQ club in NYS State, and has been a member of their Board of Directors for more than 30 years. Dirk ran the campaign of NYC Councilmember Mark Weprin in 2009, and served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in 2010.

Married to a Colombian, Dirk is engaged with the Latino communities of NYC and serves on the board of Somos New York, and on the Advisory Board to Casa de las Americas at LaGuardia Community College. Dirk serves on the Board of Directors for the New Pride Agenda, the statewide LGBTQ+ advocacy organization for New York State. A longtime resident of Astoria, in Western Queens, Dirk was one of the Grand Marshalls for the 2005 Queens Pride Parade and still coordinates both AstoriaCentric and Out Astoria.

Evelyn Chango is a lifelong Sunnyside, Queens resident and Deputy Director of the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District, where she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen small businesses, drive economic development, and enhance the neighborhood's vibrant commercial corridor. A proud first-generation Ecuadorian American raised in a bilingual household, Evelyn is passionate about ensuring that local merchants regardless of language or background have equitable access to grants, government programs, financial resources, and opportunities for growth.

A graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a degree in Forensic Psychology, Evelyn brings a unique analytical perspective to community development. She applies behavioral analysis, observation, and strategic problem-solving to identify trends in merchant engagement, consumer behavior, and neighborhood needs, allowing her to develop innovative programs, marketing campaigns, and business initiatives that deliver meaningful, measurable impact.

Driven by a deep commitment to the community that raised her, Evelyn works tirelessly to help small businesses not only survive but thrive. She builds meaningful partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and local leaders to connect merchants with the resources, funding opportunities, and support they need to succeed.

Beyond her role at the BID, Evelyn proudly serves on Queens Community Board 2, collaborating with residents, business owners, and elected officials to advocate for initiatives that strengthen Western Queens, support local commerce, and ensure Sunnyside continues to grow as a welcoming, resilient, and prosperous neighborhood for generations to come.

Akifah Ahmed is the Marketing Manager at Sunnyside Shines BID, where she combines design expertise and technical skills to create engaging, inclusive digital and in-person experiences. A first-generation Bengali American and Queens native, Akifah has been involved with numerous local nonprofits, gaining valuable insight into diverse community perspectives and the importance of thoughtful, effective communication. She brings a people-first approach to storytelling, marketing strategy, and community engagement, with a focus on creating meaningful and supportive experiences for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.

Akifah earned a Bachelor of Science in Informatics from the University at Albany, with a concentration in Interactive User Experiences and s minor in Law and Philosophy. During her studies, she designed and researched user-centered, accessible digital experiences, with a particular emphasis on improving crisis communication. Outside of work, Akifah enjoys spending time with her cat or exploring new hobbies.