Haitian American entrepreneur and public relations executive Marie “Driven” Theodore has been appointed Housing and Block Associations Committee Chair for the City of New York’s Community Board 17, stepping into a civic leadership role that places housing education, tenant advocacy, and neighborhood engagement at the center of her work.
The appointment marks a new chapter for Theodore, a Brooklyn-based communications professional who has spent more than two decades working in music, media, and culture. In her new position, she will collaborate with residents, local stakeholders, and city agencies to address housing concerns, neighborhood accountability, and quality-of-life issues throughout the district.
Theodore will carry out her responsibilities in partnership with Sherif Fraser, district manager for Community Board 17, and Rodrick F. Daley, chairperson of the board.
For Theodore, the role represents a continuation of a career centered on advocacy and amplifying voices.
“As someone who has spent my career helping others find their voice, stepping into this role allows me to use my skills in a new way,” Theodore said. “I am honored to represent the residents of Community Board 17 and advocate for the neighborhoods that shaped me.”
A proud Haitian American, Theodore has built a professional reputation around cultural storytelling and community empowerment. She is the co-founder and managing partner of Playbook MG, a Brooklyn-based communications firm specializing in branding, media strategy, and public relations for clients in music, fashion, entertainment, and entrepreneurship.
Her work also extends beyond communications into community development. Theodore is a partner and co-founder of Room43 Event Space, a Brooklyn venue she operates with her sister, Cindy Theodore. The venue was established as a hub for community programming, workshops, and neighborhood events designed to support residents, small businesses, and local organizations.
As Housing and Block Associations Committee Chair, Theodore plans to focus on strengthening community engagement and expanding educational initiatives related to housing. One of her main priorities is helping tenants better understand their rights and the resources available to them.
“Education is one of the strongest tools we have,” Theodore said. “I look forward to hosting events that inform residents about tenant protections, housing quality, and how they can advocate for themselves and their families.”
In the months ahead, she plans to organize community forums, tenant education workshops, and neighborhood programs aimed at improving communication between residents and local leadership while providing tenants with information and resources.
Her appointment reflects a broader trend in Brooklyn’s civic landscape, where community advocates and professionals are increasingly bringing private-sector experience into public service.
Through her new role, Theodore is shifting from shaping public narratives to helping guide the future of the community she calls home.
