Premier Business Women 03-24-2022

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AWARDS MARCH 23, 2022

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

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SPONSORS

AWARDS G AL A

TO OUR EVENT

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HOST & AWARD WINNER

AWA R DS JUDY GOSS

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CONGRATULATIONS Goss is a lifestyle TV personality, producer and A WAAWR A DR S DGSA LG AA L A Judy author. The host of AWE's Behind The Gates NYC for several CLASS OF 2022 seasons, she is a regular contributor to NBC and FOX, and also appears on QVC, where she is an ongoing host for her HERALD PREMIER exclusive home décor line.

BUSINESS WOMEN AWA R D S G A L A As a TV host, Judy has covered all things lifestyle; as a reporter, she has interviewed head chefs and entrepreneurs for a prestigious FOX show with famed anchor Ernie Anastos.

OF LONG ISLAND She has appeared repeatedly on television networks nationwide, adding up to hundreds Herald Community Newspapers’ Third Annual 2022 Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards, presented by RichnerLIVE, celebrates high-level female business leaders making an impact on Long Island.

At this event we recognized many of Long Island’s most charitable, devoted, and strong women by honoring what they have accomplished in their careers and achieved for their communities.

It is not only a belief but a fact that women should be treated and represented with the utmost respect and equity in every profession, given every opportunity to be in that CEO position or start that company; there is nothing that you cannot do. You are all living examples of how far we have come — but there is always more work to be done.

On March 23 we celebrated these dynamic and fearless women in person at the Heritage Club at Bethpage with over 350 attendees.

As part of the evening’s festivities, we furthered Long Island’s commitment to charitable giving by donating a portion of ticket proceeds

of live TV segments, in addition to being featured in magazines, blogs, newspapers and radio shows about her life and founding her acclaimed women's networking company in 2010, What Women Want®. Judy’s company is still successfully running today; her podcast, What Women Want, has reached over 1.5 million downloads.

As the author of "Break Into Modeling for Under $20" published by St. Martin's Press, Judy achieved national acclaim, her book being touted as the "go-to guide." Judy was a highfashion model with Ford NY, living abroad and scoring major magazine and advertising campaigns before becoming a magazine editor for Cosmopolitan and More.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t ever let anyone talk you out of your dream or idea. Hold it close until you’re ready to share and have the confidence to go after it no matter what. If it’s truly what you’re meant to do, it will happen!

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?

Learning that it takes longer than I want to build something successful. I sent audition tapes into QVC for eight years before I heard back, and finally got a response because I never gave up.

We are proud to support the Herald Premier Business Women of Long Island!

Congratulations to all of the honorees, and also to the host, my extraordinary wife.

to Moxxie Mentoring Foundation.

I wanted to give thanks to all the individuals and organizations that made this elegant event possible: the diligent honorees and their supportive friends and families beside them, as well as our dedicated event sponsors that share our values of women inclusion, empowerment, and equity. Also, a special acknowledgement to our host and award winner Judy Goss and our special guest Antoinette Biordi, 3x Emmy award winning reporter for News 12 Long Island. On behalf of myself and the Richner Communications team, thank you for being a part of this marvelous event to honor and celebrate not only the winners, but also the future generations of successful business women across Long Island and beyond!

Meet the 2022 award winners.

Judy Goss

TV Personality, Emcee, Author www.Judygoss.com The Best Menswear Experience in Long Island.

Custom Made and Designer Clothing since 1946.

With warmest regards, Stuart Richner CEO and Publisher Richner Communications, Inc.

24 Atlantic Ave Lynbrook, NY 11563

Call: (516) 599-7777 E-mail: MurleesInfo@aol.com

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ACCOUNTING

ACCOUNTING

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ART & CULTURE

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A WAAWR A DR S DGSA LG AA L A AWA R D S

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MICHELE LINDNER CPA, CCIFP

KELLY A. ROHRS, CPA

SUZANNE LEBLANC

Audit Principal

Founder

President

GRASSI ADVISORS & ACCOUNTANTS

K. ROHRS, CPA, P.C.

LONG ISLAND CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Michele Lindner is a Principal at Grassi and is engaged with clients in the construction industry. Michele manages employee benefit plan audits and helps clients meet their financial and tax deadlines. She also provides guidance to allow them to run their operations more efficiently.

Her work includes performing audits, reviews and compilations and developing tax deferral strategies that save clients money. Michele is also involved in tax compliance and consulting projects, including fraud risk assessments, cost audits and acquisition due diligence.

With over 20 years of progressive experience at the firm, Michele plays a major role in the development and training of the audit staff.

Michele is an active member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA). She has obtained certification as a Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional (CCIFP), of which there are less than 1,000 in the United States.

Michele graduated from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, summa cum laude. She continues her training with a heavy schedule of continuing professional education coursework in audit and taxation.

Kelly A. Rohrs is the Vice President of the National Conference of CPA Practitioners for the Nassau/Suffolk Chapter. She has always been fascinated with numbers and business. An entrepreneurial spirit and passionate work ethic are two traits that have been handed down to Kelly from past generations. It’s as if they run in her blood.

As a Certified Public Accountant with several years experience in public accounting and tax practice, she has guided many business owners with great success.

Kelly is very passionate about saving her clients money while helping their businesses grow. Kelly believes education is key. When clients know how to analyze their business, they gain financial control and increase their bottom line! In addition to saving money and increasing revenue through accounting practices, she provides comprehensive tax planning for the short and long term.

Systems and processes to streamline, automate and integrate accounting work is one of Kelly’s top priorities.

Nothing is more nourishing to Kelly than seeing others’ businesses succeed. Her tax and accounting services are 100% customizable to her client’s needs.

Suzanne LeBlanc, President of Long Island Children’s Museum, has 48 years of experience in the field. Before joining LICM, she was Executive Director of the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas, Assistant Director at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and worked at the Boston Children’s Museum in various capacities.

Suzanne has garnered a national reputation for the institutions and programs she has directed. Under her tenure, the Long Island Children’s Museum received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, recognized as the field’s gold standard for museum excellence; National Medal for Museum and Library Service awarded to institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service; and the Promising Practices Award from the Association of Children’s Museums and the Metropolitan Life Foundation for its outdoor exhibition Our Backyard.

She is President of the Board of the Museum Association of New York and a member of the New York State Board of Regents Museum Advisory Council.

Suzanne earned a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College (now Lesley University) and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the School of Public Communication at Boston University.

Q&A

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always consider what your goals are a year from now, five years

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from now, ten years from now and twenty years from now. Make What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

I would love to see more women filling senior leadership positions at public accounting firms. The industry has come a long way, but there are still sizeable obstacles that women who want to have families and careers need to overcome to rise to the top. Add to this the challenges of gender inequality that exist throughout all industries, and there is plenty of opportunity for innovation and change.

What is your greatest achievement yet?

My family is my greatest source of pride and fulfillment, but professionally my greatest achievements are the leadership positions I hold at Grassi in both our Employee Benefit Plan practice and Construction practice, one of the largest in the nation. Women are underrepresented in both the accounting and construction industries, so this accomplishment is doubly significant to me and reflects not only my determination and drive but also the support of my family and firm.

sure your next moves reflect your goals in the short and long term!

What is your greatest achievement yet?

Being a mom! I have an 18-month old-son and three-year-old mini labradoodle! It is hard work to run a family, but it is the most

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

One of the most important life lessons I learned from a mentor is to always keep long-term goals in mind and to keep working on them, knowing they will not be accomplished overnight.

rewarding job I have. It truly takes a “village” and I am grateful for

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

all of the people in our life who support us.

First, I love Long Beach, where I live — the beach and boardwalk

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You can truly do anything you put your mind to! It sounds cliché

and seeing the sunsets. Next the North Fork wineries and Briermere Farms in Riverhead.

but if you solidify your goals and desires, you can overcome any

What is your greatest achievement yet?

obstacle!

My greatest external work achievement is leading Long Island Children’s Museum in achieving national recognition, including receiving the National Medal for Museum Service at the White House. My greatest internal work achievement is leading Long Island Children’s Museum in establishing a work culture that provides an environment that supports all its staff, encouraging all to learn, grow and have passion for their work. My greatest personal achievement is adopting my daughter Tara, when she was 16.

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The Premier Business Women of Long Island

Michele Lindner, CPA, CFE Audit Principal

Anna Poolt, CPA Audit Manager

grassicpas.com

Congratulations Suzanne LeBlanc Step into the spotlight and take a bow!!

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

Congratulations to Michele Lindner and Anna Poolt and all of the

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BANKING & FINANCE

ARTS & CULTURE

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BANKING & FINANCE

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SARAH J. MCCANN

ANTONIETTA CHIAUZZI

KATIE COLEMAN, CFP®

Business Manager

Vice President Digital Banking Branch Manager

Financial Advisor / President

HUNTINGTON ARTS COUNCIL Sarah J. McCann, Business Manager at the Huntington Arts Council (HAC), is an experienced arts administrator with a passion for arts organizations and education programs, as well as cultivating the communities they create. Sarah wears a number of hats as she handles the organization’s financial matters, HR responsibilities, exhibitions program, and Covid-19 response among other duties.

Growing up in Plainview, Sarah was always interested in art but was undecided as to where she would fit in the industry. Arts administration provided the perfect balance of access to the arts with her highly organized, colorcoding, list-making self. Previously, Sarah spent four years teaching sewing and fashion design. She has also worked for the Art School at The Contemporary Austin. A strong believer in the benefits of working with your hands and the joy of making, she is happiest when surrounded by other creatives.

Sarah holds two degrees from Savannah College of Art and Design; an MA in Business Design and Arts Leadership and a BFA in Fashion.

Q&A What is your favorite charity?

Shopping for Toys for Tots is my favorite holiday tradition. I’m also very partial to Miles for Migraine and other migraine advocacy and awareness nonprofits. Migraine is so much more than a headache; it is a genetic neurological disease that I have lived with for over 20 years.

APPLE BANK

COLEMAN FINANCIAL GROUP

Antonietta (Toni) Chiauzzi is a seasoned banker with 20 years of retail banking experience with national, regional and Long Island financial institutions. Toni was promoted to Vice President and Branch Manager of Apple Bank’s recently launched Digital Branch in May 2021. Prior to her current role, Toni managed Apple Bank’s Westbury branch, a position she held for five years.

Toni joined Apple Bank in 2016 from Bank of America, where she was a Vice President and Branch Manager in Baldwin. Before that, Toni spent seven years with Astoria Bank. She began her banking career with North Fork Bank in 2001 as a personal banker and was a divisional assistant to the division head for all Long Island branches.

An active participant in local business and community organizations, Toni has been a member of the Westbury Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she served as secretary and board member of the East Rockaway Chamber of Commerce and board member of the East Rockaway Education Foundation.

In 2019, the ESPOIR Youth Program honored Toni and Apple Bank for their outstanding achievements and impact on the Westbury community.

Katie Coleman, CFP®, is a Financial Advisor and President of Coleman Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. She has been in the financial services industry for 15 years and is passionate about helping people achieve their financial and life goals. In September 2018, Katie started her own wealth advisory practice, Coleman Financial Group.

Coleman Financial Group is passionate about protecting families from the unexpected. Katie and her team work to educate and empower others to make sound financial decisions.

Originally from Atlanta, Katie graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She moved to New York in 2007 and that same year joined Siena Wealth Advisory Group. In 2012, Katie became a partner at the firm and together, with her business partner, trained over 600 financial advisors across the country. She was named one of Long Island Business News’ 40 under 40 in January 2014, among her many accolades.

Her community service involvements include board member of the Spencer Foundation, an organization that focuses on helping children and their families battle cancer and chronic illnesses.

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What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice was from my father, who was a business owner.

Your superpower is when you are your true authentic self. Always

He said “to run and know a business, you have to be a part of

manage expectations.

your business every day and work with your sleeves rolled up.”

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

As a young girl, I never understood why he worked seven days a

are today?

week and 16-hour days. This became clear as I matured and took

Attention to detail, an eagerness to learn and empathetic

on more responsibility in the store, realizing he shared the best

listening.

advice. Fast forward to my future career in banking — no matter

What advice would you give to your younger self?

what job I took on, I always worked with the storeowner’s mindset.

I would tell my younger self to take more risks and not be afraid of

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

failure.

are today?

Three qualities that have helped me in my professional career are to be hard working, passionate and persistent.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Life presents one moment, one introduction, one lesson and/or one decision that can completely change the course of your life. Never say no to an opportunity, and never be afraid to take a chance on yourself.

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

I want to and will change the way that women see this profession.

We are more empathetic and we actively listen to clients and their needs, this allows us to better help them identify their overall goals and objectives.

What is your greatest achievement yet?

Being a mother to Charleston and Sailor and wife to my husband, Bob. My family is my world and the motivation to make the world a better place. We have a responsibility to help others and I strive to be the best role model for my girls watching me everyday.

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is proud to congratulate

Antonietta Chiauzzi on her 2022 Premier Business Women’s Award.

We celebrate Toni’s commitment to her work at Apple Bank and her dedication to the community.

Her leadership is an inspiration to all of us.

We wish Toni and all of the honorees much continued success!

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

Apple Bank

®

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Congratulations to all my fellow honorees!

Wishing you continued success.

516.225.4239

KELLY@KROHRS.CPA 265 SUNRISE HWY STE 1-546 | ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570 WWW.KROHRS.CPA "TAX SLAYER & BUSINESS STRATEGIST"

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BANKING & FINANCE

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DONNA LASCALA RFC, CDFA®

ANA OLIVEIRA

SUCI PADRO

Registered Financial Consultant

Senior Vice President NY Market Executive

Branch Manager

AMERICAN PORTFOLIOS FINANCIAL SERVICES Donna E. LaScala, CDFA, RFC, CLTC, is the President of Comprehensive Divorce Solutions LLC. and has been in the financial services profession for over 25 years.

Holding professional designations of RFC (Registered Financial Consultant) with IARFC Ethics Approved Status, CDFA (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst) and CLTC (Certified in Long-Term Care), Donna is dedicated to providing a personalized approach to meet each client’s needs and individual goals.

Donna is a member of the New York State Council on Divorce Mediation, is trained as a Collaborative Financial Neutral, a member of Long Island Collaborative Divorce Professionals (LICDP), the IACP (International Association of Collaborative Professionals) and the ADFP (Association of Divorce Financial Planners). In this capacity she assists in the valuation of assets during separation and divorce proceedings, including retirement accounts, personal accounts and closely held small businesses. She assists clients in building a roadmap for their post-divorce financial future and helps mediators and attorneys develop and execute equitable distribution of assets with a personalized client-centered approach.

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INVESTORS BANK

INTERCONTINENTAL CAPITAL GROUP

Ana Oliveira is a Senior Vice President, NY Market Executive for Investors Bank, where she oversees 47 branches. Ana joined Investors Bank in 2010 when it acquired Millennium bcpbank where she was a Regional Manager. Before joining Millennium, she spent 10 years with Penn Federal Savings Bank, which was acquired by Garden State Community Bank in 2007. Ana began her career as a part-time teller, moving up the ranks to her last position served there as First Vice President and Regional Manager of Northern New Jersey.

Ana places a strong focus on serving the local communities in her market. Ana is currently the Board Chair of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Board of Trustees of Futures in Education, among other board roles.

Among her numerous honors, Ana received a “Pace e Bene” Award from St Francis College; recognized as one of the Top Women on Wall Street in May 2019; and “Neighbor of the Year” Award from the North Brooklyn Angels in March of 2019 Ana earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and Journalism from New Jersey City University.

Suci Padro, Branch Manager with the Own It Team at Intercontinental Capital Group, has been in the mortgage banking business for eight years. Her ability to make her clients feel at ease, as well as her ability to think outside the box has earned her a stellar reputation among her clientele.

She attributes her team’s success and growth to her strategic alliances with realtors, who appreciate her commitment to service. Suci enjoys being a resource to her team as well as well as her clients, and knows how important home ownership is for each family her team assists with the loan process.

Suci is also extremely passionate about helping her community; she sits on the board of directors with The Leukemia Lymphoma Society of Long Island.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Say yes, then figure out how to do it later!

Being in a traditionally male dominated industry, I am working

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

with their unique listening, multi-tasking and empathy skills are extraordinarily well suited to be personal financial advisors. I would like to see more young women entering the field. This is why I took on the role of Chairperson of the Women In Finance Committee for the FPA of LI and am the leader of the Show Me The Money Club for the Moxxie Network. Promoting and educating women in finance and about finance is a passion of mine.

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

One of my favorite places to visit on Long Island is Sagamore Hill. I am a lover of history, especially the American Revolution, Civil War and “Gilded Age” periods.

What is your greatest achievement yet?

While I am proud of the achievements I have made in my career and the honors and recognition I have received, my greatest achievements are my two daughters Alexandra and Samantha.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

There is enough room for us all to grow and be successful. Life is a

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry? hard to adjust the ratio of men to women advisors. Women,

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are today?

Passion, self confidence and integrity.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

You are going to doubt yourself at times and that’s okay as long as you don’t refuse to try it anyway. You will fail many times and that’s okay unless you refuse to get up and try again. Never look back because you can’t change the past but you can always control your future. Keep learning and working on yourself. Keep moving forward!

journey not a competition.

What is your favorite charity?

I am super-passionate about supporting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. If I am able to help these families going through such a hardship, how can I not do my part?

What is your secret talent?

My secret talent is being kind. Kindness is a superpower; each one of us has the ability make someone’s day.

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CIVIL SERVICE

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

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A WAAWR A DR S DGSA LG AA L A AWA R D S

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DONNA STEFANS, ESQ. AIF®

RETHA FERNANDEZ

AMY FLORES

Founder & Lead Attorney

Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Suffolk County,

Board Member

STEFANS LAW GROUP PC President of

SUMMIT TAX ADVISORS, INC. & WEALTH MANAGEMENT ADVISOR WEALTH ADVISORY ASSOCIATES Donna Stefans’ passion is helping to advocate and educate both attorneys and individuals in the everchanging world of elder law, estate planning, and planning for all aspects of a person’s financial life. Donna is well versed in elder law, estate planning, geriatric care management, special needs planning, retirement income planning, Medicaid optimization and income tax and asset management, giving her the ability to create and maintain holistic life-care plans for clients — from birth to legacy.

Donna is the President of Summit Tax Advisors Inc., a full service personal, business, trust accounting, income tax, and consulting practice. She has over 24 years of experience in retirement planning, asset protection planning and wealth management and is currently an Investment Advisor Representative with Cetera Advisor Networks LLC and is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®).

Additionally, Donna spends her free time working with people who have Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other special needs. She a member of the Board of the Long Island Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

She is the Chair of the New York State Bar Association, Elder Law section, and also member and active participant in numerous other professional organizations.

Q&A

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES PERSONNEL AND CIVIL SERVICE

NASSAU COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

Retha Fernandez is the inaugural Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Suffolk County. She assumed the newly created role to promote diversity and inclusion in the county workforce in coordination with the County Personnel Officer and the County Executive in 2020.

Her strategic and collaborative approach is aligned with county leadership and the vision that Suffolk County will become the employer of choice.

Retha also serves as a member of the Suffolk County Police Reform and Reinvention Task Force and was a member of the search committee for Suffolk County’s Police Commissioner.

Prior to her current role, Retha was Project Director of the State of Black Long Island (SOBLI) Equity Council, a project convened by the Urban League of Long Island to develop an equity agenda to improve the quality of life in Black communities. Retha worked in the private sector for more than 15 years in technology strategy development and execution and is also a certified meditation instructor.

Retha has had a passion for service and helping others live fuller lives since her teenage years, always understanding the importance of community and service.

She has received numerous citations and recognitions for her efforts.

Amy Flores is a dedicated professional with over 15 years experience in management, finance, equity and economic development. As Vice President, Community Manager, for JP Morgan Chase, Amy supports the firm’s $30 billion racial equity commitment to advance economic growth in minority and underserved communities. She focuses on fostering community engagement and providing economic opportunities to underserved communities by driving economic inclusion and bolstering financial health.

This important mission has been an integral part of Amy’s career both professionally and personally. Being a first generation college graduate, and a daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, Amy has utilized her humble upbringing and professional achievements to educate and empower others through perseverance, education and personal development.

Amy previously served as Executive Director for the Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs, appointed by former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. The recipient of numerous accolades, Amy is committed to positive change in the community. She serves on numerous boards, including the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency, and in early 2022 was a founding member of the Long Island Program of the 100 Hispanic Women National Organization, of which she is 1st Vice President.

Q&A What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

Q&A

I’d like to see the best practices for inclusion, equity and diversity

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

be fully integrated into every part of a business or organization.

I would like to see more women and more diversity. As years evolve,

I’d like to see DEI recognized and embraced as a strategic

women still lack leadership positions across many sectors. In

initiative, not as a project or effort contained within the human

addition, we need more diverse representation in order to bridge the

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

resources function. I’d like to see all chief diversity officers on the

gender and racial equity gaps that still exist. We must continue to

Marilyn C. Stefans, CFP, my mother and business partner, is a

senior leadership team reporting directly to the chief executive to

work together to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table.

pioneer and a true leader success story in our industry. When

ensure the efforts are understood as organization wide and as an

times are difficult, she always keeps moving forward, never gives

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you are

integral part of the organization’s business strategy.

today?

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

Integrity, perseverance and optimism. Growing up, my parents

The mentor is my grandmother and the lesson is “Just smile”. This

always taught me to think positive, dream big and never give up on

short, yet powerful sentence was taught to me by my indomitable

my aspirations regardless of the circumstances. To this day, I do my

grandmother, who recently passed away. She would say this to

best to live up to these standards while inspiring others in both my

me whenever I would complain about work, life, or anything. Her

personal and professional career.

up, and faces challenges head on with a written plan done with her mighty sword — the pencil and the calculator Her motto is, “ People don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan!” She is right.

intention was not to have me ignore challenges or bury my head in the sand, but to encourage me. She fully understood the power of a smile.

The African American Educational and Cultural Festival, Inc ( AAECF, INC) would like to

Retha Fernandez and Renee Flagler

Marylin Banks-Winter President & Co-Chair

www.aaecfinc.org • email: Aaecfinc@gmail.com

REBECCA O’CONNELL Region Manager

JP MORGAN CHASE Rebecca O’Connell leads the Metro New York, Long Island and Queens regions and Apparel Industry Group for JP Morgan Chase’s middle market banking and specialized industries. Rebecca has 25 years of financial experience leading global corporate finance and treasury functions, working capital advisory services and commercial banking teams.

She is responsible for leading a team of commercial bankers to serve midsized companies across the region, and nationally, for the Apparel Group. Areas of focus include providing companies with holistic solutions across credit and risk management, capital market solutions, domestic treasury and international banking, and providing access to JP Morgan Chase’s extended resources

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

Congratulate

You are shining stars that are leading the way for many women of all color and charging them to step forward, make a difference, and be recognized for all that they do.

We celebrate with you, Retha & Renee during this 2022 Women’s History Month.

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including investment banking, retirement plan administration and private wealth management.

Rebecca has been honored by the Hauppauge Industrial Association as a “Woman Leading the Way” on Long Island, and has been awarded Long Island’s “Power Woman of the Year” and “Premier Business Woman” by Schnepps Media and Richner Communications, respectively. She holds an MBA in international business from Long Island University, CW Post, where she studied abroad for three semesters, and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Computer Applications from SUNY Cortland. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Long Island Association, ListNet and Moxxie Mentoring Foundation.

Congratulations, Amy!

Amy Flores, Treasurer

Thank you for the outstanding work you do every day to improve the economy and quality of life we all enjoy across Long Island. NCIDA also congratulates all of the distinguished women being honored for their incredible contributions to the Long Island region.

For more information, visit NassauIDA.org, or call 516-571-1945

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

EDUCATION

AWA R DS

ENTREPRENUER

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A WAAWR A DR S DGSA LG AA L A AWA R D S

G A L A

ANN KAYMAN, ESQ.

KRISTEN CAPEZZA

KELLY ZHOU

Founder & CEO

Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Communications

Founder & CEO

NEW YORK GRANT COMPANY Ann Kayman is founder and CEO of the New York Grant Company, which specializes in navigating economic incentives for businesses and organizations throughout New York, the tri-state and nationally. Established in 2002, the award-winning team obtains grants, tax benefits, energy discounts, and other incentives to stimulate job growth, investment and economic development.

As head of Business Development and Senior Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (1998-2002), Ann worked to attract record numbers of new businesses from around the world. After 9/11, Ann helped with the recovery of 20,000 businesses in lower Manhattan. Her award-winning entrepreneurial work has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Crain’s New York Business, and trade publications.

Ann has been a lawyer in New York since 1985. She earned her B.A. magna cum laude from Barnard College and her J.D. cum laude from Case Western Reserve.

From 2008 through 2016, Ann served on the Board of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce, and was founding Chair of its Green Finance Subcommittee. Ann also serves on the Real Estate Board of New York’s Downtown Committee and has been a member of various economic development working groups.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Never give up. Never say never. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead

ADELPHI UNIVERSITY

Kristen Capezza is an exceptional leader in higher education who is transforming Adelphi — while enriching the lives of students here in Long Island and around the nation.

An Adelphi MBA alumna, Kristen was instrumental in turning around declining enrollment. Her solution, the Personalized Enrollment Strategy, won two national awards and led to enrollment of Adelphi’s largest, most diverse classes in its history.

Kristen has spearheaded national ommunications efforts, connecting Adelphi University with school counselors, principals and community college advisors nationwide. Her efforts have launched transfer and graduate partnerships with nearby schools, establishing streamlined paths for students to enroll. Her innovative approach has brought students from 44 states and 60 countries to Adelphi’s thriving community.

A graduate of Bryant University’s Honors Program, Treasurer of Nassau Counselors Association, and former president of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling, Kristen believes in the power of access and education.

Amid her 13+ years in higher education, nothing beats her title of “Mom.” Kristen is the proud parent of two loving children and enjoys setting an example of balancing motherhood with work.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always be armed with a series of conversation starters. Early in

YAAAS TEA YAAAS TEA started with CEO and Founder Kelly Zhou’s passion for entrepreneurship and technology; most importantly because she aims to bridge cultures and to deliver the most authentic and delicious Asian treats in the American market.

Kelly hopes that YAAAS TEA’s success will inspire younger women to always seek to achieve more in life through hard work and putting passion in what they do. She is energized by helping other motivated and passionate people to learn, improve their skills and achieve their dreams. She sees YAAAS TEA as a vehicle to empower others to achieve success. In order to do so, she focuses on growth for employees and partners.

Employees have the chance to become real YAAAS TEA owners with the YAAAS TEA Growth Plan. The Growth Plan outlines the ways to be successful and it includes bonuses, promotions, ways of investing and gaining profit, and many more professional development opportunities.

Kelly is the embodiment of a strong drive and work ethic, reflective in a brand built with passion, dedication, and integrity. A flavorful, efficient and reliable source for the sweetest moment.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Passion, passion, and passion. Ask yourself what will get you out of bed everyday and let your heart answer. Once you know, you focus on that; put all your efforts to be the best among all the people that choose the same route as you.

my career, I assumed conversations would naturally flow from

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

an introduction and a handshake (or an elbow-bump in today’s

The workforce in the food and restaurant industry is in need of

post-pandemic society!). However, now more than a decade later,

proper recognition for their hard work. This needs to change with

What is your secret talent?

I’ve learned that there is an art to small talk; an art that requires

better pay, a wide variety of opportunities, and there should be

I am a pretty good singer/dancer and a decent artist.

practice and preparation for effective networking. Prior to any

more respect given to the workforce, especially women.

gatherings where I’ll be exposed to new faces and personalities,

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

I brush up on my small talk starters.

My biggest influence has to be my grandmother. A strong woman

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

who taught me important lessons. She has had a major impact

A mentor once shared with me, “Hard things don’t get easier with

in my upbringing and one of the things I learned and carry from

procrastination.” As I learned early on in my career, putting off the

here to this day is that no matter what you do, do the best you

hardest tasks on my to-do list didn’t make them easier and didn’t

can. Live every day like your last day. I am forever grateful to her

make them disappear.

for teaching me self-respect, to follow my dreams that make me

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

Greater fairness and transparency.

proud, and to treat everyone with respect, kindness and respect.

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Adelphi University congratulates Kristen Capezza and all 2022 Premier Business Women of Long Island.

Kristen Capezza, MBA ’12, is an exceptional leader in higher education who has implemented innovative and communitybuilding strategies that have helped transform Adelphi University—while enriching the lives of students and partners here in Long Island and around the nation.

As vice president of enrollment management and University communications, she developed a Personalized Enrollment Strategy that has attracted entering classes of record size and diversity. Her guidance in crafting communications has boosted the University’s reputation nationally. An alumna of Adelphi’s MBA program and a mother of two young children, she exemplifies the way women can successfully balance business leadership and family.

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LAURA L. MAIER

MAGDALONIE PARIS-CAMPBELL

CHRISTINA ARMENTANO

Councilwoman

Area Manager Long Island External & Legislative Affairs

COO

TOWN OF OYSTER BAY Franchisee

DAIRY QUEEN & JERSEY MIKE’S SUBS Laura Maier is a successful businesswoman and elected official in the Town of Oyster Bay. As the owner of several Dairy Queen and Jersey Mike’s Subs franchises throughout Long Island, Laura has excelled in site development, construction management, hiring employees, marketing, and customer relations.

It is this business approach that Laura brings as an elected official in the Town of Oyster Bay. Elected to the position of Councilwoman in November 2019, Laura has instilled fiscal discipline in government while achieving landmark reforms. Significant amounts of debt have been paid off under her watch while not raising property taxes. Despite a national economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Town has produced multiple budget surpluses and earned several credit rating upgrades from Wall Street throughout the pandemic.

Laura believes giving back to local communities is an important role for any business and community leader. The recipient of numerous honors, Laura supports many local groups such as Chambers of Commerce, PTAs, athletics, scouting, veterans, and first responders. She has helped raise charitable funds to support Cohen Children’s Medical Center through the Children’s Miracle Network.

Q&A What is your favorite charity?

For the past nine years through a partnership with Dairy Queen, I have had the honor to support the Children’s Miracle Network, which works with our local children’s hospital; Cohen’s Children’s Hospital. It is through this charity that I have had the opportunity to raise money for local children and families in need, but some of my most memorable experiences have been delivering ice cream Blizzard treats to children in the hospital with fellow Children Miracle Network supporters like Miss America and Twitch. On a more personal note, I have seen first-hand how charities like the

AT&T SERVICES, INC.

PARACO GAS CORPORATION

Magdalonie Paris-Campbell is a results-oriented external affairs leader who has been driving community engagement initiatives and supporting strategic public policy for over 15 years. From corporate communications to media relations, Magdalonie has a demonstrated track record of building trust with stakeholders and influencing legislative outcomes.

Magalonie serves as the Area Manager of External Affairs for AT&T Services, Inc. In this position, she manages all external affairs activities on Long Island, including working with local governments and enhancing AT&T’s presence within the various Long Island communities.

Prior to this role, she was Long Island Regional Director for Senator Kristen Gillibrand, District Director for State Senator Todd Kaminsky and Chief of Staff for State Senator Ada L. Smith. Her significant impact on the community has spanned regional issues affecting the environment, economic development, immigration, foreign affairs, military, health care, agriculture, telecommunications, technology, and education.

She’s received numerous awards and honors and is active on the boards of multiple organizations.

Magdalonie holds a Master’s degree in Social Work Enterprise Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

As COO, Christina Armentano is responsible for Paraco’s business operations, including execution of the company’s fiscal 2022 goals and strategic initiatives. Prior to this appointment, Christina spent nearly a decade at Paraco in leadership positions, most recently responsible for leading the overall strategy and execution for Paraco’s sales, marketing, acquisitions and customer experience departments.

She joined Paraco in 2014 after a career with several leading executive search and board advisory service firms where she focused on talent acquisition strategy for a client base that ranged from publicly traded multinational corporations to PE-backed mid-market companies to VCbacked early-stage organizations.

Christina holds the 2018 LP Gas Rising Leader Award, and, was named the Business Council of Westchester New York Rising Star in 2016. Christina serves on several boards including National Propane Gas Association (NPGA), New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA) and Lakes Gas, a Minnesota-based propane company. She also serves on the board of the United Way and the Business Council of Westchester.

Christina received her Business Administration degree from James Madison University and an MBA from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.

Q&A

The best career advice I have ever received is to follow your passion. My grandfather once said if you love what you do, you’ll

My secret talent is my ability to deeply engage my network by

never work a day in your life.

genuinely and authentically connecting with them. My level of engagement has allowed me to connect with individuals authentically to create a healthy and long-lasting relationship with anyone on any level within all industries. My secret talent of

mistakes that we can grow personally and professionally.

What is your favorite charity?

One of our company’s core values is to give back to the

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade and cultivate a

Leukemia in 2019. That is why the Leukemia and Lymphoma

lemon. � The universe will always have your back as you persist

Society (LLS) holds a special place in my heart too. With my son

along your journey.

treatment end date is near.

Failure is inevitable. But to learn is to try. It is by learning from our

provided me with endless opportunities.

that assists families and children as my son was diagnosed with

While my son is still in treatment, he is progressing well and his

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

engagement has greatly impacted my professional career and

What advice would you give to your younger self?

2022 campaign, which raises money to support several initiatives.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

What is your secret talent?

Children’s Miracle Network support programs within the hospital

on my mind, I am currently running for the LLS Woman of the Year

Q&A

communities that we service. We believe in giving back monetarily and by providing time through volunteer efforts. A nonprofit that I am very passionate about is the United Way. This organization improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities worldwide. I have proudly sat on the board of united way since 2021.

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Business Women of Long island Being first matters.

Whatever the situation, FirstNet® is the wireless network you need to connect and communicate every day – especially when seconds count. But it’s so much more than that. With FirstNet, you get unique capabilities, like: • No throttling for FirstNet subscribers anywhere in the U.S. • Prioritized access – never competing with commercial traffic • FirstNet Band 14 spectrum – now live in 700+ markets* • Great rate plans and industry-leading devices with advanced features • Highly secure network with available end-to-end encryption Get the network that provides the support you need, so you can support your community.

To learn more about FirstNet, visit FirstNet.com

Evelisis S Valentin Regional FirstNet Solutions Consultant Mobile – 917.399.8167 | eMail – evelisis.valentin@att.com ©2022 AT&T Intellectual Property. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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118 Secatogue Ave, Farmingdale, NY

Paraco celebrates the dynamic and fearless businesswomen of Long Island. We applaud you for your dedication and the impact you’ve made in your fields!

Paraco Gas was named the Best Green Energy company on Long Island.

We're proud to power the moments that matter to you.

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Ashley Trager Chauvin Director of Corporate Communications

Ashley is an influential leader and communicator in the Long Island region.

Her voice and vision have been instrumental in ensuring PSEG Long Island customers are aware of the vital programs and services we offer.

Through her dedicated leadership, more Long Islanders are empowered with a better understanding of our energy efficiency programs, digital self-service channels, and community and economic development opportunities.

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CATHERINE CANADEO

DR. KERRY FIERSTEIN

Director Corporate Communications

President & CEO

CEO

PSEG LONG ISLAND

HEALTH AND WELLNESS CORP.,

Certified Holistic Health Coach/Integrative Nutritionist Executive Wellness Advisor

Ashley Trager Chauvin is a strategic communications executive who brings extensive experience leading integrated communications programs for Fortune 500 companies with a focus on energy, industrial and manufacturing sectors. She currently serves as Director of Corporate Communications for PSEG Long Island.

Ashley leads internal, external and digital communications for PSEG Long Island, serving 1.1 million customers on Long Island and the Rockaways. She is responsible for developing, managing and executing the company’s communications strategy across earned, owned, digital and internal platforms.

Ashley joined PSEG following 10 years at Edelman, where she was a Senior Vice President in the Business Marketing group. There, she deftly ran multi-million dollar client accounts on behalf of the agency, focusing on corporate communications, strategic planning, B2B marketing, executive positioning, and crisis issues. She began her career in local politics, where she supported public affairs and grassroots campaigns on Long Island and across New York State.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and English from Mount Holyoke College. She is fluent in French. She lives on Long Island with her husband, David, and her two sons.

Catherine Canadeo is a board-certified holistic health coach and integrative nutritionist certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, a member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and an allied health professional of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. She is also a Certified Workplace Wellness Ambassador.

Catherine has coached and consulted with private clients, groups and corporations; she teaches workshops and is a sought-after keynote speaker. She offers concierge executive wellness coaching for C-level managers and corporations. She is the official Health and Wellness Consultant for The Hemophilia B Coalition.

Catherine has developed a proven method of helping her clients make customized lifestyle changes that produce real and lasting results. She is part of an empowering integrative collaborative movement that approaches food, mind, and body from a place of compassion, curiosity, nourishment, and innate wisdom. As Catherine says, “it’s not what you’re eating, it’s what’s eating you.” She was recently featured in a special segment about her practice on News 12 Long Island, and writes a monthly column featured in Dan’s Papers, Long Island Home, and Long Island Press. She was honored as a Power Woman of Long Island in 2021.

Q&A

Q&A

What is your secret talent?

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

My secret talent is baking – cakes especially but also cookies,

The best career advice I’ve ever received was to open my own

cupcakes and bread. It’s something I very much enjoy and I do it

private practice, taking my years of healthcare experience and using

well. It provides a creative outlet and is one that yields a deeply

it to help people improve the quality of their lives; giving them the

satisfying outcome.

power to create what they desire.

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

What is your secret talent?

are today?

True health is measured from happiness in all areas of life. I have an

Drive, integrity, empathy.

innate ability to discover the root causes of someone’s health and

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to chill out, worry less. Focus on what

ALLIED PHYSICIANS GROUP A recognized leader in the pediatric community for 30 years, Dr. Kerry Frommer Fierstein is Chief Executive Officer of Allied Physicians Group, a partnership of pediatric practices with 33 offices across Long Island, New York City and the Hudson Valley. She was recently named CEO of Adjuvant Health, a national innovator and provider of best-in-breed pediatric practice administrative support services. Combined, these organizations employ over 150 medical practitioners and more than 500 employees who see thousands of patients each week.

Kerry is an advocate for physician-owned pediatric practices. Despite the financial and regulatory challenges, independence empowers doctors to provide care in the manner that they believe is best for patients.

During the pandemic, Allied Physicians Group saw telehealth service expand rapidly from 100 telehealth visits in January to over 8,000 in May. Kerry led her team during this expansion, while implementing health protocols allowing parents to safely bring children into practice locations for sick and well visits. She leveraged Allied’s strong corporate culture and systems to keep practice locations open, providing needed care to thousands of children, also offering multiple online webinars for parents.

Kerry sees patients weekly at her practice in Plainview.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

lifestyle issues, and the ability to guide them through their wellness journey.

you can control and accomplish each day, and don’t sweat the

What is your greatest achievement?

rest. Everything will be fine.

Besides my two beautiful daughters and wonderful marriage, my greatest achievements are watching as I help my clients transform their lives by giving them coping skills to alleviate their anxiety/depression, stress management, manage weight loss, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune issues, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues on a holistic, integrative level.

A leader doesn’t need to know everything.

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

I’d like to see more physicians in healthcare leadership.

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

Character is king.

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Enter The Doors of Hope

• SUPPORT • EDUCATION • OUTREACH • RESEARCH

Serving All Cancer Patients (all services are free)

In these very difficult trying times, please remember to be kind to one another and let us all pray for world peace.

86 East Rockaway Road, Hewlett, NY 11557 516.374.3190 • www.Hewlett-House.org

Isn’t It Time For Your Own Personal Executive Health Coach?

Y O U D E S E RV E I T. CATHERINE CANADEO, CEO

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN OF LONG ISLAND HONOREES! PROUD TO BE AMONG THE CLASS OF 2022.

Executive Health Coaching • Corporate Wellness Programs • Weight Loss • Stress Management • Autoimmune and Hormonal Imbalances It’s Not What You’re Eating, It’s What’s Eating You. SM Catherine Canadeo Health and Wellness Corp.

Affiliated with Westbury Integrated Collective

BOARD CERTIFIED HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH/ INTEGRATIVE NUTRITIONIST/PUBLIC SPEAKER 400 POST AVENUE, SUITE 100, WESTBURY, NY 11590 516.849.2564 CELL 516.280.8321 OFFICE CATHERINE@CATHERINECANADEO.COM • WWW.CATHERINECANADEO.COM

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HEWLETT HOUSE

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MICHELLE JARDINE, MD, FACE, ECNU

KRISTEN KAPOOR

Vice President for Patient Care Services & Chief Nursing Officer

Diabetes and Endocrinology

Vice President, Senior Counsel,

STONY BROOK MEDICINE

CATHOLIC HEALTH MERCY HOSPITAL

Barbara Gibbons has over 40 years of nursing experience with 30 years in leadership roles. Currently the Chief Nursing Officer for Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, Barbara was CNO for St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage from 2013 to 2021 and held the dual CNO role at Mercy and St. Joseph Hospital through the Covid crisis.

Her strong belief in mentoring and staff development has resulted in improvements to operations, quality outcomes, workforce talent and engagement. As a leader in high reliability, Barbara has led the hospitals through the largest health crisis in modern times and prompted cultural change and innovation.

Barbara is member of multiple professional nursing organizations and sits on the advisory board of several universities across Long Island. She has held faculty positions at Stony Brook University and Suffolk Community College. One of her proudest achievements was receiving the New York State Liberty Medal, New York’s highest civilian award, for her work and volunteerism in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Barbara received her Master’s in Nursing from Stony Brook University. She is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner and is certified in Strategic Management from Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health.

Michelle Jardine, MD, FACE, ECNU, specializes in diabetes and endocrinology and has been providing comprehensive patient care for 19 years in Babylon.

Michelle attended medical school at Albany Medical College and completed her residency at North Shore University Hospital/NYU School of Medicine. After her residency, she completed a combined fellowship in endocrinology between New York-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Cornell Medical Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Hospital for Special Surgery.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Choose a career path that you enjoy and will excel in that you can own. That will be your true accomplishment and can never be taken from you no matter what struggles in life come your way.

What is your secret talent?

I’ve been told my cake mixing abilities are my secret talent. My mom always made a special cake for me for my birthday each

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT HENRY SCHEIN Kristen Kapoor has more than 20 years of experience as a labor and employment attorney serving as both outside and in-house counsel. Kristen is currently Vice President, Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment for Henry Schein, Inc. with global responsibility for providing counsel to the Human Resources Department and business units in all aspects of employment law, including employee relations, acquisitions, policies, and immigration.

Prior to joining Henry Schein, Kristen was a Senior Associate in the Labor & Employment Group at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, a full-service national law firm. During her tenure at Fulbright, Kristen litigated numerous employment discrimination and wage and hour cases, predominantly for large supermarket chains and universities, also serving as a member of Fulbright’s Recruiting Committee.

She is currently an Advisor to Henry Schein’s Diversity & Inclusion Council in support of its mission to support diversity, equity, and inclusion within the company. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University and a Juris Doctor from the George Washington University Law School. She was a member of the International Law Review and a Legal Research and Writing Fellow.

and every year and I wanted to carry on the tradition with my

Q&A

daughter. It has brought great togetherness in sharing the task with the entire family and terrific memories to look back on. Not to mention the praises upon completion!

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

Q&A

What is your favorite charity?

are today?

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

The Ronald McDonald House. In 1988, I found myself a young mother

Hard working, patient and kind.

The North Fork, specifically Southold.

with a newborn baby needing extensive cardiac surgery. Ronald McDonald House provided a place where my family could be close to our new baby and not have to worry about financial burdens of hotels while staying out of town in Philadelphia. We stayed at the original Ronald McDonald House and through the years have watched this great charitable organization grow throughout the county.

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

Northport, a beautiful town that takes you back to simpler times.

Home of my favorite little person, my granddaughter Charlotte.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?

The Covid crisis. The Covid pandemic had moments of despair and heartbreak. It was definitely a time where keeping a positive attitude was difficult. I am so proud of the staff for their dedication to their patients, the hospital and each other in getting through this terrible crisis.

What is your greatest achievement yet?

That’s easy — my three wonderful children!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Learn to delegate and ask for help. You don’t need to do it all by yourself.

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Mercy Hospital congratulates

Barbara Gibbons Chief Nursing Officer

for being recognized at the Third Annual Premier Business Women Awards Gala

chsli.org/mercy-hospital

Henry Schein applauds

Kristen Kapoor

Vice President, Senior Counsel, Labor & Employment

for being named one of Long Island’s Premier Business Women.

Since 1932, Henry Schein’s success has been built on the commitment of Team Schein, a highly motivated and diverse group of professionals who are dedicated to meeting the needs of our customers. Thank you for your leadership and legal expertise to ensure that our more than 21,600 Team Schein Members continue to provide a strong foundation for the Company’s present success and future growth. We also recognize your commitment to advise the Henry Schein Diversity & Inclusion Council, which has furthered enhanced our efforts to promote an environment where diversity and inclusion thrives, and where we celebrate and honor each member of the team for their unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. www.henryschein.com Henry Schein, Inc. • 135 Duryea Road • Melville, NY 11747

Kristin Kapoor 10.25”w x 6.30 ad.indd 1

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SHARON DAVIS-EDWARDS

CEO

Vice President, Corporate Engagement & Community Health Services

CEO

THE SMILIST MANAGEMENT Patricia Mahony is Chief Executive Officer of The Smilist dental group. She has more than 20 years experience in the healthcare industry.

Patty started her professional career working with cancer and AIDs patients at an organization that provided at-home medications. While not a doctor, nurse or dentist, Patty found her passion in being able to support patients during their medical journey by supporting the clinicians who provide vital medical services.

Along the way, she transitioned from mentee to mentor. Patty finds nothing more satisfying than working with team members and helping them succeed. She feels truly blessed for the opportunity to have an impact in the lives of the people she works with and the patients that her teams serve.

Patty grew up in a family with an abundance of love and support. Her parents demonstrated the value of hard work; at times, each worked two jobs to support their family of six. Patty’s mother played an integral role in guiding her business success, even though she herself did not go to college until she was in her 40s. Today at 82 she is Patty’s biggest supporter and closest advisor.

Q&A What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

The importance of relationships and compassion in business.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?

I am a perfectionist, so it is challenging to me when facing failure or a not so perfect outcome. I am hard on myself. What I have learned is that failure is just practice for success.

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you are today?

Tenacity, never giving up. My trust in people and the belief that they want to do the right thing and contribute. My compassion and empathy.

PARKER JEWISH INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE & REHABILITATION

S.J. EDWARDS, INC.

Lina Scacco is the Vice President of Corporate Engagement and Community Health Services at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation in New Hyde Park. She is responsible for the Public Affairs Department, which includes advocacy as well as the overall marketing and communications and informational events that are integral to the growth of Parker and its mission. In addition, Lina has operational responsibility for many departments and service divisions.

Lina is focused on being a resource to the community and is superb at articulating the scope of services that Parker provides. She works with patients, residents and families on managing their experience in the facility, as well as with community health programs. She is also an active contributor to Business Development, identifying and communicating potential health care initiatives that enable Parker to better serve the area’s ever-changing health care needs.

Before joining Parker, Lina was director of sales and community relations for Sunrise Assisted Living residences in East Meadow and Glen Cove. Prior to her Sunrise experience, she was a business consultant while raising her young children. She volunteers in many community activities and is involved with numerous professional organizations.

Sharon Davis has over 30 years of experience in insurance, employee benefits and financial services. She began her career with John Hancock Life Insurance Co. and E.G. Bowman Insurance Co. Since 1988, Sharon has held sales, recruiting and management positions with Aetna (now VOYA Financial Partners). She has successfully overseen the negotiation, development and implementation on 401(k), 403(b) plans and voluntary benefits for more than 100 organizations.

As Regional Manager for Aetna’s Annuity Division, Sharon secured the NYSUT endorsement of the ALIAC 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuity Plan. She monitored the enrollment process for the 20,000-member union, coordinating group meetings, recruiting and training field representatives.

Sharon started S.J. Edwards, Inc. an insurance and employee benefits counseling firm, in 2005. Her success with individuals and employer-sponsored plans can be attributed to her ability to work closely with employers to meet their specific needs.

A recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout her distinguished career, Sharon serves as Vice President of the Nassau Community College Foundation Business Leaders Council, and is Vice President Emeritus of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, among her affiliations.

Q&A

Q&A

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

What life lesson did you learn from your mentor?

The best career advice I have ever received, is also the best life advice

An important lesson I learned from my mentor is that whenever

I received, and that is to believe in what you do and what you say, and

a deal is done, it must benefit all parties involved and everyone

to trust your instincts.

should “win”. He also told me that when you help others you help

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

yourself.

The one thing I would like to see change in the Long Term Care space

What are three qualities that helped you get to where you are

is to see an increase the number of young professionals who choose

today?

a career in Long Term Care. I think it would bring new and fresh ideas

Tenacity: I had to find inner strength when things were tough,

from a different perspective — especially as the need for Long Term

uncertain or scary. I also had to step out of my comfort zone and

Care continues to grow, as well as the technology and advancements

push past my fears. Positive Mental Attitude: Staying positive

continue to change and expand as well. They will be the leaders of

is essential to my success. I eliminate negative thoughts and

tomorrow who take us to the next level in expanding services and

embrace positive ones. I practice meditation on a daily basis to

technology to enhance the quality of those services.

stay in a positive space and not sweat the small stuff. Discipline: Upholding discipline and good habits helps me stay on course, despite obstacles, distractions and difficulties.

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MICHAEL N. ROSENBLUT

VICE CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT AND CEO

PROUDLY SUPPORTS

PROUDLY RichnerLiveSUPPORTS and Herald RichnerLIVE and Herald Community Newspapers Community Newspapers AS THEY CELEBRATE The Third Annual Premier AS THEY CELEBRATE Business Woman Awards The Third Annualour Premier Congratulates own Business Awards LinaWoman Scacco

and all of the Honorees Congratulates our own

Lina Scacco SHORTREHABILITATION TERM REHABILITATION• •LONG LONG TERM CARE • HOME HEALTHHEALTH CARE SHORT TERM TERM CARE • HOME CARE

andCARE allCAREof the Honorees • PALLIATIVE • INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT DIALYSISDIALYSIS HOSPICEHOSPICE • PALLIATIVE • INPATIENT AND OUTPATIENT

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March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

JERRY LANDSBERG

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March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

YOUR FAMILY’S PROTECTION IS OUR PRIORITY

Life Insurance • Accident Insurance • Income Protection Health Insurance • Employee Benefits • Retirement Plans Legal Shield • Financial Literacy Workshops CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN OF LONG ISLAND AWARD WINNERS! PROUD TO BE AMONG THE CLASS OF 2022 2022.

516.208.9988 • Sharon.davis@sjedwards.com WWW.SJEDWARDS.COM

Congratulations The Smilist Dental celebrates

PATRICIA MAHONY, CEO as being recognized as a Premier Business Woman of Long Island. You are a passionate advocate for providers, employees and patients.

Thank you for your leadership.

www.thesmilist.com

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DANIELE D. DE VOE

WENDY B. SAMUELSON, ESQ.

LORI FRUCHT

Partner

Managing Partner

Director of Marketing

SAHN WARD BRAFF KOBLENZ PLLC

SAMUELSON HAUSE & SAMUELSON, LLP

PEO SPECTRUM

Danny De Voe is a Partner with Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC. Danny concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, employment law, and creditor’s rights in bankruptcy, handling cases from pre-litigation mitigation strategies through appeal. She advises national and international employers on employment law, including navigating Covid-19 pandemic legislation to maintain a safe work environment while also complying with all local, state and federal regulations.

She was a Partner at Weinstein, Kaplan & Cohen, P.C. for more than 16 years, managing the Commercial Litigation and Employment Law practices.

Among her many accolades, Danny was honored as Super Lawyer’s Rising Star from 2013-2017; named in the New York Times Magazine, 2014 edition, as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Metro New York; and is a 2022 Featured Lawyer of Distinction in Civil Litigation, published in The New York Times’ Feb. 3, 2022 edition; and The American Lawyer Magazine, March 2022.

Danny earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, cum laude, from Northern Arizona University and was honored by her alma mater in 2011 for her outstanding accomplishments in her legal practice. She earned her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.

Wendy Samuelson is the managing partner of the boutique Matrimonial and Family Law firm, Samuelson Hause & Samuelson, LLP (www.SamuelsonHause.net), based in Garden City. Since graduating from Cornell Law School in 1993, Wendy has counseled high net worth clients to make exceptional business decisions — and not emotional ones — on how best to resolve their divorce or child custody matter in the most strategic manner possible.

Wendy is the Associate Editor for the New York Bar Association’s prestigious quarterly publication, The Family Law Review, and has authored the column “Recent Legislation, Decisions and Trends in Matrimonial Law” for this publication since 2002. She contributes articles to various Continuing Legal Education programs and is a frequent lecturer at various large law and accounting firms.

She was selected as one of the New York Times’ Super Lawyers New York Metro Area’s Top Attorneys in Matrimonial Law; one of the 10 Best Female Attorneys in New York by The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys; and is included in the matrimonial law section of The Best Lawyers in America. Her firm is rated as a Tier 1 Family Law Firm by U.S. News and World Report.

Lori Frucht is the Director of Marketing at PEO Spectrum, an innovative company that provides a free service to help small businesses explore, shop and negotiate an HR outsourcing solution known as a PEO. She brings extensive experience in both digital and traditional marketing to this role and enjoys planning and getting involved in every aspect of their marketing program.

Lori leads overall marketing strategy, digital marketing efforts, content creation and a continuing education webinar program, and supports the sales team drive lead generation and revenue. She previously worked at DKG Media as Marketing Automation Director, where she helped lead the company to their highest sales month and quarter in its history.

Lori is involved in many organizations, including Big Brother, Big Sister; the Long Island Chapter of the MS Society; Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She is a past Vice President and board member of the Plainview-Old Bethpage PTA, receiving their Founder’s Day Award. She was also awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Mid-Island Y JCC. Lori holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Cornell University, and is active in their alumni network.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Being raised a poor and female in rural Arizona, when I told my high school guidance counselor that I wanted to be an attorney, she suggested that, perhaps, I consider a more attainable career, like becoming legal secretary, and enrolled me in our

Q&A What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

Law is 99% preparation and 1% perspiration.

What is your secret talent?

Riding a tandem mountain bike down the mountains of California and Colorado.

school’s secretarial program. I am actually grateful that she did

What is your favorite charity?

as I learned out to type and format documents in that program,

The Foundation Fighting Blindness (FFB).

skills that I continue to utilize today. My job placement in that program, working for the Human Resources Department for our small city, also exposed me to an amazing group of ladies who unequivocally believed in me and my goals, all of whom I am still in touch with today. When I left my placement to attend college, those women bought me my first Black’s Law Dictionary and put a picture of them together in the inside cover. That law dictionary still sits on my bookshelf at my firm all these years later, reminding me about the importance of my journey to where I am today and those who believed in me along the way.

Q&A What is your secret talent?

Flute. I was an accomplished flute player and played all through college. I performed with orchestras, chamber groups and as a soloist. I considered being a music major, but decided to continue playing as a hobby.

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Always write thank you’s; networking is essential; and leave every job on good terms.

What are three qualities that helped you get to where you are today?

Self-discipline, creativity and drive.

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

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PROUDLY CONGRATULATES Danielé on The

Premier

being

Business

D.

De

Voe

recognized

Women

of

Long

as

one

Island

in

of the

Legal

Category

DANIELÉ D. DE VOE Suffolk County Office 1300 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 100 Hauppauge, New York 11788 Telephone: 631.203.4900

The Omni 333 Earle Ovington Boulevard, Suite 601 Uniondale New York 11553 Telephone: 516.228.1300 Telecopier: 516.228.0038

Garden City Office 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 210, Garden City, New York 11530 Telephone: 516.877.2525 Telecopier: 516.877.7760

WWW.SAHNWARD.COM

excellence | service | vision | leadership

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Lori Frucht Director of Marketing

As well as all of tonight's honorees.

Award Winning Services at your fingertips.

PEO Spectrum has been recognized as a business leader in the field and a top place to work.

Headquarters 18 Bellemeade Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787 (877)736-4249 • peospectrum.com *Serving Customers Nationwide*

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

PEO Spectrum would like to congratulate our own

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TRACY IMHOF

LAURA JOSEPH

RENEE FLAGLER

VP of Marketing

Director Sales Performance & Development

Executive Director

FOR FIVE COFFEE Tracy Imhof’s achievements belie her 23 years. The Queens native, who now resides in Manhattan, has navigated the ins and out of her industry, and was recently promoted to Vice President of Marketing & Operations at For Five Coffee Roasters.

Tracy, who has been with For Five for seven years, has been a integral part of the company’s exponential growth.

Since she started working there, on the retail/coffee side, she completed her degree in Advertising & Marketing Communications at the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating in 2020. Born and bred in Astoria, she enjoys traveling, exploring New York City’s many dining options and attending as many professional tennis tournaments as possible. Her friends describe her as motivated and kind.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

CROWN CASTLE

GIRLS INC. OF LONG ISLAND

Laura Joseph is Director Sales Performance and Development at Crown Castle. Born and raised on Long Island, she grew up with two working parents at a time when most families still had a parent at home. It allowed both Laura and her sister to become self-driven at an early age, which provided the strong foundation to stand and deliver in activities she engages in.

Laura has been fortunate to work for some amazing companies, which have given her the opportunity to grow and make a difference. Working with other fabulous women, she has been chairperson for the Moxxie Foundation’s Ms Moxxie mentoring program, which guides young women as they leave college life and make a name for themselves in the business world. Laura keeps “threatening” to retire, but with all that she does professionally and the joy she receives from mentoring, retirement continues to remain in the future.

She married at a younger age, to her husband Bill, who she met in high school, and commuted to SUNY Stony Brook together. They have three children, all who are married and are blessing then with fabulous grandchildren, currently four granddaughters and growing.

Renee Daniel Flagler is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, whose mission is to empower girls to be strong, smart and bold. She lives by the mantra, ‘service is our human duty,’ and spends much of her time serving her community.

Renee is a mentor with the Adelphi University Mentorship Program and has started a self-named scholarship program for students pursuing degrees in writing and social justice. She has received numerous awards for her service and being an outstanding professional and writer. Renee has also been recognized as one of Long Island Business News’ Top 50 Women in Business. A 2017 fellow of the national Nonprofit Executive Leadership Academy, Renee received a Certificate in Organizational and Community Leadership from the Center for Nonprofit Leadership with Adelphi University’s School of Social Work.

Renee serves on the Board of Directors for AFPLI and Life’s Worc. She was founding board chair for LEAP (Literacy Empowerment Action Project) Global, with a mission to provide innovative literacy, youth empowerment programming, and high school scholarships to students in Ghana. An award-winning writer and speaker, Renee is passionate about encouraging people to pursue their passion and purpose.

“There is always opportunity in the midst of chaos.”

What is your secret talent?

I take really awesome photographs on disposable cameras. My mom used to take disposable and Polaroid pictures of me as a kid, so I have always grown up around them. I started taking some really great shots of my friends and family, and then created an Instagram account just for that! Now I am the go-to-gal amongst people I know to get some great shots of different occasions.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

You are empowered to make decisions based on your experience and best instincts. Always work from a position of integrity. The

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome in

only barometer should be “If your actions and decisions appeared

business?

on the front page of the New York Times, would your mother have

Sometimes I think my age in correlation to my career title scares

a smile or frown on her face”?

some people, especially also being a woman. Age is just a number; it’s how you carry yourself and handle situations that matter. If you believe in yourself, others will believe in you, too.

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

As the telecommunications infrastructure is framing the future of how we will live and communicate, ensuring our public understands how the retirement of what may be comfortable and convenient today must change to drive these innovations for smart cities, self-driving vehicles, drone deliveries and many other futuristic advancements and welcoming those changes as a matter of change.

What is your greatest achievement yet?

Raising my family while working full time is my greatest achievement. Each of my grown children have achieved success in their own way, yet continue to rely on me for guidance and coaching as they embark on new experiences.

Q&A What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

I’d love to see the funding process and expectations change. Many nonprofits struggle to cover overhead because most of the funds to go programming. This is important, but there are lots of administrative costs that are required for nonprofits to deliver life-changing programs. It restrains nonprofits to really do all they need to do in order to make sure programming can move forward seamlessly. It requires lots of juggling.

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

Wow! I’ve learned so much from my mentors. I’m a lifetime learner and still learn new things every day. One lesson that sticks with me to this day is, to never apologize for whom God made me.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in business?

Navigating the difficulties of a pandemic. It was difficult to have to make so many vital decisions without really knowing the outcome and without having any historical context as to the potential success and impact of the decision. Being responsible for a team of people during such difficult times required leadership skills I had never imagined necessary.

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and to all of tonight's honorees

I am proud and humbled to be named a Premier Business Woman of Long Island.

IÊCongratulateÊmyÊfellowÊHonorees!

The EAC Network helps people when they need it most!

Thank you to the Herald Community Newspaper for hosting such a wonderful night.

59-01 55th Steet Queens, NY 11378 347-531-0813 info@forfivecoffee.com @forfivecoffee.com

Locations throughout NYC, Long Island, Queens, Virginia, Washington DC, Los Angeles, California, Chicago, and Boston.

Neela Mukherjee Lockel, President & CEO 516-539-0150 https://eac-network.org/

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

Congratulations to our own TRACY IMHOF

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ALEXANDRA NIGOLIAN Executive Director

NASSAU COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT FOUNDATION Alexandra Nigolian has been the Executive Director of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) Foundation since April 2011. She joined the NCPD Foundation after three years serving as Executive Director of the First Responders Children’s Foundation, where she worked to provide financial support to the children of those killed in the line of duty.

Prior to her nonprofit work, Alexandra served as Deputy Director of Press Advance for the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee and Campaign Manager for New York State Senate. Further, she was an Associate at Robinson Lerer & Montgomery, a strategic corporate communications firm in Manhattan.

Alexandra holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and Non-profit Management from New York University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Government from Manhattan College where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa. She currently serves as Chairwoman of the Police Foundations Section for the International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference where she lectures nationally on starting and operating a nonprofit, including best practices for police foundations. She was awarded one of the 25 Most Powerful Woman in Long Island by Long Island Business News in 2021.

Q&A

NEELA MUKHERJEE LOCKEL, MSW, MPA

MARIA BABAEV Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN

President & CEO

EAC NETWORK Neela Mukherjee Lockel, MSW, MPA, is President/CEO of the EAC Network in Garden City. EAC Network is a not-for-profit social service agency that empowers, assists, and cares for over 43,220 people in need through 100 programs across Long Island and New York City and parts of Rockland County. Its mission is to respond to human needs with programs and services that protect children, promote healthy families and communities, help seniors, and empower individuals to take control of their lives.

Neela oversees a budget of nearly $30 million dollars, 400 plus employees and 103 social service programs protecting children, feeding seniors, putting people back to work and keeping communities safe. Prior to her appointment spring of 2021, Neela served as the Chief Executive Officer of the American Red Cross on Long Island, appointed in 2016, where she oversaw Red Cross activities across Nassau and Suffolk Counties and sat on the Regional Leadership Team of Greater New York.

Neela has been recognized numerous times for her achievements. She received an MPA in Public and Non-Profit Management from the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, an MSW from Fordham University, and a BA from Bates College.

Q&A What is your secret talent?

Super-selfies — I’ll get us all in the picture! #inclusive

Maria Babaev is an elite broker representing luxury properties on the North Shore. She brings a refreshing perspective to the business of residential real estate. Her impressive network of clients she has cultivated, both locally and abroad, has enabled her to represent unique Gold Coast estates and bring buyers and sellers of luxury properties together.

Maria’s outstanding professional record includes Wall Street employment as a Client Account Manager at Citigroup/Emerging Markets Division, successfully managing the portfolio of 130 banks in Central and Eastern Europe. She remains committed to building relationships based on trust and integrity, delivering exceptional results.

A highly sought-after authority on residential real estate, Maria is adept at strategizing the most complex negotiations while maintaining a strong work ethic and compassionate nature. Speaking fluent Russian, Maria has served as liaison to numerous Russian brokers and developed a respected pipeline of foreign investors and luxury buyers. Well-known throughout the New York metro Russian community, Maria is involved in numerous business and cultural councils, including the Russian Nobility Association, American-Russian Children’s Welfare Society, and Gift of Life Foundation.

She holds an MBA in International Business/Finance and Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management.

Q&A

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

What is your favorite charity?

Never put off something you can accomplish today.

EAC Network. Serving tens of thousands of individuals every

What is your greatest achievement yet?

year, with the support, advocacy and resources to make real

Building the NCPD Center for Training & Intelligence, which was

and meaningful changes in their lives. I love that EAC is a wide

opened in 2021.

reaching social service agency that truly serves individuals

What is your secret talent?

across the lifespan while addressing relevant and critical issues

Patience.

affecting our communities today. EAC Network is a vast network

What is your greatest achievement yet?

of programs that span children and youth, seniors and nutrition,

My children.

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you are today?

My motto is to always be early, stay late and smile.

families and communities, criminal justice and behavioral health, and vocational services.

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you are today?

A positive attitude. Welcoming constructive feedback.

Collaborative style of working with people.

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

There is no secret to success; it’s a lot of hard work and hanging in there.

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Douglas Elliman is proud to congratulate Maria Babaev on her nomination for a Premiere Business Women Award.

“Congratulations Maria Babaev! Maria has proven year after year to be one of the premier luxury brokers in the industry.”

- Anthony Piscopio, Senior Executive Manager of Sales

Locally Known, Globally Connected Whether Buying or Selling • Superior Service • Total Discretion • Guaranteed Results

Maria Babaev

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker O 516.629.2239 | M 516.287.7716 maria.babaev@elliman.com elliman.com

Pinnacle Award Recipient, 2014-2020

*

See videos of fabulous real estate at: www.luxurylongisland.com/videos

110 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, HUNTINGTON STATION, NY 11746. 631.549.7401. © 2022 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. *AT DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE; PINNACLE AWARD REPRESENTED THE TOP 2% OF AGENTS COMPANY-WIDE IN 2020.

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

CONGRATULATIONS MARIA BABAEV

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KELLEY COUGHLAN HECK

MOLLY DEEGAN

TESSA HULTZ, RCE, CAE

Executive Vice President - Development

Founding Partner / Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

CEO

TRITEC REAL ESTATE CO, INC Kelley Heck joined TRITEC Real Estate Company in 2014 and currently serves as an Executive Vice President of Development. TRITEC’s focus over the past 15 years has primarily revolved around mixed-use and multifamily development in downtown and transit-oriented locations across Long Island.

Kelley is largely focused on the pre-development and development phases of such projects, including site selection, acquisition, entitlements, financing, design, leasing, business development and community engagement; underscoring the commitment the company has in earning the support of the communities that TRITEC serves. Her passion for sustainability, environmental protection and smart growth is vital to the long-term success of the communities that TRITEC works in.

Kelley holds a Master of International Business degree from The Fletcher School at Tufts University, as well as a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in Economics and Mandarin Chinese from Middlebury College. She is a member of Long Island Association’s Young Professionals Committee and serves on the boards of the Real Estate Institute at Stony Brook University, LIBI’s Long Island Home Builders Care, New York League of Conservation Voters’ Long Island Chapter and Newsday’s Next LI Advisory Board.

BRANCH REAL ESTATE GROUP

Born and bred in Sea Cliff, Molly Deegan and her husband — fellow Branch Real Estate Group partner, John — are veteran real estate investors, with homes on both the North Shore and the North Fork of Long Island. Professionally, Molly combines a passion for real estate and business with over 20 years of experience in marketing and sales, including her most recent position as Executive Vice President Marketing and Wine Club Director for Bedell Cellars.

Prior to that, she was Executive Events Marketing Director for AOL Time Warner. She has held significant management executive positions in marketing, public relations, and client relations. In those roles she has produced major multi-media events for the Hearst Corporation, O (Oprah Magazine, Town & Country, Cosmopolitan), Conde Nast’s House & Garden, Robert Mondavi Winery and Saatchi & Saatchi.

Molly resides in Sea Cliff with her husband, their daughter, Frances, and son, James.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

When I worked at Time Warner, I was running a meeting for a regional sales executive and about 100 of his team members. He opened up the meeting by saying, “Let me give you all a great piece of advice. As businesspeople, we tend to construct a plan for each day and what we’d like to accomplish. Then we open

LONG ISLAND BOARD OF REALTORS Tessa Hultz is the Chief Executive Officer of LIBOR, a leading regional Realtor® trade association serving real estate professionals throughout Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. LIBOR has 30,000 members and is home to one of the largest, most diverse memberships in the nation. Since joining the association in early 2019, Tessa’s focus has been on transforming the over 100-year-old organization to adequately represent and meet the needs of members today and members of the future.

Tessa has served as a real estate industry executive for nearly 15 years. Her commitment to keeping Realtors® central to the transaction and association advocacy efforts is unwavering.

She has earned notable achievements and honors, including the RCE designation, the CAE designation, and the CIPS designation. Tessa has been honored by her peers, named an inaugural recipient of the NAR AE-YPN Leaders of Tomorrow Award, and with her induction into the Bud Smith Leadership Society. Additionally, she has been recognized for her strong support of the Realtors® PAC with her induction into the NAR-RPAC Hall of Fame.

When away from the office, she is likely in the company of husband Preston and son John Preston.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Volunteering within my industry is a great way to give back and

our email and we REACT! We start to answer all sorts of things

meet colleagues from across the country.

that actually could wait. Do not let your email inbox control your

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

day. Instead, set out what you have to do or what you want to

My mentor taught me to pay it forward. All of the advice,

accomplish then prioritize your inbox and its tasks. I promise you

institutional knowledge and practical skills she shared with me to

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

will be a lot more productive in your business life.” I have applied

help me be successful, she learned from her mentor. I daily pay

My husband and I spend as much time as we can on the beautiful

this advice to my career on a daily basis and it really works!

forward the investment she made in me.

“Be water.” Be adaptable, open-minded and willing to fill in the gaps wherever needed. [This quote, from Bruce Lee, was shared on my first day at TRITEC.]

Great South Bay from April through December every year!

What is your greatest achievement yet?

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Starting my own real estate brokerage has been my most

are today?

Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable — ask questions and lean on your

challenging and equally rewarding experience/achievement to

Perseverance, authenticity and truly loving what I do.

mentors.

date. As many people know, starting a new business is no easy task. It requires ambition, along with a certain level of business acumen, creativity and flexibility — not to mention courage! I am very proud of what I, along with my business partners and team members, have built. Branch Real Estate Group is a company whose mission goes far beyond the sale of property.

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LUCIANE SERIFOVIC

EVELISIS S. VALENTIN

ANNA POOLT, CPA

CEO & Founder

Principal Regional Consultant - NYC

Audit Manager

LUXIAN INTERNATIONAL REALTY Luciane Serifovic, CEO and founder of Luxian International Realty, is a luxury real estate powerhouse, investor and thought leader.

Luxian is the first luxury virtual real estate brokerage utilizing blockchain technology and accepting cryptocurrency. She brings a “have it all” philosophy to her clients and agents, which means securing their dream homes or investments, enjoying their friends and families, and having healthy, sustainable lifestyles.

That’s why Luciane founded Luxian — to address the need for remarkable and luxurious real estate experiences for high net worth sports and entertainment clients.

Nineteen years ago, Luciane walked into a Manhattan real estate office and convinced the manager to give “a young woman from Brazil who spoke little English and knew little about New York City,” a chance. Since then she has managed the multi-millions of dollars of high-end real estate, secured properties and investments for clients in nearly all regions of the world, coached hundreds of agents, built the most successful real estate offices in the nation and done many speaking and media engagements.

Luciane also is a champion fitness model and authored the book “Handle It: Get it Together and Finally Have it All.”

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Decide your ultimate career goal, then build your brand to become the respected authority in that field.

FIRSTNET PROGRAM, PUBLIC SAFETY SOLUTIONS AT&T SERVICES, INC. Evelisis S. Valentin is an accomplished Regional Sales Executive at AT&T. She works on the FirstNet team providing exclusive service to first responders and their agencies throughout Long Island. Evelisis has been with AT&T for over 20 years in several departments. In her early years as a customer service manager, she developed one of the most successful teams, winning multiple awards every year. She was part of an AT&T mentoring program for high schoolers living in underprivileged communities.

To date, some of the students are full time employees in various areas of the company.

Later, Evelisis found success as an Executive Business Service Manager, then as a Sales Executive for FirstNet managing multiple counties in the state. Evelisis’ achievements, knowledge and experience led her to her current role and her belief that FirstNet will change and assist in saving the lives of first responders throughout Long Island and the rest of the nation.

Evelisis is a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children, Noel and Syanne. She is also a partner in her husband’s (Richard) Medicare company. Evelisis loves the outdoors, spending time with family and helping others.

She is constantly looking for a challenge.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

Be yourself! Don’t be afraid to connect with people on a personal

Further relevant education and accountability within the real

level. Listen more, and let people know what you can do for them

estate industry to require stronger ethics between brokers as well

— not what you cannot do. People like to be acknowledged and

as positive collaboration.

feel valued.

What is your secret talent?

What is your secret talent?

I think big and hustle hard. Vision and hunger drive me. Where

Motivating people without them knowing.

others see obstacles, I see opportunities.

GRASSI ADVISORS & ACCOUNTANTS Anna Poolt, an Audit Manager at Grassi, brings six years of accounting experience to the firm. Anna works with clients primarily in the manufacturing and distribution, pharmaceuticals and not-for-profit industries. Her expertise lies in financial reports, and attest work including preparing financials, audits, reviews and compilations.

At age 28, Anna is already an emerging leader in Grassi’s Manufacturing & Distribution (M&D) practice, one of the firm’s largest industry groups. She works closely with manufacturers and distributors to oversee their audit engagements and ensure industry best practices are utilized. Anna identifies opportunities for her clients to run their businesses more profitably through enhanced operational efficiencies and risk management strategies.

Anna is committed to training and mentoring younger female professionals. She is actively involved in the Grassi Women’s Council, which plans programming to advance the empowerment and professional development of women at the firm and in the accounting industry.

A licensed CPA, Anna continues to pursue her education through CPE courses, expanding her network at business development events, and participating in industry-specific training seminars. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware.

Q&A What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

I would love to see more women in management and leadership roles. It is so important for younger women in the beginning stages of their career to have role models in upper management positions, exemplifying that it is possible to have a successful career and happy personal life, via healthy work-life balance at every level.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

Focus on yourself and do not compare where you are on your path

are today?

to where your peers are. Focus on what you can control and what

My passion to help people. My positive outlook on life, smile and

makes you happy. Success should be defined by how passionate

energy. My drive to achieve and seek out new challenges.

you are about what you are doing and where you are headed.

What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

The beach! Proximity to the ocean is one of the best parts of living on Long Island. Relaxing with a good book or friends in the sun is the perfect way to spend a summer day.

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NADGEENA JEROME

NICOLE CRAVEIRO

STEPHANIE KORNBLUM KNIGHT

MISS LONG ISLAND

Founder/Owner HR Consultant

CraveHRO

Director of Operations

C&L PLUMBING SUPPLY INC.

Nadgeena Jerome is incredibly honored to have been awarded the title of Miss Long Island 2022. The 26-yearold Baldwin native is an alumna of George Mason University ‘s Class of 2017, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication. A first generation Haitian American, her ultimate goal is to follow the path of Ellen DeGeneres and Oprah Winfrey, with her own daytime talk series. She currently works as a talent manager for a boutique modeling agency and has been a digital content producer at News 12 since 2019.

Growing up in a family affected by mental illness, Nadgeena was once ashamed of her background, but now turns her pain into purpose. She volunteers as a crisis text line counselor and is a National Alliance on Mental Illness Advocacy Ambassador.

During her reign as Miss Long Island, Nadgeena plans to promote her initiative #ReverseTheStigma, which aims to turn negative experiences into positive actions by promoting mental health awareness. As Miss Long Island, Nadgeena will continue to mentor youth and hopes to implement open forums of communication among today’s young women to discuss what they are feeling.

Nicole Craveiro, MHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP, is an accomplished human resources manager and consultant.

She founded CraveHRO in 2021, serving as an HR partner, acting as a sounding board and offering expert guidance on employment best practices and developing and executing HR strategy.

Nicole specializes in creating a stronger workplace culture, ensuring employees feel recognized and valued.

Her creative insight supports the mission of the businesses she works with, through coaching on performance management, employee relations, compliance, policy, and professional development, among other aspects of the employee experience.

Nicole started her career in administrative support a decade ago. In 2016, she discovered her passion for Human Resources at a start-up accounting firm. She then pursued her master’s degree in HR Management at Stony Brook University, graduating in 2019. Presently HR Manager at Raith America she works alongside the leadership team recruiting and motivating top scientific talent, as the main HR point person for team members throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as the global team in Asia and Europe.

Nicole is an active member of the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation and Network, whoggga, HIA-LI Human Resources Committee, and SHRM’s Long Island Chapter.

As the Director of Operations, Stephanie is the third generation leader of family-owned C&L Plumbing Supply Inc. in Lynbrook. Established in 1980, C&L Plumbing Supply is a luxury kitchen and bath showroom as well as a commercial plumbing and heating supply house. The company’s emphasis has always been about providing the best products and service for its customers, whether it’s a residential job or commercial project. Additionally, C&L has always made the Long Island community its priority with full support of a variety of local programs. Since joining her family business in 2015, Stephanie has strived to modernize and diversify the business, and plumbing industry to meet their customer needs on Long Island.

Stephanie has a marketing degree from Parsons School of Design, and worked for Lucky magazine at Condé Nast in public relations and event production. She lives in Rockville Centre with her husband Henry, and their 18-month son, Archie.

2022

Q&A What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you are today?

As a first-generation Haitian American, I like to say I represent the resilience, determination and achiever-like attitude of a group of people who have undergone numerous struggles but remained resilient. In 1804, Haiti fought for and received their independence from the French, becoming the world’s first Black republic. I carry those key qualities of my ancestors throughout every avenue in life, and will be sure to do so as I represent Long Island.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self “tomorrow will be better than today.”

As someone who struggled with their mental health throughout almost their entire life, some days I often thought that this was how life would be, and pushed through my emotions without feeling them. This ultimately led me to hit a personal rock bottom.

Q&A What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t answer your work phone/email after X time. I once had a boss who would email or call at 10 p.m. and my manager told

Q&A

me never to respond or else it would be known that I was always

What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?

I would love to see the next generation involved in the kitchen and

Whenever I would question choices made along the way of my

bath/plumbing and heating industry, especially women.

career journey, a friend of mine, Gerard Redmond, who I met back in the early days when I was a bartender, always told me, “You haven’t made the wrong move yet.” Gerard passed away in 2020, but I often recall his words of support.

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

Experts in my field need to be able to position themselves as a leader working alongside business owners and their management teams. HR should be more widely considered as a strategic partnership rather than an administrative function.

I believe it takes strength to feel your emotions and accept them.

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

That way by taking that first step, tomorrow will be better than

are today?

today.

Ambition, determination and persistence. Never give up on your dreams.

available at any hour. Maintaining a solid work/life balance is crucial.

What is one change you’d like to see in your industry?

What is your greatest achievement yet?

My greatest achievement has been becoming a mom to Archie.

Balancing running a mid-sized business with becoming a new mom has taught me invaluable lessons that I apply at work every day.

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YLE REAL ESTATE • DESIG N • LIFEST SPRING 2022

G A L A

IS IN THE AIR!

LEANNE PINARD BAUM

JESSICA FUENTES

Owner, Executive Director

Miss Long Island Teen

MISS LONG ISLAND PAGEANTS Leanne Pinard Baum is the Owner and Director of J&L Dream Productions Inc., the official producer of the Miss Long Island and Miss Long Island Teen Pageants. As a lover of pageantry, and former Miss Long Island Teen 2010, Leanne has dedicated her life to empowering young women by giving them the tools they need to succeed, just like the Miss Long Island Pageant system gave to her as a contestant and titleholder.

Leanne is a plus-size model who had the privilege of being in designer Mac Duggal’s 2018 catalog, national commercials and walked in NYFW multiple times. Leanne works full time at Seton Hall University and owns Pure Earth Pets, the first eco-friendly subscription box for dogs.

In addition, Leanne published her first children’s book last year “A Dog Named Dover Saves The Planet.”

Leanne holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a post-graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Seton Hall University. She is also currently pursuing her Master’s and EdS in Professional Counseling to continue to help others. Leanne and her husband John have a rescue dog named Dover, and welcomed their first daughter, Giannina, last year.

Q&A

2022

Jessica is a senior attending Plainedge High School, where she is the president of the Math Honor Society, a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the Student Council. She takes pride in maintaining her 4.0 GPA while participating in these prestigious clubs and also playing on the varsity volleyball team.

Alongside her achievements in the classroom, Jessica works two part-time jobs as a cashier and a social media manager. She plans on studying marketing in college and hopes to develop a successful business career.

Jessica loves giving back to her community. Recently, she has been participating in Project Linus where she makes blankets for children in need. She also enjoys voluntarily tutoring students of all ages in her school district. And as a mental health advocate, one of her biggest efforts is to provide and organize mental health resources in her high school.

In January 2022 Jessica lived out one of her biggest dreams: being crowned Miss Long Island Teen. She hopes to use her title to strengthen the mental health awareness in her community.

Historic Houses Reimagined

Unforgettable Real Estate Deals

Rooms We Love, 5 Fab Home Shows And More!

InsideLIHome.com

WELCOME TO YOUR

HOME

for Real Estate, Design and Lifestyle Long Island Home Magazine

insidelihome.com

Q&A What is your favorite place to visit on Long Island?

What life lesson did you learn from a mentor?

My favorite place to visit is Tobay Bay Beach. This is the local

The lesson that I was taught was to not rush through life, it is not

beach in my town that I have always loved to visit ever since I was

a race. So often we are consumed with the next step of our lives

a little girl. The beach has always been a safe space for me where

and career, it is okay to slow down, take a step back and live in the

I can relax and embrace nature.

moment.

Creating Gorgeous : Gardens

Plus

What are the three qualities that helped you get to where you

LONG ISLAND!

What is your greatest achievement yet?

are today?

My greatest achievement is being able to mentor young women

Three qualities that have helped me are courage, confidence,

to recognize their highest potential. It is so important to me that

and charisma. Courage has allowed me to never back down from

L o n g

women are empowered with the tools they need to succeed. Being

a challenge. My confidence allows me to believe in myself and

a new mom to my daughter, I am glad she is surrounded with so

my abilities. My charisma helped when making connections with

many role models that I have met through the Miss Long Island

other people in my industry.

HOME

Pageants.

What advice would you give to your younger self ?

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell my younger self to be patient. I spent the majority

The advice I would give to my younger self is to never stop

of my life looking into the future and rushing the present. As my

advocating for others and yourself. The world needs strong

teenage years progressed, I learned that what is meant to happen

women who never give up and fight for others; continue to be that

will occur as long as you give it time. I wish my younger self would

woman and your dreams and goals will come to life.

have lived in the present more and trusted the future ahead of her.

I s L a n d

Real estate • design & décor

LovIng LIfe on Long IsLand

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INSIDELIHOME.COM and Wherever You Listen to Your Favorite Podcasts

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The Herald Premier Business Women of Long Island, including our Founder and CEO

Ann Kayman, Esq. Congratulations to all of the honorees 29 Broadway, Suite 2222, New York, NY 10006 212-227-8283 www.Nygrants.com Ann@nygrants.com

Congratulations to

Stephanie Kornblum Knight Our family, and company, are so proud of Stephanie and her accomplishments, and her contribution to the industry.

Congratulations on being selected as a 2022 Premier Business Women of Long Island winner!

The Kornblum Family The Staff at C&L Plumbing Supply Inc. candplumbingsupply.com | 516-599-6655

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

We are proud to Support

March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

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NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

MAY 18, 2022

6:00-9:00PM

JOIN US AT THE HERITAGE CLUB AT BETHPAGE TO CELEBRATE The Premiere HERALD 2022 Excellence in Healthcare Awards will recognize and honor deserving individuals, institutions, facilities and healthcare groups whose dedication and commitment have made a difference in the health and well-being of others.

Nominate at www.richnerlive.com/nominate

are needed to see this picture.

Produced By

RICHNER

For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Amy Amato at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224

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March 24, 2022 – PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN – Herald Community Newspapers

Congratulations to

Kelley Coughlan-Heck

Executive Vice President, Partner at TRITEC and all of this year’s honorees on their inclusion in the Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards Gala www.tritecre.com

We would like to Congratulate all of the Premier Business Women especially our own

Ana Oliveira

SVP, Retail Market Executive New York Market