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How Black women in government and politics are getting it done

From the top: Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Letitia James and Lupe Todd-Medina CIT YANDSTATENY.COM

@CIT YANDSTATENY

November 30, 2020

The Partners and team at Bolton-St. Johns wish to congratulate Attorney General Letitia James, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and all of the outstanding honorees, especially our friend and partner Juanita Scarlett for being honored as City & State’s Leading Black Women in NYS Politics.

Juanita’s advice is sought by candidates running for President, Congress, Governor as well as those running for statewide and local offices. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion at all levels of government and policymaking has made her a respected advisor and leader in the political sphere.

Juanita, we are most proud of your dedication to securing much needed resources for the communities that need it most through grassroots advocacy and mobilization.

Our clients and team all benefit from your devotion, expertise, and advocacy.

If you wish to contact Juanita or any of our outstanding team members for your public affairs needs visit:

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EDITOR’S NOTE

SHERYL HUGGINS SALOMON Guest Editor

AS THE NATION TURNS its attention to the penultimate power move for a Black American woman – becoming vice president of the United States – let’s note that this triumph isn’t happening in a vacuum. Black women have long had a pivotal, yet overlooked, role in politics and government. They believed in women’s suffrage back when (white) women’s suffrage didn’t truly believe in them, as local voting rights activist Sarah Jane Smith Thompson Garnet did over 100 years ago. They believed that a Black woman belonged behind the Resolute Desk decades before one was elected a heartbeat away, as New York Rep. Shirley Chisholm did when she ran for president in 1972. They agitated, organized, ran and served, still breaking barriers long after it seems reasonable that they have to.

Today, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is second in the line of succession to the governorship. State Attorney General Letitia James is two steps behind her, and making national headlines. Mayor Lovely Warren runs Rochester, the state’s third-largest city, while the list of Black women vying to lead its largest city grows.

In this issue of City & State, a collaboration with The New York Amsterdam News, we’re speaking to Black women who hold – and have held – leading roles in state government and politics, to hear what drives them despite the challenges they face and to learn how they navigate the corridors of power. Elinor Tatum, the Amsterdam News’ publisher and editor-in-chief, will weigh in on the big picture.

Sheryl Huggins Salomon is a veteran journalist and former editorial leader of digital news outlets such as The Root, AOL Black Voices, NewsOne.com and FSB.com (Fortune Small Business). She is the chief communications officer for the NYU McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, and a contributor to Everyday Health and Livestrong.com.

FPWA CEO Jennifer Jones Austin is one of dozens of leaders who weighed in for this special issue.

CONTENTS FIRST READ … 4 The week that was

DAVID DINKINS … 6

Friends weigh in on the former mayor’s legacy

ELINOR TATUM … 13

NYU MCSILVER INSTITUTE; DELPHINE DIALLO

On the importance of highlighting Black women

BLACK WOMEN BREAKING BARRIERS … 14 How they became power players, in their own words DIANNE MORALES … 75

A Q&A with the mayoral candidate

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hosted a radio show on WLIB as well as consulting other politicians following his time in office.

“The example Mayor David Dinkins set for all of us shines brighter than the most powerful lighthouse imaginable.”

– Attorney General Letitia James, on Dinkins’ death at age 93, via The New York Times

DAVID DINKINS DIES

Late the evening of Nov. 23, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins died at 93, less than two months after his wife, Joyce Dinkins, died at 89.

David Dinkins was the city’s first and only Black mayor, serving one term

from 1990 through 1993.

At the time that Dinkins was elected mayor, the city was experiencing extraordinarily high crime rates, enormous budget deficits and racial tensions, making his job particularly hard. While he managed to revitalize parts of the city during his time in office,

many felt that his handling of the Crown Heights riots in 1991 was one of the biggest reasons why Dinkins lost his reelection to Rudy Giuliani. However, Dinkins himself felt that his being voted out of office was due to racism. The former mayor taught at Columbia University and

DANCE TILL YOU DROP While much of New York has hunkered down for the past eight months, eschewing parties and gatherings with people outside their “pods,” a vibrant – and now illegal – underground nightlife has thrived. New York magazine depicted one such “sin city” scene on its cover last week – the same week Gov. Andrew Cuomo acknowledged his 10-person limit on private gatherings is unenforceable.

“Before Yes We Can, He Did. Rest In Peace, Mr. Mayor. ” – State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, on Dinkins’ passing, via Twitter

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea StewartCousins said her conference will have a supermajority of 42 members in 2021. “It will be the biggest Senate majority conference in the history of New York state,” Stewart-Cousins said during a press conference in Albany. “We defended seats downstate and we made incredible gains.

We have flipped seats upstate and in western New York, and you have to consider that’s extraordinary because of the gerrymandered way the districts are drawn.”

The Assembly Democrats have long had a supermajority, which means that both houses will have significantly more power and will no longer need the support of Republicans to override Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s vetoes. Should the Legislature’s Democratic supermajority hold in the coming year, Democrats will have the ability to create new district lines in 2022.

POLLY TROTTENBERG RESIGNS

New York City Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced she would be leaving her post of seven years

TIM COFFEY, DEBBY WONG/SHUTTERSTOCK; NY SENATE MEDIA SERVICES

STATE SENATE SUPERMAJORITY

November 30, 2020

next month. Trottenberg is currently serving on President-elect Joe Biden’s transportation transition team, and it is already being speculated that she may be considered for the role of U.S. transportation secretary. Trottenberg was behind the creation of the city’s Vision Zero program, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths. She also helped install numerous speed cameras and created bus and bicycle lanes throughout the city.

BROOKLYN CONGREGATION FINED $15,000

The Yetev Lev D’Satmar congregation in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has been fined $15,000

by New York City for hosting more than 1,000 maskless guests at an indoor wedding. The congregation also received

City & State New York

a written warning from the city’s Health Department regarding any future indoor events. De Blasio called the event “amazingly irresponsible” and said that it was “deeply immoral as lives were put at risk in a blatant disregard of the law and public health.”

However, this wedding is just one in a series of several strictly prohibited indoor events that occurred recently. On Saturday, a swingers club in Astoria, Queens, was busted for hosting a party with 80 guests and for serving liquor without a license.

It is also facing a $15,000 fine. Several city politicians have been criticized for gathering at an indoor birthday party for New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo Scissura, where numerous people were photographed mingling without masks earlier in November.

Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris announce the supermajority.

THE

WEEK AHEAD

MON. 11/30 New York City public schools will stay closed until the Monday after Thanksgiving at the earliest, though it depends on whether fewer New Yorkers test positive in the meantime.

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State Senate Democrats proved the haters wrong One-party rule in Albany appears to be assured for years to come, with Democrats now declaring victory in their efforts to win supermajorities in both chambers of the state Legislature. It will be the first time in modern political history that one party has had two-thirds of the seats in both chambers and the governor’s mansion.

“We know that on election night many people wrote us off, they said it was a big red wave, and they were already predicting our shrinking majority, and as we know the red wave turned out to really be more of a red mirage,” state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins told reporters after announcing that Democrats won a competitive Westchester County race between freshman state Sen. Pete Harckham and GOP challenger Rob Astorino, which ensured Democrats would have at least 42 seats in the chamber next year. Democratic candidates Samra Brouk and Jeremy Cooney flipped longtime Republican seats in Rochester, while Sean Ryan and Michelle Hinchey picked up seats in Buffalo and the Catskills.

The GOP bet heavily on voter backlash to bail reform that failed to put them over the top against Democratic incumbents like state Sens. Kevin Thomas and Jim Gaughran on Long Island as well as Andrew

INSIDE DOPE

Mayor Bill de Blasio has stuck by the 3% test positivity rate as the metric for reopening schools.

Political pressure, though, is pushing him to adopt a more nuanced approach.

Gounardes in Brooklyn, despite millions of dollars spent by conservative donors such as Ronald Lauder.

Another strategy used by Republicans has been to warn that voting for Democrats will just empower the political left in New York City. That has been a recurring argument wielded by Republicans against the Democrats, who historically have not had much of an upstate presence in the state Senate. That is changing now with Brouk, Cooney, Ryan and Hinchey joining the conference. And freshman Democrats like state Sens. James Skoufis of the Hudson Valley, Anna Kaplan of Long Island and Rachel May of Syracuse cruised to reelection.

In theory, supermajorities can override a governor’s veto.

But if Cuomo disagreed with his party’s legislative majorities, it is unlikely that all the suburban moderates would frequently go against him and vote to override.

Supermajorities in both chambers could nonetheless mark a shift in the balance of power between the legislative and executive branches and will further sideline state Republicans for years to come.

That suggests Republicans are going to have even greater difficulty in picking up seats in the decade ahead.

– Zach Williams

THURS. 12/3

FRI. 12/4

City & State and AARP host a virtual state legislative forum at 10 a.m discussing health care issues with lawmakers from the Bronx, including state Sens.

Luis Sepúlveda, Gustavo Rivera and others.

The New York City Council Committee on Health and Committee on Hospitals hold a virtual joint oversight hearing at 10 a.m. on the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine.

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In 2018, David Dinkins sat for a photo shoot for his Lifetime Achievement Award from City & State.

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DAVID DINKINS 1927 – 2020

A GORGEOUS MOSAIC Friends and colleagues paint a picture of the compassionate man whose vision redefined New York City.

By Jeff Coltin and Kimberly Gonzalez

F CELESTE SLOMAN

ORMER NEW YORK CITY MAYOR DAVID DINKINS, who was handed the keys to the city at one of its lowest moments and served as New York’s first and only Black mayor from 1990 through 1993, died on Monday at age 93. City & State reached out to those who knew him – friends, politicians, employees and journalists – and asked to hear their favorite stories and memories of the man. The following stories, lightly edited but told in their own words, paint a full picture of a gentle man who devoted his life to public service, advocated for disability rights and racial harmony, loved performing weddings and cared about the details of one of the hardest jobs in politics.

DAVID PATERSON, former staffer for Dinkins’ Manhattan borough president campaigns, now former NY governor: “In 1981, when he ran for borough president, I had some bad experiences not getting jobs because of my disability. (Paterson is legally blind.) Dinkins knew that, and he told my father, ‘Send him down here and we’ll find something for him to do.’

And they gave me a list of people to call up and ask for money.

And then in 1985, I was his fundraiser again – this time, I ran the fundraising team. In the middle of the campaign, the state senator from the Upper West Side and Harlem died, and it was suggested to me by Percy Sutton that I run for his seat.

He said, ‘You probably won’t win, but get the experience.’ We wind up in a meeting with Bill Lynch, who was my campaign manager, along with the famous ‘Gang of Four:’ My dad, Basil Paterson, Percy Sutton, Charlie Rangel and David Dinkins.

So at the end of the meeting, Rangel says, ‘Well, you’ve got my support.’ So my dad says ‘All right, if that’s how you all feel, you’ve got my support.’ And Dinkins says, ‘Well, you have my support too, David, but you still work for me. I wouldn’t mind if you drop by the office now and then!’”

KEITH WRIGHT, former Dinkins staffer when he was borough president, now Manhattan Democratic County leader and former Assembly member: “I grew up in the same building where he and his family lived,

CityAndStateNY.com

The Riverton (in Harlem).

I went to elementary school and high school with both of his kids. We used to take the school bus together.

When I graduated from law school and I was on unemployment looking for a job, Dave hired me to be the director of his Harlem office when he was Manhattan borough president. It was 1985, and he had run for borough president twice before then and I had helped out on those campaigns a little bit, but working for him was the best job I ever had in my life! I had just gotten my last unemployment check and Dave Dinkins hired me at $30,000 a year. I thought it was a million dollars back then. That was good money! I was told to run the Northern Manhattan community boards.

Dave was an interesting guy. I don’t know why he had this image that he was such a nice guy – and he was. But let me tell you, No. 1, he was a Marine – so he was tough as hell. No. 2, he graduated from Howard University with a degree in mathematics, so whatever you told him, 1 + 1 better equal 2. And No. 3, he was a lawyer! So you couldn’t bullshit him. He demanded perfection! But he also gave you constructive criticism.

He got furious with me all the time. I’ll never forget one time, we were in a funeral, and I didn’t do something right. It was at St. Martin’s Church, and he was yelling at me, he had a foot up my behind. Then a gaggle of photographers and reporters came by. He just started smiling for the cameras. I said, ‘Thank God those cameramen came.’”

BASIL SMIKLE, former student of Dinkins at Columbia University, now a political strategist: “I remember when he was elected. I remember walking into the student union at Cornell with my friend Andy Velez, who was from Queens. We looked up at the news ribbon and it said that ‘David Dinkins elected first Black mayor of the city of New York.’ He and I looked at each other and just said, ‘We did that. We did it.’ I don’t know if

November 30, 2020

“WE LOOKED UP AT THE NEWS RIBBON AND IT SAID THAT ‘DAVID DINKINS ELECTED FIRST BLACK MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.’ HE AND I LOOKED AT EACH OTHER AND JUST SAID, ‘WE DID THAT. WE DID IT.’”

– Basil Smikle, political strategist

he was 18 at the time and voted, but I wasn’t, so I couldn’t vote.

The ‘we’ meant young people, and the communities of color, and the diversity of the city elected the first Black mayor.

That was the collective action.

When he lost the election in 1993, he ended up teaching at Columbia in 1994, and I was a first-year master’s student in public policy that year. I actually took his first class, and then ended up working as an assistant in his office. … It was great to see his collection of pictures and awards from his time as mayor and all of the people that came to visit him. It was an incredible community of very talented leaders and thinkers from all over the country.

I was married once, and he actually spoke at my wedding. … He was actually upset that he wasn’t performing my wedding. I said, ‘But you’re a former mayor. I didn’t know former mayors could do that.’ He said, ‘I changed the law so that I could do weddings after I was mayor.’”

PETER VALLONE SR., former New York City Council speaker during Dinkins’ tenure, now a lobbyist: “He was one of the finest gentlemen I ever met. But we were serving when it was always a budget cut. We never had really serious arguments, but we always had different priorities when it came to cutting the budget. David’s was always (keeping funding for) social services. And mine was always (keeping) uniformed services. … We were in a very, very tough budget. We finally compromised it, it was very tough for all the 51 council members as well as the mayor, since so much money was being

cut out of both budgets. So after we signed the budget and I’m on my way home, and the council members are up until about 3 or 4 in the morning wrangling over the budget, David called me. He says, ‘You’ve got to come back!’ I said, ‘What do you mean come back, we shaked

members and talking about restoring $40,000 to nurses out of a $60 billion budget?

That would have been the end of my speakership! But David was so upset about it!

That shows what kind of man he was. He understood how important nurses were.”

Clockwise from left, Keith Wright with then-Manhattan Borough President David Dinkins as he cuts the ribbon on his Harlem office; as mayor, Dinkins arranged a meeting, from left to right, with singer Janet Jackson, Stacy Lynch and Bill Lynch; Dinkins and Basil Smikle, who was a student in Dinkins’ first year teaching at Columbia University.

on it. The papers were there.

Everybody is happy about it.’

He said, ‘We forgot $40,000 for the nurses!’ I said, ‘What do you mean we forgot it?’ He said, ‘I just checked and we were supposed to restore $40,000.’

I said, ‘David, we can’t come back. There’s no way I can get all the council members back.

But I promise you, by the next time we have a council meeting, before that, I will have a Social Services Committee meeting and we will install a budget addition for that $40,000.’

Could you imagine trying to get back all 51 council

HAZEL DUKES, president of the NAACP New York State Conference: “He was my boss, my mentor and a best friend. He was. He encouraged me in all of my endeavors. He chastised me when he thought that I was not adhering to decisions that were being made, but always with love. So many memories, fun memories, bringing (Nelson) Mandela – and we prepared to bring Mandela to New York. It was an exciting period in his administration.

The Times got it wrong.

He was not disorganized.

KEITH WRIGHT, STACY LYNCH, BASIL SMIKLE

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that all of our communities had a voice. … I will remember him as a healer – a person who is racially balanced, who made sure that the community worked harmoniously together.”

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT: “I never saw the city shine like it did when David Dinkins gave a hero’s welcome to Nelson Mandela in 1990.

I attended the welcoming ceremony at City Hall – the city swelled with pride and every neighborhood celebrated in the name of freedom and equality. On that day, New York was the center of the universe, and David Dinkins was our mayor.”

We were taught to see that we disinvest with companies that were investing in South Africa, because of apartheid. New Yorkers played a great part in seeing that South Africa became independent as a nation, where they could have democracy, to vote and to elect a president.

And so we prepared for him to come. They were so gracious – Mandela and his wife.”

UNA CLARKE, former City Council member, the first Caribbean American woman on the council, elected on the same day Dinkins was elected mayor: “He was a person that made the kind of transition and reconciliation, so that the city was not racially divided.

And he tried to make sure

“WALKING WITH HIM ON THE STREET, YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD COME UP TO HIM AND RECOGNIZE HIM, AND HE ALWAYS STOPPED ... THEY WOULD SAY HOW PROUD THEY WERE THAT HE WAS MAYOR OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK.”

– Ester Fuchs, professor at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs

GERSON BORRERO, former newspaper columnist and co-founder of the Institute for Puerto Rican Policy, who covered Dinkins: “I can remember back to (Mayor John) Lindsay.

The way that the city was transforming, and really in the dumps. By the time it got to Dinkins, there was so much concentration, and people wanted him to succeed. We were all aware, even in the media, and even with the Post not being the Post of today, that the city needed a leader. Because he was Black, because he was the first one, people expected too much from him. That was unfair.

The coverage wasn’t always very pleasant. But for the most part, I think he got a fair deal with the media. It was just that it was tough times.”

STACY LYNCH, daughter of Bill Lynch, who was deputy mayor under Dinkins; now deputy director of intergovernmental affairs to Mayor Bill de Blasio and a candidate for City Council in Manhattan: “Particularly after my father passed (in 2013), he became like a second father to me. I want to be respectful of his daughter Donna and David Jr., but he really stepped in in his own way. He would often tell people in politics and government particularly that

CityAndStateNY.com

I belonged to him. That was his way of protecting me in a very fatherly way.

I experienced some amazing things, from meeting Nelson Mandela, to my dad and the mayor surprising me with an impromptu meet and greet with Janet Jackson, who was like my hero at that time. I was at school and my dad and the mayor called the principal and they’re like, ‘we’re coming to pick up Stacy, there’s an urgent matter,’ which was probably totally illegal at the time.

(Laughs.) And I walk into my dad’s office and he gives me my Rhythm Nation hat and he’s like, ‘Wear this.’ And I’m like, ‘What is going on?’ And I walk into this room, and there’s Janet Jackson.

At that time, (Dinkins was) the shit. Celebrities would come and stop by City Hall and they would get keys to the city and just hang out. Janet had stopped by to meet the first Black mayor of New York City and was presented with the key to the city and just had a good time. My dad would mention stories about hanging out with (then-Rep.) Charlie Rangel and the mayor and Whitney Houston. (Laughs.)”

ESTER FUCHS, professor at the Columbia School of International and Public Affairs: “One of the things I loved so much about being with him was to be walking with him on the street when young people would come up to him and recognize him, and he always stopped, and he always would talk to whomever the person was and he would

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the paper cup. … His public rhetoric really matched who he was as a person.”

Manhattan Democratic Party boss Keith Wright, left, worked for Dinkins in the ’80s and called the former mayor “tough as hell.”

agree to take a picture with them and then he would offer them something inspirational, because they would say how proud they were that he was mayor of the city of New York.

His election to the mayoralty of New York was sort of bigger than who he was.

When he first came to Columbia, he invited me to his apartment to talk about how we were going to structure the David N. Dinkins Leadership and Public Policy Forum together. … I’m an Orthodox Jew and I keep kosher and he knew this about me. And I went to his apartment on the East Side and I knocked on the

door and his wonderful wife, Joyce, she answered the door and she said, ‘Oh, come on in.

David isn’t here, he went down shopping.’ I waited inside and he got back and he had went out and bought paper plates and plastic silverware and paper cups because he wanted to make sure that I would eat something and I would feel comfortable about eating in his apartment and he didn’t ask me anything, he just did what he thought he should do to make me feel comfortable. And then he made me silver dollar pancakes that he loved to cook and he served them on the paper plates and gave me tea in

“HE WAS THE ONE THAT WAS TRYING TO BRING US ALL TOGETHER, AND AS HE SAID, THE GREAT MOSAIC OF NEW YORK CITY, THAT’S WHO WE ARE, AND WE HAVE TO UNITE BEHIND THAT.” – state Sen. Robert Jackson

STATE SEN. ROBERT JACKSON: “When he was a professor at Columbia, I went to his class almost every semester to talk to him about the Campaign for Fiscal Equity and the struggle to make sure that every child, no matter who you are, had a sound basic education.

He was a mentor overall in dealing with the issues and concerns that I was involved with, which is education, which is diversity, which is about unity of all the people. He was not the one that was divisive. He was the one that was trying to bring us all together, and as he said, the great mosaic of New York City, that’s who we are, and we have to unite behind that. Especially coming as a result of our current president being so divisive, we needed people such as Mayor Dinkins in order to unify our city and our state and our country.”

MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT GALE BREWER, who served as director of the New York City Office of Federal Relations when Dinkins was mayor: “We had his 92nd birthday in my office at 1 Centre St. It was July 10, 2019, and the invitation was sent to everybody you could think of. It was a huge, huge, turnout. He was sitting next to his buddy Mr. Rangel, and people came from all over the place, people he had not seen in years and years. I was crying. This was his old office, plus these were his friends. He’s a superstar. We have a chair left over from the Board of Estimate; (it) looks like a throne. He would sit in that as he (conducted marriages), but he also sat in it when we had his birthday party. And don’t forget, the building is called the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building.”

■

KEITH WRIGHT

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Central NY/Syracuse Virtual State Legislative Forum As state lawmakers are gearing up to head back to Albany, they’ll be making important decisions on the coronavirus pandemic response, the state budget, and issues that will impact your household finances. This virtual forum offers a chance to ask questions about your representatives’ legislative and policy priorities. Now, more than ever, it’s important for you to be able to hear directly from your legislators. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Connect with Your Lawmakers!

We invite you to hear from state legislators representing the Bronx on their priorities for 2021.

Join us!

December 10, 2020 10:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M.

Connect with us to discuss important topics with your lawmakers, such as: Nursing Homes, Long Term Care and Family Caregiving Prescription Drug Affordability Financial Security

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City & State New York

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE

EW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Elinor Tatum could easily have been featured among the power players in City & State and The New York Amsterdam News’ Black Women in Government and Politics special issue.

After reporting for New York’s largest Black newspaper in 1997, she succeeded her father, Wilbert Tatum, to take over the publication, and has never looked back. She also co-hosted a weekly segment with Al Sharpton on his “Keepin’ It Real” radio show and has been a sought-after political commentator and keynote speaker on topics of media, race, politics and culture.

Tatum instead stayed behind the scenes to help select the women honored in this week’s magazine. City & State Interim Editor-in-Chief Ralph R. Ortega worked alongside Tatum and interviewed her after she helped identify dozens of honorees.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

The world of politics remains dominated by white men.

Why go so far to do a special issue highlighting Black women who’ve made their mark in the political world?

that they shouldn’t be. These women have each shown us that they are doing something within their communities.

They’re making a difference and inspiring other women.

Because these women deserve to be highlighted, they deserve to be celebrated. They are phenomenal women in their fields and in New York in general. The media, for the most part, overlooks women of color.

It’s easier to tear them down.

In this case specifically, Black women in government and politics, they are not immune to this either. The media is not focusing or celebrating their achievements. It is much easier to perpetuate stereotypes.

Speaking of inspiring other women, these power players were mentored and now devote their time to mentoring others. What do you hope to see come out of those relationships?

After working on this special issue, what do you hope to see moving forward?

That people will take a look at this issue and realize how many remarkable Black women are out there. And that they understand that this is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are so many more women that we weren’t able to include. Someone not being in the issue does not mean

Emotional support, advice, mentorship, job connections, help getting up that ladder.

And when a power player knows a position is open, they’ll talk to their circle of people to say, “Hey, who’s looking for that next bump?”

Who knows? Maybe somebody coming up that ladder who needs a foot in the door, or somebody who needs a job.

We all know that this world is about connections. Think about the old boys’ network, the way they used to do it.

They got together around the golf course and around the social clubs. These women have their groupings and gatherings. It’s necessary on so many different levels. You encourage it, absolutely.

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New York Amsterdam News Editor-in-Chief Elinor Tatum talks about why Black women’s contributions need to be recognized.

Did you have a mentor who really impacted your life?

There were so many over the years. It’s hard to name just one.

Also, so many of them are gone.

I think the most important thing they all did was to give back, and mentorship.

The key is mentorship.

Always remember to bring someone with you.

You’re a career journalist and a single mom about to turn 50. You have a 10-yearold daughter named Willa.

Have you already started giving her the type of advice you were given by your mentors? What have you told her? Or is it still too early?

Oh, I’ve told her a lot. Whether she listens is another story. I told her just to be proud of who she is. You know, for a young person these days, it’s really hard. I told her to be strong within herself, not to listen to what people have to say about you. It’s what you know about yourself. And if you know things not to be true, then you don’t have to worry about those things. And if you are proud of what you have done, that’s all that matters and that you have to find your own strength and your own happiness because no one else can provide that for you. Right?

Not an easy job being a woman in this environment. She needs to find a community of people that believe in her and know that they will be there for her.

These women, including yourself, have shown that people can rise to a level that exceeds expectations.

Can you describe how that translates to the workplace?

A man would say, “I have to leave early today because my kid’s is in a school play,” or “My

kid is getting an award.” The father would be applauded.

If a mother would say, “I have to leave early today because of my kid,” she would be penalized. All of these women have to deal with that on some level, whether or not they have children, because they are of the female gender.

The same thing that goes for a man does not go for a woman.

How do you fix that? Well, we have to change the paradigm and not make women have to apologize for being mothers.

Former New York City Mayor David Dinkins died at press time. Your first job was working on his campaign for Manhattan borough president. You were only 13 and a volunteer. Please put his life into context when it comes to Black women, including yourself.

He showed me what it meant to be compassionate. He gave so many people opportunities and he embraced youth, making people understand that age was not a barrier to input. He also, as borough president, created a youth advisory board that had young people ages 12 to 20 who actually reported to him on the issues of the day, and he sought their advice when it came to issues on youth. He actually met with young people, and I sat on that advisory board during his entire tenure as borough president. It set the stage for being able to do what I am able to do today. There were a lot of young women that were part of that, and a lot of young women of color. And a lot of those women of color are still involved in city government today.

He was an advocate for people in general and I don’t think he really saw gender or age. He saw talent.

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CityAndStateNY.com

Attorney General Letitia James has been one of the biggest thorns in Donald Trump’s side.

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City & State New York

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I CREATED

MY OWN

TABLE Black women face barriers and enjoy triumphs in the political world. Here’s how these women became New York’s power players.

By Melanie Eversley

I

Photographs by Celeste Sloman

N THE EARLY 1990s, the city of Yonkers was several years into a battle to resist a Justice Department order to desegregate schools and housing. At the time, many Black residents said racism in the community just north of the Bronx was as blatant as in parts of the South.

The Saw Mill River Parkway was the dividing line between Blacks on the west side and whites in nicer neighborhoods on the east side. Almost 100% of public housing was confined to the west side of the city and schools were segregated along the same fault line. As noted in a 1985 federal court decision, a parade of mayors had perpetually reappointed school board members committed to keeping Blacks and whites separate. When Blacks tried to rent or buy on the white side of town, they were turned away. An NAACP lawyer working with the Justice De-

partment received death threats.

In 1991, Yonkers resident Andrea Stewart-Cousins volunteered to campaign for mayoral candidate Terry Zaleski, a fellow Democrat who supported desegregation. When Zaleski won and took office in 1992, he appointed Stewart-Cousins director of community affairs. Part of her job was to help foster communication between racial groups and neighborhoods in the troubled city. It was the first venture into politics for Stewart-Cousins.

“I was the first woman and woman of color to hold this position and it was my job to bring the city back together after this divisive period,” Stewart-Cousins, now majority leader of the New York state Senate, told City & State and The New York Amsterdam News. “It’s then I realized how government can create and remove obstacles, whether it be because of race, ethnicity, religion, socio-

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economics, gender, etc.,” she added.

In her current role, Stewart-Cousins takes her political power seriously, pushing to pass statewide laws that empower women, help the environment, diminish racism and more. She is one of nearly 40 Black female elected and appointed officials, political consultants and political power brokers in New York state who responded to a survey by City & State and The Amsterdam News about their motivations, their backgrounds, the obstacles they’ve encountered and their future plans.

Nationally, Black women in politics are experiencing a moment. Pollsters and pundits are acknowledging Black women’s role in tipping toss-up states blue in the hotly contested presidential race, and shattering another glass ceiling.

“This month, we celebrated the historic win of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first woman and first Black person and person of South Asian descent to be elected to this role,” said Glynda Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, a nonprofit supporting Black women in political leadership roles.

“There is no way to overstate the significance of having a woman of African descent serving at the highest levels of leadership in a country that once denied Black women full citizenship,” she added.

“This is not only important at the upper levels of government, but at all levels.”

In January, a record number of Black female Congress members will be sworn in to the U.S. House of Representatives, and the number of Black female candidates who vied for local, state and national races was groundbreaking, Carr said.

In New York state, Black women in politics are having a moment too. Letitia “Tish” James, the state’s first female and first Black attorney general, is conducting an investigation of the Trump Organization, which could add to the president’s legal woes once he leaves the presidency in January. She is also preparing a lengthy list of legal actions aimed at reversing Trump administration initiatives once he’s out of office. Stewart-Cousins, the first female Senate majority leader in state history, has guided legislation guaranteeing abortion rights at the state level and also a climate bill that is one of the most aggressive clean energy pieces of legislation in the country.

Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren, the city’s first female mayor, has received national attention as she navigates policing reform following the controversial death of Daniel Prude, a mentally distressed Black man, at the hands of local police. Last year, April Baskin of Buffalo became the youngest person to chair the Erie County Legislature at the age of 36. Maya Wiley and Dianne Morales are among the Black

November 30, 2020

Andrea StewartCousins just won a Democratic supermajority in the state Senate.

“THERE IS NO WAY TO OVERSTATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HAVING A WOMAN OF AFRICAN DESCENT SERVING AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF LEADERSHIP IN A COUNTRY THAT ONCE DENIED BLACK WOMEN FULL CITIZENSHIP.”

– Glynda Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights for America

November 30, 2020

women vying to become New York City’s first female mayor in 2021. Rep. Yvette Clarke, a Brooklyn Democrat, is the only non-Hispanic Black woman among 27 U.S. House members representing New York. (Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat representing parts of the Bronx and Queens, has said that her family is “Afro-Latina.”)

The notable shift on the national level prompted the Siena College Research Institute to ask state residents their thoughts on Attorney General James and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris.

Their poll of 803 New York state registered voters from Nov. 15-18 showed that James and Harris are popular among Black voters, and Harris is popular statewide.

Harris had a 55% favorable rating overall, with 66% among New York City residents and 83% among Black voters.

Meanwhile, James has a 33% favorable rating among state voters overall, 46% among Democrats and 49% among New York City residents. Among Black voters, 58% found her favorable.

“Among Black voters, she’s far better known and appreciated,” said Don Levy, the institute’s director.

He added, “Tish James is one of the most important elected officials in the state of New York. I think that the change in D.C. and the role that she’s playing in some of the investigations relative to Trump’s business interests is going to (push her to the forefront) even more.”

J

AMES, STEWART-COUSINS and Wiley were among the survey respondents, along with New York State NAACP President Hazel Dukes; Assembly Member Inez Dickens, a Manhattan Democrat; New York City Council Member Farah Louis, a Democrat from Brooklyn; former City Council Member and Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields; Higher Heights co-founder Kimberly Peeler-Allen; publicist and political adviser Rachel Noerdlinger; and other movers and shakers. Many called the late Rep. Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman to run for U.S. president under a major party, their “shero.” A number cited her oft-repeated quote, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”

James said, “There were times earlier in my career when individuals either expressed to me that I didn’t deserve to be where I was, ignored me or refused to take me seriously. I was not welcomed at their table.”

The attorney general said she has taken Chisholm’s advice and expanded it. “I brought my own chair and, in some instances, created my own table,” James said.

Black women are typically put in positions where they have to work hard and

City & State New York

serve as their own cheerleaders, said Lupe Todd-Medina, public relations specialist and president of Effective Media Strategies.

“In the political space, I have found that Black women are expected to do a lot of the everyday, laborious tasks – plus the job we were hired to do – for less pay and credit,” Todd-Medina said. “I have watched many men – Black and white – failing up while I struggled. I no longer want the proverbial pat on my head for helping to get my girlfriends to the polls or getting that elected official out of a sticky situation. Give me pay parity and credit when credit is due.”

A handful of the respondents said that service is in their future – whether it’s through elected office, volunteering or acting as mentors themselves. Many came from humble beginnings, working their way through school and earning

“I WAS NOT WELCOMED AT THEIR TABLE. ...

I BROUGHT MY OWN CHAIR AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, CREATED MY OWN TABLE.”

– Attorney General Letitia James

every rung that they climbed on the career ladder. Some entered politics by way of activism.

Many said they were working on running for office or on getting more women elected to public office, in New York state and around the country.

Stacy Lynch, deputy director of intergovernmental affairs for New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, has filed the financial paperwork to run for a seat on the New York City Council. Political consultant Amelia Adams said she hopes to get 21 women onto the New York City Council in 2021 through the “21 in ’21” nonprofit that she chairs. Yvette Buckner, managing director of Tusk Strategies and vice chair of 21 in ’21, said that she has similar goals.

She referred to the 1920 ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote (though many Black women had to wait another 45 years for the passage of the Voting Rights Act).

“In this centennial of women’s suffrage, I’m working to get more women elected to public office on a city, state and national

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level … to get 21 women elected to the New York City Council in 2021, and with Vote Mama Political Action Committee to get mothers elected across the country,” Buckner said.

As with most people in the world, the respondents said the coronavirus pandemic has affected how they do their jobs. Many said it affected the direction and focus of their work too.

C. Virginia Fields, who now leads the National Black Leadership Commission on Health, said she is focusing more on the health disparities that were spotlighted by COVID-19. New York City Council Member Inez Dickens is connecting people who’ve lost their jobs in the pandemic to the U.S. Department of Labor, and connecting small-business owners to emergency grants. Rose Pierre-Louis, chief operating officer of the New York University McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research and former New York City commissioner of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence, said she is directing more attention to the welfare of people in marginalized communities amid the pandemic. The New York Urban League is opening a small-business center to support enterprises derailed by the coronavirus, said Arva Rice, the organization’s president and CEO. Respondents also said one of the other major developments of 2020 is guiding their work too: the global racial reckoning spurred by the death in May of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers.

“Companies are rushing to put together their diversity statements,” Rice said.

“We are challenging them. Once they have put together their statements, how will (they) work towards eliminating systemic racism? Statements need to move towards action.”

Rice added: “As a result of our nation’s racial reckoning, we are creating a diversity lab which will be an opportunity for corporations to come together and share best practices for diversity and inclusion, and have access to our employment pipeline.”

Reaching the point where they can have an effect on society did not come without a price, the women said in their responses.

As New York City Council Member Farah Louis said, microaggressions are as prevalent in politics as they are in the private sector. All of the respondents said they’ve experienced bias in one form or another and from all demographics. Sometimes it was subtle, as in colleagues who smiled at them but suggested someone else handle their assignments. Other times, it was blatant.

Jennifer Jones Austin, the CEO and executive director of anti-poverty nonprofit FPWA and chair of the New York City

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“Give me pay parity and credit when credit is due,” said public relations specialist Lupe ToddMedina.

Board of Correction, said that she has experienced slights from all directions, even from other Black women.

“For example, I’ve had white staff who reported to me openly express surprise about my analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills; I’ve had Black men who reported to me challenge and defy my decisions; and I’ve had Black female staff actually follow the desires of men who also reported to me, all the while ignoring my directives,” Jones Austin said.

Maya Wiley recalled a time when she was trying an employment discrimination case as an assistant U.S. attorney. She walked in the courtroom for a pretrial hearing and saw that the opposing attorney was a Black woman too.

“We were both wearing business suits, of course,” Wiley said. “This white, male judge entered and sat down, and angrily shouted, ‘Where are the lawyers?’ She and I looked at each other and in that moment, we were on the same side.”

S

EVERAL OF THE Black female political figures who responded to the survey said they’ve learned to navigate a sometimes turbulent work landscape by stay-

USING THEIR POWER FOR EQUITY, JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY

By Melanie Eversley THE BLACK WOMEN who are political powerhouses in New York state have created equity, changed laws and even taken on the president of the United States.

By serving in elected office, working at private firms, laboring behind the scenes with public officials, founding nonprofit organizations and more, they have created changes that have affected New York state

in dramatic ways. Many of the Black women who took part in the City & State/The New York Amsterdam News survey said their experience as members of what is considered a marginalized group has focused them on correcting inequities where they see them.

“Black women’s energy, work and commitment to building a true democracy are continuing to diversify and improve America’s leadership,” said Glynda Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights for America, a group that supports Black women running for office and assuming leadership roles.

As public advocate for New York City – the first Black woman to hold a citywide office – Letitia James

successfully pushed through legislation that banned potential employers from asking job candidates about their salary history. The move was aimed at reducing the wage gap between genders.

As attorney general of New York state – the first Black person and woman elected to this post – James launched civil litigation in August to dismantle the National Rifle Association.

Among other things, she cited alleged practices of leaders of the group using charitable funds to benefit themselves personally, including the use of private jets, and the alleged steering of contracts to family members and associates. The organization has countersued.

And in late November, more

than 100 chief executives and business leaders in New York signed on to a letter at James’ urging, asking President Donald Trump to concede and accept that Joe Biden won the race for the White House.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat from Yonkers, wrote the first human rights laws for Westchester County when she was a county lawmaker there in the late 1990s. She also pushed for the creation of Westchester’s Human Rights Commission, allowing residents to file complaints involving potential discrimination.

This summer, Stewart-Cousins celebrated a legislative victory on her watch when Gov. Andrew

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City & State New York

“I NO LONGER WANT THE PROVERBIAL PAT ON MY HEAD FOR HELPING TO GET MY GIRLFRIENDS TO THE POLLS OR GETTING THAT ELECTED OFFICIAL OUT OF A STICKY SITUATION. GIVE ME PAY PARITY AND CREDIT WHEN CREDIT IS DUE.”

– Lupe Todd-Medina, public relations specialist and president of Effective Media Strategies

ing true to what they believe – even if it means earning less money or losing potential supporters or friends.

Kia Floyd, Facebook’s head of public policy and community engagement for the eastern United States, said the worst advice she’d ever received was: “Choose stability over passion.”

Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, remembered an instance involving the Perception Institute, the nonprofit she co-founded that researches race and bias.

“We signed a client and they weren’t really in it for the right reasons,” McGill Johnson recalled. “I was really struggling with how to deliver the right kind of product for them, and somebody said: ‘Just take the check.’ That terrible advice actually

Cuomo signed a raft of policing reform bills into law.

They included the repeal of a section of the state’s Civil Rights Law which had prevented the disclosure of the personnel records of police, firefighters and corrections officers in many cases. Critics complained that the provision had allowed public servants to get away with abuse.

While James and Stewart-Cousins have been making moves on the political scene, people like Kimberly Peeler-Allen have helped make that political involvement possible. Peeler-Allen, co-founder of Higher Heights for America, served as James’ finance director in her bid to become public advocate for New York City in 2013.

Peeler-Allen also served

clicked, because it was so inconsistent with anything I would have ever said to anyone.

It freed me to do the opposite, and realize that I had the power to actually quit my client, which was kind of liberating.”

Another respondent who said she sticks by her principles is Leecia Eve, vice president of public policy for Verizon and a scion of one the state’s best-known political families. Her father is Arthur Eve, a retired Assembly deputy speaker, founding member of the New York State Black and Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus and one of the negotiators in the 1971 Attica prison riot.

Her mother is Constance Eve, first Black tenured professor at Erie Community College in Buffalo and founder of Women for Human Rights and Dignity, a nonprofit helping incarcerated women.

As a child, she watched her father cham-

as co-executive director of James’ transition team when she was elected attorney general in 2018, recruiting James’ top staff members.

Mylan Denerstein served as a lawyer for the Children’s Defense Fund and the New York City Fire Department, and as a prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, but her role as counsel to Gov. Andrew Cuomo helped her make differences statewide when she helped draft and pass same-sex marriage and women’s equality laws. Today, Denerstein is a partner at the Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher law firm.

“As a Black woman in America, I’m constantly working toward a more

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pion social justice issues in state government, she said.

“He had many battles in the Legislature and with governors. He won pretty much all of them, benefiting New Yorkers not just in his district, but across the state,” Eve said. “I still remember during one of the epic battles, my father saying to me: ‘Everyone may not like me, but they respect me because they know who I am, what I believe, what I am fighting for and why I am fighting for it.’”

Eve added, “What my father said to me decades ago was a powerful lesson then. It is just as powerful – and even more pertinent – today.”

Many of those surveyed said they believe in mentorship. They’ve had mentors and in turn, they mentor less-experienced women in politics. They also rely on friends and allies to support them in the sometimes raw and vicious world of politics. Many engage in self-care through exercise, especially running, as well as travel. These stress reducers help them stay fresh.

For many respondents, including Juanita Scarlett, a partner with public affairs firm Bolton-St. Johns, the critical key to all of this is to know one’s own value in a world that tends to undervalue Black women.

“Success to me is being happy, healthy and rewarded for doing what I love,” Scarlett said. “There is no obstacle too great to overcome when you know your worth.”

■

Melanie Eversley is a journalist and native New Yorker who writes about race and politics.

equitable and inclusive world for future generations, just like my ancestors did for me,” Denerstein said.

While health disparities have received new attention in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, lobbyist Jacqueline Williams, co-owner of the firm State & Broadway, made an impact in that space when she was associate director for legislative policy and communications in the division of governmental affairs for the Medical Society of the State of New York. While holding that position from 2004 to 2007, Williams designed and implemented a statewide Task Force to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Health Care Disparities. In 2009, the task force was made permanent and renamed the Committee

to Eliminate Health Care Disparities. Among other things, the committee has sent doctors to middle and high schools to encourage Black and brown students to become doctors. The committee also has created a program to help doctors better relate to Black and brown patients.

“I have been blessed to wear so many different hats that stretched my growth and tested my skill sets,” Williams said in her survey. “I have helped move significant budgetary issues, assisted in navigating important statewide policy and spearheaded several institutional events.

Along the way, the best of it all has been connecting with people who are not only good at what they do but are simply good.”

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ANDREA STEWART-COUSINS

•

November 30, 2020

•

NEW YORK STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

People have always underestimated me. I am a Black woman who did not come from money and grew up in the ’60s when racism and sexism determined your position in life.

My career began at the New York Telephone Company. I did not know it at the time, but the company was accused of discrimination against women and minorities for not promoting them internally. A consent decree forced my employer to do what was right, and eventually I was promoted into the marketing division. The new position afforded me more money and opportunity, which made an enormous difference in my life, as a single mother.

My first major step into public service was volunteering for a mayoral candidate who supported a court ruling to desegregate the city of Yonkers. The candidate who I backed later won and asked me to join his administration as the director of community affairs. I was the first woman and woman of color to hold this position, and it was my job to bring the city back together after this divisive period. It was then that I realized how government can create and remove obstacles, whether it be because of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomics, gender, etc.

In 1995, I ran a primary against a seasoned Democratic incumbent on the Westchester County Board of Legislators. My opponent also had the backing of the Republican Party, but I beat him. Then, I went on to author the first human rights law in Westchester County. To get this done, I worked with colleagues and advocates to counter opponents who wanted to deny, first, that racism existed, and then that the LGBTQ community should be represented under this law. I would not establish a commission that allowed for discrimination against some people. After two years of hard work, the Westchester County Human Rights Commission was established and began accepting complaints.

•

•

Racism, sexism, being an ‘outsider,’ being underestimated or being outspent impacted me for years. In 2004, I ran for the (state) Senate against a powerful 28-year Republican incumbent. For months, votes would be counted and recounted by poll workers due to lengthy legal battles.

In February 2005, I lost by 18 votes, but as I always tell people, ‘You cannot give up when met with a setback.’

I ran again in 2006, vowing to clean up corruption in Albany and to address voter suppression. This time, I won by more than 1,800 votes.

PORTRAIT BY CELESTE SLOMAN

In 2012, I was the first woman in New York state history voted by my peers to lead a conference of the state Legislature. Meanwhile, the Independent Democratic Conference ensured my conference was shut out of the majority. At the time, five breakaway Democrats brokered a deal with Republicans to keep them in power, which meant they could determine the policy agenda moving forward. It was certainly a setback.

We united the (Democratic) Party and gained the majority in 2019. That year, I was voted majority leader by my peers and made history again as the first woman and woman of color to hold the position. This put me “in the room” and allowed me to push policy forward and pass legislation that reflected the values of my conference and the majority of New Yorkers. For instance, we codified Roe v. Wade and moved abortion under the health law, passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, setting New York on a path for the most aggressive clean energy target in the nation, passed the Child Victims Act ... and passed comprehensive criminal justice reforms.

My mother, Beryl Stewart, was my first mentor and an incredible inspiration. She faced racism and sexism, but was grounded in faith, family and education. She was a fierce advocate for her children, and she showed me the meaning of working hard and never giving up. She was smart and driven and could have been a promising lawyer, if the opportunity had been there for women and women of color.

She was politically savvy and wise, and I credit her with encouraging me to first run for office in Westchester County, and then to take on the challenging run for New York state Senate. I would not be who I am today without her.

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City & State New York

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November 30, 2020

November 30, 2020

LETITIA JAMES

•

NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL

For a lot of Black women in politics, one of the main hurdles is fundraising. I come from humble beginnings. I put myself through school.

I did not have access to deep-pocketed donors, or a prominent family name, nor did I work for a big law firm. I didn’t have the connections that are often considered essential when you run for office, especially the first time. All I had was my voice, my experience and my passion. For me, that was enough.

•

In politics, and in life, I deal with every kind of person – white, Black, young, old, rich, poor, Democrat or Republican – and I treat everyone with the decency and respect that I expect in return.

Retiring state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery is a mentor of mine. I met her as a staff member working in the New York state Legislature. I recall meetings where she was one of the few women in attendance in a room filled with men. She refused to limit her comments in the face of hostility. She spoke up about what she believed in, what she knew was right, for individuals who were historically ignored.

I also learned a great deal from former Assembly Member Annette Robinson. She is a political force, and an unapologetic champion of Brooklyn. From her, I learned the power of using your voice to create the type of change that New Yorkers can see and feel every single day.

Through Velmanette and Annette, I learned the importance of civic duty, community leadership and mentorship. I’ve become a mentor to several Black women elected officials over the years both here in New York and around the country.

PORTRAIT BY CELESTE SLOMAN

•

Back when I was deciding on law schools, someone told me to not pick a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) because it wouldn’t open as many doors for me. HBCUs offer immense culture, brilliant professors and mentors, historic significance, and a perspective on life that you can’t get at any other institution. I wouldn’t be where I am today had I not attended Howard University. There’s also no doubt that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, another proud graduate of Howard University, would not be where she is today without that HBCU experience.

•

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• • •

There were times earlier in my career when individuals either expressed to me that I didn’t deserve to be where I was, ignored me, or refused to take me seriously. I was not welcomed at their table. But my SHE-ro, the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, once said, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” And that’s exactly what I did. I brought my own chair and, in some instances, I created my own table.

I realized at a young age that if I wanted to reach my goals, I couldn’t let people filled with bias, prejudice and hate define me. There will always be haters and naysayers, but at the end of the day I’m here to find justice for all New Yorkers, whether they agree with me or not, and whether or not they dislike me because of things I cannot control.

Finding justice and speaking truth to power will always be my priority.

I am committed to continuing the work to fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. My No. 1 goal will always be to enforce the rule of law and to use it to ensure that traditionally marginalized communities are protected and disenfranchised groups are empowered. No matter the chaos surrounding us, the law must be the firmest pillar of our democracy. I will always break through that chaos and fight for justice, equality and inclusion.

The best advice I’ve ever heard is a quote from Congresswoman Barbara Jordan. She said, “More is required of public officials than slogans and handshakes and press releases. More is required. We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future.” That is the kind of public official that I’ve always strived to be.

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AMELIA ADAMS

November 30, 2020

•

PRESIDENT, ADAMS ADVISORS

(I navigate the world of politics by) building relationships and friendships with Black women who have been in the field longer. I have also tried to get to know every player.

Ignorance is the biggest obstacle.

Even if you don’t agree on every point, an open line of communication is key.

• •

(My short-term goal) – survive 2020 and pick up on international travel! Grow my business in a smart and sustainable way. Professionally, (I want to) build the bench of people that look like me and get at least 21 women into the New York City Council in 2021.

MAX SCHWARTZ

(The obstacles I faced at the start of my career included) being comfortable with entering and owning the conversation (when dealing with) organizations and spaces that dealt with Black issues, but were being led by white, mostly male voices.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

RODNEYSE BICHOTTE

•

ASSEMBLY MEMBER & BROOKLYN DEMOCRATIC PARTY CHAIR

Regarding my legislative career as my fourth career, I had to get up to speed with managing an office, writing legislation and providing constituency services, while still having to campaign. It was challenging to work out of half of an office for two years.

GUERIN BLASK

•

I draw strength from my elders such as Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth. They are examples of strong Black female leaders. I’ve navigated those relationships in my previous careers as an engineer and a Wall Street banker, and as the first Black woman to head a county party in New York City, I am constantly tested on my ability to lead, raise money and run campaigns. Also as the chair of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Subcommittee, I frequently face issues surrounding increasing economic equity for smaller businesses competing with larger corporations traditionally run by white men.

•

I have a number of mentors, many of whom are women. I have benefited by listening and following by example. Mentoring helped me succeed in my role.

I also have mentored a number of people and have helped them run for office or work in government.

•

Find passion in your work. Helping my community is something that I love doing every day.

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KAREN BOYKIN-TOWNS

•

November 30, 2020

•

PRESIDENT AND CEO, ENCORE STRATEGIES

• • I’d be hard pressed to know of any woman of color who hasn’t experienced bias at some level. It could be overt or any one of the many microaggressions that can be exhibited.

Either way, I have always found ways to deal with it.

The worst piece of advice I ever received came during the time when despite all of my success I wasn’t being promoted beyond senior director. After confronting my manager, I got him to agree for me to have an executive coach and a 360-(degree) review. While it came back with very positive feedback, one item of advice that was provided by one of the executives interviewed was, “Karen should smile more.”

•

The CEO (of my company) was someone who I had intentionally built a relationship with when he was general counsel. I had worked with him on a few high-profile projects that were important to his success. Knowing he thought highly of me, I sought his advice on how I could advance having been with the company for nine years and getting feedback like, “They don’t know what to do with me.” What he said to me I will never forget. He advised that in large companies working hard and doing great work only gets you so far.

You must have people who speak up on your behalf and provide you with a “turbo boost,” and he was going to do that for me. Indeed he did, and I finally broke through the senior director level, ultimately retiring from Pfizer as the only Black person to report to an ELT member (a senior executive who reports to the chairman and CEO) and one of the top 200 executives in the company of 90,000 employees.

I started my career in government/ politics working for then-state Sen. David Paterson, where I learned a tremendous amount. Any “obstacles” I faced, I had a supportive network led by the senator and our staff which operated as a family.

It is the learnings from here that allowed me to navigate the true obstacles I faced as I transitioned into corporate America. They included working in an environment where I knew going in I was making less than most at an entry level, but more than what I had made in government. There was a bias/concern on my ability to make the transition so it was important for me to work hard and show value quickly. I did just that and received great performance reviews, but I was consistently compared to a white male who came in a year after me. For years they kept us at the same level despite the impact I had within the department and company. At one point during a performance review my manager said, “We don’t know what to do with you.”

After several years with the company and with a stellar reputation for getting things done, I knew it was time to take things into my own hands. I sought out our CEO for guidance and support.

SUBMITTED

In thinking about where we are I cannot honestly say anything has changed or challenged how I do business. I’ve always been authentic as a leader and unafraid to speak up even when it might not have been popular. Funny enough I’m always looked to as the one to “say it.” I do feel a greater sense of urgency in the work to bring about change both in society and corporate America. We currently have a window of opportunity that will eventually close, so it is imperative that we move at a deliberate speed as it relates specifically to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

November 30, 2020

YVETTE BUCKNER

City & State New York

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MANAGING DIRECTOR, TUSK STRATEGIES Politics has long been dominated by white men, but I make sure to not be confined by that power dynamic. I take the opportunity to provide innovative thought and action and a diverse opinion that is not ordinarily heard to get a seat at the table. In a city that is “majority minority,” I bring my grassroots organizing experience and the interests of those who have been historically disenfranchised and not invited to the table although they are affected each and every day by the decisions being made in those rooms, and I help to make their voices heard.

MAX SCHWARTZ

• • • • In this centennial of women’s suffrage, I am working to get more women elected to public office on a city, state and national level, with 21 in ’21 to get 21 women elected to the New York City Council in 2021 and with Vote Mama to get mothers elected across the country.

My goal is to continue being better at what I’m doing and helping more women hold public office so that their voices are at the table when decisions are being made on education, health, housing and other policy areas. My goal is to continue making the world a safer, better, brighter and more equitable place for my daughter and future generations.

I currently have two mentors – one male and one female because they give me different perspectives and help me to expand my thinking in different and unexpected ways.

They provide me with a tremendous amount of support and push me to do better and be greater. I particularly value my female mentor who reminds me of the work-life balance and to remember that I am setting a great example for my daughter of a successful working woman.

I also am working closely and mentoring many of the women candidates running for public office via my commitment to 21 in ’21 to get 21 women elected to the New York City Council in 2021. But mentorship is not confined to a formalized relationship. I strive to be an exemplar to all who see me and welcome anyone who thinks I may have something to teach or offer.

I believe (bias) has (impacted my success) in ways that are both seen and unseen. However, I try to turn adversity into opportunity. I continue to bring my lived experience, wealth of knowledge and value as a Black woman to the table each and every time and use it to help propel me to the next level and also bring along others with me.

People that value diversity and different perspectives understand I have a point of view most others in the business world cannot necessarily relate to.

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BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY

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Being a young Black kid growing up in public housing and going to public schools I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. I’m the first in my family to go to college.

I had no idea how to have that done.

I was a very good student and I had a guidance counselor who was supposed to help with college preparation tell me that I shouldn’t be a lawyer and that I should be a secretary. There’s always somebody that wants to steal your joy or bust up your dreams.

•

•

I went to college. I went to law school.

I became an assistant district attorney, all the while keeping that in the back of my mind that I can get things done.

And then I became a judge, sat on the bench for 15 years and stepped down to run for DA. I ran because I always was involved in public service.

My family was always communityoriented. That’s all I knew.

I’ve always had mentors. My teachers have been mentors (and) college professors. My legal mentor is a woman by the name of Teresa Mason who was an assistant DA in our office. She was the first female and first Black person to serve as the sheriff of the city of New York. She was the chief of staff for the late Beau Biden. When I got elected she came back to my office and served under my first term as my chief of staff. She has always been somebody who really knows her way around politics, and now she’s on the Biden transition team.

•

The worst piece of advice is always when somebody says, “You shouldn’t do that.” Or, “Wait your turn.” That’s a big one. People always saying, “Well it’s not your turn. Wait your turn.” No. We can’t wait. Work is too important. Our communities are suffering and we can’t wait for somebody else to determine who our leaders should be. We can’t have somebody else determine who does the work that’s needed. You’ve got to be ready to roll up your sleeves and go in and do the work and build the trust of the community so that they can help you get the work done.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

DARCEL D. CLARK

November 30, 2020

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

YVETTE D. CLARKE

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MEMBER OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

My goal is to guide the people of central and south Brooklyn through the pandemic and to make sure they don’t become casualties of it. In D.C., I am working as hard as I can to make sure our community has the infrastructure and relief it needs to be safe and secure during these difficult times.

LEV RADIN/SHUTTERSTOCK

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One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced was the pressure associated with being the daughter of a sitting politician when I first ran for office. ... It was a doubleedged sword. I was blessed due to the exposure I had through the work that I had done with my mother in support of her base. However, the challenge I faced was expanding upon that base and establishing leadership in my own right and raising the funds to amplify my message.

The obstacle being the countering of false narratives and disparaging rumors from my adversaries of nepotism in politics, while projecting my own record of public service.

As a young politician, one of the obstacles we all face is raising money and knitting together a financial base of support.

•

Living through a global pandemic has definitely challenged the way I do business. This year, I was running for reelection and I had to find new ways of supporting my community since we couldn’t be together in person. All the while doing everything in my power to navigate my constituents through this extremely traumatic and trying time, both in Washington, D.C. and here in Brooklyn. It called for a swift and complete reorganization of my office both officially and on the political side.

•

Bias has not impacted my success because achieving my success is something I work on each and every day. I don’t let negativity and discrimination impact my goals and factor into what defines my success. It’s essentially “the X factor” in a racist society and speaks more about the insecurities of those who would attempt to weaponize it than it does about me.

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MYLAN L. DENERSTEIN

November 30, 2020

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PARTNER, GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER

Against the backdrop of a global pandemic, recent events have brought racial, social and economic disparities in our society to the forefront, and have served as a reminder of my purpose – of why I’m doing what I’m doing. ... So as a Black woman in America, I’m constantly working toward a more equitable and inclusive world for future generations, just like my ancestors did for me.

•

I strongly believe in the importance of mentorship, particularly early on in your career. And mentorship is especially imperative for those coming from underrepresented backgrounds as you may not have the built-in network of support and necessary guidance in navigating nuances in the workplace.

I have been fortunate to have several mentors who have guided me along the way and helped me to obtain new challenging opportunities. As a result, I try to mentor young lawyers all the time. I enjoy sharing my experiences and hope my insights can be a learning tool for others.

•

GIBSON DUNN

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My identity as a Black woman working in environments where people who looked like me were (and continue to be) underrepresented inherently meant having to break down barriers like (un) conscious bias and impostor syndrome, among other obstacles. And these challenges were often exacerbated by the fact that I was the first African American female attorney in my family – I had so much to learn because everything was new, and this was particularly challenging early on in my career as I was still climbing the ranks.

I was able to navigate these obstacles by asking a lot of questions and always requesting constructive feedback.

Don’t be afraid to try new things. This old adage rings true: “You’ll never know what you are capable of until you put yourself out there.” Surround yourself with colleagues who are smarter than you; they will make you better. You can only be your best when you are surrounded by the best. Mentors do not have to have the same background as you – oftentimes, your mentor will not look like you or have the same experiences, so don’t limit your search in seeking mentors simply out of fear that you may not have anything in common.

These differences will likely add value to a mentoring relationship. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – everyone needs help – and put your ego/fears aside in order to learn and grow.

We are united in building a brighter future for everyone.

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November 30, 2020

INEZ E. DICKENS

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NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER

•

The world of politics has historically been in the hands of white men. In Harlem, it has been in the hands of Black men. A woman had to be brought to the table by a male mentor in order to even be considered to run for public office. ... But had it not been for the “Gang of Four” as well as other Harlem stakeholders, I would not stand before you today as an elected. ... Today, we elected the first woman of color as the vice president of our great country. Yet, also today, I stand here as the only Black (not woman of color) woman holding public office from the great borough of Manhattan.

•

I have mentored since I first was elected in 2005. Back then I pulled up several that I hoped would be able to successfully take up the mantle: Larry Scott Blackmon, Brian Benjamin, and a young woman from my club, Youseline Obe. Today, I’m working with Leilani Irvin, Ashley Sharpton and Rev. Reginald Bachus. There have been many over the years but you must have the “fire in the belly,” the desire to represent without much remuneration without seeking limelight. I realize it is difficult for many young people after being forced to get a loan to attend college, pay it back, viably survive and yet for trying to do your best, your life is on public display.

•

Since March my staff and I focused on assisting the thousands of persons suddenly left without employment.

My office did not have a direct link to the Department of Labor but we tried desperately to assist the more than 16,000 texts/emails/letters/phone requests we received. I focused on trying to assist the micro small businesses get grants and low interest loans or PPE funds in order to stay afloat. My goals had changed from looking ahead to seeing what resources I could secure for my community’s first responders, elders, families, youth, health, education remotely, food shortages, unemployment and so such more.

SUBMITTED

Women are more able to negotiate with men/ women regardless of color and across the political aisle on all three levels of government. Women tend to present an argument based upon what is more in common and what can be changed rather than based only on relationships.

I have been blessed to have been able to bring unprecedented resources to my district and to the city over the years by recognizing that although I cannot be everything to everyone, I can instead protect and enhance the bigger picture to benefit all and not only a few.

November 30, 2020

HAZEL N. DUKES

City & State New York

•

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PRESIDENT, NAACP NEW YORK STATE CONFERENCE I’m the luckiest person in the world. My political journey has been with some of the greatest giants, including my mentor and confidant Basil A. Paterson, Percy Sutton, Charlie Rangel, William “Bill” Lynch and Archie Spigner.

DWIGHT CARTER

•

I am mentoring several young men and women, including Roslyn Brock, Brian Benjamin, Tamika Mallory, Geoffrey Eaton, Karen BoykinTowns, Karen Blanding and the list goes on.

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LEECIA EVE

November 30, 2020

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VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC POLICY, VERIZON

• • Beyond my parents, I am very blessed to have a number of mentors, though they are really friends whom I respect a great deal and trust. I am not in a formal mentor relationship and I’ve never been a mentee to someone with whom I engaged regularly, but on a regular basis I give guidance – sometimes solicited and sometimes not (but out of love!) – to people that I have come to know and who seek my advice.

I do believe that integrity is everything.

We all make mistakes – and sometimes big ones.

That happens. It’s how you own up to those mistakes and deal with them that I believe is important in the aftermath of making a mistake. But you’ve got to always work hard to maintain your integrity because once you lose it or it takes a big hit, it can be a long road to get it back.

ANTHONY ALVAREZ

•

(I was) being underestimated by some because of my race, gender and age, although as a young litigator I was used to being underestimated to great advantage in serving my clients.

I view myself as young in spirit, but I’ve now been working as a professional for more than three decades, as a lawyer in private practice and in public service (including 25 years ago for our now president-elect!) as well as at the senior level of a Fortune 20 company that creates and builds communication networks that help move our communities and the world forward.

But what’s most significant ... is that I am the proud daughter of the two most extraordinary people and public servants I will ever know: my father, former New York state Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve and my mother, Lee Constance Eve, who was the first African American to become tenured at Erie Community College decades ago (she taught English at ECC) and who, in her retirement, founded what became the largest and most comprehensive alternative to incarceration for women in our state’s history.

What I witnessed as a child growing up watching my parents was not simply the importance, but in fact the criticality of integrity, extraordinary dedication and unwavering commitment to whatever goal you are seeking to achieve, unmatched knowledge and preparation (knowledge is indeed power) and treating people with respect even if you disagree with them.

Even in elementary school, I paid attention to my father’s leadership in education, social justice, health care, economic development and economic opportunity for everyone. He had many battles in the Legislature and with governors and he won pretty much all of them, benefiting New Yorkers not just in his district but across the state. I still remember during one of the epic battles my father saying to me: “Everyone may not like me but they respect me because they know who I am, what I believe, what I am fighting for and why I am fighting for it.” And he was organized and sought to educate, organize and empower thousands in his district and across the state to make sure their voices were heard in Albany. That was a potent combination that, time and time again, led to hard-fought collective success. What my father said to me decades ago was a powerful lesson then and it is just as powerful – and even more pertinent – today.

These are among the many lessons that were instilled in me at a very young age and it’s how I try to conduct myself and engage with every person and in every environment.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

C. VIRGINIA FIELDS

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FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BLACK LEADERSHIP COMMISSION ON HEALTH FORMER MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT (I was advised:) “It is not your time to run for public office,” which was to suggest there was an unspoken rule of thumb that you are to get in line. I had only lived in Harlem for 10 years when I first ran for office, so to wait my turn would have placed me in a long line and stunted my political growth. I rejected the advice, and that was not well received by party leaders.

SUBMITTED

•

(I experienced bias as a woman of color) far too many times to enumerate.

Having been born in the segregated south of Birmingham, Alabama, and growing up there during the ’50s and ’60s, experiencing bias and discrimination was a way of life. In my personal, professional and political life, bias has been experienced from the denial of renting apartments, rejection of employment for which I was duly qualified, and the lack of recognition/respect accorded to white colleagues serving in the same political positions as city council members and borough presidents.

•

My first run for elected office was in 1989 for City Council against an incumbent. I had less name recognition, a lack of funding and few resources for raising money, a limited relationship with labor and entities that traditionally support candidates and little support from elected leaders. The only elected leader who provided public support (an endorsement) was Andrew Stein.

Running against an incumbent was discouraged. In my professional career, after graduating from Indiana University Graduate School of Social Work, I lacked the opportunity to secure meaningful positions in comparison to my white counterparts.

•

(My future goals are) to prepare and support future generations of Black women for leadership positions in the public and nonprofit sectors. To promote voter education and civic engagement. To educate and create greater awareness among the Black population about matters of health disparities and work for health equity. COVID-19 has unveiled what has been known for years, based on the data, and my goal is to keep such disparities in the forefront to help bring about needed changes.

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KIA D. FLOYD

November 30, 2020

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HEAD OF PUBLIC POLICY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, FACEBOOK (The worst piece of advice I ever got was) choose stability over passion. It is hands down the worst advice for someone who is in an uninspiring job or career. I’d like to reframe it as “take a calculated risk and believe in yourself more than circumstances.”

L. DWAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

•

For many of us fortunate enough to retain employment this year, the pandemic has blurred the boundaries between worklife balance. Consequently, I am now more focused on ruthless prioritizing to ensure that I, as my own greatest asset and limited resource, have the energy and reserves to manage my responsibilities. I am hyper focused on quality over quantity in life and I’ve made self-care a top priority.

•

For me, formal mentorship was elusive for much of my career, as I have always been selfreliant and a go-getter. Consequently, I may not have always outwardly appeared to need mentorship. As a student of corporate business leaders and startup founders, I know that mentorship and sponsorship were the keys to their successes. I am now being formally mentored by a global executive at my company, and I’ve embraced it with open arms. As one of the leading executives of color in the technology industry, my mentor has been a terrific role model and demonstrates the impact of lifting others up as you climb.

•

In the private sector ...

I’ve found that diversity and inclusion must be more deliberate to provide access, opportunity and equity to all.

Encouraging leaders with unearned privilege to share it with others is at times painful, but it is critical to move business and our country forward.

However, when it comes to executive leadership, I’ve been privileged to work in entrepreneurial environments where assertive risk-taking and innovation was encouraged. I thrive under servant leadership. Servant leaders are revolutionary: they upend the traditional power leadership model by driving a serve-first mindset, focused on empowering and uplifting those who work for them. They serve instead of command, show humility instead of brandishing authority, and look to enhance the development of their teams in ways that unlock potential, creativity and sense of purpose.

November 30, 2020

MARA GAY

MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

City & State New York

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I used to think I needed an invitation to sit at the table. But this democracy belongs to all of us. It isn’t the invitation of white men – or anyone else – to give.

• • •

I’ve been recovering from COVID-19 since April 17. It’s been a marathon, and the biggest battle of my life. But I’m getting better all the time, thank God. It’s made me more passionate than ever about building a movement that empowers Black and brown people, vulnerable people, and all Americans to remake our democracy.

I’m still healing but I’m also stronger. I’m a survivor.

KEVIN HAGEN

(The worst advice I received was) to settle for jobs that weren’t right for me, even though they were hard to turn down when times were tough.

(As for how bias has impacted my career), I can’t waste energy thinking about that. We have a city and country to rebuild.

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November 30, 2020

VANESSA GIBSON

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NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND CANDIDATE FOR BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT

•

As an African American elected official, it is really inspiring at this time seeing so many women of color running for office. History tells us that a lot of these positions that we are running for have never been ordained and designed for us. But once we’ve seen so many women like our incoming Vice President Kamala Harris making her story in 2020, it gives every little girl – Black, Latina, Asian, Native American – every young girl of color hope that they can see leaders in themselves, that look just like themselves.

•

I began my career in public service as an intern in the New York state Assembly internship program when I was a college senior, and I ended up working for the Hon. Aurelia Greene, who was a long time assemblywoman from the Bronx. She became my second mother and mentor. The internship for me opened so many doors into the public sector, and I ultimately would become an assemblywoman in 2009.

•

You have to make sure your voice is heard because you are an elected official that represents a diverse district, and you have to recognize that you represent people from all backgrounds, all nationalities and all cultures. And so the goal is to formulate positions and put together your vision and your plan with a purpose of serving everybody regardless of where they come from.

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

Being an elected official, obviously, is making sure you have a footprint so you can be recognized for the work you’re doing.

It’s very difficult to raise money as a candidate running for office. Women just historically have trouble raising money, and that’s always been an issue.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

TYQUANA HENDERSON-RIVERS

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PRESIDENT, CONNECTIVE STRATEGIES

T.L. HOLMES

•

I stopped allowing others to define me, put me in a box and then take credit for my work. I started my own business 12 years ago and I haven’t looked back.

• • COVID-19 caused me to reevaluate my priorities and refine my purpose. My life goal was to do more than make money; it was to make change. I want to spend my energy working with people that want to offer positive change for people that look like me with similar backgrounds.

I have several mentors. Some older, some younger. I firmly believe that no matter how old you get, you are still teachable. It is especially important to me to not only teach and motivate the next generation, but to also learn from them. I mentor several young women throughout the year in my office and am open to teach anyone that wants to learn.

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JENNIFER JONES AUSTIN

•

November 30, 2020

•

CEO, FPWA; CHAIR, NYC BOARD OF CORRECTION

Throughout my career some white men with power have attempted to minimize, and even silence, my voice. Having been raised by a prominent Black man who was in full command of his power and who taught his daughters to own their voice and power, and by a Black woman who defied dominating men – white and Black – I’ve sometimes wondered if white men have been perplexed by me and my audacity to believe my voice matters as much as theirs. My evermaturing approach to navigating these sometimes turbulent waters is to first stay true to my voice, then deal head on with issues, expressing emotions only inasmuch as they are tied to the issues themselves – and seek and achieve common ground wherever possible.

•

Early in my career, I earned a seat at the decision-making table, but I quickly learned that the seat didn’t always come with a voice that would be heard and listened to. There were several occasions when, as a senior leader in government, my thoughts and opinions were ignored, and decisions debated after the fact.

PORTRAIT BY DELPHINE DIALLO

•

The refueled and reinvigorated racial crisis in America has provided yet another platform for my work to dismantle poverty-perpetuating policies and practices. Poverty, race, gender and justice involvement have been inextricably linked in our society for 400-plus years, but it hasn’t always been political or strategic to speak directly and unapologetically to these intersectionalities when advocating for changes in law and policy, and funding. With race matters on the minds of many, my organization is seizing the moment and audaciously confronting and engaging in solutionsbuilding with the numerous sectors that have long contributed to racism and bias in every pillar of our society.

As a deputy commissioner in a city agency I was told by the commissioner to not ask questions and seek clarification on key issues and decisions, but rather just do as I was told. Couldn’t do it.

Won’t do it. Asking questions and seeking clarification is constructive and ensures mutual understanding, which is especially critical when working on matters affecting the safety and well-being of thousands of people.

•

I have long experienced and continue to experience bias as a woman of color from white men, white women, and even from Black men and Black women.

For example, I’ve had white staff who reported to me openly express surprise about my analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills. I’ve had Black men who reported to me challenge and defy my decisions. And I’ve had Black female staff actually follow the desires of men who also reported to me, all the while ignoring my directives.

•

More than 20 years ago when working a full-time, demanding position in city government, I was asked by the agency leader to assume a second role, to actually perform full-time two challenging roles with no diminution in responsibility and with no additional pay. I hesitated and was ready to reject the offer of the second role because I wasn’t being paid my worth, especially after the agency leader expressly stated that he couldn’t even give me a standard 8% increase because he needed to keep the nearly $100,000 he would be saving to give raises to others. I confided in one of my advisers who strongly suggested I take on the additional title and responsibilities because even if I wasn’t getting paid, the experience would be rewarded in the long run. I did, and less than six months later I landed outside of the agency a bigger role and title with a significantly greater salary and benefits.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

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CAMILLE JOSEPH-GOLDMAN

November 30, 2020

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GROUP VICE PRESIDENT, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

I believe that every “obstacle” is an opportunity for personal growth and development. Upon reflection, events that appeared to be challenging afforded me tremendous opportunities to develop the skills and relationships necessary to navigate a successful professional path, both in politics and in the private sector.

•

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS

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Over the course of one’s lifetime, a person will receive advice from many people.

In all things, it is important to make decisions based on your core values. By utilizing my core values as a compass, I am able to make decisions that align with my personal values and long-term goals no matter the advice I receive.

There are several people within my company and community who have served as great mentors to me. I am very grateful for their guidance and insistence that in order to rise, you must always lift others. Due to this, I also enjoy being a mentor to several people whom I believe are rising stars and remain grateful for the opportunity to be of service to others.

•

I am proud to be a part of a very diverse family, comprised of loved ones with different backgrounds. As such, I have learned that in every relationship, it’s often best to focus on getting to know each person as an individual while encouraging others to understand why intellectual and demographic diversity is integral to any successful political or business environment. In my current role, my goal is to help connect our customers to innovation and technology. This is best accomplished by building meaningful relationships with people from all backgrounds while illustrating the unique value I bring to the table.

NAACP New York State Conference salutes the Leading Black Women in New York State Politics

Hazel N. Dukes President NAACP NEW YORK STATE

The New York Urban League salutes our President & CEO

Arva R. Rice and all of the other illustrious honorees for selection as one of the Leading Black Women in NYS Politics New York Urban League 2020 State of Black New York: Inequality is Unacceptable Download the report at www.nyul.org/sobny

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November 30, 2020

FARAH N. LOUIS

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NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER

My career in politics began after I organized a protest demanding the termination of a Hot 97 DJ who made disparaging comments about Haitian women. One year before the special election, President Donald Trump referred to Haiti and parts of Africa as “shithole countries.” Sadly, I encountered similar experiences as a candidate for the New York City Council. My cultural identity rather than my previous council experience became the central focus of the race for District 45 in Brooklyn. I overwhelmingly won the special, primary and general elections to become the first woman to fill this seat.

Throughout my campaign and first year in office, I worked to reunify our district by embracing and celebrating our cultural diversity. From local to national races, the gender gap in political ambition has been slow to close because of the sexism, misogyny, discrimination, racism and colorism that we encounter on the campaign trail and while serving in public office.

I have two mentors, both spiritual and professional, whose past and present experiences have served as a roadmap for my own. Through open and honest conversations, I have gained valuable friendships, confidants and wise advisers who have been with me every step of the way.

Representation matters!

Women and girls, particularly in Black communities, are underrepresented in leadership. Without role models, many of us may never aspire to become more than what others expect us to become because of our circumstances. I recognize the importance of mentoring the next generation and continue to inspire young women in my community through open, honest conversations.

I proudly invest my time and resources to help them overcome obstacles.

CELESTE SLOMAN

• • As a freshman member, one of only a dozen women in the New York City Council, I had to adapt quickly because I was sworn into office in the middle of a legislative session. Although the world of politics is dominated by white men, as a Black woman I can still thrive by not accepting the status quo. I am learning how to identify opportunities to build partnerships and be vocal to address the racial and gender disparities that exist throughout our city. Together, we are introducing and passing legislation that will expand equity and justice for all.

November 30, 2020

STACY LYNCH

City & State New York

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DEPUTY DIRECTOR, NEW YORK CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

LOREDANA VICARI

The pandemic has heightened the stakes in the work I do, making me more committed to tackle both the economic inequalities the pandemic has exposed even more starkly, and the movement confronting racial injustice and unequal policing sparked by the murder of George Floyd.

•

I have sat in meetings where I was the lone African American woman and felt disempowered because of my gender and my race, treated with condescending acceptance but not valued for my ideas. I saw it, I felt it, but would not let it stop me from asserting my ideas into all levels of consideration where I thought it would be appropriate and helpful.

•

I was raised in a family with two strong parents, not only my well-known father, Bill Lynch, but my mother, Mary, who taught in neighborhood schools for 30 years. I grew up surrounded by strong Black leaders – David Dinkins, Dorothy Height, Hazel Dukes, Marian Wright Edelman, Betty Shabazz, Charles Rangel, Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson, Al Sharpton, Harry Belafonte and many others. They taught me by word and example to stand on my own two feet and stake out my place in the world.

•

I have been surrounded by mentors, whether in my family, at Hampton University, in law school, the law firm where I worked or in city government. I have benefited from their wisdom and example of leadership, which included the obligation to pay it forward which I have done in creating mentorship programs in the entertainment field, in working with the WNBA to create the city’s first all-girls basketball league or by preparing young people for summer youth opportunities. As part of the ethos of paying it forward that I was raised with, I organized the daughters and granddaughters of prominent Black leaders to create Daughters of the Movement, which works to support the next generation of leaders.

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November 30, 2020

ALEXIS McGILL JOHNSON

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PRESIDENT AND CEO, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA AND THE PLANNED PARENTHOOD ACTION FUND I entered into the politics space through culture – largely through Black men. I immediately connected with other Black women, specifically (the political strategists) “the Colored Girls,” so I’ve always seen myself reflected, and I’ve always understood Black women to be leaders in the party.

My mentor is Minyon Moore, and she taught me that service is power. She told me: The line for leadership is short, so step in.

I mentor all brown girls.

It’s important for me to redefine what leadership looks like for someone else.

I make it a point to show up authentically, because when you do that, you create that permission for someone else.

Once my mentor called me and basically said something along the lines of, “Hey, I know what you’re doing, don’t forget you’re an extension of me.” That taught me that when somebody invests in you, you represent them.

I’ve also learned that in service, particularly in government or nonprofits, you can’t be in it for yourself – you’ve got to be guided by prophetic witness.

I think having been mentored by a cohort of women who were mentored by Jesse Jackson had a huge impact.

(I experience bias) all day, every day. And it’s not explicit – no one has ever told me, “You’re not smart enough.” They’d say: “Wow! You went to Princeton and Yale, you must be smart!” There’s an uptick in the voice – an unasked question there. When I was board chair, someone once said: “I hear you ask really good questions.”

So I think I’ve definitely been underestimated.

There’s a price to bias.

There have been great studies done that show how bias exponentially impacts you, starting from negotiating salaries, and how it plays out over a career. That’s what makes it systemic. And it shows up in both the explicit and the informal – access to relationships, to capital, the things you need to overcome in order to even do the work.

SUBMITTED

• • • • • I definitely experienced both benevolent sexism and benevolent racism.

Essentially, instead of the hostile racism of “you can’t do X” or the sexism of “a woman can’t do X,” it looked like people saying things like, “why don’t I lead the way,” in a chivalrous way that makes you doubt yourself.

A couple of years ago when I was working at Perception, we signed a client, and they weren’t really in it for the right reasons. I was really struggling with how to deliver the right kind of product for them. And somebody said: “Just take the check.” That terrible advice actually clicked because it was so inconsistent with anything I would have ever said to anyone that it freed me to do the opposite, and realize that I had the power to actually quit my client, which was kind of liberating. The thing I most value about all my work is that I’ve come to it with curiosity and, for the most part, a level of personal freedom to do the work. I’ve had to work with stakeholders, but nobody owned me.

November 30, 2020

CELESTE MORRIS

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City & State New York

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PRESIDENT, MORRISALLSOP PUBLIC AFFAIRS Bias has for me has resulted in less opportunity, less money, closed doors, and a glass ceiling. The same as white women only greater because of me being a Black woman. I, and the great majority of Black women, lack family or professional connections, inherited wealth and property, or husbands, fathers or brothers in high places. Unequal pay or compensation, higher bars in place to judge our competence – they all play a role.

When I achieved my college degree, I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by several people who were willing to open doors for me. I was always willing to work hard and was committed to working in the community.

Working for nonprofit organizations always paid less than government or corporate jobs. My greatest experience with obstacles occurred mid-career in government agencies with bosses who seemed to resent any recognition I received outside of their department. Visible efforts were made to diminish my work product and negatively influence perceptions of executives of the agencies.

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I am now at the late stages of my career and business where I can choose the work I do. I have worked with a diverse list of politicians and professionals.

However, the historical reality is that despite talent, experience and acumen, I, as a Black woman, have never been chosen to lead a major campaign outside of local elections. I have worked on some major campaigns, but have most often been pigeon-holed into leading “Black” constituency efforts which are accompanied by lesser pay. In addition, even though hired for that, often recommendations were dismissed or diminished.

Having my own firm has allowed me to operate outside of the day-to-day oppressive bubble that must be endured in the workplace.

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I will continue to pursue opportunities to train entrepreneurs, perhaps in other places in the world. I intend to be even more impactful in projects and organizations that support Black women. Along with other family members, I will be investing in property so that my children and grandchildren will experience the benefits of wealth and property passed on to the next generation.

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RACHEL NOERDLINGER

November 30, 2020

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MEDIA STRATEGIST AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, MERCURY

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My mentor Terrie M. Williams dedicated countless hours to helping groom my career and she refused to let me skate in tough times. She always said to me “stay strong and in the race” and she has navigated me through many career inflection points. I mentor several young women and men and participate in a mentorship program called Unlock Her Potential to provide mentorship to women of color in the U.S.

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Bias has impacted my success in the economic space at various points in my career, and it has been a constant fight to receive the same financial equity that my male political peers achieve.

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(Worst piece of advice:) To take a job inside the government knowing that I love the politics of the outside arena and being a community bridge to the political realm.

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The narrative is shifting before our eyes as we now have a vice presidentelect who is Black and South Asian, and many women of color are rising in political positions nationwide. I’ve dealt with (a political world dominated by white men) my entire career by being competitive and finding a way to not just be in the room, but by finding a seat at the table. It has often required me to see things through a bipartisan lens to assess where I can meet people halfway. It has also required me to be vocal.

salutes all of the Black Women involved in New York Politics and wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

5 Penn plaza, 19th floor, New York, NY 10001 119 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12210 www.patrickbjenkins.com

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KIMBERLY PEELER-ALLEN

November 30, 2020

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CO-FOUNDER, HIGHER HEIGHTS FOR AMERICA I remember being on campaigns where I would make a statement and it would be ignored but when the white consultant would say the exact same thing, it was treated as gospel. As a fundraiser there were a lot of assumptions about who I knew and who I was able to raise money from because I was Black.

I had to disprove that assumption regularly.

Because of the bias experienced by myself and other Black women, Glynda Carr and I knew we had to create a political home for Black women; where the voices, votes and leadership of Black women would be centered and uplifted. Founding Higher Heights and the success of our members all across the country is my greatest professional accomplishment.

The voices and concerns of Black women have been my top priority for the last 10-plus years. Recent events have brought the concerns of Black women to center stage which has made me busier than I have ever been as I do my part to make sure that there is an actual paradigm shift and not just lip service paid to the 23 million Black women in America who are underrepresented and underserved.

I believe that the road to true equity in this country is a long and challenging one and we cannot reach the end of it on our own.

Black women and women of color must lead that march but need white men and others to spend their privilege to help smooth the path. However, Black women and women of color are used to going around, over and through obstacles on the road to equity. I would love to have as many people as possible as part of this journey but I won’t be derailed if they aren’t.

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• • • • I continue to challenge myself to find opportunities to amplify the voices of Black women in new spaces whether that is through board service, campaigns or other organizations. My mantra is: “Your comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.”

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

CRYSTAL D. PEOPLES-STOKES

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NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER

The biggest obstacle I faced at the start of my career was self reflection.

As an introvert who shies away from the spotlight, do I want to go door knocking, to multiple community events, debates, public speaking, not to mention fundraising? My desire to serve, to help people, helped me to push past my fears. Also, I was emboldened by the fact that the political establishment told me “no.”

SUBMITTED

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My mother Clara M. Davis is without question my mentor.

She was the first and only one of 13 siblings of sharecroppers to attend college. When my parents married, she had an AS degree. When I graduated high school, my mom was graduating from UB with a MS in education. She literally completed her education while working multiple jobs, raising her children and taking care of our family.

Upon becoming one of the first of three Black women Buffalo Police officers, that’s when my father finally said no.

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Racial and gender bias has followed me every day of my life, it still does.

It may have slowed down a few things down, but it certainly didn’t stop me from building a successful career in the service of my people.

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I pray. I talk to God all day.

ALL DAY. Self-care is critical.

I also call on and draw from the spirit of my ancestors. If they could survive all they’ve endured, then whatever I face, I can and will survive too and that brings me peace.

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November 30, 2020

ROSE PIERRE-LOUIS

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One thing I haven’t yet done is to run for office, and I have left myself open to that goal in the future, at the city or state level. I think about all the women who have so much to offer and because of impostor syndrome, they haven’t done so.

It’s time for more Black women to step forward and get over our fear and just do it.

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Learning about the power of networking and how critical that is to career advancement has been job-altering, particularly since it’s something that I haven’t always embraced. I credit my mentors for that advice, and for helping me to think about bigger opportunities and not give in to impostor syndrome, where you tell yourself that you’re not right for an opportunity when you are. As I’ve advanced through my career I’ve found that networking is a crucial part of finding out about leadership opportunities.

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I have dealt with bias as a woman of color in the political arena and as a “first,” (for instance, having been the first Haitian American to serve as a New York City commissioner). However, I have always made it my goal to demonstrate what I bring to the table, and it has pushed me even harder – not because I have something to prove – but because I’ve understood that the success is not just for me, but also for the principal I reported to, my agency, my team and the people we served.

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It’s sad, but true that women of color are viewed by a different set of metrics in many industries, for how we interact with others and how we present ourselves. We are forced to constantly worry about how we will be perceived by others when we walk into a room.

Even though you have the title or portfolio, there is still that hurdle to get over to be able to show your mettle and what you’re made of.

NYU MCSILVER INSTITUTE

COO, NYU MCSILVER INSTITUTE; FORMER COMMISSIONER OF THE MAYOR’S OFFICE TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

November 30, 2020

HASONI PRATTS

FOUNDING MEMBER & TREASURER, HIGHER HEIGHTS FOR AMERICA PAC

City & State New York

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I faced a very insider environment that seemed not welcoming to newcomers.

It was Terence Tolbert who opened doors for me and made sure I was connected.

I owe a lot to him.

• SUBMITTED

(My mentors are) Hazel Dukes, Marcella Maxwell, Ruth Hassell-Thompson and my godmother Dr. Phyllis Harrison-Ross. In addition, I have peer colleagues that have been extremely supportive. All of these women have opened doors, been sounding boards and serve as cheerleaders in my personal and professional life. I have mentored and continue to mentor several women and a couple of men.

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TIFFANY RASPBERRY

November 30, 2020

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PRESIDENT, YORKGROUP ASSOCIATES

I want to continue advancing my career, and I also want to help create greater opportunities for others, especially Black women and men in all sectors of the political industry.

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I had an amazing mentor who unfortunately passed away a few years ago. I learned so much from her about the field of politics and the dynamics of being a Black woman in the industry. She taught me the value of surrounding myself with not just one strong mentor but also a supportive village of individuals. So in her absence I’ve strengthened my village. I have mentored individuals in the past, and I always make myself available to anyone who requests my time, assistance or advice in the industry.

SUBMITTED

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When I decided to start my own consulting/lobbying business, there were individuals who told me that business leaders would never hire me as a solo practicing Black female lobbyist to represent their businesses or business interests because no one would believe that I could be effective without being affiliated with a white male boss or partner. This advice was also life/job altering because it pushed me harder and continues to push me harder to prove them wrong every day.

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At the beginning of my career in government, I felt pretty lucky. I was hired for my dream job during the spring semester of my senior year in college to work as a legislative aide for former U.S. Member of Congress Joseph Crowley on Capitol Hill. The beginning of my career in the field of lobbying was a little different.

When I became a registered lobbyist and political consultant, there were so few women and barely any Black women in the industry, and I felt isolated. Additionally, I was constantly challenged to prove that I was capable and worthy of my position. My commitment to hard work, professional experiences and strong relationships never seemed good enough. I always felt that I had to jump through hoops and overcome unmeasurable obstacles in order to prove myself worthy to have a seat at the table and have my voice acknowledged and valued.

November 30, 2020

ARVA RICE

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City & State New York

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PRESIDENT AND CEO, NEW YORK URBAN LEAGUE The deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor made racial justice the conversation of the day.

So companies are rushing to put together their diversity statements. We are challenging them. Once they have put together their statements, how will you work toward eliminating systemic racism?

Statements need to move toward action. For the Urban League, as a result of our nation’s racial reckoning we are creating a diversity lab which will be an opportunity for corporations to come together and share best practices for diversity and inclusion and have access to our employment pipeline.

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JACQUELINE JACKSON

My passion is labeled emotion. As a result, building coalitions is even more important. I often have to have co-signers on ideas and projects as I move various efforts forward. Black women have to work harder, we have to be better prepared to stand up and stand out in a crowd. I don’t think I’ve ever been passed over for a promotion or position. But once in the position, I have had to fight to move forward.

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When I became CEO of the Urban League, a former female CEO told me that I had a shorter runway to be successful. She said I had two years to create a new program, get a great funder, forward some legislation or launch a campaign. She said men would get five years, but for women I would only get two – and she was correct.

I can always grow and improve, but you should never be asked to take a leadership style that is not your own.

Also young leaders do need to know that leadership can come in different genders, shapes and sizes.

I’ve gotten a lot of advice! The most recent advice I have gotten was about dividing up my life and work tasks into four buckets: things that are important and necessary, things that are important but not necessary, necessary but not important, and not important and not necessary. I literally had to go through everything I do and figure out what was truly important and necessary so that I don’t spend time with things that someone else says are important. Taking time to weigh each request with my overall goals and objectives has been transformative.

I have both a mentor and an executive coach.

They both talk about the full totality of career, life and balance and putting together my goals and not losing myself.

It’s been good. They have helped me become aware of my blind spots and given me additional perspective. They identify when I’m too hard on myself and also when I am not pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

I mentor the leadership of my young professionals (New York Urban League Young Professionals) and also various young women who I meet in the course of my leadership programs.

Some of them are shortterm mentorships and some are long-term and lifelong relationships.

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November 30, 2020

JUANITA SCARLETT

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PARTNER, BOLTON-ST. JOHNS

Like most women of color in my profession, navigating the world of politics presents new challenges every day. I meet those challenges head-on because at this point in my career I know my value; my professional body of work speaks for itself. I don’t hesitate to use my voice. I also appreciate the adage of there is strength in numbers: I’m fortunate to work with and share experiences with other Black women and we support each other in navigating those challenges.

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Success to me is being happy, healthy and rewarded for doing what I love. There is no obstacle too great to overcome when you know your worth. Although I may lose out in the immediate battle, I have always taken the long view and had a long-term strategy for succeeding.

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When I started my career in government, there were very few women – especially women of color – in senior staff positions and fewer as elected officials. It was a challenge getting into “the room where it happens,” and even more of a challenge having your opinion valued.

On many occasions, I would make a recommendation for how to proceed on an issue only to have it ignored, unheard and only put forward if my male colleague shared that opinion.

The inflection point that we have experienced as a nation – emphasized by the tragic, senseless and avoidable killing of unarmed Black men and women, from Michael Stewart and Eleanor Bumpurs to George Floyd and Breonna Taylor – seems to have finally awakened the country to face up to its failures and ingrained racial injustice ... and is shaping our political discourse for the better. We are starting to have conversations around racial and gender bias; from the streets to the boardrooms. These critical conversations should resonate with elected officials, political leaders and businesses and put people on notice that we will not accept less than we’re worth. We will raise our voices as we raise the consciousness of how business should be done.

PORTRAIT BY DELPHINE DIALLO

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My most impactful mentor is Elizabeth Moore, who was the first Black female counsel to the governor. She brought me into the administration of Gov. Mario M. Cuomo and offers guidance to me to this day.

Liz just retired as the general counsel of Con Edison. There are other women for whom I have great admiration (some I don’t really know) but would love to adopt them as mentors ... but it might be kind of strange to cold call them and ask why we haven’t been in touch regularly. I’m proud to connect with several rock star women coming up in the next generation who are making their mark in the world of politics.

• •

One piece of advice that I value is to not be afraid to ask questions – it doesn’t show weakness to get a clearer picture of the situation, you don’t have to have all the answers right away. (And) I’ve ignored bad advice.

Every woman of color that I know has experienced being overlooked and undervalued when competing against a white male counterpart – often someone with far less experience or credentials.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

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November 30, 2020

City & State New York

DAWN SMALLS

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PARTNER, JENNER & BLOCK

As a political staffer, I observed a tendency to push Black women (and men for that matter) into base vote and minority outreach roles. That work is critical, but it’s not all we can do; we can run the whole campaign too. As a candidate (for New York City public advocate in 2019), the fact that I was a Black woman was one of the core arguments for my candidacy. A city as large and diverse as NYC should not be led by all white men.

SUBMITTED

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I’ve had lots of mentors – and most of them did not look like me. These include people that I’ve known since I was in high school to people that mentored me as I began my career in the law. It also includes people who gave their time to talk to me about their path, and that I check in with from time to time. I’ve found their insights invaluable. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those people, and because of that, I am very invested in the mentorship of others.

Following my race, a number of people reached out to me to speak about my run as they map out their own campaigns as first-time candidates.

I am strongly supportive of qualified talented people with an interest to serve throwing their hat in, and always make time to meet with them.

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As a young lawyer, I had a law student coming in to interview for a job refer to me to a colleague as the recruiting staff (She assumed as much since I greeted her when she came in.), and had a woman in line at a local lunch spot tell me how articulate I was and ask if she could help place me as an executive assistant. In the office, I, like many women, was often sidelined into what people now refer to as the office housework (e.g. taking notes, setting up meetings) rather than the prime assignments. I looked around, and it wasn’t just me, it was all the women on the team. So I put my foot down and demanded different (and better) work.

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I de-stress by finding a moment (and a corner now that I, along with many others, am working from home with my kids attending school remotely) away from my kids! I’ve also incorporated stretching and use of massage therapy tools to my stay-at-home/quarantine routine.

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November 30, 2020

SHONTELL M. SMITH

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CHIEF OF STAFF AND COUNSEL TO THE NEW YORK SENATE MAJORITY

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As a young African American woman, I found there were daily challenges I faced as a newbie in politics. To start, I found it difficult for some people to take me seriously because I looked young. Many of my older colleagues would dismiss me because of my age, while others dismissed me because of my lack of institutional knowledge of the Legislature.

In addition to being young, I did not know how to maneuver in an environment totally different from my comfort zone. The terminology, practices and history were totally new to me. Although many of my colleagues grew up following local/state politics or had parents who were involved in politics, my engagement was every four years around national elections.

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My boss constantly says the phrase, “You always have what you need.” I think those words have proven true time and time again for me personally. As a younger woman in politics, you often have “imposter syndrome” which is the idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications. Every time I have been promoted, there is that internal voice that makes me doubt that I can handle additional responsibilities. Whenever I hear that voice, I hear my boss’s voice telling me I have everything I need.

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My mentor is my boss, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. We met over 12 years ago, and I can say she has truly helped me mature professionally.

Over the years, she really took an interest in my professional career, constantly imparting wisdom when she can. Watching her break barriers with grace, integrity and grit has helped me navigate my own professional challenges throughout the years.

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

I am a firm believer in selfcare and try to dedicate time for mental, physical and emotional well-being every day. I love riding my Peloton, I meditate every day and I love spending time and talking with those who matter to me most.

When I have a really bad day, I love Facetiming my six- and four-year-old nieces, Olivia and Maya.

November 30, 2020

ELSIE McCABE THOMPSON

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City & State New York

STANLEY RUMBOUGH

PRESIDENT, MISSION SOCIETY OF NEW YORK CITY

• • • • The world of money is populated by white men whether that is in government, corporate America or philanthropy. I navigate them all the same way with pleasant persistence.

If any established rule doesn’t work for you, then find out how it could.

I want to bring about greater national, corporate and foundation board diversity for my people.

I never look at what might have been for me, only how I can make it be better for others.

I have had mentors and mentees. My most impactful mentor was a white professor in college that showed me how I could take established rules that didn’t work for me and find a way to turn that around to my advantage. I have been quietly “flouting” rules ever since. Throughout my entire professional career, I have been mentoring and will always continue to pay it forward.

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LUPE TODD-MEDINA

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November 30, 2020

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PRESIDENT, EFFECTIVE MEDIA STRATEGIES

I still continue to push back against being put in the “Black box.”

I have both Fortune 100 clients and nonprofits dedicated to working with MWBE businesses. Being a Black professional woman should not exclude me from a chance to bid on the next great contract – and offer me the same rate of pay you were offering the white firms because I at least deserve parity.

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(Best piece of advice I’ve ever been given): “You are a business.

You don’t have to like all your clients. If they pay well and on time, then you like them just fine.”

PORTRAIT BY CELESTE SLOMAN

My mentor when I arrived in New York City from my job working for then-Councilman Byron Brown in Buffalo has become a very close and dear friend. Juanita Scarlett was my first boss while working for Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. As Spitzer’s press secretary, I watched how Juanita interacted with reporters and managed the office politics. I learned so much from her – and still do. Now when I mentor young, Black women – I can count three so far and all are doing great – I pass on some of what I’ve learned from Juanita.

• • •

In the political space, I have found that Black women are expected to do a lot of the everyday, laborious tasks – plus the job we were hired to do – for less pay and credit. I have watched many men – Black and white – failing up while I struggled. I no longer want the proverbial pat on my head for helping to get my girlfriends to the polls or getting that elected official out of a sticky situation; give me pay parity and credit when credit is due.

(I navigate the world of politics) one relationship at a time. Being in the communications space, I work with a lot of firms dominated by white men. I conduct myself with professionalism and go against the typical stereotypes.

My hope is that my very existence and presence unnerves them just a little.

I’m always growing and learning so I want to keep doing that. My goal since the pandemic is to stay working so I can keep helping my extended family here in the U.S. and overseas.

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

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MAYA WILEY

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November 30, 2020

NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL CANDIDATE, FORMER CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD CHAIR AND FORMER COUNSEL TO MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO

I was told by a supervisor that I should straighten my hair to effectively represent my clients. I said in response, “If I can’t win in court with my hair, then I can’t win in court with my skin either.”

• • • • • • • COVID-19 has changed everything – fear, trauma, hunger, joblessness, shuttered businesses, stress in families. It is a shared reality that this pandemic has changed and challenged the way we all do business and even how we experience our daily lives.

Central to all my work has been relationships. This pandemic has forced us all to find new ways to maintain relationships and forge new ones because we are social beings. We need to look each other in the eye, read body language, dance together, sing together, debate together. All these things are more challenging in a time of COVID-19. But we are also able to use technology to pull together and are hosting people’s assemblies to engage each other and build relationships.

I have fought bias and structural racism for three decades. Bias is real.

Racism, sexism, homophobia and so many other forms of bias are real. And while I have been so fortunate to have had so much opportunity, bias has and continues to play a role for all of us. And yet, here we are, and we are rising!

My mother used to tell me that life isn’t fair and that is not the right expectation.

The expectation should be that we will fight to make it fair. And that is the best advice I ever received about the world, including the world of work.

(My future goals are) to make sure this city not only recovers from COVID-19, but is one that is stronger, more fair and just, where we don’t get displaced but get to develop strong, vibrant and safe communities. For me it isn’t just a campaign.

It’s a mission. And the dignity we deserve is one that I want to contribute to in every way that I can.

I have had so many wonderful mentors in my life and at this stage of it am gratified to pay it forward. As the highestranking woman of color in City Hall, I used to convene women of color for brown bag lunches just to discuss how we could navigate the challenges of being women of color in government. I have mentored public high school students and young nonprofit professionals.

(I have experienced bias) too many times to name, although I have also been grateful for the many times I did not. On one occasion, appearing in court as an assistant United States attorney in an employment discrimination case, my opposing counsel was also a Black woman. It was a routine pretrial hearing. It would be unusual to have clients attend such a hearing. We were both wearing business suits, of course. This white, male judge entered and sat down and angrily shouted, “Where are the lawyers?”

She and I looked at each other, and in that moment, we were on the same side.

CELESTE SLOMAN

I was just three years out of law school and was a junior attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union. I was almost fired from the ACLU for storming a board meeting with other junior lawyers to demand a union.

November 30, 2020

JACQUELINE S.L. WILLIAMS

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PARTNER, STATE & BROADWAY The best career advice came from Basil Paterson, the political icon. When I first started my lobbying career at Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, I met Basil for a get-acquainted, forever memorable lunch.

It was then he provided me three jewels: • White men will wonder how you got in the room on equal footing with them; use their unsettledness to your advantage.

• Never leave the room without having your voice heard.

• What you don’t know, go out and learn.

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What I have learned from these past three decades is not to box myself into a place of comfort but instead remain unafraid to frame my own happiness and be ready to jump into the next opportunity.

SUBMITTED

• • I have learned to navigate government and politics by building alliances that focus on common interests and policy as the best formula for usurping male dominance. There is plenty of truth in the adage, “Today’s enemy can be tomorrow’s friend.” Another important observance is that the old boys’ network reacts to female presence very differently than it did a decade ago. It had to adjust to a powerful paradigm shift that repositioned women of color as instrumental brokers and gatekeepers to perpetuate their political and policy interests.

Adversity is the price women of color often pay to get ahead. My pastor often says a barking dog doesn’t chase a parked car, only the moving cars. There have been many barking dogs along the way. Those dogs have names: racism, sexism, entitlement, privilege, unfairness, apathy, bias, bigotry and prejudice.

•

2021 marks 30 years in my career.

I walked into the halls as an Assembly legislative intern, not knowing what to expect and knowing only my fellow John Jay classmate. I have been blessed to wear so many different hats that stretched my growth and tested my skill sets. I have helped move significant budgetary issues, assisted in navigating important statewide policy and spearheaded several institutional events. Along the way, the best of it all has been connecting with people who are not only good at what they do but are simply good. They are there – found over the years in both houses of the Legislature and on each side of the aisle. I have seen their sincerity as they govern to make this state better for us all. What I have learned from these past three decades is not to box myself into a place of comfort but instead remain unafraid to frame my own happiness and be ready to jump into the next opportunity.

City & State New York

•

65

I have mentors and role models that I seek out and default to aid in my professional development.

In 2004, after making up my mind to leave government service, it was Bruce Gyory, a trusted friend who took the time to walk me through the lobbying labyrinth and to explain industry options and its pitfalls. Through the years, I have had the luxury of tapping on his shoulder to discuss my thoughts as I push and test career boundaries.

I bestow accolades and honor the female legislative pioneers who prepared the table at which I sit today. Their presence and passion for government service made it possible for me to make advances today. Therefore, I am well aware of whose shoulders I stand on. Going back even further, I was conscious of Shirley Chisholm’s political leadership. Her famous political slogan, “Unbought & Unbossed,” not only postered my office, but it was well-positioned in my mind.

I admired her lady-boss attitude and fearlessness.

She is my political “OG,” no squad supporting her has defined her place in history and operated at the highest government levels with that same boldness.

For me, true success comes when it is transferable. So I gladly mentor younger people, both male and female (Black and white) in my industry. I affectionately refer to this crew as my professional babies. They have moved on to find permanent positions in local and state governments and become lawyers, educators and program directors.

66 CityAndStateNY.com

L. JOY WILLIAMS

November 30, 2020

•

NATIONAL POLITICAL STRATEGIST PRESIDENT, BROOKLYN NAACP FOUNDER, LJW COMMUNITY STRATEGIES

MARO HAGOPIAN

•

”You will never be able to outwhite a white man.” While that phrase is something I learned from Karen Boykin-Towns, several mentors and family members have some version of it. The point being that our goal isn’t to be white, it isn’t to have power and dominion over others or to be gatekeepers. We don’t want to oppress people, we want to empower people. The other most important job altering advice I received is a saying within my faith. “What God has for you, is for you.” I don’t make decisions ... based on what the “normal” trajectory” is for a political consultant.

I make decisions based on what fits my political values and my mission in life.

•

I started in politics relatively young.

For my white male peers, that youth was seen as an asset, and more senior folks immediately wanted to invest in their potential. For myself and women who looked like me, we quite often had to prove why we were worthy to even be in the room.

That was in addition to navigating the sexism that exists in any professional field. I also contended with the issue of pay equity.

I have much more confidence in myself and in my talent than I did in the beginning of my career which helps me navigate “White Man Antics” in a much different way. I am no longer terrified that my career will be over because I challenged facts or strategy in a meeting. Additionally, I am much more rooted in my purpose of building and maintaining Black political power and politically empowering people of color overall. Having that north star helps me to think strategically about how to build relationships and coalitions based on shared interests and goals. I try to learn what motivates someone and what they care about to find commonality.

•

I have benefited tremendously from mentors, particularly a host of Black women who continue to pour into me. Women like Hazel Dukes, Denise Pease and the late Jacqueline Berrie have had a tremendous influence on my career. My closest mentor and friend is Karen BoykinTowns. Our relationship is reciprocal which I always advocate all mentormentee relationships should be. ... I also serve as a mentor to a number of young women, some who are in Brooklyn NAACP, which I am president of, and some who are within the world of politics.

I think it is important for me to teach what I know and multiply the number of young Black women at the table.

PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES / CityAndStateNY.com

November 30, 2020

November 30, 2020 For more info.

212-268-0442 Ext.2039

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legalnotices@cityandstateny.com Notice of Formation of ELECTRICIAN NYC LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/6/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1644 East 14th Street Suite 2 Brooklyn, NY, 11229. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of CPG VINTAGE ACCESS FUND IV, LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 10/9/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 805 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10022.

Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg.

Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ANNAPOLIS VENTURES LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/16/20.Office location: Erie SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 6385 Boston State Road, Lot 11, Hamburg, NY, 14075Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of: Start 2 Finish Trucking LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/15/19.

Office location: Westchester County. SSNY is designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 100 Dehaven Drive., Yonkers, NY 10703. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of Emergent Urban Concepts LLC. Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/05/20. Office location: Westchester County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 04/29/17.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228.

DE addr. of LLC: c/o United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 300 Delaware Avenue, Ste. 210-A, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903. Purpose: Any lawful activity

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Notice of Qualification of Speridian Global Holdings LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/05/2020. Office location: NY County. LLC formed in California (CA) on 12/31/2007. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Speridian Global Holdings LLC 2355 Main Street Suite 240 Irvine, CA 92614. CA addr. of LLC: Speridian Global Holdings LLC 2355 Main Street Suite 240 Irvine, CA 92614. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of CA, Div. of Corps., 1500 11th Street Sacramento, CA 95814.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of 50 PORT WATSON LLC. .Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/6/20.

Office location: Cortland SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 36 Monroe St. Apt E3 New York, NY, 10002. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 2525 MANAGEMENT LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/6/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 2525 E 14th St Brooklyn, NY, 11235. Any lawful purpose.

WILDFLOW3R, LLC filed with SSNY on September 9, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 82 Irving Place, 1B, NY, NY 10003.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of EPW SPORTS LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location New York SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 210 East 68th Street Apt. 5g New York, NY 10065. Any lawful purpose.

615 East 104 Holdings LLC. Authority filed SSNY 09/01/20. Office: NY Co. LLC formed DE 9/1/20.

Exists in DE: c/o National Registered Agents, Inc., 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. SSNY designated agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served & mail to: 1 State St., 32nd Fl., NY, NY 10004. Cert of Formation Filed: Secy. of State, Corporation Dept., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover DE 19901. General Purpose.

64 Kinston Holdings LLC, name amended to: 64 Kingston Holdings LLC. Authority filed SSNY 09/01/20. Office: NY Co. LLC formed DE 9/1/20.

Exists in DE: c/o National Registered Agents, Inc., 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. SSNY designated agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served & mail to: 1 State St., 32nd Fl., NY, NY 10004. Cert of Formation Filed: Secy. of State, Corporation Dept., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover DE 19901. General Purpose.

2514 Albermarle Holdings LLC, name amended to: 2514 Albemarle Holdings LLC. Authority filed SSNY 09/01/20. Office: NY Co. LLC formed DE 9/1/20. Exists in DE: c/o National Registered Agents, Inc., 1209 Orange St., Wilmington, DE 19801. SSNY designated agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served & mail to: 1 State St., 32nd Fl., NY, NY 10004. Cert of Formation Filed: Secy. of State, Corporation Dept., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover DE 19901. General Purpose.

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Notice of Qualification of CALIBRANT HARRISBURG III, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/13/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/24/20. Princ. office of LLC: 125 W. 55th St., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of JASF HOLDINGS LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 8/27/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 9 Prospect Park West, Unit #11c, Brooklyn, NY, 11215.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 4216 8th AVE LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/17/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 4216 8th Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11232. Any lawful purpose.

67

Notice of Formation of ARJAY PROPERTIES, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/8/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 26 Court Street Suite 1200, Brooklyn, NY, 11242. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BE AS WATER, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20. Office location: Ulster SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 51 Grey Mouse Rd. Saugerties, NY, 12477. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CHERA HARLEM MEMBER, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/8/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 26 Court St. Ste 1200, Brooklyn, NY, 11242.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of MTH BAKERY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/5/20. Office location: Westchester SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to Attention: C/O H&H Bagels Group, Inc. 1551 2nd Avenue New York, NY, 10028. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 8501 21 AVE LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/15/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 4216 8TH Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11232. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of RTF PROPERTIES LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/1/20. Office location Fulton SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1205 Soda Canyon Road Napa, CA, 94558. Any lawful purpose.

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Notice of Formation of GOOD SOLES IMPORTER INC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/25/2020.

Office location: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of CORP upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 350 3RD AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11232.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of DECISIVE POINT GROUP, LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 9/24/20. Office location: Putnam. LLC formed in DE on 8/28/20.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 25 Chestnut Street, Cold Spring, NY, 10516. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose

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Notice of Formation of Tailor-Made Trivia, LLC filed with SSNY on October, 14, 2020. Office: Kings County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 477 Midwood St., Apt. 1, Brooklyn, NY 11225. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of NIKOLOZ MAKHATADZE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/3/20.Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 600 Mamaroneck Avenue # Harrison, New York, 10528.Any lawful purpose.

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Notice of Formation of FLIGHT OF FANCY REALTY GROUP LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/8/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 12 Park St Brooklyn, Ny, 11206. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ZABU ENTERTAINMENT LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/27/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 8752 19TH ST., Brooklyn, NY, 11214.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of THE PINK TABLE NYC LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/14/20.

Office location: Richmond SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to PO BOX 140496 Staten Island, NY, 10314.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LIQUID BASS PRODUCTIONS LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 2/20/19. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 88-15 70TH Drive Floor 1 Forest Hills, New York, 11375. Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of MIGLIONICO HOLDINGS, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/9/20. Office location: Orange SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 78 Holmes Road Newburgh, NY, 12550.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SPREADS BAKERY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/5/20.

Office location: Westchester SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to Attention: C/O H&H Bagels Group, Inc, 1551 2nd Avenue New York, Ny, 10028.Any lawful purpose.

November 30, 2020

Notice of Formation of Breadcrumb Labs, LLC filed with SSNY on September 28, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 90 State Street Suite 700 Office 40, Albany NY 12207. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of MRHR Consulting, LLC filed with SSNY on September 21, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 601 West 41 Street Suite 8E New York, NY 10036 . Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qual. of CPG VINTAGE ACCESS FUND IV, LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 10/9/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 805 Third Avenue, New York, New York, 10022.

Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg.

Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NIKOLOZ MAKHATADZE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/3/20.Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 600 Mamaroneck Avenue # Harrison, New York, 10528.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Tailor-Made Trivia, LLC filed with SSNY on October, 14, 2020. Office: Kings County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 477 Midwood St., Apt. 1, Brooklyn, NY 11225. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of Aker Management, LLC filed with SSNY o n September 29th, 2020.

Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 354 East 91st Street, Suite 1802 New York NY 10128. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of GOOD SOLES IMPORTER INC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/25/2020.

Office location: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of CORP upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to 350 3RD AVENUE, BROOKLYN, NY 11232.

Purpose: any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of MTG Creative Group LLC filed with SSNY on October 19,2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 113 E Centre St, Unit 4001 Nutley, NJ 07110. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of 1667 POPHAM LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 12/04/18. Office location: Orange SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 127 Forest Rd, Monroe, NY, 10950. Any lawful purpose.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1332066 FOR LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 3508 BROADWAY NY, NY 10031 NY COUNTY, FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION. 3508 BROADWAY RESTAURANT GROUP LLC

Notice of Formation of MTG Creative Group LLC filed with SSNY on October 19,2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 113 E Centre St, Unit 4001 Nutley, NJ 07110. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qualification of CALIBRANT MAKO, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/13/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 09/24/20. Princ. office of LLC: 125 W. 55th St., NY, NY 10019. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1332187 FOR LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT JFK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 4, GATE 5 JAMAICA, NY 11430. QUEENS COUNTY, FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION. AIR INDIA LIMITED

Notice of Formation of BROOKLYN COLLECTIBLES LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/21/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 9 Plaza St West, Brooklyn, NY, 11217. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of EXPERIMENT STATION 10516, LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on10/20/20. Office location: Putnam SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 7 Mason’s Island Road, #1 Mystic, CT, 06355. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of FATEHA INTERNATIONAL LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 8/13/19. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1472 43rd St, Ste B2 Brooklyn, New York, 11219. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of FIR FIDELIS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/22/20. Office location: Orange SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 137 Big Island Road, Warwick, New York, 10990. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JOE GARRONE FITNESS LLCArts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/6/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1273C Bay Ridge Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11219.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of ROYAL WOODCRAFT LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 9/28/20. Office location: KINGS. LLC formed in DE on 9/22/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 90 State St. Albany, NY 12207.

Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg.

Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES / CityAndStateNY.com

November 30, 2020

Notice of Formation of K & R UTILITIES, LLC. .Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/07/19. Office location: ALLEGANY SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 110 Genesee St., Ste 380a Auburn, NY, 13021. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of S.BUZZ GROUP LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/16/20. Office location Greene SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 550 Vanderbilt Ave., Apt. 811 Brooklyn, NY, 11238.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of MADISON HILLS SERVICES LLC LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 10/14/20. Office location: Hamilton. LLC formed in CA on 5/22/19.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 12340 Seal Beach Blvd, Ste B#414 Seal Beach, CA, 90740.

Arts. of Org. filed with CA SOS. 12340 Seal Beach Blvd, Ste B#414 Seal Beach, CA, 90740.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SOLEDAD CANYON REAL ESTATE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 5/26/20.Office location: Westchester SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 42 E. 20th St, Apt. 7d, New York, NY, 10003.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Form. of MSAP 16 LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/23/20.

Office location: Albany SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 444 Washington St Rensselaer, NY, 12144.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of OKM ENTERPRISE LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/29/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 7406 13TH Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of PENTAGON MANAGEMENT LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/17/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 953 68th St, Brooklyn, NY, 11219. Any lawful purpose.

Notice Of Formation of S & R ACHIEVEMENT LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 3815 15TH Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11218. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of TRYON ENTERPRISES LLC. Arts .Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/9/20.

Office location: Fulton SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 4200 State Hwy 30 Suite C, Amsterdam, NY, 12010.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Form. of UTICA MED BUILDING, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/19/20. Office location: Onondaga SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 6308 Fly Road East Syracuse, NY, 13058. Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of AVANT COMMUNICATIONS LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/26/20.Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1854 84th St., 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY, 11214.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of KRISTIN TOFFEY, PHD PSYCHOLOGIST, PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/19/20. Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 200 W 20th Street, Apt #1002 New York, NY, 10011.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of HOMEX NY LLC filed with H&K Consulting Tax Accounting Services on 10/09/2020. Office: NY County. H&K Consulting Tax Accounting Services designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

H&K Consulting Tax Accounting Services shall mail copy of process to LLC: 3000 BRIGHTON 12TH ST AP A5 BROOKLYN NY 11235. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of 7M7 LLC filed with SSNY on October 13, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 310 West 20th Street Apt A6 NY, NY 10011. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of Yojo Management, LLC filed with SSNY on July 30, 2020. Office: Bronx County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 374 East 160th, 1st Floor, Bronx, NY 10461. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of DharmaHound, LLC filed with SSNY on August 20, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 374 W 127th ST, 2E, NY, NY 10027.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of CITIZENS MANHATTAN WEST LIQUOR STORE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/19/20. Office location: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of ACTIVE HOUSE LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/15/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 353 Ave T, Brooklyn, NY, 11223. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ALIGNING WITH LOVE ENTERPRISES, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/19/20. Office location ONONDAGA SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 524 Cleveland Boulevard Fayetteville, NY, 13066.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 1836 BH LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/2/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 2178 EAST 7 Street Brooklyn, NY, 11223. Any lawful purpose Notice of Formation of ALL STAR DISHWASHING, LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/8/20.Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 852 Fulton St Brooklyn, New York, 11238. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of BLUE HORIZON AML LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/16/20.

Office location: Westchester SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 507 West 111th Street, Apt. 64, New York, Ny, 10025. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ELATED VISION MOTORS, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/20/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd. Ste 210 Garden City, NY, 11530.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of DecisionQuest, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/21/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in California (CA) on 08/09/19. Princ. office of LLC: 21515 Hawthorne Blvd. #720, Torrance, CA 90503. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. Cert. of Form. filed with CA Secy. of State, 1500 11th St., Sacramento, CA 95814.

Purpose: Any lawful activity Any lawful activity.

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Notice of Formation of Gramercy Tower LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/20/20. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: C T Corporation System, 28 Liberty St., NY, NY 10005. Purpose: any lawful activities.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM Notice of Qualification of CVE US EI2 C. MILL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/20/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/14/20. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qualification of CVE US EI2 C. MILL, LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/20/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 10/14/20. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co. (CSC), 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: c/o CSC, 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with DE Secy. of State, Div. of Corps., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1329397 FOR WINE & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY SUNDAY TO SUNDAY CAFE, INC. TO SELL WINE & BEER AT RETAIL IN A RESTAURANT UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 253-257 BROOME STREET a/k/a 88 ORCHARD ST, CITY OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NEW YORK, STATE OF NEW YORK, 10002 FOR ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION. Sunday to Sunday Cafe Inc.

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CityAndStateNY.com / PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Formation ALR Career Consulting LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/23/2020.

Office: Richmond County. United States Corporation Agents, Inc. designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to: United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, New York 11228. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (“LLC”). Name: Dunn Holdings LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York (“SSNY”) on October 22, 2020. N.Y. office location: Kings County. The SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The SSNY shall mail a copy of any process to Dunn Holdings LLC, c/o Dunn Development Corp., 589 Sackett Street, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11217.

Purpose/character of LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

DOMENICA BIZZOCO ATTORNEY AT LAW PLLC, a Prof. LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/02/2020.

Office loc: NY County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 437 Madison Avenue 24th Floor, NY, NY 10022. Purpose: To Practice The Profession Of Law.

Notice of Qual. of BRX MCCLELLAN RETAIL LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York.

LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 079320677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRX BRIGGS APARTMENTS LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/3/20.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 079320677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRX INDEPENDENCE APARTMENTS LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRX MORRIS APARTMENTS LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRX VALENTINE APARTMENTS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20.

Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 079320677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901.

Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1332173 FOR LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 445 GOLD ST, SPACE MP C-018 BROOKLYN, NY 11201. KINGS COUNTY, FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION. MIZNON UWS LLC. Notice of Formation of MSJ Maintenance LLC filed with SSNY on May 6, 2020. Office: NY County.

SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 2021 Lexington Avenue, Apt 3B, New York, NY 10035. Purpose: General Maintenance and carpentry.

Notice of Qualification of BROOK AVE OWNER LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/26/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/15/20. Princ. office of LLC: 419 Park Ave. South, Ste. 401, NY, NY 10016. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

D&D Moving LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on 1/03/2020 Office: Bronx County SSNY has been designated as the LLC’s agent upon whom process against it may be served A copy of process should be mailed to the LLC at: 1241 Edison Ave, Bronx, NY 10461 Purpose: any lawful purpose

November 30, 2020

Notice of formation of Sheroman LLC, a domestic LLC. Arti-c l e s of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on September 22, 2020 with N.Y.S. Office location: Bronx County SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 1640 Taylor Ave, Bronx, NY 10460 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of INWD PARK TERRACE WEST APARTMENTS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1331574 for liquor, beer, and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer and wine at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 292 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249 for on premises consumption.Hole in the Wall Williamsburg LLC

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1314293 for Beer, Wine, Cider, and Liquor has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Beer, Wine, Cider, and Liquor at retail in a Bistro under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 300 W 116th St, Aka 2149 Frederick Douglass Bl, NEW YORK, NY 10026 for on premises consumption.

BLVD BISTRO 116TH STREET, LLC

Notice of Qual. of BRX MCCLELLAN APARTMENTS LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20.

Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 079320677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRX PERRY APARTMENTS LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20.

SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of BRXUN APARTMENTS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qual. of INWD PARK TERRACE EAST APARTMENTS LLC Auth. filed with SSNY on 8/17/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 8/03/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 500 Campus Drive, Ste 400, Florham Park, NJ, 07932-0677. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GLASS HOUSE FILMS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/02/20. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the Company, 19 East 88th St., #6A, NY, NY 10128. Purpose: any lawful activities.

Notice of Qualification of BROOKHAVEN APARTMENTS OWNER LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/30/20. Office location: NY County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 07/17/20. Princ. office of LLC: 419 Park Ave. South, Ste. 401, NY, NY 10016. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207-2543. DE addr. of LLC: 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, 401 Federal St. - Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Multifamily real estate owner.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Kristina Bermudez Creative Developments LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/16/20.

Office location: NY County, SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 597 Osborn St, Brooklyn NY 11212. Purpose: any lawful act.

Notice of Formation of UPPER WEST SIDE CARE, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/27/16.Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to ONE GUSTAVE L. LEVY PLACE NEW YORK, NY, 10029. Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@CITYANDSTATENY.COM

PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES / CityAndStateNY.com

November 30, 2020

Notice of Formation of SKY I LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/28/2020.

Location: Richmond County. SSNY designated as agent for service of process on LLC. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 483 Nerherland Ave., Staten Island, NY 10303. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of Creative Wealth Solutions LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/7/2020. Office location: Westchester County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to Creative Wealth Solutions LLC, 101-B Fenimore Rd, Mamaroneck NY 10543. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Qual. of SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 9/21/16. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 28 Liberty St New York, NY, 10005. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1326455 for cider, beer, and wine has been applied for by the undersigned to sell cider, beer and wine at retail in a Tavern/Café under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 307 Grand Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211 for on premises consumption.

Family Project LLC

Notice of Formation of 1021 MCDONALD LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/31/16.Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 5014 16th Avenue, #9 Brooklyn, NY, 11204. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of A&A NAZ REAL ESTATE LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/9/20.Office location: Onondaga SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 8229 Oswego RD, Liverpool, NY, 13090.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of AB FORWARD LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/3/20. Office location: NEW YORK SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 80 State St, Albany, NY, 12207-2543.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of EIGHT PROJECT MANAGEMENT DESIGN, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 8/3/20.

Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 2653 Frederick Douglass Blvd, Unit 3B, New York, NY, 10030.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ESNY-IN-BRUCKNER, LLC. Arts .Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/2/20.

Office location: Bronx SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 80 State St. Albany, NY, 12207. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of FRANK RENAISSANCE, LLC. .Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 06/22/20.

Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 54 7th Ave South New York, NY, 10014.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of GM3 ART & DESIGN LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/13/20.

Office location: Richmond SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 209 Evergreen St Staten Island, NY, 10308.

Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of JADESTONE SOLUTION LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 03/15/19.Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 954 Lexington Ave Ste 2017 Ny, New York, 10021.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JENMATT REALTY, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/15/20.

Office location: Nassau SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 434 Old Courthouse Rd New Hyde Park, NY, 11040.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of JGCM REALTY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/16/20. Office location: ESSEX SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 10 White Oak Ct Severna Park, MD, 21146. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of LEVENSON CREATIVE GROUP LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/29/20.Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 145 Washington Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11205.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of NOSTRA GALLERY LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/30/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 222 Clifton Place, Brooklyn, NY 11216. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of REV'IT! ESTORE U.S.A., LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/2/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 275 Conover St, Ste 5p Brooklyn, NY, 11231. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of ROSH RUBIN PROPERTIES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/10/20.Office location: Westchester SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to Attention: C/O Phillips Nizer LLP 485 Lexington Ave New York, NY 10017.Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of ST JOHNS REALTY GROUP LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/28/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 502 W. Longview Drive, New Albany, NY, 38652.

Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CHERA CONSULTING LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/27/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1450 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY, 11216. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SNOBETTE, LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/6/20.Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 368 Stratford Rd, Brooklyn, NY, 11218. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 380 TROUTMAN STREET, LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/29/20.Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 378 Troutman St Brooklyn, NY, 11237. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 433 CLOVE ROAD LLCArts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/06/20.Office location: Richmond SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 429 Clove Road, Staten Island, NY, 10310. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SCHWARTZBARD ENTERPRISES LLC. Arts.

Of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/23/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 2305 East 4th Street Brooklyn, NY, 11223. Any lawful purpose.

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Notice of Formation of Ru & Ru LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/02/20. Office location: NY County. Princ. office of LLC: 1239 St. Nicholas Ave., NY, NY 10032. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, c/o Ruben Luna at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qual. of BFS DEVELOPER LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 11/16/20. Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 11/12/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to: 600 Mamaroneck Ave #400 Harrison, NY, 10528. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of PINEIDER MADISON LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/20. Office location: NY County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Tarter Krinsky & Drogin LLP, Attn: Mr. Giuliano Iannaccone, Esq., 1350 Broadway, 11th Fl., NY, NY 10018. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The entity Kime Distributing Incorporated d/b/a Cam Electronics Distributing (“Cam”) with a principal office at PO Box 1597 Apex, NC 27502 has dissolved effective October 31, 2019. Creditors of Cam are notified that all claims against Cam will be forever barred unless presented to LOVE LAW FIRM, PLLC, attorney for Cam at 1936 Hempstead Turnpike, Suite 116, East Meadow, NY 11554, within seven months after the date of publication of this notice.

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CityAndStateNY.com / PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Formation of Five Iron Golf DC LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/17/20. Office location: NY County.

SSNY designated agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 138 5th Ave Flr 4 NY NY 10011. Purpose: any lawful act Notice of Formation of HTC 28, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/02/20.

Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Universal Registered Agents, Inc., 274 Shufelt Rd., Nassau, NY 12123, also the registered agent upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful activities.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of AmiraAmor, LLC filed with SSNY on August 17, 2020. Office: Westchester County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 95-117 Ravine Avenue, CL5D, Yonkers, NY 10701. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of 34 PRINCE STREET, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 7/28/20. Office location: NEW YORK SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to 34 Prince St Apt. 2b New York, NY, 10012.Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SUEA NON-KIIN LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/27/20 .Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1450 Fulton St Brooklyn, NY, 11216. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Pace Set Medics LLC filed with SSNY on August 10, 2020. Office: Richmond County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC:223 Pelton Ave Staten Island, NY 10310 Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of Pink House 5050 LLC filed with SSNY on August 20, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 303 West 137th Street, Apt. 5A, New York, NY 10030. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of MECC Holdings LLC filed with SSNY on October 13, 2020. Office: NY County.

SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 303 West 137th St., Apt. 5A, New York, NY 10030.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1330814 FOR LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 119 MACDOUGAL ST NEW YORK, NY 10012. NEW YORK COUNTY, FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION. FABRIZIO PRIM CAVALLACCI.

LEGALNOTICES@CITYANDSTATENY.COM

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY NAME: LavaL ife D e signz , L LCArticles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/04/2020.

Office location: Richmond County. SSNY is designated as an agent of LLC upon whom the process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail the process to: 3 North Street, 2nd floor, Staten Island, NY 10302. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of FOODIE SALES & MARKETING LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/20.

Office location: Kings County. Princ. office of LLC: 56 Gold St., Brooklyn, NY 11201. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to c/o Damascus Bakery, Inc. at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of SRPAR LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/20.

Office location: Kings County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207, regd. agent upon whom and at which process may be served. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1330384, FOR WINE & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL WINE & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 105A DYCKMAN ST NEW YORK, NY 10040.

NEW YORK COUNTY, FOR ON-PREMISE CONSUMPTION. PINCHOS GRILL INC.

November 30, 2020

Notice of Qualification of SolasCure USA, LLC Appl. for Auth. f i l e d with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/12/20.

Office location: Kings County. LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 06/10/20. Princ. office of LLC: 363 Bond St., Apt. 615, Brooklyn, NY 11231. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC at the princ. office of the LLC. DE addr. of LLC: Corporation Service Co., 251 Little Falls Dr., Wilmington, DE 19808. Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State, John G. Townsend Bldg., 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Biotech research and development.

Notice of Formation of Broken Land Media LLC filed with SSNY on June 17, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 133 W. 132nd St., Apt. 4F, New York, NY 10027. Purpose: any lawful act or activity

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

Notice of Formation of JS NYMAN CONSULTING LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/19/2019.

Office location: NEW YORK County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The Post Office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/ her is: 2804 GATEWAY OAK DR, STE 100, SACRAMENTO, CA 95833.

The principal address of the LLC is: 250 W89TH ST, STE 5C, New York, NY 10024. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of OMI SI LAND LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/09/20. Office location: NY County.

Princ. office of LLC: 55 Fifth Ave., 15th Fl., NY, NY 10003. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Robert Kantor, c/o Time Equities, Inc. at the princ. office of the LLC. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Notice of Qual. of LGD 8 LLC, Authority filed with the SSNY on 10/22/2020.

Office location: NY County. LLC formed in DE on 10/21/2020. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 415 Greenwich St., Apt. 7F, NY, NY 10036. Address required to be maintained in DE: 1209 Orange St. Wilmington DE 19801. Cert of Formation filed with DE Div. of Corps, 401 Federal St., Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

SHIELDLYTICS LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 11/13/2020.

Off. Loc.: RichmondCo. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 1967 Wehrle Dr Ste 1 #086, Buffalo, NY 142218452. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

AYG GROUP LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/20/2020.

Office loc: NY County.

SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, C/O Konex LLC, 40 Central Park South, 4-I, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Notice of Formation of On The Scene Media Group LLC filed with SSNY on July 24th 2020.

Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 82 337 Marion St Apt 2 Brooklyn NY 11233. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of qualification of Entity :Name: CRK MYSTIQUE LLC Application for Authority for LLC filed with New York State Department of State on 03/28/2013 office location Richmond County.

Entity name CRK MYSTIQUE LLC application for Articles of Organization -LLC formed in Missouri(MO) on April 21, 2004 with State of Missouri Matt Blunt Secretary of State - PO Box 778 Jefferson City, MO 65102/600 W. Main St Room 322.(Missouri Address of LLC 4242 North 21st Street St. Louis , MO 63107 Purpose LLC Any Lawful Activity Defender Investigations & Security, LLC. Arts of Org. filed with SSNY 09/26/2019. County: Richmond SSNY designated as agent process may be served upon & mailed to Registered Agent: United States Corporation Agents, Inc. 7014 13th Ave, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of JB Capstone Enterprises, LLC, filed with SSNY on 2/4/14. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 12 East 37th St, 2nd Floor, NY, NY 10016. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of BLACK GARUDA LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 11/20/20.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 600 Mamaroneck Ave #400 Harrison, NY, 10528. Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES / CityAndStateNY.com

November 30, 2020

Notice of Formation of MikiB LLC filed with SSNY on 11/9/2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to LLC: 260 Park Avenue South, Apt. 3J, New York, New York 10010. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act or activity. LLC’s principal business location is: 260 Park Avenue South, Apt. 3J, New York, New York 10010.

Notice of Formation of Anthel Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services, LLC filed with SSNY on October 23, 2020. Office: NY County.

SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 82 Irving Place, 1B, NY, NY 10003. Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of Preeminence Realty LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/28/2020. Office located in Kings County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: Preeminence Realty LLC, 4412 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of 2515 24 Ave LLC Filed with SSNY on October 22, 2020 Office: NY County SSNY designated agent upon whom process against it may be served: Vendome Property Management Co SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 330 Spring Street #1E New York, NY 10013 Purpose: any lawful act or activity678-653-8673 ext. 657

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

PUBLIC NOTICECellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a top height of 113 feet on a 107-foot building rooftop at the approx. vicinity of 41-02 Delong Street, Flushing, Queens County, NY 11355. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Morgan Rasmussen, m.rasmussen@trileaf.com, 1395 S. Marietta Pkwy, Building 400, Suite 209, Marietta, GA 30067; 678-6538673 ext. 657

Notice of Formation of THREE SPOONS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/27/17. Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY mail process to Attention: Lonn Selbst,200 West St, New York, New York, 10282.Any lawful purpose. 104 W 96 St New York, NY, 10025

Notice of Registration of DaHui Lawyers LLP. Ctf. of Reg. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/09/20. Office location: NY County. Principal office: 1330 Avenue of the Americas, Ste. 23A, NY, NY 10019.

SSNY designated as agent of LLP upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1330 Avenue of the Americas, Ste. 23A, NY, NY 10019. Purpose: to practice the profession of Law.

Notice of Formation of B r ow nTe c h n o l o g i e s , LLC filed with SSNY on November 18, 2020. Office: NY County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to LLC: 561 10th ave New York,NY 10036.

Purpose: any lawful act or activity.

Notice of Formation of Lady Medical P.L.L.C. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/09/20. Office location: NY County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 1309 5th Ave., Apt 2E, NY, NY 10029.

Purpose: to practice the profession of Medicine.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A LICENSE, SERIAL # 1332521 FOR LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER HAS BEEN APPLIED FOR BY THE UNDERSIGNED TO SELL LIQUOR, WINE, & BEER AT RETAIL UNDER THE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL LAW AT 429 3RD AVE NEW YORK, NY 10016. NEW YORK COUNTY, FOR ON PREMISE CONSUMPTION. DOZEN BAGELS CO INC.

Notice of Formation of AMA NEW YORK REALTY LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 10/28/20. Office location: Kings SSNY desg.

As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 7902 15TH Ave Brooklyn, NY, 11228. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CHERA CONSULTING LLC. Arts. Of Org. filed with SSNY on 3/4/15.

Office location: Kings SSNY desg. As agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served SSNY mail process to 1016 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11230. Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of CUSTOM HC SOLUTIONS NY LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 6/18/20. Office location: New York SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to 228 East 45th St 12th Floor, New York, NY, 10017.Any lawful purpose.

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

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) ) COUNTY OF LEXINGTON ) Yvette Ravina, as Administrator C.T.A. of ) The Estate of Frances Perrenod, ) ) Judgment Creditor, ) ) v. ) ) Jean Perrenod Mamakos and Irene Perrenod ) Savadian, ) ) Judgment Debtors. ) ) IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CASE NO. 2020-CP-32-00878 NOTICE OF FILED JUDGMENTTO THE JUDGMENT DEBTORS ABOVE NAMED:ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED, that Yvette Ravina, Administrator C.T.A. of the Estate, recover from and have judgment against Jean Perrenod Mamakos, residing at 11 Biscayne Drive, Hunting, NY 11743 and Irene Perrenod Savadian, residing at 347 West 55th Street, Apt. 2H, New York, NY 10019, jointly and severally in the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Seventy Eight Dollars and Sixty Three Cents ($1,739,378.63), plus interest thereon from April 18, 2017, the date of the referee’s report at the rate of nine percent (9%) per annum, in the amount of One Hundred Thirty Five Thousand Five Hundred Twenty Eight Dollars and Fifty Seven cents ($135,528.57) as of February 28, 2018 for a principal and interest surcharge as of February 28, 2018 of One Million Eight Hundred Seventy Four Thousand Nine Hundred Seven Dollars and Twenty Cents ($1,874.907.20) and continuing at the rate of Four Hundred Sixty Two Dollars and Thirty One Cents ($462.31) daily which will continue until paid, and that Yvette Ravina, Administrator C.T.A. of the Estate, have execution thereof, and it is further ordered, adjudged and decreed, that Yvette Ravina, Administrator C.T.A. of the Estate recover from and have judgment against Jean Perrenod Mamakos and Irene Perrenod Savadian jointly and severally in the sum of One Hundred Eighty Two Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Three Dollars and Thirty Seven Cents ($182,853.37) plus interest thereon from April 18, 2017 the date of the referee’s report at the rate of nine percent (9%) per annum, in the amount of Fourteen Thousand Two Hundred Forty Seven Dollars and Fifty Three Cents ($14,247.53) as of February 28, 2018 for a principal and interest surcharge as of February 28, 2018 of One Hundred Ninety Seven Thousand One Hundred Dollars and Ninety Cents ($197,100.90) and continuing at the rate of Forty Eight Dollars and Sixty Cents ($48.60) daily which will continue until paid, and that Yvette Ravina, Administrator C.T.A. of the Estate have execution thereof.As judgment debtor, you have thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of this notice to seek relief from the enforcement of the judgment. If the judgment is not satisfied and no relief is sought within that thirty (30) days, the judgment will be enforced in the State of South Carolina.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the original Judgment in the above entitled action was filed in the Office of Surrogates Court for Queens County, New York on June 4, 2018, in the amounts of $1,874,907.20 against Jean Mamakos and Irene Savadian and $197,100.90 against Jean Mamakos and Irene Savadian, Case No. 2017-07419.

Thereafter, said judgment was filed on February 25, 2020 with the Clerk of Court in Lexington County, SC, 205 East Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072.

FINKEL LAW FIRM LLC Sean A. O’Connor, Esq. 4000 Faber Place Drive | Suite 450 North Charleston, South Carolina 29405 (843) 577-5460

LEGALNOTICES@CITYANDSTATENY.COM

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CityAndStateNY.com / PUBLIC and LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of information of Selling like HoTcAkEs, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 07/13/2020.

Ofice located in Richmond County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: 190 Heffernan Street, Staten Island, NY 10312. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

Notice of Qual. of WHATCRAFT LLC. Auth. filed with SSNY on 11/23/20.

Office location: New York. LLC formed in DE on 7/20/20. SSNY desg. as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY mail process to: 600 Mamaroneck Ave #400, Harrison NY, 10528. Arts. of Org. filed with DE SOS. Townsend Bldg. Dover, DE 19901. Any lawful purpose.

LEGALNOTICES@ CITYANDSTATENY.COM

KARISMATIC VEGAN, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/08/2020. Office loc: NY County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Kerry Green, 101 W. 147th Street Apt. 3D, NY, NY 10039.

Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

PUBLIC NOTICE Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to collocate wireless communications antennas at a top height of 169 feet on a 176-foot building rooftop at the approx. vicinity of 809 United Nations Plaza, New York, New York County, NY 10017.

Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Laura Elston, l.elston@trileaf. com, 1395 South Marietta Parkway, Building 400, Suite 209, Marietta, GA 30067, 678-673-8673

(officialpur3), LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on (09/08/2020).

Office location: New York County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, (Alssain Sow, 175 Alexander Ave Apt 1B Bronx NY 10454). Purpose: For any lawful purpose

MichaelAngelo Shower Enclosure and Custom Mirrors LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 11/5/2020. Off. Loc.: Richmond Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to the LLC, 426 Wooddale Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

November 30, 2020

FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS _________________________________ __ ____ In the Matter of an Article 8 Family Offense Proceeding File# 187849 Docket # O-25288-18Chandrawattie Seelochan (Petitioner) Safeek Salim (Respondent) SUMMONS - GENERAL (VIRTUAL APPEARANCE) _______________________________________ _____________ NOTICE: DO NOT APPEAR IN-PERSON AT THE COURTHOUSE. DUE TO THE ONGOING COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, ESSENTIAL COURT MATTERS ARE BEING HELD VIRTUALLY. To: Safeek Salim 114-28 124th Street South Ozone Park, NY 11420 A petition under Article 8 of the Family Court Act has been filed with this Court. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear VIRTUALLY before this Court on: Date/Time: January 5, 2021 Purpose: Return of Process Dial in: Microsoft Teams Call in information (347)378-4143 Conference ID: 532 565 625# Presiding: Visiting Judge/JHO/Hearing Examiner, Clerk’s Officeto answer the attached petition and to be dealt with in accordance with the Family Court Act. Virtual appearances may be held via video or phone.

To update your contact information, e-mail or call the court and provide your name, phone, e-mail address, docket number(s), and date/time of court appearance.

Court E-mail: QueensFamilyCourt@nycourts.gov or Court Phone #: (718) 298-0197 For information on how to participate in virtual court proceedings, visit: https://nycourts.gov/appear.

If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest. Dated: October 28, 2020 Steve Byrnes, 1st Deputy Chief Clerk NOTICE: FAMILY COURT ACT §154(C) PROVIDES THAT PETITIONS BROUGHT PURSUANT TO ARTICLES 4, 5, 6, 8 AND 10 OF THE FAMILY COURT ACT, IN WHICH AN ORDER OF PROTECTION IS SOUGHT OR IN WHICH A VIOLATION OF AN ORDER OF PROTECTION IS ALLEGED, MAY BE SERVED OUTSIDE THE STATE OF NEW YORK UPON A RESPONDENT WHO IS NOT A RESIDENT OR DOMICILIARY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. IF NO OTHER GROUNDS FOR OBTAINING PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE RESPONDENT EXIST ASIDE FROM THE APPLICATION OF THIS PROVISION, THE EXERCISE OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE RESPONDENT IS LIMITED TO THE ISSUE OF THE REQUEST FOR, OR ALLEGED VIOLATION OF, THE ORDER OF PROTECTION. WHERE THE RESPONDENT HAS BEEN SERVED WITH THIS SUMMONS AND PETITION AND DOES NOT APPEAR, THE FAMILY COURT MAY PROCEED TO A HEARING WITH RESPECT TO ISSUANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDER OF PROTECTION.

LEGALNOTICES@CITYANDSTATENY.COM

LEGALNOTICES@CITYANDSTATENY.COM

November 30, 2020

City & State New York

CITY & STATE NEW YORK

A Q&A with nonprofit executive and New York City mayoral candidate

MANAGEMENT & PUBLISHING CEO Steve Farbman, President & Publisher Tom Allon tallon@cityandstateny.com, Comptroller David Pirozzi, Business & Operations Manager Patrea Patterson, Administrative Assistant Lauren Mauro

We first talked in August 2019, soon after you filed for the mayoral race, and you just had a campaign kickoff this month. What’s one thing you’ve learned in the past 15 months, and how has it changed your campaign?

The headline lesson learned here is that everything that this campaign is doing goes against the establishment and against what is expected and the rules of engagement, if you will. The barriers have been high for a campaign that is this focused on really, really centering communities. But we have been successful at defying expectations at every turn. So I’m really hopeful about what this moment in time reflects – and also just struck by the maze of barriers that are intended to preclude certain people from being able to participate in this part of the democratic process.

What kind of barriers? Is it just money, or is also who you’re invited to speak to?

The viability (question) refers to money, it refers to the folks

who are part of the political chattering class – whether or not they know you or deem you as being worthy.

That includes the people who participate in that either through holding office, influencing those in office or through reporting on those in office. I think I started speaking about it first in January when I talked about the erasure of my name and my candidacy from conversations about people of color or Latinos in the race. (After Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

I see it as an awakening of the country as to the role that women of color, Black women in particular, have played in literally preserving democracy for us. announced he would not run.)

There’s multiple layers to that.

Money is definitely a big thing.

And I think that’s one of the places where people have been most surprised by the campaign.

Money isn’t everything, but you are well behind many of your opponents.

How has fundraising been going since July?

We’re going to qualify for the matching funds. And that won’t balance it, but it’ll help a little bit in terms of reach.

The folks that my campaign is speaking to started hearing our message before the July filing. I think that was reflected in the number of donors we got from New York City in that filing. (Morales had 1,651 overall contributions from January to July, more than any other competitor.) Those are not people who necessarily can contribute $2,000, but they are contributing, and they are voters. We’re speaking to

voters, we’re just speaking to potentially a different segment of voters and not the voters that are going to be able to sign over a $2,000 check.

You’ve been vocal in your support of issues like defunding the police. Do you consider yourself to be the most progressive candidate in the race?

I’ve been really reluctant to label myself in any way, shape or form, or try to talk about, claiming a lane, or fitting in a box. I think my positions speak for themselves. If being someone who really believes that centering the safety and the wellbeing of communities that have been historically not represented, or reflected or prioritized in government and leadership means that I am the most left or the most progressive or a socialist, that’s fine. I don’t have a problem with those things.

I don’t lead with that. I believe in leading with my positions and my beliefs and who I am, because those things are inextricably linked.

We’re seeing a trend of Black women being elected as mayors in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. Do you see your candidacy as fitting into that national trend? And have you talked with any of these mayors?

Yes, I have had some conversations with some other Black women city leaders across the country.

I do see it as an awakening of the country as to the role that women of color, Black women in particular, have played historically, in literally preserving democracy for us, and a recognition that women lead differently. And that Black women have tremendous contributions to make to the effective leadership of cities.

– Jeff Coltin

EDITORIAL editor@cityandstateny.com Interim Editor-in-Chief Ralph Ortega rortega@ cityandstateny.com, Senior Editor Ben Adler badler@ cityandstateny.com, Managing Editor Ryan Somers, Special Projects Editor Alice Popovici, Deputy Editor Eric Holmberg, Senior Reporter Jeff Coltin jcoltin@ cityandstateny.com, Staff Reporter Zach Williams zwilliams@cityandstateny.com, Staff Reporter Rebecca C. Lewis rlewis@cityandstateny.com, Digital Content Manager Amanda Luz Henning Santiago, Tech & Policy Reporter Annie McDonough amcdonough@cityandstateny.com, Staff Reporter Kay Dervishi, Copy Editor Holly Pretsky CREATIVE Art Director Andrew Horton, Senior Graphic Designer Alex Law, Graphic Designer Aaron Aniton DIGITAL Project Manager Michael Filippi, Digital Marketing Strategist Caitlin Dorman, Web/Email Strategist Isabel Beebe ADVERTISING Vice President of Advertising Jim Katocin jkatocin@ cityandstateny.com, Account/Business Development Executive Scott Augustine saugustine@cityandstateny.com, Vice President, Advertising and Client Relations Danielle Koza dkoza@cityandstateny.com, Sales Associate Cydney McQuillan-Grace cydney@cityandstateny.com, Legal Advertising Executive Shakirah Gittens legalnotices@ cityandstateny.com, Sales Assistant Zimam Alemenew EVENTS events@cityandstateny.com Sales Director Lissa Blake, Events Manager Alexis Arsenault, Event Coordinator Amanda Cortez

Vol. 9 Issue 46 November 30, 2020 DAVID DINKINS 1927-2020 A

SPECIAL

ISSUE

MADE

IN

PA R T N E R S H I P

WITH

THE

NEW

YORK

AMSTERDAM

NEWS

THE

POWER PLAYERS

How Black women in government and politics are getting it done

From the top: Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Letitia James and Lupe Todd-Medina CIT YANDSTATENY.COM

@CIT YANDSTATENY

November 30, 2020

Cover photo Celeste Sloman

CITY & STATE NEW YORK (ISSN 2474-4107) is published weekly, 48 times a year except for the four weeks containing New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas by City & State NY, LLC, 61 Broadway, Suite 1315, New York, NY 10006-2763. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and at additional mailing offices.

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General: (212) 268-0442, subscribe@cityandstateny.com Copyright ©2020, City & State NY, LLC

HALLIE EASLEY

DIANNE MORALES

Dianne Morales is running an optimistic campaign for mayor of New York City, even though the city is at its lowest point in her lifetime, the 53-yearold Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, native told City & State. Just the fact that she’s running for mayor at all, as a nonprofit executive with no direct experience in local politics before this, proves her optimism. City & State talked to Morales days after she held a formal campaign launch event online, and discussed what “the political chattering class” thinks about her, whether she’s the most progressive candidate in the race and how she fits in a national trend of Black female mayors. (Morales is Afro-Latina.) This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Congratulates these Leading black Women in NYS Politics And wishes them continued success in their outstanding growth and challenges in this great city & state FOR YEARS TO COME!

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