Gala 2024
LETTERWelcome
Dear Friends,
I warmly welcome you to the 2nd Annual Yo Digo No Mas Gala. I'm Maria Trusa, the founder of the Yo Digo No Mas movement, and it's a great honor to have you join us. Together, we aim to raise awareness about child sexual abuse and safeguard the innocence of our children.
Our mission focuses on illuminating this silent pandemic, offering education and support to survivors, and empowering them to reclaim their narratives as we initiate a healing journey for all affected.
“Yo Digo No Mas” was born out of my personal experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse at the age of 9. This journey inspired me to create a platform that brings attention to this “silent pandemic”
I sincerely appreciate your unwavering support and am thrilled to collaborate with you as we strive to be the voice for the voiceless while ensuring the safety and innocence of our children. Together, we can make a significant difference.
I hope you get to see how urgent this is. Thank you for attending our annual gala.
“Every child is born with the right of their innocence. help us protect the innocence of our children.”
PARTNER Scan this QR to Get Help!
Maria Trusa
Founder & Chair of YDNM, Writer and Public Speaker
Gina Cappelli
Vice Chair of YDNM and Founder & President of Forme Medical Center and Urgent Care
Bill Drysdale
CEO Advisory Board Chairman, Vistage Woldwide
MEMBERSBroard
Camelia Peña R.
Licensed Real Estate Realtor, RE/Max Distinguished Homes & Properties
Elena Rivera-Cheek Founder & CEO of Copy & Art
Fénix Arias, PhD
Chief Operating Officer, Yonkers Public Schools
Maura Daroczy Director of Sales & Marketing, Springhill Suites
Taryn Duffly
VP, Coporate Communications & Public Affairs
Marco Vitolo President, 7 Ace Logistics
About THE MOVEMENT
We are a movement dedicated to shedding light on the alarming cases of sexual abuse of our children. Our mission is to serve as a platform to raise awareness of this “silent pandemic” through education and support for survivors to raise their voices and break the chains of sexual abuse to initiate a healing process that will propel them to rewrite their story.
The movement was born as an initiative of Maria Trusa, our founder, who is a survivor of child sexual abuse which she suffered at the young age of 9. An episode that for a long
time plunged her into deep emotional pain, but later became the catalyst which strengthened her; filling her with the courage and resilience to move forward and achieve each of her goals. Subsequently, writing a book that would later become a movement.
Child sexual abuse has become a worldwide problem that affects millions of children and their families, leading to serious consequences that can severely affect their physical and emotional health which our founder refers to as "child sexual abuse”.
At #YoDigoNoMás, we fight to counteract these shocking figures by serving as a space to make visible the pain that many victims keep silent, and becoming that voice of support, so that survivors can break the silence, and put an end to the silent pandemic of sexual abuse. Stopping the chain of abuse is everyone ‘s commitment.
Whoever has been abused has a high probability of becoming an abuser. Our movement is committed to giving voice to your story, thus preventing others from going through the same situation.
WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL
IS PROUD TO SUPPORT YO DIGO NO MAS
Congratulations to tonight’s honorees:
Dr. Denise Núñez
Compassionate Caregiver Award
Bruce Berg CEO, Cappelli Development Company Legacy Builder Award
Hon. Susan Cacace County Court Judge Child Advocacy Award
Dr. Edith Shiro Clinical Pyschologist, Author, “The Unexpected Gift of Trauma” Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
MISSION
Yo Digo No Mas (YDNM) which translates as "I Say No More," is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that emerged in response to the high prevalence of sexual abuse happening to children among Latino communities in Westchester County and throughout the United States and broader world.
YDNM’s mission is to provide resources to children, families, educators, and community members in order to help prevent child sexual abuse and break the silence and cycle of abuse by educating the community and promoting collective mobilization to help put an end to this “silent pandemic” along with a vision of creating a safe space where sexual abuse survivors can break their silence and find support to heal and transform their lives.
VISION
The #YoDigoNoMas (#ISayNoMore) movement will be the digital platform used by millions of people around the world to raise their voices against sexual abuse. Just as personal healing and growth begins with speaking an individual truth, societal healing begins with the voices of many speaking together.
MARIA TRUSA Our founder
María is an example of the advances possible for the Latino community in the United States. Her mission with this movement is to empower men, women, and children to become part of this fight—and become part of the change.
"Children are not just innocent, they are hopeful, they are the promise of life." - R.A. Salvatore
YO DIGO NO MAS
WINNERAward
Legacy Builder Award
Bruce Berg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CAPPELLI DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
Mr. Berg has been involved in real estate development for almost 40 years. He joined the Cappelli Organization in 1999 as Executive Vice President and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Cappelli Development Company responsible for the acquisition, approvals, development, management, leasing, dispositions and marketing of the firm’s mixed-use, office, residential and retail developments.
Several notable projects in which Mr. Berg was involved with include White Plains City Center, a $700 Million, 1.2 million square foot mixed-use project; the Ritz Carlton Hotel and Residences Westchester, a $750 million, 900,000 square foot mixed-use hotel, office and condominium project, as well as Atlantic Station Stamford, a $350Million project including two towers with 625 residential units and the restoration of a Historic Post Office. Most recently, Mr. Berg led the development efforts for 333 Huguenot and Encore, two multifamily buildings in New Rochelle NY comprised of two towers with 525 units which cost $260Million to develop and Hamilton Green in White Plains, NY which consists of 4
buildings, 860 units and 85,000 square feet of commercial space at an estimated cost of $600Million.
Prior to joining the Cappelli Organization, Mr. Berg was involved in corporate real estate development as the Director of Market Development for AMF Bowling, Inc, a Director of Development for Disney Development Company and Project Manager for Xerox Realty Corporation. During Mr. Berg’s career, he has been involved in all aspects of real estate development, entitlements, management, leasing, acquisitions and dispositions.
Mr. Berg is one of the original Founding Members of Halpern Real Estate Ventures and spent two years (2011-2012) working with the Managing Partner to initially establish the business. Mr. Berg holds a B.A. from Trinity College and an M.B.A. from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. Mr. Berg served on the Board of Arts Westchester, the Ritz condominiums and currently serves on the Board of the Stamford Downtown Special Services District as well as the Board of Governors for Metropolis Country Club. He was awarded the 2018 Real Estate Award by the Westchester Division of the March of Dimes.
WINNERAward
Child Advocacy Award
Hon. Susan Cacace
COUNTY COURT JUDGE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER, NEW YORK
The Honorable Susan Cacace was elected Westchester County Court Judge in November 2005, and began her first ten-year term on January 2, 2006. Due to her experience with both criminal prosecution and defense, she was immediately assigned to preside over Westchester’s Superior Court Information Part. In this part she conferenced and negotiated plea dispositions for hundreds of felony cases in addition to acting as a felony trial judge, presiding over a multitude of jury and non-jury trials involving the crimes of murder, robbery, burglary, sex offenses and drugs.
In 2010 Judge Cacace was assigned to preside over Westchester County’s specialized Sex
Offense Part; a position that she continues to hold today. In that capacity, the Judge presides over felony sex offense trials, conducts Sex
Offense Registration (SORA) Hearings, and monitors compliance of sex offenders whose cases have been adjudicated, but who remain on sex offense probation. Additionally, and on the civil side, the Judge conducts jury trials in Mental Hygiene Law Article 10 cases involving the management or civil confinement of sex offenders who are found to suffer from mental abnormalities. More recently, Judge Cacace was appointed to Westchester’s new DWI Part,
where she conferences and negotiates pleas and sentence dispositions in all of Westchester’s Felony DWI Cases.
Judge Cacace also serves as a New York State pistol licensing officer, and as such she is responsible for issuing, amending and on of the March of Dimes.
The Honorable Susan Cacace was elected Westchester County Court Judge in November 2005, and began her first ten-year term on January 2, 2006. Due to her experience with both criminal prosecution and defense, she was immediately assigned to preside over Westchester’s Superior Court Information Part. In this part she conferenced and negotiated plea dispositions for hundreds of felony cases in addition to acting as a felony trial judge, presiding over a multitude of jury and non-jury trials involving the crimes of murder, robbery, burglary, sex offenses and drugs.
In 2010 Judge Cacace was assigned to preside over Westchester County’s specialized Sex Offense Part; a position that she continues to hold today. In that capacity, the Judge presides over felony sex offense trials, conducts Sex Offense Registration (SORA) Hearings, and
monitors compliance of sex offenders whose cases have been adjudicated, but who remain on sex offense probation. Additionally, and on the civil side, the Judge conducts jury trials in Mental Hygiene Law Article 10 cases involving the management or civil confinement of sex offenders who are found to suffer from mental abnormalities. More recently, Judge Cacace was appointed to Westchester’s new DWI Part, where she conferences and negotiates pleas and sentence dispositions in all of Westchester’s Felony DWI Cases.
Judge Cacace also serves as a New York State pistol licensing officer, and as such she is responsible for issuing, amending and re-certifying pistol permits of Westchester County permit holders. In her capacity as Acting Supreme Court Justice, she is also assigned to review civil applications, including Writs of Habeas Corpus and proceedings pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice Laws and Rules (CPLR).
Prior to Judge Cacace’s election, she worked as an Assistant District Attorney in the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office from 1989 to 2003. She served as a trial attorney in the Superior Court Trial Division where she prosecuted to verdict over twenty felony cases. While an Assistant in the Grand Jury Bureau, she obtained felony indictments in over 500 cases and was a co-director of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Animal Cruelty Division.
After her service as an Assistant District Attorney, Judge Cacace continued to pursue her passion for criminal law, but this time on the “other side.” In 2003, she joined her husband, James Dibbini, Esq., in private practice, forming the firm of Dibbini and Cacace, where she maintained a litigation practice until her election.
Judge Cacace attended Pace University on a full academic scholarship, where she earned her
Bachelor of Arts with Honors in English, and went on to Pace University School of Law. She was the recipient of the first Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County Scholarship in 1987.
Judge Cacace is an active leader in both the legal and civic communities, having served as President of the Yonkers Lawyers Association, Director of the Columbian Lawyers Association, Committee Member of the Joseph F. Gagliardi Award for Excellence, Member of the New York State and Westchester County Bar Associations, as well as the Brandeis Law Society, and both President and Vice President of the Yonkers Lions Club. Judge Cacace continues to enjoy playing tennis and currently tries to maintain this interest by playing in a competitive adult tennis league.
An important motivation behind the Honorable Susan Cacace’s career has been her family.
As a presiding City Court Judge in Yonkers, her father, the Honorable Robert W. Cacace created such an impact on the running of the court that the Yonkers city courthouse today bears his name. Robert Cacace also impacted his daughter’s character and values, influencing her to strive to uphold not only the reputation of his name, but also his legacy within the Westchester County legal community. Judge Cacace has also been motivated by her husband of 17 years, Jim Dibbini, who has stood strong by her side, to be both her partner professionally and in her personal life. The Dibbini family is rounded out by their three daughters, Sophia(15), Isabella(13) and Marielle(11), each of whom follow in their parents’ footsteps by actively participating in academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits in their hometown of Bronxville, New York
WINNERAward
Compassionate Caregiver Award
Dr. Denise Nuñez
PEDIATRIC INTENSIVIST
Born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, Denise Núñez, MD, is a proud Dominican-American board-certified general pediatrician and critical care physician. Her dedication to the health and welfare of the Latino community has been a driving force throughout her life and career. As a pediatric intensivist at Montefiore Medical Center and founder of multiple healthcare clinics in the Bronx, Dr. Denise has tirelessly advocated for her patients, many of whom are from underserved, Spanish-speaking populations.
Dr. Denise’s journey to becoming a healthcare leader began during her fellowship at Montefiore Children’s Hospital, where she noticed that language barriers were causing Spanish-speaking parents to struggle when communicating with English-speaking doctors. In response, she initiated interdisciplinary hospital rounds that included interpreters, social workers, and nurses in the hospital room, providing much-needed support for these families.
Dr. Denise’s commitment to health equity also extended beyond the hospital walls. Seeing the need for accessible, culturally sensitive health care, she founded three clinics in the Bronx,
starting with a pediatric health center strategically located in an area with the highest Latino population but the fewest health care providers.
Dr. Denise earned her medical degree and completed her internship in the Dominican Republic before moving to the U.S. for her residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital (now BronxCare Health System). She then completed a fellowship in pediatric intensive care at Montefiore Medical Center, where she now serves as an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics. Despite her busy clinical schedule, Dr. Denise has consistently expanded her impact beyond medicine.
In 2016, Dr. Denise founded Niño de la Caridad Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of predominantly Hispanic youth and families in the Bronx and has since grown exponentially. Since its inception, Niño de la Caridad Foundation has helped more than 10,000 families in the Bronx, embodying Dr. Denise’s vision of creating lasting change in her community. Her work stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication to advancing health equity, particularly for the Bronx’s Latino and underserved populations.
WINNERAward
Outstanding Volunteer Service Award
Dr. Edith Shiro
RENOWNED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST SPECIALIZING
IN
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH
Dr. Edith Shiro, a distinguished clinical psychologist practicing in Miami, FL, co-founded the Trauma and Resilience Center (TR Center) and the accomplished author of "The Unexpected Gift of Trauma: The Path to Post-Traumatic Growth." Her educational journey includes graduating from the Catholic University of Venezuela (UCAB) and earning Master’s and Doctorate degrees from Yeshiva University in New York. She further honed her expertise with a Post-Doctoral specialization in Couples and Family Therapy at the Ackerman Institute for the Family and additional training at the International Trauma Studies Program at NYU.
With a profound emphasis on trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), post-traumatic growth (PTG), resilience, and growth stemming from trauma, Dr. Shiro has made significant contributions. Recognized with the Hispanic Women of Distinction Award 2018, she actively participates in organizations such as The World Happiness Foundation, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, and the Jewish Community Center.
Dr. Shiro's influence extends beyond her private practice, with engagements as a guest expert on national media broadcasts, including Univisión, Despierta América, EL News Café, Telemundo, Un Nuevo Día, Primer Impacto, Factores de Poder, El Venezolano TVV, Mega TV, NY1, among others. Her expertise is also evident in her contributions to conferences, workshops, and publications in newspapers and magazines, solidifying her position as a respected figure in clinical psychology.
In addition to her numerous accomplishments, Dr. Edith Shiro has actively participated in various literary and academic events. Notably, she was a distinguished part of the 2023 Miami Book Fair and the Wonderland Conference, where she shared her insights and expertise in clinical psychology, trauma, and resilience. Furthermore, Dr. Shiro has received notable recognition for her groundbreaking work, having been honored with the Innovation Award in Science in 2022 and the International Latino Book Awards in 2023.
WINNERAward
La Jara Band
La Jara Band, a community-focused musical ensemble composed of dedicated NYPD officers was founded in 2013 by NYPD Captain Alexander Cedillo of the 63rd Precinct. La Jara Band is renowned for its vibrant performances of salsa and merengue, using music as a bridge to unite and uplift their community. The term "Jara" is a colloquial expression for police in Spanish, symbolizing the band's roots in law enforcement and community service.
"We are honored and privileged to have La Jara Band attend the gala," said Maria Trusa, founder of Yo Digo No Mas. "Their bravery,
dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community exemplify the spirit of the 'Community Protector Award.' It is a true testament to how they juggle their crucial day-to-day police duties while also spreading joy and unity through music during their off-time."
Captain Cedillo expressed the band's passion for their dual roles: "It’s not easy because we all work in precincts fighting crime, but we do this on the side because we believe in this. We want to make a positive impact in our neighborhoods."
MARIA TRUSA
Founder
Yo Digo No Mas (I Say No More)
TARA ROSENBLUM
Master of Ceremony
Award-Winning Journalist News 12 Anchor/Reporter
Miri Rodriguez
A Latina immigrant living in the U.S.
A STORYTELLER, MINDFULNESS ADVOCATE, BRAND CONSULTANT AND INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE SPEAKER. Also the owner & CEO of Be Mindful Be Happy and best selling author of the award winning book Brand Storytelling.
I help brands big and small design their brand identity and stories for influence and impact. Combining over 15 years of personal branding, design thinking and storytelling practice, I’ve mastered the best ways to design brands and stories that matter: authentic, deeply personal, emotionally connected and driven by inclusion and empathy.
FÉNIX ARIAS, PhD
Chairperson, Yo Digo No Mas / I Say No More
WOMANChair
Dear heroes,
Imagine a world where every child grows up with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect themselves against sexual abuse. At Yo Digo No Mas / I Say No More, we are dedicated to making this vision a reality. We're seeking your support to develop comprehensive programming that will provide children and parents with the necessary tools to recognize and respond to potential sexual threats, ultimately preventing child sexual abuse and ensuring a safer
Our programming, "Break the Silence: Stop the Pandemic of Sexual Abuse," will be a cutting-edge educational resource designed to teach children of all ages about the various forms of sexual abuse, how to identify warning signs, and, most importantly, how to seek help and protection when they need it. By instilling knowledge, resilience, and self-assurance, we aim to empower the next generation to break the cycle of abuse.
Your support will enable us to create engaging educational materials, train teachers and caregivers, and reach communities far and wide. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children, ensuring they grow up in a world free from the shadows of abuse.
Join us in this critical mission to cultivate a safe future for our children, one where they can thrive, grow, and reach their full potential. Invest in cultivating a safe future, and together, we will build a brighter, safer tomorrow for our children.
What’s
COMING UP
Prevention & Healing Platform
YDNM In-Person and Digital Workshops
YDNM Program 2025 Curriculum Development Children & Parents
