Nassau County's Women Of Distinction_2023_09_22

CELEBRATING WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

Northwell Health is proud to celebrate Maxine Carrington, who has been recognized as one of Blank Slate Media’s Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2023.

Congratulations to Maxine and all of this year’s honorees.

MAXINE CARRINGTON, JD Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer Northwell Health

Margaret M. Crotty Chair, Board of Trustees

Michael J. Dowling President & CEO

FROM THE PUBLISHER

protest.

What women still couldn’t do at least in some states was wear pants, smoke in public, open a bank account without their husband, serve on a jury, practice law, attend an Ivy League University, attend a military academy and even run in the Boston Marathon.

Though the rights of women are still subject to debate and not all glass ceilings have been cracked, women have come a long way since the day Gloria was born on Sept. 5, 1923.

The women being honored by Blank Slate Media in this special section and at our Women of Distinction awards ceremony and networking event offer examples of what this country was missing before many of these impediments were removed.

They include entrepreneurs, educators, partners in law firms, executives at banks, large corporations and colleges, leaders of not-for-profits serving the public and even a resident scholar.

Our honorees have all worked their way up the ladder, and are now leading their own teams and inspiring others.

All are contributing to making Nassau County a better place to live and work.

On Sept. 3, my mother-in-law, Gloria Mishkin, celebrated her 100th birthday with friends and family. Which naturally got many of us thinking about the world in 1923.

Thanks to the internet we learned that the president of the United States at the time was Calvin Coolidge, who had taken office the month before after Warren Harding died of a heart attack.

The old Yankee Stadium had just opened and Charlie Chaplin were Rudolph Valentino were the top stars. A new car cost $290, and a new house $6,890.

And just three years before the 19th Amendment was ratified giving women the right to vote. After decades of agitation and

Each of our 42 Women of Distinction shares similar stories of success that demonstrate the ever-widening possibilities open to women and the benefits it offers to all of us.

We hope the accomplishments of all those presented here will inspire both men and women to greater heights and increase their appreciation for those who have come before them.

Congratulations to all. We know you will continue to have success.

Steven Blank Publisher, Blank Slate Media

BlankSlate

MEDIA,LLC

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

Steven Blank

OFFICE MANAGER

Holly Blank

REPORTERS

Brandon Duffy

Karina Kovac

Cameryn Oakes

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Sue Tabakin

ART DIRECTOR

Yvonne Farley

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Rosemarie Palacios

DESIGNER

Lorens Morris

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Debbie Flynn

Barbara Kaplan

Wendy Kates

Marie Musacchio

Stacy Shaughnessy

Melissa Spitalnick

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Renee Daniel Flagler

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GIRLS INC. OF LONG ISLAND

Renee Daniel Flagler is an award-winning writer and the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, whose mission is to empower girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Over twenty-five years ago, Renee started her career in marketing. After developing a passion for writing and serving youth, she transitioned into the nonprofit sector, to work in youth development.

Renee lives by the mantra, ‘service is our human duty,’ and spends much of her time serving her community and advocating for equity for women and girls. She started a self-named scholarship program for students pursuing writing and social justice degrees. She has received numerous awards for being an outstanding business leader, writer, and community servant. Renee was rec-

ognized as one of Long Island Business News’s Top 50 Women in Business. She also received a Professional Business Women Award from The Long Island Herald.

Renee serves on the national board of Girls Inc. and was the founding board Chair for LEAP (Literacy Empowerment Action Project)

Global, an organization with a mission to provide innovative literacy, youth empowerment programming, and high school scholarships to students in Ghana, Africa.

As a woman, particularly a black woman in business, Renee has pressed on to overcome challenges. She’s been passed over for promotions handed to younger, less qualified males. Renee has been rudely dismissed by leaders who didn’t expect me to be the person in charge. Her ideas were sometimes stolen, while other colleagues took credit for her accomplishments. Renee’s

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impressive background and experiences have been questioned, yet she’s always worked harder to prove herself and gain the respect of her peers.

Though these challenges were difficult to navigate, they have made Renee strong in her conviction to ensure that her voice is heard and to make space for other women and girls to be heard and fight for their right to occupy their authentic spaces.

Renee greatly respects women in leadership, knowing that their achievements come with a fight and for a price. They have earned their way through blood, sweat, tears, and a little skin off their backs. The journey of an accomplished woman often feels like a Pyrrhic Victory, yet we persevere.

Renee is a former fellow of the National Nonprofit Executive Leadership Academy and received

Antoinette Biordi

ANCHOR AND REPORTER NEWS 12 LONG ISLAND

Antoinette Biordi is a 4x Emmy-Awardwinning reporter and anchor for News 12 Long Island.

She has been a TV Reporter since 1997. Antoinette began her career as a “one manband reporter” producing, shooting, writing and editing daily stories for News Center 7 in Ithaca, NY.

Then in 1998, she moved on to work as reporter/anchor for WETM (NBC) in Elmira,N.Y. In 1999 Antoinette worked at WNYT (NBC) in Albany, N.Y., and FOX 23 News in Albany.

After 5 years in upstate New York, she jumped at the chance to be closer to home and began working as a freelance news reporter at News 12 Long Island before working full time at News 12 Westchester in 2003.

In 2007 she earned her first New York Emmy Award in the category of Sports Coverage for a series called “More than Just a Game”. It was an inspiring story about physically challenged children who despite their limitations were able to beat the odds and excel in the Special Olympics.

She also received two Emmy Nominations, one in the category of

“Writing Composite” and the other for a piece about adults who were physically challenged but overcame their deepest fear of the water in order to steer and control a sailboat on the Hudson River.

During her time at News 12 Westchester, she also worked on a series called “Wasted Youth” where she went undercover with police as they busted an underage drinking party.

As the story progressed, undercover surveillance video discovered that several convenience stores were selling beer to underage kids. A year later she did a series called “Westchester Teens: Life in the Fast Lane” where she exposed parents who were hosting underage drinking parties for their own kids and their friends.

The drinking epidemic continued the next year in a series called “When Mommy Drives Drunk” as she found dozens of mothers were driving drunk with their ownkids in the car. Those series combined with her daily stories won her several distinguished awards including Edward R. Murrow Awards, Deadline Club Awards, New York Press Club,AP awards, AEGIS award, Gold Aurora Awards, New York Festivals, Telly Award and a Videographer Award.

In 2010 Antoinette transitioned

to News 12 Long Island where she is now a weekday Reporter and weekend anchor.

During Superstorm Sandy in 2012 she not only reported on the devastation of many South Shore communities that had been ravaged by the storm surge, but she also had the difficult task of telling countless heart wrenching stories of survival and how many communities started to rebuild.

Since then Antoinette has reported on everything from court cases, crime, community issues, societal concerns, health and wellness, to heart warming profile stories about the resiliency and tenacity of Long Islanders. In 2017, Antoinette won her 2nd NY Emmy after she did a twopart series about “Wiccan” a growing religion in New York that featured practicing witchcraft on Long Island. In 2020 during the pandemic, Antoinette continued to go out into the field and report on coronavirus cases, and how Covid changed all of our lives. Two months into the pandemic, she started a series called “We’re Open” that highlighted businesses on Long Island that were forced to pivot to our new normal.

Seeing the need to put a spotlight on these businesses earned her

a Certificate in Organizational and Community Leadership from the Center for Nonprofit Leadership with Adelphi University’s School of Social Work.

Renee is now a published author of over twenty books and has an MFA

in Creative Writing from the College of New Rochelle. She also has a Master of Arts in Media Arts from New School University and a Bachelor of Science in Communications from St. John’s University.

another NY Emmy Award. Antoinette has been a positive force in business by also representing News 12 at countless community events that have enhanced our connections with LongIslanders.

In 2022, Antoinette earned her 4th Emmy in the category of Business and Consumer News for a series called “Road Trip Close to Home” that features fun and entertaining places to go and things to do in the tri-state area. Antoinette was born in

Brooklyn, moved to Corona Queens and then moved to Nassau County, Long Island.

She continues to live in Nassau with her husband, son, and her dog Pepper. In her spare time she teaches Spin and Bootcamp classes, is a certified health and wellness coach, loves to read, travel, workout, cook, make her homemade wine, take pictures and play several musical instruments including the accordion.

to Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2023! Congratulations Congratulations

We're especially proud to recognize Jenna Messer, our Vice President of Performance Marketing, as an official honoree for this year's Networking & Rewards event.

We salute all the extraordinary nominees and celebrate their achievements along with the positive impact they make in their fields and beyond.

Lara Bass

VICE PRESIDENT, CLIENT SERVICES EGC GROUP

As the VP of Client Services at The EGC Group, a full-service marketing agency, my job is to manage our client relationships and ensure our clients are happy and we are delivering results.

My team’s job is to understand our client’s business challenges and find marketing solutions to help address those challenges and meet their goals.

The account team is the liaison between our client and the many different departments at the agency from strategy to creative to media, development and social media. We all work together to deliver integrated marketing plans for our clients.

I started my career in Manhattan, having worked at large (Young & Rubicam) and smaller agencies (Renegade Marketing Group) for the first 18 years of my career.

At that time, I had two young daughters and was finding the commute challenging. I had the misperception that I needed to work in Manhattan to have a solid, challenging and successful marketing career.

I was then lucky enough to find

The EGC Group in Melville, which is 100% on par with the leading city agencies.

I have been with EGC since 2015 and have never looked back. We work with an amazing roster of clients across industries including retail, beauty, education and craft beverage.

Our clients range from global to local, which provides a great variety of business and marketing challenges to solve.

My number one goal is to delight our clients and make them look good. Like many other businesses, advertising is a relationship business which is a great fit for me as I am a people person.

For me, it all starts with connecting with my clients personally, and truly understanding their business.

Once you establish a good working relationship and open the lines of communication, things fall into place from there. Helping clients succeed, and delivering results is what excites me, and keeps me motivated every day. I am lucky enough to do so daily with an amazing team at EGC.

As a people person, it is equally important to me that our agency team feels challenged, fulfilled, ap-

preciated and happy in their positions.

Company culture and employee satisfaction are key focuses of mine. In my role, I work directly with my team of account managers, as well as the other department heads, with the goal of creating a great agency culture and working environment.

I am fortunate to work in a female-centric industry, with strong women in key leadership roles. As such, I do not feel I have faced challenges being a woman in this field. I have worked with wonderful, talented colleagues throughout my career, and have never felt my gender has held me back.

I approach any situation with a people-first mentality, building relationships and supporting clients, regardless of gender. I am lucky enough to work in a field where I truly don’t feel my gender has had any negative impact on my success.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my amazing husband and two daughters who keep me grounded, constantly entertained and smiling.

Gayle R. Berg, Ph.D.

FOUNDER PSYCHOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Gayle R. Berg, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who has been in private practice in Roslyn for the past 35+ years.

Although she received her doctorate in counseling psychology from New York University in 1983 her passion for mental health advocacy was ignited earlier during her undergraduate years.

At that time, she witnessed firsthand the negative impact that institutionalization and the lack of treatment can have on the lives of individuals suffering with mental health challenges.

The de-institutionalization movement was just getting underway moving large numbers of individuals out of “institutions” and back into their communities. It was a hopeful time based upon what was considered then a novel idea: that people with “mental illness” could recover and lead relatively normal lives if given access to needed services and programs.

In 1973, Berg obtained a teaching assistantship under William B Anthony, Ph.D., founder of the Center of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at Boston University’s Sargent College.

He was considered by many to

be the “father of the recovery movement.” In addition to researching the processes for systemic and personal transformation, Sargent offered a newly created master’s program specializing in “psychiatric rehabilitation’, which Berg completed in 1974.

Anthony’s pioneering efforts were creating a major paradigm shift in treatment and service delivery at a time when it was badly needed. These early experiences played a critical role in shaping the trajectory of Bergs’s career.

After graduating from BU, Berg returned to NYC to pursue her Ph.D. at NYU while working full-time at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Funding for mental health and rehabilitation had been cut from the federal budget and consequently, many hospitals were experiencing a “revolving door” of untreated patients in need of care.

The promise of treatment was thwarted by the lack of funding to properly implement this new social policy. Realizing the importance of political advocacy and determined to stay focused on quality mental health care, Berg applied the principles she learned at BU to help the hospital design and implement an innovative recovery-based psychiatric day treatment program, one of the first of its kind.

The program demonstrated that

recovery is possible and continues to do so even today. She also became a mental health advocate for greater access to services and quality of care. After completing her Ph.D., she founded Psychological Solutions, a private psychology practice in Roslyn. She became certified in clinical hypnotherapy in 1993 and obtained diplomate status in 2000 from the National Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists.

Berg’s commitment to the recovery movement and to improving access to quality mental health care nationwide includes decades of state and national legislative advocacy. She served as Chair of the New York State PAC for psychology (PLANY) for 14 years and has advocated tirelessly for the passage of mental health parity laws on both the state and national levels.

In addition, she has held several governance positions within the New York State Psychological Association (NYSPA) and is currently their 2023 president-elect; is a past president of the Nassau County Psychological Association and a past resident of the L.I. Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

She currently serves on the board of directors at the Sid Jacobson JCC, Boston University advisory board, BU Sargent College’s Deans Advisory

Board and their Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Foundation for Excellence in Mental Health, UJA Fed NY Board of Directors and is a member of UJA L.I.’s Executive Committee.

Berg received the New York State Psychological Association, Allen V Williams, Jr. Memorial Award in

2008 and NYSPA’s Dedicated Service Award in 1999.

In 2009 she was the recipient of the American Psychological Association’s Karl F. Heiser Presidential Award for Advocacy. In August 2017 she received UJA Federation’s L.I. Robert S Boaz Award.

Dr. Linda F. Burghardt

SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL AND TOLERANCE CENTER OF NASSAU COUNTY

Dr. Linda F. Burghardt is a journalist and author from Great Neck, and has served as the Scholar-in-Residence at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center for the past ten years.

She worked as a reporter for The New York Times for twenty years and is the author of three non-fiction books: “Jewish Holiday Traditions,” “The Bar and Bat Mitzvah Book,” and “The Happy Empty Nest,” published by Kensington Books, New York, N.Y.

Her articles and essays have appeared in numerous newspapers across the U.S. and overseas, including USA Today, The Times of Israel, The Jerusalem Post, The Christian Science Monitor, The Forward, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Daily News, The San Francisco Chronicle and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, among other major publications.

She has lectured to both national and international audiences on a broad range of topics, such as the new antisemitism and the BDS

Movement, Jewish humor and the Holocaust, Moses Mendelssohn and the Jewish Enlightenment, and the history of the Yiddish language.

In addition, she is a regular guest professor at Columbia University in the field of research methodology, and has been a visiting lecturer at Long Island University. Her research in the field of epigenetics and inherited trauma among the children of Holocaust survivors was a featured presentation at a recent United Nations conference on children and war.

She has also presented papers at numerous academic conferences, as well as offering regular presentations at the Holocaust Center and other regional venues, and she leads a monthly online book group focusing on Holocaust-related contemporary fiction.

Dr. Burghardt holds a Ph.D. from Long Island University and is the daughter of Holocaust survivors from Vienna. Through her work at the Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center, she coordinates a varied community of scholars, lay historians, docents, and Holocaust survivors and their descendants who share her twin goals

of preserving Holocaust memory and creating new knowledge through research.

Dr. Burghardt knows she is fortunate that her professional passions and personal priorities match in her work at the Holocaust Center, and while many people consider this a rare gift, she believes this opportunity can be found in many types of non-profit work. In all the industries where Dr. Burghardt has worked and succeeded – journalism, corporate management, academia – the challenges she faced came twinned with the possibility of overcoming them in non-profit far more frequently than in other worlds of work.

This is because in the best of circumstances non-profits’ overarching goals transcend the drive to create wealth and offer the possibility of equality, with women being seen primarily or at best even exclusively for what they can contribute.

But do deeply ingrained and institutionalized sexist policies still exist, and sometimes even dominate the office culture, as in the past?

As a young student, for example, when Dr. Burghardt applied to col-

lege, she found that nearly all the Ivy League schools were closed to women, setting up the first blockade in what often became a cascading series of obstacles to success.

No progress in overcoming challenges for women has been cheered more fully than when her twin daughters were able to earn their bachelor’s degrees at Yale and Princeton.

When applying for her first job, Dr. Burghardt was stunned to find The New York Times, the most respected source of job listings at the

time, separated listings of opportunities by male and female: management trainee spots for men, secretarial offers for women.

But these restrictions, of course, and a great deal more, have been thrown in the garbage heap where they belong, as we have evolved into an ever-more-fair society. Yet significant challenges remain, of course, and our efforts to gain equality for women in the workplace are still critically needed. Let’s join hands to make this dream come true.

– Kay

Maxine Carrington, JD

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER NORTHWELL HEALTH

Maxine Carrington currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Northwell Health, New York State’s largest healthcare provider and private employer.

In her role, she leads the people strategy for the 85,000+ team member organization with a focus on maximizing organizational effectiveness and performance — in support of its mission and strategic direction.

New Hyde Park-based Northwell is the largest health system in New York, with 21 hospitals and about 900 outpatient facilities.

She has been with Northwell since 2008 and has served in progressively responsible leadership roles. Prior to Northwell, Maxine was a manager and attorney with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations.

Like her Northwell teammates, Maxine is committed to service beyond her core responsibilities. In addition to mentoring, she is an instructor with the Center for Learning & Innovation, Northwell’s corporate university and serves as a co-sponsor

of the organization’s business employee resource groups.

She is also a trustee of the 1199 Pension Fund serving employees for the New York Region, serves on the board of the National Center for Healthcare Leadership — a not-forprofit organization dedicated to advancing healthcare leadership and organizational excellence, and on the New York Urban League’s Project Ready Mentor Program Advisory Board.

Maxine holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and African studies and a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from the University at Albany in New York.

She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from New York Law School.She is a graduate of Northwell’s High Potential Leadership Development Program, a prestigious succession preparation and leadership development program and the Health Management Academy’s GE Fellows Program.

Her recognitions include the Human Resource Executive Magazine’s Rising Star in HR award, Crain’s Notables in Healthcare list, and Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women in Healthcare.

Su Chen

CO-OWNER TEAMLOGIC IT

Su Chen has more than 25 years as an entrepreneur, experience that has afforded her with a well-rounded mindset and skill set.

Su has a keen eye for design and vast knowledge of networking, organizational development, decision-making, follow through and advanced problem- solving skills.

She is also known as a master networker and a valuable connector in the region and is highly sought out for her ability to make a positive contribution amongst her colleagues, associates, peers, friends and family.

Su started her career in the field of construction as a Local 3 Electrician then transitioned into interior

design and real estate.

She’s come full circle and back to her roots, currently being the coowner of TeamLogic IT which is a national information technology company in a male-dominated industry Su has first-hand knowledge.

Su is destined to make her mark in this world.

Su’s a business strategist and her credentials include licensed cosmetologist, accredited staging professional, notary public, interior design specialist with S.A.C. Interiors. She is also a Licensed Real Estate Broker with S.A.C. Properties.

Her experience runs the gamut from purchasing, leasing, and selling residential and commercial to demo and design.

TeamLogic IT is located in Valley

Maxine and her family reside in Stamford, Conn.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

I am fortunate to serve in an organization that generally employs a high percentage of women, and I would say that this represents the healthcare industry.

Our president and CEO, Michael Dowling, has been incredibly intentional — for decades now — about identifying and advancing women into leadership roles.

Additionally, we have recognized that we must intensify our efforts to diversify our leadership to serve our business objectives best, including leaders from historically underrepresented groups, veterans, people with disabilities, and more.

Among other attributes, being a woman, black, a mom, an immigrant and an industry leader, at this stage in life and career, I am clear on my obligation to share my lived experience and perspectives with others to raise awareness of the value of diversity and inclusion.

I am also committed to mentoring and sponsoring people who have not historically had access. This, of

course, comes with some challenges, including capacity, like the ability to “be there for many” in the context of competing personal and professional priorities.

As a solution, I enlist the help of willing others like me and allies who can support talented team members and leaders requesting mentorship and support.

Stream was named MSP of the year and is a national provider of technology solutions that businesses rely on daily.

Su is a member of several prominent organizations and gives her time, talents and resources to improve the community.

She’s a member of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Long Island Association, Long Island Elite and serves as Interim Board Chair of the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Long Island, president of the National Council of Board Chairs, National Urban League Board of Trustees, and The African American Educational and Cultural Festival.

LEADERSHIP IS THE CAPACITY TO TRANSLATE VISION INTO REALITY. —WARREN BENNIS

Congratulations to all of the 2023 Women of Distinction award recipients!

Your accomplishments are not only noteworthy but serve as an INSPIRATION to women and girls in all walks of life! The things you have achieved in a variety of endeavors have had a significant impact in making this world a better place for so many people!

It is an honor and a privilege for me to share this special moment with all of you!

GAYLE R. BERG, PH.D FOUNDER PSYCHOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS

Elizabeth Custodio

VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL CRA OFFICER M&T BANK

Alongtime resident of Stony Brook, Elizabeth Custodio was born and raised in the Bronx.

After attending CUNY at Herbert H. Lehman College, she embarked on a banking career with, then, Manufacturers Hanover Trust Co., and has not looked back since.

During those formative years, she was first introduced to the vital importance of true customer service. Today, Elizabeth is still driven by that defining principle, with skills now honed by over forty years of dedicated banking experience — most recently at M&T Bank, as vice president and regional CRA officer.

Her responsibilities include economic development and community engagement while ensuring the bank continues to comply with all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act.

Elizabeth held similar CRA roles at People’s United Bank, Suffolk County National Bank, and Astoria Bank — all of which came on the heels of an extensive and fruitful tenure at HSBC. Clearly, customer

and community continue to form her banking DNA.

Elizabeth possesses a unique sensitivity to, and profound awareness of, the needs and concerns of economically underserved and socially challenged communities — but also the transformative power that comes from access to opportunity.

She excels in exploring, creating, and developing synergies between business, industry, academia, government and key community-based organizations throughout the region — a skillset leveraged like never before during the pandemic, where she helped companies and organizations support their communities and secure life-changing financial guidance and assistance.

She is repeatedly recognized and lauded as a skilled and cogent leader, the essential connective tissue between bank and community, whose value is repeatedly proven by the milestones she continues to reach — all while raising three exceptional children, Eliud II, Christie, and Mark, all professionals today, along with her husband, Eliud Custodio.

Fluent in Spanish and raised in the inner city, Elizabeth is informed, imbued, and inspired by a broad and

inclusive perspective of ‘community,’ with an innate sensitivity to diversity, equity, and inclusion, multiculturalism, and evolving socio-economic dynamics — materia prima for building an extensive, indispensable, and influential network.

Elizabeth holds seats on the boards of multiple organizations, including the LI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the Community Development Corp. of Long Island Advisory, Vision Long Island, as well as serving on the SUNY at Old Westbury Foundation Board of Trustees and holding numerous additional leadership roles and affiliations.

Her work and tireless advocacy continue to garner awards and welldeserved honors from the public and her peers, including The New York Jets NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award, LIBN Top 50 Women in Business, and both the Schnepps Power Women and Latin Impact Awards, just to name a few.

Elizabeth Custodio has seen firsthand how the strategic alliances she has helped forge continue to stimulate and sustain economic development as a form of personal empowerment and professional ad-

Jacqueline Franchetti

FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KYRA’S CHAMPIONS KYRA FRANCHETTI FOUNDATION

Jacqueline Franchetti’s work as the Founder and Executive Director of Kyra’s Champions began on July 27, 2016, the day her 2-year-old daughter, Kyra, was shot to death by her abusive father, and left inside a burning house.

Days earlier, Kyra was court-ordered to have unsupervised overnight visits with her dangerous father by Nassau County Judge Danielle Peterson.

This horrific tragedy birthed Jacqueline’s charitable and advocacy work to enact legislative and policy changes prioritizing child safety in custody cases.

Jacqueline’s efforts prompted the passage of legislation in multiple states and federally that protect children from abusive parents. She collaborated with New York State legislators to draft a package of bills, including “Kyra’s Law,” that are common sense solutions aimed at protecting children.

Most notably, Kyra’s Law would expand judicial training on family violence and child abuse, and help ensure a child’s safety is prioritized when judges make custody decisions.

Jacqueline was one of 20 people selected to serve on a statewide com-

mission by the governor exploring the role of forensic child custody evaluators who often minimize or ignore allegations of family violence and abuse.

Jacqueline was also instrumental in the passing of H.Con.Res. 72 in Congress to make child safety the top priority in divorce/family courts. This monumental achievement marked the first time in 30 years that Congress addressed family court issues.

Jacqueline is most proud of Kyra’s Champions’ Student Advocacy program, a movement created for highschool students allowing them to work directly with lawmakers. Student advocates help plan, coordinate, and speak at rallies all around New York.

Jacqueline also helms the Kyra Franchetti Foundation, a nonprofit raising awareness about the risk of family violence, especially to children, inside and outside our divorce/ family court system.

The foundation focuses on changing the way violence and abuse are addressed so child safety is put above all else.

Most recently, the Kyra Franchetti Foundation has partnered with the Safe and Together Institute to offer a new program for attorneys representing children to help them better

understand the dynamics of family violence and child abuse.

Jacqueline has received numerous awards for her advocacy work, including the highly competitive “Business Mastery Championship” and the trophy was presented by Tony Robbins.

The R Baby Foundation honored her with their “Courage Award” just five months after Kyra’s murder.

She received the “Justice for Children Leader Award” by the California Protective Parents Association, and in 2023 had the honor of receiving the “Women of Distinction” award from Blank Slate Media, as well as the “Family Justice Award” from Fearless! Hudson Valley.

Jacqueline believes her work is just beginning in the child advocacy space. She knows that Kyra’s Law needs to be in all 50 states and hopes to expand her student advocacy and attorney education programs to many more people.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

So much of Jacqueline’s work has been focused on protecting children and their safe parent from family violence. This includes both moms

vancement — not just for the individuals, organizations, and commu-

nities she serves, but for the financial institutions who serve them.

and dads in custody cases.

Despite advocacing for children and parents, she has been both shocked and saddened to see how misogyny still plays such a huge role inside and outside our courtrooms. On nearly a daily basis, her biggest challenge is fighting the default message and assumption that all women are ’emotional,’ ‘irrational’ or ‘manipulative’.

She found herself having to care-

fully consider each and every word and tone used — far more than any man would have to. It takes an immense amount of work and energy to simply communicate in a way to be heard loud enough and clear enough to cut through biases.

While Jacqueline is grateful for the skills she has built through this challenge, she also looks forward to the day future women will simply be heard, without bias.

Wendy Frigeria

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER NATIONAL GRID

Wendy Frigeria is the Strategic Communication Manager on Long Island at National Grid, one of the world’s largest providers of energy. She is responsible for day-today and long-term communications strategy.

Her primary role is providing upto-the-minute information to the media about Long Island’s power supply, natural gas infrastructure, energy industry transition and numerous other energy issues. This includes enhancing and maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and influencers.

Her other media responsibilities include presenting the company’s long-range plans for serving the energy needs of the Long Island region. Frigeria is the prime contact at the company during weather emergencies, power outages, and damage resulting from storms.

She is National Grid’s ‘go-to’ person for arranging interviews with the media and top executives and senior leadership. She is familiar with a wide range of energy industry topics

and is able to explain the complexities of the industry to the media and the public.

During Superstorm Sandy, Gov. Andrew Cuomo designated National Grid as the lead company for all external communications regarding the storm.

Frigeria was immediately appointed to take the lead on media response, overseeing other media department employees, handling media inquiries and scheduling press conferences as needed. She worked around the clock performing crisis communications during the biggest weather emergency ever to hit Long Island.

Frigeria received the 40 Under 40 Award from Long Island Business News. She also received the Sapphire Award of Excellence in 2013 from National Grid.

Frigeria was an Associate Professor of Journalism at Farmingdale State College for 15 years. She was instrumental in starting the Journalismprogram at the four-year college with a curriculum she devised.

Early in her teaching career, she helped start a student newspaper at the college, which she supervised and edited. The paper had been defunct before Frigeria took over.

Frigeria received a Teaching Excellence Award from the college in both 2011 and 2017.

Before she joined National Grid, Frigeria worked as a Public Information Officer for the Suffolk County Health Department, the ninth-largest health department in the United States, providing doctors, directors, and other officials with the best methods for keeping the public informed during health emergencies.

She handled writing press material and creating a model for communications departments in other Suffolk County agencies.

Frigeria earned her Master of Science Degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She graduated from Hofstra University, double majoring in journalism and history.

Frigeria is proud to serve on the Guide Dog Foundation’s American VetDogs Board, which provides service dogs to enhance the independence and mobility of veterans. She serves on the Women’s Collaborative, a women’s business leadership group and is on the Steering Committee, hosting the Leading with Edge conference that over 500 women business leaders attend annually.

She also serves on the United Way’s Communications Board, which assists Long Islanders with health, education, and financial stability. She is a proud mother of twin toddlers and enjoys skiing and surfing.

One of the biggest challenges she has faced in the male-dominated energy industry is often being the only woman in the room at meetings and making sure her voice is heard. The utility industry tends to be male-

dominated due to its strong engineering requirements.

As a result, the majority of meetings and interactions include mostly males. It can be a challenge to have her input accepted and heard. Since her role is a non-technical one, it has proven to be a challenge for her contributions to be valued. She has worked hard and has been successful at proving herself as a trusted advisor.

As our managing director and vice president of Construction and Operations, Peggy’s impact is tremendous. She oversees projects and construction functions; materials and logistics management; fleet and transportation management; safety, health, and wellness; environmental management; and compliance and facilities management. She touches so many vital areas for PSEG Long Island and the communities we serve.

Congratulations to Peggy Keane on being named one of Nassau County’s Women of Distinction. You’ve earned it.

Peggy Keane, Managing Director and Vice President of Construction and Operations, PSEG Long Island

Dr. Samara Ginzburg

VICE DEAN AND DEAN FOR EDUCATION, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE AND SCIENCE EDUCATION

DONALD AND BARBARA ZUCKER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT HOFSTRA/NORTHWELL

Dr. Samara B. Ginzburg is the vice dean and dean for education at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

In this role, she is responsible for strategic oversight for all matters relating to the planning, design, budgeting, implementation, and continual improvement of an innovative curriculum and the school’s accreditation compliance.

Dr. Ginzburg works closely with deans, department chairs, course/ clerkship directors, graduate and continuing medical education colleagues, and faculty members to facilitate the undergraduate medical education program.

Students consistently rank the Zucker School of Medicine in the top 10% of medical schools nationally for their overall satisfaction with the educational program.

Dr. Ginzburg’s career in medical education focuses on leading teams to pioneer education innovations. Previously, she directed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education Innovation Project to in-

tegrate competency-based education into an Internal Medicine Residency Program. Subsequently, she was recruited as the director of undergraduate medical education for Northwell Health and joined the leadership team to start a new medical school as the assistant dean for medical education.

In this role, Dr. Ginzburg led the team that created and implemented the PEARLS (Patient-centered Explorations in Active Reasoning, Learning and Synthesis) program, which became an exemplar in Undergraduate Medical Education and received the Northeast Group on Educational Affairs Innovations in Medical Education Award.

As associate and, subsequently, senior associate dean, Dr. Ginzburg worked to integrate and align the four-year educational program.

Presently, Dr. Ginzburg is leading the school’s curriculum renewal efforts to reimagine a novel curriculum for physicians beginning independent practice in 2035+.

Dr. Ginzburg completed the highly competitive and prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program at Drexel University College of Medicine. She teaches

as invited faculty both in the ELAM program and the Harvard Macy program.

Dr. Ginzburg has served as the principal investigator on education innovation grants, which include the American Medical Association Accelerating Change in Medical Education Grant: Coaching the Master Adaptive Learner and the Association of American Medical Colleges/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Professions Education Curricular Innovations Grant: Kickstarting Strategies for Addressing Health Misinformation.

Dr. Ginzburg co-chairs national task forces addressing pressing issues in medicine. Presently, she co-chairs the AAMC Women’s Reproductive Health Taskforce, assembled in the wake of the Dobbs decision restricting access to abortions.

The task force is involved in advocacy, developing curricular resources, and training opportunities for medical school and residency programs to ensure trainees learn to provide high-quality care for women.

Previously, Dr. Ginzburg cochaired the AAMC-Beth Israel Millennium Group on Aligning Undergraduate and Graduate Medical Education.

Leslie Granger PRESIDENT AND CEO BIDEAWEE

Leslie Granger has been president and CEO of Bideawee since 2017.

Leslie has a long history with Bideawee, beginning in 2010 as the Vice President of Development.

Under Leslie’s leadership, Bideawee expanded partnerships with shelters across the country to transport high-risk animals to the organization and nearly doubled Bideawee’s adoption numbers.

In 2019, she presided over the decision to assume responsibility for the operations and management of the New York City Feral Cat Initiative, a seminal program that addresses the systemic problem of cat overpopulation by providing education, resources and support to the individuals working to humanely reduce the population of community cats in NYC.

In 2020 just prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, adoptions and fundraising were soaring to record levels under her leadership. With the start of COVID-19,

Leslie saw the organization through unprecedented times without ever closing our doors to animals in need and even expanding our programs to serve the needs of people and their animals through our Community Ini-

Dr. Ginzburg’s passion for and knowledge of self-regulated learning methodologies has made her a sought-after guest and speaker at national conferences, including the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the AAMC, where she has shared her insights with hundreds of medical educators.

Dr. Ginzburg has extensive experience working nationally with medical schools and has advised over 10% of US medical schools on their curricular design. She serves on national medical education committees, including the AAMC’s Medical Education Senior Leaders group and Curriculum Committee.

As a board-certified internist and endocrinologist, Dr. Ginzburg is an active staff physician at Long Island

Jewish Medical Center.

During COVID, she received the Act of Good Deeds Award for providing medical advice related to COVID operations that allowed a local school to safely maintain in-person classes.

Presently, Dr. Ginzburg is a practicing endocrinologist, focusing on treating women’s metabolic bone diseases, including osteoporosis.

Dr. Ginzburg graduated magna cum laude in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan.

She earned her MD at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, where she also completed her residency and was selected for chief residency in Internal Medicine as well as a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism.

tiative programming. Additionally, Leslie saw this time as an opportunity to move the organization into the next phase of growth and successfully purchased and constructed the organization’s

new state-of-the-art adoption center and outdoor dog enrichment space in the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan.

Leslie’s professional tenure also includes the role of director of development for ACDS and the senior director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving for North Shore Animal League.

She currently serves on the board of the New York State Animal Protection Federation, which employs legislative and policy initiatives to safeguard the well-being of all animal companions.

Leslie received her CAWA (Certified Animal Welfare Administration) certification from the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement in 2020 and was the first recipient of the prestigious von Liebig Prize for leadership and service in animal welfare.

A lifelong animal lover, Leslie shares her Long Island home her Bideawee pup Aja, two Bideawee kitties, Max and Hairy, and her husband (her only non-Bideawee rescue).

With the start of COVID-19, Leslie saw the organization through unprecedented times without ever closing our doors to animals in need.

“For all you have accomplished in engineering the future and improving the water quality of municipal clients and communities throughout New York, we salute you.”

– Steven A. Fangmann, P.E., BCEE, President, D&B Engineers and Architects

Wyandanch Spring Lake at Geiger Park, Deer Park,

Pearl Halegua

FOUNDER AND CHAIRPERSON JAFCO LONG ISLAND CHAPTER

Pearl Halegua, husband Nathan and sons, Josh and Aaron have been living on Long Island since 1983. Josh and wife Carly, have increased the North Shore’s population with their children Jax and Stella.

Jax and Stella have added a new dimension to Pearl’s lifelong commitment to working with children and education in general.

After graduating Queens College in the ’70s, Pearl went on to a career in teaching in the NYC school system. She did postgraduate work in remedial reading, math and later received a National Science Foundation Grant towards a master’s in STEM.

The NYC Board of Education included her as a Teacher of the Year in 2004. After retiring in 2005, she continued to be involved in the education and welfare of children.

She is the founder and chairperson of the Long Island chapter of JAFCO, Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options. The chapter was established in 2007, with a small fundraiser of 30 women in Pearl’s backyard.

Pre-COVID the JAFCO, Fun in the Sun event expanded to 300 attendees

at Glen Head Country Club.

In between, there have been numerous Tea Parties, Cabaret Shows, Cocktail gatherings, Wine tastings, golf outings etc. to support the incredible work of JAFCO.

Pearl’s commitment to learning, family and support of the Jewish

Her motto: One must be prepared to do what they expect others to do.

community as well as the community at large is evident in the many other organizations you will find her working and or leading.

She has chaired numerous pro-

grams and fundraisers for her temple, Temple Beth Sholom…of which she is a past president. During her time on the executive board, as the vice president of Education, she created the Temple Beth Sholom Inclusion Committee and continues to serve as co-chairperson of this initiative.

One of the many services offered by JAFCO is an abilities center that services families with children on the spectrum as well as other neurological impairments. Another reason JAFCO is so important to her.

Social Action is important to the Halegua family, and Pearl does her part by serving on her temple’s social action committee. Social Action includes supporting gun control legislation, once again JAFCO, supports things close to Pearl’s heart. After the Parkland HS mass shooting in Florida JAFCO stepped in to provide grief and post-traumatic stress counseling. Eagles Haven, emerged as an important branch of JAFCO.

As children of parents who survived the antisemitism of Europe the Haleguas have made it their goal to help educate future generations about the horrific outcomes of hatred. Pearl

Chaired the Yom HaShoah Com-

Jacqueline Harounian, Esq.

MANAGING PARTNER

Iam the sole shareholder of Wisselman Harounian Family Law, P.C. (est. 1976).

Although I have tons of trial and appellate experience, I am best known for resolving disputes as a mediator and lawyer. I have a unique multidisciplinary and multicultural background, including a graduate degree in forensic psychology and family counseling.

This enables me to handle sensitive family matters with a holistic and compassionate approach. Whether the case is simple or complex, I strive to offer unparalleled service, creativity and professional expertise.

I have been recognized as 2023 AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating for ethics and professionalism. Super Lawyers has honored me twice with its most prestigious list: “Top 50 Women Lawyers” in New York.

Our firm’s 10 lawyers were recognized in 2023 “Best Lawyers” by U.S. News and World Report and the firm was selected as one of the Best Places to Work by Long Island Business News in 2023, as well as the Top Matrimonial Firm in the 2023 Book of Lists.

A child of Middle Eastern immigrants, I speak both Farsi and Hebrew. I have extensive experience in religious

WISSELMAN, HAROUNIAN FAMILY LAW, P.C

and cultural divorce cases, including presentations at national conferences and CLE programs.

Currently, I serve as co-chair of the Matrimonial Committee of the New York Women’s Bar Association, the Board of Directors for Mondays at Racines Cancer Care Foundation and JALBCA, as well as the Brandeis Bar Association.

mittee at her temple for ten years, together with her husband they sponsored two professorships at Queens College, one on Ethics and Tolerance, the other on Greek and Sephardic Studies.

Continuing in this work, our honoree serves as chairperson of the Center of Jewish Studies at Queens College, as well as a member of the Fund Board at Queensborough and

she is its liaison to the Kupferberg Holocaust Center.

As we see education and educating are most meaningful to Pearl, her latest undertaking is serving as a member of The Jewish Theological Seminary’s Library Board.

Her motto, in Hebrew, “ doogmah eesheet,” lead by personal example, one must be prepared to do what they expect others to do.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

It was a long road from shy law student (30 years ago) to associate to partner to Boss Lady.

As a married mom of four, my most audacious dreams did not include running a law firm! The pandemic happened just as I began my role as managing partner. I realized early on that there is no rule book for leadership.

There were seemingly unsurmountable challenges: for clients, coworkers, and the legal industry. We were able to successfully navigate remote law practice, virtual court hearings, and all of the rest, mostly due to the unique culture and unity we have at our firm.

With smart and dedicated people around me, I was able to keep my focus on business development, growth and above all, helping clients through crisis.

Since my law school days, I developed a quiet confidence along the way, albeit with my nose affixed firmly to the grindstone. I was open to almost every opportunity in my path, including opportunities to learn from other leaders, both men and women.

These are not skills that are taught in law school. I have learned as a woman to be humble, level-headed, hard-working and yes, ambitious.

Women can be courageous, strategic and empathetic. There are no limits, as long as there is support at home and in the workplace.

It was a long road from shy law student to associate to partner to Boss Lady.

Helene Harris

FIRST LADY NEW YORK STATE DISTRICT INTERNATIONAL KIWANIS

Helene Harris has devoted herself to the well-being of the community and the children.

As a Kiwanian, she has made it her mission to devote her time and effort to help raise funds to help our youth. She will often work alongside others to help provide direction and guidance. She loves her town and village and has chosen to stay here where she raised her child. She personifies the meaning of selfless giving and devotion.

Helene is a mentor to those with whom she works. People have and continue to seek her guidance for both work and home issues. She is a leader, always looking for new ways of becoming more effective.

She constantly inspires those around her with her own positivity to believe in what they do. She knows that they can always do more

to help the children and those who rely on others to keep moving forward.

As the New York State [District]

to have the “Little Free Libraries” installed in many places that can give both children and adults access to books.

She knows and understands that reading is a fundamental requirement, and everyone should have the opportunity to have access for books to read.

She has organized and taken up many collections to ensure that the libraries are always stocked and encourages people to take a book home and read. It is also part of her mission that people read to children or anyone else who would benefit from it.

of Kiwanis International First Lady, she has developed her own project on promoting literacy. She has worked closely with many clubs and agencies

Helene has been recognized many times by her home club in Mineola, The Village of Mineola, The Town of North Hempstead, and many elected officials throughout New York State for her work. It is simple for Helene. She wants to make sure that all children have the same opportunities to learn and advance.

Theresa Heneveld, PE

VICE PRESIDENT, ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING LOCKWOOD, KESSLER & BARTLETT, INC.

Theresa Heneveld, P.E. is the Vice President of Environmental Engineering at Lockwood, Kessler, & Bartlett Inc.

Ms. Heneveld is responsible for overseeing LKB’s environmental engineering design and construction projects, including landfill capping and closure, hazardous waste site remediation, wastewater collection and treatment systems, and groundwater remediation systems.

She also manages projects related to landfill post-closure management and the preparation of hazardous waste site remedial investigations/ feasibility studies, solid waste management plans, solid waste disposal contracts, and environmental assessments.

Ms. Heneveld is a licensed Professional Engineer in the State of New York with over 40 years of engineering experience. She received her Bachelor of Civil Engineering Degree as a summa cum laude graduate from Manhattan College and went on to obtain her Master of Environmental Engineering Degree also from Manhattan College.

She is a member of the Solid Waste Association of North America, the New York State Association for Solid Waste Management, the Water Environment Federation, and the National Society of Professional Engineers.

In addition, Ms. Heneveld is currently on the Board of Directors of the Long Island Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers (NYSSPE) and is a past president of the former Nassau County Chapter of NYSSPE.

Ms. Heneveld has received two Distinguished Service Awards from the NYSSPE Nassau County Chapter and in 2019 she was recognized in the Long Island Business News Who’s Who in Environmental Consulting, Engineering and Architecture.

Throughout her career, she has provided environmental engineering services to Long Island towns and counties, New York City, municipalities in multiple states, and other private clients.

She has been honored to work on a multitude of projects that benefit the environment in the fields of solid waste, water remediation, and wastewater treatment. Many of her projects

have involved assisting municipal clients in transforming former landfills into useful sites for their communities.

While in the remedial design phase of these projects, she worked with her clients and regulatory agencies to develop these sites into various uses, including public works facilities and parks.

With limited open space available on Long Island and the New York City Metropolitan Area, this was the perfect opportunity to make use of former landfill sites.

Many of these sites were in ideal locations for reuse, whether near major roadways for a public works facility, or waterfront locations for parks including the conversion of the Merrick Landfill into the award-winning Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve for the Town of Hempstead.

Ms. Heneveld has also provided engineering services to improve water quality through groundwater remediation and wastewater collection/treatment projects.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

Some might say the most signifi-

cant challenge for a woman in the engineering industry is the fact that we continue to be significantly outnumbered by men in this field. However, looking back on my career, I am happy to say that I feel I have been treated the same way as my male colleagues—with fairness and with respect.

I would say the most significant challenges are the same as those that women in other industries face, which are balancing family life and career. Although I was the first

woman at the firm to come back to work following the birth of my first child, the firm’s management was extremely supportive, as were my clients, both of whom worked with me around a flexible schedule, which is now common practice today.

Together with my husband (also an environmental engineer), we were able to raise three exceptional children (none of whom are engineers!). Balancing two careers, three children and two dogs wasn’t always easy, but I’m happy to say it worked!

Helene is a mentor to those with whom she works. People have and continue to seek her guidance for both work and home issues.

LEADERSHIP AND LEARNING ARE INDISPENSABLE TO EACH OTHER.

—JOHN F. KENNEDY

Peggy Keane

MANAGING DIRECTOR AND VICE PRESIDENT, CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATIONS PSEG LONG ISLAND

Iwas named PSEG Long Island’s managing director and vice president of Construction and Operations Services in April 2019.

In this role, I coordinate shared Operation Services functions, acting as a primary point of contact internally and for the Long Island Power Authority.

I also oversee the planning and operations of PSEG Long Island’s Projects and Construction functions, Materials and Logistics Management, Fleet/Transportation Management, Safety, Health and Wellness, Environmental Management and Compliance and Facilities Management.

Previously, I served PSEG Long Island as director-project, responsible for managing the $729 million Public Assistance Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Authority.

In this role, I oversaw the important work of hardening priority mainline circuits, strengthening storm-damaged transmission lines and upgrading the existing control and communication systems.

I joined PSE&G in 1999, holding a number of positions including se-

nior project manager-RTEP and Interconnection Process, project controls manager and contracting manager.

I have a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University and an MBA from Excelsior College.

in my industry is the reaction that I receive when I assert my positional authority.

Throughout my career, there has always been a strong reaction and managing that reaction while conducting business takes a lot of energy, emotional intelligence and personal steel.

Strong women are not easy for everyone in society to like. As women, we have a natural affinity to negotiate, collaborate, be empathetic and supportive, but good leadership is primarily judged by its masculine traits; integrity, drive, resilience, and confidence.

As female leaders, we are often penalized for violating the gender norm and displaying those more masculine qualities.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

One of the most significant challenges that I have as a female leader

Personally, I work hard to moderate that reaction by developing coalitions of support, investing time in relationships with resistive individuals, being as prepared as possible, thinking through the potential perception of my comments and sometimes softening them.

Strong women are not easy for everyone in society to like.

Marguerite Kramer Kircher

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTMENTS/FINANCIAL ADVISOR JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT LLC

Marguerite (Margy) Kircher is a Senior Vice President, Investments/Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott LLC in Garden City, a leading full-service wealth management, capital markets, and asset management firm.

Prior to joining Janney in 2017, Margy spent 31 years with Wellington Shields & Co, where she served as Branch Office Manager, General Securities Principal, Registered Options & Security Futures principal, as well as a former equity member of Wellington Shields Holdings LLC.

Before joining the former Shields & Co., she was a registered representative with Sterling Grace & Co., a former NYSE member firm.

At Janney, Margy provides a personalized approach to wealth management serving individual clients, families and small business owners. She offers a wide array of financial strategies including asset management, retirement planning, education funding planning, insurance so-

lutions and estate planning.

In 2018 she joined the Women’s Interactive Network (WIN) at Janney, focused on the advancement, retention and recruitment of women in the workplace.

Margy received a B.A. in Biology/ Chemistry from Sweet Briar College, where she was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Born and raised in Garden City, Margy, her husband Steve, and their children Sable and Cullen are active parishioners at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Massapequa.

In 2002, she began a long career of volunteerism to St. Rose of Lima School where she served on the School Board from 2003-2013, five of those years serving as president. Margy cochaired the annual St. Rose of Lima Family Festival from 2005 through 2021, collectively working with a committee to raise funds essential to the school operating budget.

She continues to serve the parish as a Eucharistic Minister and as a member of the Parish Council, a group chosen to advise the pastor on pastoral actions and strategic planning.

Years of service to St. Rose of

Lima School and parish became the springboard to involvement with other non-profits. Margy serves on the Executive Committee of the Tomorrow’s Hope Foundation II, an organization that has provided more than $30 million in scholarships to approximately 24,000 Long Islandbased Catholic school students since its inception in 2005.

She was honored in 2022 at their annual Stars for Students Gala where they raised just over $1 million. As part of her service to Tomorrow’s Hope, Margy has partnered with Junior Achievement USA providing lessons in financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship to hundreds of middle school students.

Since 2018, Margy has served on the Kellenberg Memorial High School Investment Committee, part of their Advisory Board, responsible for advising the board on the administration and management of the school endowment.

Most recently, Margy was appointed to the Dean’s Advisory Board at Long Island University Post College of Management, a mentoring pro-

gram for business school scholarship students.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

The financial advisory business has been male-dominated since its inception, and it wasn’t until 1967 when Muriel Seibert became the first woman to purchase a seat on the New York Stock Exchange (there were 1,300 male holders).

When I joined Shields & Company in 1986, I was the sole female producer in an all-male club. I had no role model or mentor, there was no

networking, and management was more concerned with coddling the egos of the older men.

Sheer determination, empowerment from being a graduate of an all-woman’s college, and playing up my feminine energy as an advantage allowed me to succeed.

Women can thrive on Wall Street, but they need to be tough, find allies, work incredibly hard, and stay smart about how they shape their careers. Our clients are women too, so building an environment where women can thrive should be everyone’s responsibility.

Anne

nne L. LaMorte was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and the Nassau County Local Economic Assistance Corporation in February 2020.

A

Ms. LaMorte has previously worked in both the public and private sectors.

Prior to her appointment with the NCIDA and NCLEAC, she served as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Glen Cove Community Development Agency, Industrial Develop-

reimbursements for the City of Glen Cove.

She is the recipient of the Government Finance Officer Association Award for Financial Excellence for both the CDA and IDA Consolidated Annual Financial Reports (CAFRs ).

Ms. LaMorte is a graduate of Greensboro College in North Carolina where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Legal Administration and a Financial Management Certification at New York University in N.Y.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman

make difficult choices between work commitments and family obligations, often causing stress and guilt.

Networking Challenges: Building professional networks in a maledominated industry has been no small feat. Many networking events and conferences were skewed toward men, making it challenging to connect with peers and potential collaborators who could have enriched my professional journey.

Double Standards: The persistent presence of double standards was a source of frustration. I’ve felt the need to work twice as hard as my male colleagues to prove my competence and dedication, an unfair burden that often sapped my energy.

In the realm of economic development, gender bias has been an unwelcome companion. I’ve experienced being passed over for promotions, receiving lower compensation than my male counterparts, and at times, not being taken seriously in meetings and discussions simply because of my gender.

Work-Life Balance: Achieving that elusive work-life balance has been a constant struggle. Juggling the demands of a challenging career with the responsibilities of raising three children has forced me to

Career Progression: Advancing in my career has sometimes felt like an uphill battle. Opportunities for growth and development were not always readily available, and it took persistence and assertiveness to break through the barriers that hindered my progress.

Despite these challenges, I persevered, not just for myself but also to pave the way for future generations of women in economic development.

all fields. Together, we can overcome these difficulties and create a brighter future where gender equality is the norm, not the exception.

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Alyson Mathews, Esq.

MEMBER BOND, SCHOENECK & KING PLLC

Alyson Mathews is la labor and employment attorney providing her clients with experienced guidance to maintain a compliant workplace, advising on all aspects of labor and employment law and providing practical solutions to prevent litigation or resolve issues at the pre-litigation stage.

Alyson has served as labor counsel for various clients and in doing so has built strong relationships with the unions representing bargaining units.

Her specific experience includes advising on employment agreements, collective bargaining agreements, leaves of absence, hiring, terminations, unemployment, discipline, investigations, policies, employee handbooks, severance agreements, wage and hour, immigration and other compliance issues. In addition, she drafts employment policies and assists clients with imple-

menting them in their workplaces. She has served as chief negotiator for collective bargaining and employment contracts, and investigated employee misconduct as well as

Alyson is a graduate of Brooklyn Law School and Boston College. She is an active member of the New York Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section, the Suffolk County Bar Association and the New York State Association of School Attorneys where she serves on the Board of Directors as First Vice President.

Alyson is a frequent speaker on a variety of topics, including school law, cybersecurity and labor and employment topics. Alyson and her husband have two active daughters, ages 13 and 8, involved in lacrosse, soccer and field hockey.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?*

workplace violence, discrimination, harassment and retaliation claims.

Jenna Messer

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.

Jenna McCann Messer is the Vice President of Performance Marketing at 1-800-Flowers.com, a leading provider of gifts and experiences that help customers connect and build meaningful relationships.

She has over 10 years of experience in consumer and finance, with a focus on customer experience, loyalty marketing, and performance marketing.

In her current role, Jenna is responsible for growing 1-800-Flowers.com’s acquisition and customer retention efforts.

She oversees the strategic allocation of marketing spend, optimization of performance channels, and enhancement of direct marketing tactics. She leads a team of channel leads to ensure the seamless execution of a multi-million dollar marketing budget.

She is a critical leader during the intense holiday peak periods, like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, in ensuring that the business meets revenue and profitability goals.

At the core of her role is ensuring that the customer needs are being met. Her primary focus is helping customers connect and build relationships, which she achieves through relevant and helpful marketing communications.

She is a thoughtful giver who can empathize with 1-800-Flowers.

com’s customers because she is one herself. Her relationships and connections are the most important thing to her, and she honors those with both small and large gestures through the company’s multi-brand portfolio.

She pushes her organization to always think like the customer and make it easier for them to express, connect, and celebrate.

Jenna joined 1-800-FLOWERS. COM INC. as Director of Customer Experience in 2019.

In this role, she was responsible for assessing and improving the customer experience across all stages of their experience with the brand. This instilled a fundamental understanding of the customer that is the foundation for everything Jenna does.

She is a passionate advocate for the customer and is always looking for ways to make their experience better.

In 2021, Jenna was promoted to Vice President of Loyalty Marketing. In this role, she expanded the Celebrations Passport loyalty program and worked across all the brands in the 1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. portfolio. Jenna added valuable elements to the loyalty program and developed a mobile app to meet evolving customer needs.

Jenna’s work has been recognized by her peers. In 2022, she was honored as an Amazing Women in

I feel privileged to have played a small part in that process. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to join the Bond Schoeneck & King team where women are actively supported through programs like the firm’s Women’s Initiative.

E-commerce by Yotpo for her leadership at 1-800-Flowers.com.

Prior to joining 1-800-Flowers. com, Jenna developed a customerfirst mindset in roles across varying industries.

She began her career at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank, where she built deep relationships with clients and led business development initiatives. She then worked as a Global Strategy Associate Manager at PepsiCo, where she focused on identifying and driving growth opportunities in the Away from Home business.

In 2018, Jenna joined GLAMSQUAD as Chief of Staff. In this role, she was responsible for providing strategic and operational support to the CEO and executive team. She also led a significant brand partnership and the launch of a new product line.

Jenna is a member of the Advisory Board for Smile Farms. She is a member of the founding Family and has been involved with the organization from the beginning.

She is proud of the work the organization has done to provide meaningful opportunities and purpose for developmentally disabled adults.

Jenna received her Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from The College of William and Mary. Outside of work, Jenna likes to

spend time with family and close friends doing simple things like taking walks, hosting dinner parties, or going to the beach. It is the quality time with loved ones that she values.

Jenna grew up on Long Island and moved back in 2019 with her husband to begin their family. She now resides in Locust Valley with her husband, son, and daughter.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to join the Bond Schoeneck & King team where women are actively supported...

CONGRATUL ATIONS Mom!

The Bergs and The Koenigs are proud to congratulate Dr. Gayle Berg, an outstanding psychologist, philanthropist, mother and grandmother for her selection as a

2023 Nassau County Woman of Distinction.

The strong example you set for women and girls lights our path towards a brighter future.

Keep up the great work!

Maggie Messina

OWNER TAECOLE TAE KWON DO

Maggie is among the first generation of women to own and operate a martial arts school, Master Maggie founded Taecole Tae Kwon Do and Fitness Inc. in 1996, and Taecole has been in operation continuously since then.

Taecole is now one of the most successful martial art schools in New York State. In addition to serving tens of thousands of individuals over the years, Taecole serves dozens of private and public schools in Nassau County, NY, as well as the Boy and Girl Scouts, Girls Inc, and many other non-profit organizations.

Maggie is a world-class martial artist and has won numerous gold medals for the USA. She has been teaching Martial Arts for over 35 years, is currently an 8th-degree black belt, and holds a seat as regional director for numerous martial arts organizations.

Master Maggie grew up in abject poverty and transformed the challenges of her childhood circumstances into fuel for her adulthood successes. She feels a solid drive to pass along lessons of empowerment to help women and children rise from similar life situations to achieve lives they thought they could only dream of.

Maggie is passionate about ad-

vocating for female athletes. Facing numerous hurdles as a female athlete throughout her career, she became determined to help facilitate changes for future athletes and lessen the limitations they might encounter.

As such, Messina founded the Female Fighters Matter Too movement (#femalefightersmattertoo), whose mission is to bring equality to all athletes. This movement has gained international attention in the industry and is bringing about changes worldwide.

Maggie was a project coordinator for many years for Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital in New York City. Year after year, she heads several toy, clothing, and food drives and personally delivers items to women with children in homeless shelters each year.

Maggie is an awe-inspiring speaker who casts a spell on her audience with her profound passion for advocating for women in sports. However, her captivating speeches go beyond the realm of athletics. Maggie fearlessly delves into the sensitive topics of child abuse, abusive relationships, addiction, suicide and the significance of these issues.

Maggie has received many awards and accolades throughout her career, including but not limited to:

The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden; The New York State Community Ser-

vice Award, in recognition and gratitude for her dedication on behalf of the children and youth in New York State; The Most Powerful Woman in Business for NYS (Schneps Media); New York Assembly Certificate of Merit for Female Fighters Matter Too (Founder and President); Martial Artist Legacy Award (AMAA); Special Congressional Recognition for her “outstanding and invaluable service to her community and everywhere she makes her mark;” Special Recognition by state Sen. Joseph P. Adabbo, Jr. for her “selflessness and tireless commitment to the State of New York and her loyalty and dedication to the betterment of the State of New York.

What are the most significant challenges as a woman in your industry?

During her journey as a woman in martial arts during the 1980s, Maggie faced relentless hostility and exclusion. The men around constantly aimed to force women out through intentional verbal and occasionally physical abuse, a harsh reality that deeply impacted her decision-making process. Their actions left Maggie feeling inferior, vulnerable and shattered.

However, Maggie adamantly refused to surrender. She persevered, dedicating herself to training and fortifying her skills.

In the realm of competition, Mag-

Eileen Minogue EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BOOK FAIRIES

Eileen Minogue is a dedicated leader with a wealth of experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors. As the Executive Director of Book Fairies since 2019, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the organization and expanding its impact. With a background in business management, program administration, fund development, and volunteer engagement, Eileen brings a unique set of skills to her role.

Prior to her tenure at Book Fairies, Eileen co-founded and served as the Executive Director of Patient Airlift Services, a Long Island-based organization that she grew from its humble beginnings in her basement to serving individuals both locally and nationally.

This experience reflects her ability to nurture and build nonprofit organizations from the ground up.

Eileen’s commitment to the nonprofit sector extends beyond her professional roles.

For over two decades, she has volunteered her time and talents to vari-

ous nonprofits, including her role on the board of The Massapequa Community Fund, an organization that has provided over $2 million in local support since 2001.

Eileen’s dedication to causes related to literacy, serving the underserved, and creating equal opportunities for all is at the core of her mission.

Since taking on the role of Executive Director in 2019, Eileen Minogue has led Book Fairies through a period of significant growth and transformation. She has strengthened the organization’s infrastructure, moving it beyond its grassroots origins.

Through strategic relationshipbuilding, collaboration partnerships, and diversification of funding sources, she has increased both in-kind and direct support, with an impressive growth in assets, experiencing a surge of over 300% from March 2019 to 2022.

Recognizing the importance of internal stability and efficiency, Eileen implemented critical changes. She transitioned the organization from a fragmented system of spreadsheets and emails to a centralized Customer Service Management system and re-

lated tools.

A successful rebranding effort and the launch of a new website with improved functionalities have streamlined program administration and fundraising. Additionally, she expanded the staff, increasing the team’s capacity from 2 to 6 employees.

This newfound stability has allowed Book Fairies to be proactive and strategic in their approach. They now process over 800,000 books per year and have piloted a groundbreaking community/school partnership program that provides ten books to each elementary school student in multiple Title 1 districts.

Eileen Minogue’s leadership has positioned Book Fairies to meet the increasing demand for their services and empower individuals in underresourced communities with the gift of literacy.

Her dedication to the organization’s mission and her strategic vision have made her a driving force behind Book Fairies’ continued success. Her story serves as an inspiration and a blueprint for transformative leadership in the nonprofit sector.

gie endured inappropriate comments and even unwarranted physical contact. Some may find it difficult to comprehend such experiences today in our more enlightened society.

Yet, for women of that era, we confronted these painful truths daily. When we dared to defend ourselves or assert our rights, we were branded as “crazy” or worse, as if being a woman automatically delegitimized our claims.

Maggie recalls instances when men would enter her school, arrogantly asserting that she needed them to teach on her behalf.

According to their misguided beliefs, Messina couldn’t attract students as a woman. They even went so far as

to scoff at the idea of learning from a non-Korean. But those individuals were sorely mistaken. Today, they stand in awe of the person she has become and her achievements.

Never allow anyone to confine you within the boundaries of their preconceived notions. Every time Maggie stumbled, she summoned the strength to rise, refusing to let adversity define her path. And each time, Maggie emerged stronger than before, defying limitations.

Embrace diligent efforts while remaining steadfast to your principles. Refuse to let fear impede your progress. Eliminate toxic individuals from your journey. Stay true; stay you!

Lisa M. Monticciolo

DEAN OF STUDENTS AND DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION OFFICER

MAURICE A. DEANE SCHOOL OF LAW AT HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

Lisa Monticciolo is the Dean of Students and Diversity and Inclusion Officer at the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

As the Dean of Students, Lisa works with faculty and other Law School administrative offices to orient students to law school life, and to provide resources and counseling on a variety of matters that may arise in both students’ academic and personal lives.

Her office promotes the well-being of students within the law school and the university communities and sets the strategic vision for how the OSA can most effectively support students in a demanding pre-professional program, starting with new student and transfer orientations and spanning through Commencement.

In her role as the Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Lisa has led the development of Hofstra Law School’s strategic plan for diversity, equity, and inclusion in collaboration with the DEI faculty, administration, and student, and alumni committees.

Prior to the Law School, Lisa

served asthe Director of Programs at Hofstra University’s Continuing Education division. In her capacity as Director, Lisa was responsible for the Legal Studies and Pre-Collegiate programs.

Prior to joining Hofstra University in 1999, Lisa was the Regional Director of Human Resources for Federated Department Stores, Inc. where she was responsible for employee relations and organizational development. Lisa also served as Legal Consultant to Compliance Reports, an organization that specializes in ADA compliance.

Lisa was an instructor in the Paralegal Studies program and Legal Nurse Consultant program as well as a certified trainer in Sexual Harassment and Diversity.

Lisa currently serves as the cochair of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee, is on the board of the Diversity and Inclusion University Committee and serves as an American Bar Association accreditation site evaluator.

Lisa received her B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College and her J.D. from Hofstra University

School of Law.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

When I first started in higher education 25 years ago being a woman was not as easy to navigate as it is now. I remember going in to request an increase in salary after being asked to take on more responsibility (and finding out how much one of my male colleagues made).

My supervisor told me that she could not give me an increase and that men need to make more than women as they are the breadwinners of the family. The problem was not only what she said, but that I did not feel empowered enough to do or say anything about it.

Now, as the Dean of Students at Hofstra Law, I have gained my seat at the table. I am passionate about what I do. I confidently mentor, support, and guide law students toward becoming the future generation of our profession. And, I am thankful to all those who stand beside me every day leading, inspiring, and mentoring.

There is more to oneself than

Jothy Narendran, Esq.

CO-MANAGING

PARTNER JASPAN SCHLESINGER NARENDRAN LLP

Jothy Narendran is Chair of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP’s banking and financial services practice group.

She represents institutional and private lenders in a variety of commercial real estate financing transactions. These include acquisition and construction loans, equipment financing, leasehold financing, multi-lender participation/syndicated financing, real estate investment trust and interest rate swap transactions, revolving credit facilities, letters of credit, industrial development agency transactions, Section 1031 exchanges and reverse exchange loans, mezzanine and structured financing and defeasances.

Throughout her career, Jothy has worked on a variety of properties, ranging from multifamily properties to assemblages of entire city blocks for the development of multi-use projects, including residential, retail, and office components.

She has also negotiated regulatory agreements, leases, and subordination agreements with various municipal agencies. Jothy also acts as counsel to lenders in connection with negotiating intercreditor agreements, triparty agreements, and note sales

and purchases.

Jothy is a member of Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP’s management committee and Co-Managing Partner with Steven R. Schlesinger.

Prior to joining Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP in 2010, Jothy was a partner at another prominent Long Island law firm. Before that, Jothy served for eight years as the controller of G&S Investors, a real estate development firm.

Jothy received her JD from Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, her MBA from Frank G. Zarb School of Business at Hofstra University and her BS in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology.

She is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and New Jersey.

Jothy is President of Spectrum Designs, an autism employment nonprofit organization that provides employment to teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. She is also the Chair of the Board of Governors for Touro Law Center.

Jothy has been recognized by her peers and her community throughout the years. In 2023 alone, she received the Top Lawyers of Long Island Award from Herald Publica-

tions, Long Island Influencers Most Dynamic Women Leaders from Long Island Business News and had the honor of becoming a Named Partner at Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP.

In 2022, Jothy was recognized as one of the Power 25 in Law by Long Island Business News. In 2021, she received the Paul S. Miller Award from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. In 2019, she received the Diversity in Business Award by Long Island Business News and also the Top Lawyers of Long Island Award by Herald Publications.

In 2017, Jothy was recognized as a Who’s Who in “Women in Professional Services,” by Long Island Business News. From 2014-2016, she was named to the Long Island’s Top Legal Eagles List by Long Island Pulse Magazine. In 2013, Jothy received the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business Award from Long Island Business News. In 2009, she was awarded Public Service Attorney of the Year by Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center and in 2007, she was the recipient of the Presidential Award by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

simply work. I have three full sides – being a Dean, being a mom and being a woman. And that is the struggle so many of us face – trying to do it all and do it well. So giving myself grace when I cannot do it all is what I am currently striving for.

As women, we need to support and encourage each other to get to where we are going. To that end, I am forever grateful to those who have said my name, and the names of other women, in a room full of opportunities.

Rebecca O’Connell

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, REGIONAL EXECUTIVE NY METRO CITIZENS

Rebecca O’Connell is the Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Banking for the NYC Metro Region at Citizens Bank, encompassing NYC and the surrounding boroughs, Long Island, Westchester, Northern New York and Southern Connecticut.

In her role, Rebecca is responsible for leading the strategic direction of Corporate Banking, inclusive of client relationships, community engagement and continued market expansion.

Additionally, Rebecca holds the role of regional president for NYC Metro, serving as the senior executive representing Citizens Bank holistically across our local communities and she helps drive engagement with our community partnerships that are aligned with Citizen’s credo.

Rebecca held previous roles at JP Morgan Chase and Bank of America.

She currently sits on the board of the Long Island Association, Moxxie Mentoring Foundation in Long Island, and she sits as a founding board member for the Saint Anthony’s High

School Business and Entrepreneurial Center in Huntington. She is also aligned in partnership with the Food Bank for New York City.

What are the most significant challenges you have faced as a woman in your industry?

1. Overcoming the misperception that I am where I am today only because I am a woman versus my skill set, leadership capability and commitment to success.

2. Being overlooked as the most senior person at the helm.

With growing recognition of the importance of diversity in the financial sector, being a woman in finance can be both challenging and opportunistic.

It’s well known that the industry is historically male- dominated, however women are stepping into larger leadership roles as the industry shifts to capture the increased value of a diverse organization.

This intentional shift inadvertently casts a misperception that women are succeeding simply because they are considered “diverse.” I personally have navigated several occasions, very directly, where it has been insinuated

that my continued rise and success is simply to check a diversity box. My talent, experience, successful leadership and ability to establish, reinvigorate and exponentially grow and manage a business are overlooked – pushed aside without consideration.

When networking, hosting dinners and events, entertaining and the like, I am also often overlooked as the most senior colleague at the helm, as my male colleagues are directly addressed under the assumption that they hold the role. You can imagine the surprising embarrassment when I speak up to redirect.

Interactions, comments and insinuations like this provide a sense of isolation and being underestimated, which yields a general lack of camaraderie.

As a woman I’ve had to work harder and creatively to prove myself and earn credibility. I’ve learned to be intentional in every facet –speak up, be heard, push in, share and celebrate my achievements out loud.

In general, career advancement (while it has not been a challenge

for me) can be challenging for women because we tend to want to check all boxes before pursuing a new opportunity or promotion — versus relying on our years of experience and success that prove our ability to overcome hardships and challenges that

an unchecked box could create.

The reality is that the unchecked box is our opportunity – it’s our ability to continue to grow, to develop, to “push inward and upward,” intentionally, with a voice.

Magdalonie Paris-Campbell, MSW

DIRECTOR, EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, STATE LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY AFFAIRS AT&T

Magdalonie ParisCampbell, a proud native of Haiti, serves as an inspirational figure for Caribbean Americans, leaving a lasting impact through her achievements in both the corporate and public service realms.

Born in Port-au-Prince to young parents, she faced numerous challenges. Her journey to the United States began at the age of 7, marked by her status as a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals child.

Overcoming the obstacles of being undocumented until the age of 19, she supported herself through various odd jobs until attaining US citizenship at 24. Raised by her late grandmother, Annelle Rose Paris, Magdalonie emerged as the sole family member to secure a master’s education from an Ivy League institution.

In her professional journey, Magdalonie has held significant roles, including Social Worker, District Director for the State Senate, and Regional Director for the United

States Senate.

She has dedicated over 15 years to steering community engagement efforts and contributing to the formulation of strategic public policies, with her ultimate measure of success being tangible transformation.

With a proven record in public communications, she has excelled in cultivating stakeholder trust and shaping legislative outcomes. Currently, she holds the position of Director of External Affairs at AT&T Services, Inc., where she leads all Long Island-based activities.

This role involves collaborations with local governments and amplifying AT&T’s presence in diverse communities through legislative initiatives and philanthropic efforts.

Magdalonie’s achievements include pioneering initiatives such as promoting civic education for minority millennials, empowering students to uplift local black-owned businesses through video production and enhancing children’s safety awareness through park restoration projects.

Her impactful leadership earned her a distinguished position on the inaugural Who’s Who in Government

Relations list in New York.

Her career is built on authenticity, courage, and a commitment to impactful change. With a Master’s degree in Social Work Enterprise Administration from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, she embodies a dedication to fostering community involvement and harmonious relationships among local business and government leaders, as well as families.

Her journey boasts accolades in executive roles, lobbying, and community advocacy, seamlessly merging public service into a professional art form.

Magdalonie’s spare moments are dedicated to mentoring young adults, guiding them through life’s challenges, aiding in their career pursuits, political engagement, and personal growth.

One of her aspirations is to empower Millennials and Gen Z to actively participate in Congress and all facets of governance, contributing to a brighter world. With an eye on the future for her three young sons, she passionately supports health, and fitness, and volunteers within local

CONGRATULATIONS

Helene Harris

community organizations.

As a woman in the external affairs industry, I’ve closely observed several significant challenges, which are corroborated by data.

This sector has a longstanding history of male dominance, with statistics indicating that women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. According to industry reports, diversity, both in terms of gender and ethnicity, remains a persistent issue, with limited progress in closing the gender and racial gaps.

Navigating meetings, particularly when a majority of clients hold executive roles and are male, aligns with the broader industry trend, where women are less likely to occupy senior positions. Additionally, establishing my authority when en-

tering rooms, without being unfairly labeled as aggressive, is a shared experience reported by many women in similar roles.

Furthermore, achieving excellence in my field can sometimes lead to unjust labels of being overly zealous, a phenomenon that has been documented in studies on workplace gender dynamics.

These challenges, backed by empirical data, underscore the urgent need to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities within the external affairs industry. Part of my mission involves actively identifying and promoting diversity, encompassing both gender and ethnicity, within the industry, one event or meeting at a time.

ON BEING NAMED A WOMAN OF DISTINCTION.

Your warmth, empathy and mentoring of others is just a small part of what you are and what you do to help make a positive difference in our World.

You exemplify the true meaning of the “First Lady of Kiwanis.”

Connecting both your worlds FirstNet® and Family

Janice Pateres, MS, MBA, RN, BC

EXECUTIVE

VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER

NUHEALTH/ NASSAU UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Janice Pateres serves as executive vice president and chief nursing officer for NuHealth/ Nassau University Medical Center.

In her role, Ms. Pateres is responsible for the oversight and leadership of Nursing Departments and staff at Nassau University Medical Center, the Nassau County Correctional Facility, Nassau County Department of Social Services, aspects of A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility and nursing staff at Harmony Health Centers.

Janice is responsible for formulating and implementing nursing strategies to support and improve quality patient outcomes as well as organizing, directing, and coordinating health services and ensuring best practices.

She is dedicated to improving patient care through cultivating knowledge, enhancing skills, streamlining competency assessment, and standardizing Policies and Procedures. Additional responsibilities for other departments include Case Management, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation and Hemodialysis.

Janice obtained her Associates

Degree from SUNY Farmingdale. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degrees in both nursing and business administration from Adelphi University, where she was awarded the Dean’s award for Leadership.

She has maintained board certification in Medial Surgical Nursing through the American Nurses Credentialing Center for nearly 30 years.

With over 39 years’ experience as a Registered Nurse at NUMC, Janice began her nursing career as a staff nurse on the night shift. She excelled in the role of charge nurse and was promoted to Nurse Manager on the evening shift, with a heavy emphasis on nursing education for staff on the off-shifts. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching nursing staff and accepted a position in the Nursing Education Department as an Instructor.

She was promoted to assistant director and eventually director. During her tenure in the education department she secured provider status for NUMC from the American Nurses Credentialing Center for continuing education, to ensure continued professional growth for nurses.

Janice, as a dedicated leader, was

promoted to director of nursing for the Medical Surgical Services, which included nearly half the hospital’s inpatient census. She worked with the surgical team in opening a geriatric trauma unit to meet the unique and aggressive nursing needs of this patient population, reducing incidences necessitating patients’ return to the Intensive Care Unit setting.

Janice’s ability to lead and “get things done” was recognized by the executive team and she forfeited retirement to accept the role of executive vice president and Chief Nursing Officer.

Shortly after accepting the position, COVID hit the U.S. Janice and the NUMC team braced themselves and prepared their staff to care for the large volume of very ill patients that would descend upon all hospitals.

For the first time in decades, she was back in uniform working side by side with her nursing team. The ability and stamina of the nursing staff, working tirelessly alongside doctors was a sight to behold.

Providing care, comfort and support, and standing in for family when visitation was halted. Leaving many

Randi Shubin Dresner

With

lasting memories of a lifetime in nursing that will forever be remembered, both good and bad.

Above all else, the nursing staff at NuHealth are committed to the mission of providing the highest quality care to all patients, ensuring that the underprivileged and underserved receive the very best of care.

This was certainly demonstrated during the COVID pandemic, but it is

the essence and purpose of NuHealth/ NUMC and is demonstrated by the nursing staff every day.

Under Janice’s leadership in her many roles at NUMC, she has influenced nurses to constantly challenge and question. To continually embrace the role of patient and family advocate to ensure decisions and plans for care are always in their best interest, and to facilitate the means to attain.

deep admiration for your leadership, support and passion as a powerful leader in hunger relief and reducing food waste on Long Island.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2023

NASSAU COUNTY

WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONOREES

Crisler Quick

FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT

Crisler Quick is the founder and president of The Finance Department.

Founded in 1993, The Finance Department is a USA-based accounting outsourcing and consulting firm dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses be competitive by providing state-of-the-art financial support services.

TFD provides both for-profit and not-for-profit businesses with access to the same financial expertise that large corporations have, complete with staff to process transactions and accountants to provide guidance and advice.

Ms. Quick is responsible for the strategic vision of the organization, assuring that standards are maintained while staying current with the latest trends and techniques. The Finance Department has been serving the small to mid-sized business community as an innovator in the field of Business Process Outsourcing for over thirty years.

Ms. Quick began her career in public accounting and was an audit manager at PriceWaterhouseCoo-

pers before moving to the private sector. Her public accounting experience included working with both closely held businesses and major SEC corporations.

She left public accounting to join Weight Watchers International Inc, a division of the H. J. Heinz Corpora-

Quick is responsible for the strategic vision of the organization.

tion where she was responsible for global accounting and reporting for several years before founding TFD.

Ms. Quick has been an active member of the community. She cur-

rently serves on the board of directors of the Long Island Association as Treasurer and as vice-chair of the Small & Midsized Business Committee.

Her many years of service to the community include serving on the Board of Directors of the University of Virginia Jefferson Scholars Foundation and on the Jefferson Scholars National Selection Committee as well as being vice-chair of the Molloy College Board of Trustees, vice-chair of the Board of Trustees of Holy Child Academy, co-chair of the Nassau County Council of Economic Advisors, delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, and member of the National Alumni Board of the Hutchison School.

Ms. Quick was recently named one of The 25 Most Powerful People in Long Island Accounting by Long Island Business News.

She has received many awards for her accomplishments including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Molloy College, the Businesswoman of the Year award from the National Association of Women Business Owners, and the Accountant Advocate of the Year Award from

the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Ms. Quick holds a BS from the University of Virginia McIntire

School of Commerce. She resides in Nassau County with her husband Peter and is the mother of eight children and grandmother of three.

Ms.

S. Restrepo, P.E., ENV SP

VICE PRESIDENT D&B ENGINEERS AND

Adriana S. Restrepo, P.E., ENV SP, of Mineola, is a Vice President at D&B Engineers and Architects, a leading civil and environmental engineering and consulting organization.

Ms. Restrepo has over 25 years of experience in the planning, design and development of water/wastewater projects with an emphasis on hydraulic design.

Ms. Restrepo, who joined D&B in 2017 as a principal engineer, works from D&B’s Woodbury, NY headquarters and prior to D&B she was at Hazen and Sawyer, and Black and Veatch.

Ms. Restrepo has served municipal and private sector clients as a key project manager on numerous complex, high-profile, high-visibility wastewater design projects.She supported the planning stages and conceptual design of Nassau County’s program management services to stabilize, design and rebuild the Bay Park Water Pollution Control Plant following Superstorm Sandy.

The $2 billion program also included emergency response and essential repair work immediately after the storm, ensuring that the plant remained resilient.

Currently, Ms. Restrepo is project manager for the design effort on the over $100 million Carlls River Watershed Project for Suffolk County Department of Public Works. Ms. Restrepo is responsible for managing the planning, design and design services during construction of this sewering extension project.

The landmark, multi-year project will remove individual on-site sewer systems for over 2,300 homes and connect them to an existing wastewater treatment plant. This will be a long-term safeguard for Long Island’s groundwater and surface water, and will protect sensitive wetland environments that are a natural buffer against tidal flooding.

In addition, Ms. Restrepo is the design lead for the Huntington Station Hub Sewer Area. This project expands the Suffolk County sewer system to sewer the commercial corridor and allows the development of mixed-used parcels (commercial/residential) in an effort to revitalize the area near Huntington Train Station.

The project will provide sanitary sewers for an approximate 80-acre, highly developed area and connect 225 parcels via a combination of a gravity collection system, a new pump station, approximately 4 miles of force main

and existing sewer infrastructure.

It will allow for additional residential and commercial development in the area, boosting the economy through business growth and additional employment opportunities.

Recognized as an invaluable asset to the profession, Ms. Restrepo excels at mentoring and training junior engineers in all aspects of project development and management. Her commitment to assignments and to the needs of D&B’s clients combined with her unparalleled engineering expertise positions her as a top engineer on Long Island and in the tri-state area.

A graduate of Universidad de Medellin (Republic of Colombia) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Ms. Restrepo received a Master of Engineering degree in Environmental Engineering from Manhattan College in the Bronx.

She is a licensed professional engineer (P.E.) certified in both New York and Connecticut. Ms. Restrepo is an active member of several professional associations including Water Environment Federation (WEF) and New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA).

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

In some circles, there is a perception that men are better suited for science, mathematics and engineering than women, but as a young student, Ms. Restrepo found her passion for and excelled in these subjects.

She stood out among her peers in her ability to identify problems and develop/implement solutions. With her love of buildings and construction, her devotion to math and science, and her desire to see projects through to completion, the engineering field was a natural and subsequently proven, perfect fit.

Often an unjustified fear of mathematics among young students deters their pursuit of a career in engineering. Ms. Restrepo feels it is vital for

students to be exposed to mathematics in a positive way at an early age, utilizing educational approaches that present the curriculum as both fun and interesting, thus engaging students more fully.

Ms. Restrepo believes that enjoyment and passion for a subject makes learning easier and more effective.

As a successful female engineer looking toward the future, she sees that while there are currently fewer women employed in the engineering industry than men, there is a shift with younger generations of women being encouraged and supported as they enter this field.

This is a very positive step forward.

Bernadette Riley, D.O., FACOFP

NYITCOM PROFESSOR - DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY MEDICINE DIRECTOR, EDS/HYPERMOBILITY TREATMENT CENTER SECRETARY, NASSAU COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY

Bernadette Riley, MS, DO is currently the director of New York Institute of Technology’s Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)/ Hypermobility Treatment Center and a professor of Family Medicine at the New York Tech College of Osteopathic Medicine.

She graduated from Fordham University (2001) and New York College of Osteopathic Medicine (2005). Dr. Riley has a special interest in treating hypermobile patients; in her current role, she directs a multidisciplinary center and is involved in a variety of research projects, presentations, teaching, publications, and grants at the center.

She wrote the curriculum and started the EDS 4th year medical student elective at NYITCom. She lectures locally and nationally on the topic of hypermobility.

Dr. Riley graduated with her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition in 2023 and was inducted into the Alpha Eta National Honor Society. Dr.

Riley achieved an academic qualification in international medicine and public health from the Institute for International Medicine.

She became a fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and a fellow of the Institute of Leadership in Medicine. She is an alumnus of the American Osteopathic Association’s Training in Policy Studies Fellowship and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Osteopathic Health Policy Fellowship.

Prior to joining the College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017, Dr. Riley served as program director of the Osteopathic Traditional Rotating Internship at Mt. Sinai/South Nassau Communities Hospital, core faculty of its Family Medicine Residency and Coordinator of Simulation Medicine.

Prior to that, she served as medical director of the Long Beach Group Practice.

Dr. Riley’s postgraduate training started as an ENT/facial plastic surgery intern at the former Union Hospital in New Jersey (2005–2006). She completed two years of resi-

dency at the Union Hospital/Newark Beth Israel/St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey (2006–2008) before switching specialties.

She finished her family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment residency at Long Beach Medical Center in New York (2010), where she served as chief resident (2009–2010) and was named Family Medicine Resident of the Year (2010).

Dr. Riley is board-certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Dr. Riley has held the academic title of clinical assistant professor at many medical schools, including the Zucker School of Medicine-Hofstra University. She serves as national faculty for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners and chair of DEI for NBOME.

Riley has an interest in health policy and has been active in health advocacy for many years. She teaches advocacy to medical students, writes and offers the fourth-year Congressional Health Policy Elective, and is the director of the two-

year Congressional Health Policy Fellowship.

She was elected president of the New York State Osteopathic Medical Society (NYSOMS) in April 2022 and was reelected in May 2023. Fellowship (OHPF Class of 2020). She is Secretary of the Nassau County Medical Society, a member at large for the Nassau Academy of Medicine, and chair of NAM’s Education Committee.

In April 2023, she was elected

assistant secretary of the Medical Society of the State of New York. She has been chair of the Regional Osteopathic Conference since 2016.

She has served as a delegate for both the AOA’s House of Delegates (HOD) since 2010, and MSSNY’s HOD since 2019.

Dr. Riley is involved in National Committees, including the ACOFP Annual Convention Work Group, and has been chair of its National Convention (2020, 2024).

Welcome to a new energy in banking.

New York Community Bank congratulates the Nassau County Women of Distinction difference makers and business leaders of 2023. Special recognition to Julie Signorille-Browne, Executive Vice President and Head of Operations at New York Community Bank, a division of Flagstar Bank, N.A. for bringing leadership and expertise to the financial industry.

Julie Signorille-Browne Executive Vice President & Head of Operations New York Community Bank, a divison of Flagstar Bank, N.A.

Dorothy Roberts

VICE PRESIDENT OF HOTEL OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT

OXFORD HOSPITALITY USA

Dorothy Robert’s current position is vice president of hotel operations & Development for Oxford Hospitality USA located in Jericho.

Dorothy grew up on Long Island in Dix Hills. After graduating from college with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, she moved to Washington, D.C.

Her established career in Hospitality began when Hilton Corporation recruited Dorothy. As her career grew, she was promoted to Director of Sales & Marketing, Regional Director and VP of Operations along with other executive roles.

She earned top awards for her achievements in the Business and Hospitality industry. Dorothy has been formally trained in Hilton IHG, Hyatt and Marriott corporate programs.

Dorothy gained insight and expertise into all areas of Hospitality by also directing operations and sales departments in various venues and hotel types. Her leadership skills and

team building abilities have brought her portfolio to exceed high revenue goals.

Dorothy made the decision to move back to Long Island to bring her business and hospitality experience to the Long Island market.

Dorothy also worked in finance at Capital One.

Dorothy has over 25 years of hospitality and business background encompassing various locations.

She attends many forums and meetings related to economic development, tourism and labor issues affecting Long Island.

She currently works with investor groups and hotel companies in developing new hotels, financial analysis, asset management, and market research. She represents investors and principals in all facets of the hotel industry.

Dorothy has received numerous awards for outstanding performance, community volunteerism and Top Business Women and Power Women recognitions.

Dorothy has given much of her time as a volunteer and mentor.

Dorothy has been elected 3 separate times to the Sachem Board of

Education and served as Vice President. She works with the Sachem Audit Committee to meet with independent auditors to monitor finances and procedures of a 350 million dollar budget.

Dorothy is also a member of the Sachem Legislative Committee and Budget Advisory committee.

Dorothy has been working with Long Island school districts and colleges to implement Hospitality courses in the high schools and have students attain credits for college. Dorothy works with young professionals to assist in job placement and assisting with their career path. She also volunteers for Launchpad for Hospitality.

Dorothy was appointed as president of the Long Island Hospitality Association. She was also appointed to the Board of Directors for Discover Long Island.

Her passion for hospitality and Long Island motivates her to regularly attend and participate in events or organizations tgst help to make Long Island a better place.

Dorothy is married for over 25 years and has 4 children.

Dr. Susan Ruzenski

CEO HELEN KELLER SERVICES

Dr. Susan Ruzenski is a visionary leader who has been at the helm of Helen Keller Services as Chief Executive Officer since February 2021, setting a new course for the organization’s 130-year legacy.

Her unwavering commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and inclusivity has made her a driving force in the field of special education and adult learning.

With a remarkable career spanning over four decades at HKS, Dr. Ruzenski has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s evolution. As Executive Director at the Helen Keller National Center from October 2014 to 2020, she led inno-

vation, pioneering educational and vocational opportunities for DeafBlind and blind participants.

Prior to that, she served as the Director of Direct Services for an impressive 22 years, bringing her invaluable expertise to the forefront. Her dedication to accessibility was evident as she spearheaded initiatives to ensure that HKS services were inclusive and accommodating to all.

At the core of Dr. Ruzenski’s leadership is her ability to foster collaboration and drive change.

As CEO, she steers the HKS executive team with a forward-thinking approach, crafting long-term strategies that address both local and national needs.

Her unique talent lies in align-

ing priorities and nurturing partnerships with corporations and service organizations, working tirelessly to ensure HKS remains a service leader and sought after collaborator.

Her commitment to leadership development and mentoring has nurtured a new generation of advocates for accessibility, while her expertise in adult learning strategies has elevated HKS to new heights.

A lifelong learner herself, Dr. Ruzenski holds a B.A. degree in Special Education from Dowling College (1980), an M.A. degree in Deaf Education from New York University (1985), and a doctorate in Adult Learning and Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University (2019).

A GENUINE LEADER IS NOT A SEARCHER FOR CONSENSUS BUT A MOLDER OF CONSENSUS.

Melissa Schuhmacher

REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF SALES, MARKETING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ARBORS ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES

Melissa Schuh-

macher is a dedicated professional in the field of senior care, serving as the Regional Director of Sales, Marketing, and Business Development at The Arbors Assisted Living.

Her profound commitment to enriching the lives of seniors, coupled with a personal connection that drives her, exemplifies Melissa’s journey characterized by unwavering compassion and expertise.

Melissa’s connection to senior care began at a young age, when she started working with the elderly in assisted living while still in high school.

Her great-grandfather, who battled Alzheimer’s disease, served as her inspiration and ignited her passion to make a positive impact in the lives of seniors facing similar challenges. Melissa earned both her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Gerontology, driven by a desire to better understand and address the unique needs of older adults.

Over the past 18 years, Melissa has been an integral part of The Arbors Assisted Living, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the organization’s mission and values.

She has held many pivotal roles, but her current position as the Regional Director of Sales, Marketing,

growth and success of The Arbors, ensuring that its services reach and benefit a growing number of families in need.

Melissa, in her role as the Regional Director for Sales, Marketing, and Business Development, is responsible for not just recruiting, instructing, and guiding the Directors of Community Relations team, but also shaping the department’s protocols and strategies to propel the company’s progress. Her extensive network within the medical, legal, and financial sectors provides a solid foundation for expanding The Arbors’ business development initiative.

Serving as a bridge to industry experts and offering support to families grappling with the challenges of caring for aging parents, Melissa proves to be a valuable resource for The Arbors Assisted Living.

ing experience for residents at The Arbors.

and Business Development showcases her strategic mindset and strong leadership skills.

Melissa’s innovative approaches have contributed significantly to the

This strong collaboration between assisted living and outside professionals fosters an environment of comprehensive care, legal compliance, and resident well-being. Each party’s expertise complements the other, creating a more enriched liv-

Outside of her professional achievements, Melissa finds joy and fulfillment in her roles as a mother of two and a loving wife. Her family values align with her work, emphasizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and support for others.

Melissa’s heart lies in working with an organization that genuinely cares for seniors, offering them the highest quality of life they deserve

during their golden years. Her commitment to this purpose is a testament to her dedication.

Both personally and professionally, Melissa Schuhmacher embodies the principles of compassion, expertise, and a steadfast commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors. Her journey serves as a source of inspiration, inspiring those around her to foster a more compassionate and supportive world for older generations.

Melissa’s innovative approaches have contributed significantly to the growth and success of The Arbors.

Randi Shubin Dresner

PRESIDENT AND CEO ISLAND HARVEST FOOD BANK

Randi Shubin Dresner has been a catalyst for progress in the human service sector for over five decades.

She joined Island Harvest Food Bank in 2001 as the vice president of fundraising, and a short time later became its president and CEO.

Under her direction, Island Harvest has increased its distribution of food, products and services to help people in need by over 500%.

Randi leads a team with a shared vision of a hunger-free Long Island. Their work concentrates on tackling real-life issues by investigating and addressing the root causes of poverty, hunger and food insecurity, resulting in actionable, innovative programs.

The team continues to strengthen its network of community-based agencies, instituted equity-focused services, upgraded nutrition policy guidelines, and programming to emphasize nutrition-focused education and outreach.

In addition, Island Harvest Food Bank has formed robust advocacy efforts to advance its work, developed a Workforce Skills Development Insti-

tute, and manages an organic farm, a greenhouse, and Giving Gardens across Long Island.

The organization successfully launched a capital campaign in 2016 resulting in Island Harvest’s recent purchase of a food collection/distribution and network services center in Melville, NY.

Randi serves as an affiliate member of the New York State’s Hunger and Food Policy Council, the College Council at Farmingdale State College and the Nassau Community College Foundation Board.

She has also serves on the Suffolk County Food Policy Council, The Long Island Food Council, Charity Navigator’s Consultative Council of Nonprofit Leaders, and the Advisory Disaster Response Council for Feeding America.®

Randi is an alumnus of The Energeia Partnership at Molloy College, served as Co-Chair of the State University of New York Task Force on Food Insecurity on the College Campus and chaired the Advocacy Committee for Feeding New York State.

Randi was an adjunct faculty member at Long Island University and Molloy University for 25 years and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws from St. Joseph’s College in 2013.

She serves as the host of Conversations with Randi Shubin Dresner, a podcast focused on highlighting the “good” in our communities and critical regional and national issues.

She is a regular contributor and guest speaker on the business of operating a nonprofit, managing crisis planning, programming for the human service sector and specialized topics such as “people-first” terminology and more.

Before joining Island Harvest Food Bank, Randi was a partner in a fundraising and development consulting firm, and made her mark at several nonprofit organizations, including the Heckscher Museum of Art, the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, The Viscardi Center, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

A lifelong Long Islander, she and her partner share four adult children and four incredible grandchildren.

“I have faced numerous challenges, most significantly when raising funds under trying economic conditions to continue providing supplement food support for our most vulnerable neighbors.”

Market turbulence is unavoidable, and raising funds during economic uncertainty is incredibly chal-

lenging for non-profit organizations like Island Harvest. It’s a doubleedged sword.

One edge of the blade is the increased demand for service because of the economic crisis’s effect on people who are already struggling to simply feed their families while meeting other challenging economic obligations like housing, clothing, medicine and other essentials bills.

The other side of the proverbial sword is that many donors, individuals and corporations alike similarly feel the pressures of a distressed economy and often temporarily cut back or eliminate charitable giving.

A positive mindset is perhaps one of the most valuable assets a fundraising professional and non-profit CEO can possess when fundraising slows and the economy falters. During more than three decades as a fundraising professional and CEO, there are takeaways that are highly effective in supporting the critical work we do at Island Harvest when running against economic headwinds and other challenges which can also be applied in the forprofit world: build a strong brand, be mindful of costs, seek complementary partners, plan for uncertainty and see donors and investors.

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Julie Signorille-Browne

SR. EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

NEW YORK COMMUNITY BANCORP, INC.

Julie Signorille-Browne joined New York Community Bank, headquartered in Hicksville, in 2021, and currently serves as senior executive vice president and chief operating officer. In this role, she is responsible for all areas of Enterprise Operations, including Retail/Commercial Deposit and Lending, Human Resources, Information Technology, Corporate Real Estate, Sourcing and Vendor Management, and the Enterprise Program Management Office.

She also is responsible for the integration of NYCB and Flagstar and Signature Banks.

“My job title is Chief Operating Officer, but really, I’m just the face of teams of amazing people behind the scenes making things happen to ensure our customers and our teammates have an outstanding experience every time they engage with us,” Julie said. “Whether you’re paying a bill or checking your balance online, the team is working hard to ensure all those things happen seamlessly for you. We’re the heartbeat of the bank—the inside that makes the outside work.”

Julie has more than 30 years of

experience in financial services and M&A integration. Before coming to New York Community, she worked for several large financial institutions, including Citizens Bank, Key Bank, First Niagara Bank, and Citibank, and was responsible for delivering nationwide services for two

Collections, Robotic Process Automation/Artificial Intelligence, Collateral Risk Management, and Project Management.

She is active in the Long Island community, serving as an honorary member of the Setauket Fire Department and as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary group for the Wilson Ritch Post 432 of the American Legion.

She previously served on the board of directors of Big Brothers/ Big Sisters, the Western New York Women’s Foundation, and as a mentor for the Babcock Street Job Readiness Program.

About her involvement with the Setauket Fire Department, Julie said, “My first husband, who passed away many years ago, had been a volunteer for the Setauket Fire Department.

global outsourcing firms.

In her role as Chief Operating Officer for Consumer Banking at Citizens Bank, she was responsible for Deposit and Loan Servicing, Mortgage Servicing, Enterprise Fraud,

You will never find a more supportive group of people to put their arms around you and tell you that everything will be OK. They have kept me in the family all these years later and for that I’m a huge supporter and have such pride for the organization and what they do.

As for the American Legion, I love our country and the men and women who commit their lives to ensure we continue to live free. Anything I can

do to be even a small part of that—I do!”

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

“Although a lot of women work in the finance sector, not a lot are in leadership roles. Personally, I’ve never let that impact my work ethic or how

I look at new challenges. My experience has taught me that by approaching everything with a high level of curiosity, seeking out people who are willing to mentor you, and taking the time to build relationships by listening carefully to the people you interact with, opportunities will unfold for you. They did for me.”

“Although a lot of women work in the finance sector, not a lot are in leadership roles. Personally, I’ve never let that impact my work ethic

Karen J. Tenenbaum, Esq., LL.M. (Taxation), CPA

FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER TENENBAUM LAW, P.C.

An attorney for 40 years, Karen Tenenbaum and her team represent taxpayers in IRS and New York State tax matters.

Karen is a frequent speaker on IRS and NYS tax issues for numerous professional groups on topics such as New York State residency, IRS and NYS Tax Collection and more.

Her knowledge and leadership have established her as a leading tax attorney in the New York area. She developed an interest in promoting financial literacy from her first-hand experience helping others with tax problems.

In addition to her tax practice, Karen is the founder of Money Masters Inc. and the co-creator of Walter the Vault, which is an animated character that promotes financial literacy for children.

He focuses on how to save reasonably, spend responsibly, invest wisely, give appropriately, and budget regularly. Karen’s ultimate goal

is to teach children how to make responsible and informed decisions about money.

As an advocate of financial literacy for all ages, Karen is also the co-founder and served as chair of the board of directors for Commerce Plaza Inc., a nonprofit promoting financial literacy that is now part of the YES Community Counseling Center.

Commerce Plaza introduces children to the business community in order to prepare students for employment and a successful future. The Children’s Business Center teaches elementary students about the free enterprise system, careers, economics, citizenship, and the general skills needed in the work world.

Through a hands-on and simulated work environment, students receive paychecks, make bank deposits, write checks, operate businesses, prepare cost sheets, think critically, and work as a team.

Karen has been featured in news articles and on local cable television shows and radio programs, including the WCBS 880 Radio Small Busi-

ness Spotlight with Joe Connolly, Fox5, Money Magazine, iHeart Radio, Toy Museum of NY, Tower Talk Radio, Law You Should Know, Long Island Business News, The New York Times, Newsday, The Trusted Professional, Channel 12 News, Channel 12 Job Line, Bloomberg Radio, Telecare “Family Comes First,” Bonnie D. Graham’s “Technology Revolution: The Future of Now” and “Something to Talk About,” the Kidz Expo at the Long Island Children’s Museum and Govs Radio.

In addition, she has given multiple presentations for the Girl Scouts and the Boy Scouts and created a Family Financial Literacy Fair for the NYS Society of CPAs, Nassau Chapter.

Active in the legal and accounting professions, Karen is past chair of the Nassau County Bar Association Tax Law Committee and a past executive board member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, Nassau Chapter.

She is also the past chair of the Financial Literacy Committee of the New York State Society of Certified

Public Accountants, Nassau Chapter.

Karen remains an active member of all of these organizations.

For many years, Karen has been selected as a New York Metro Area Super Lawyer as a practitioner of tax law. And recently she has been named a Top 50 Women Lawyer of

New York State by Super Lawyers. Karen received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and her LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. She is admitted to the State Bar of New York and the U.S. Tax Court. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Felicia R. Tucker

OFFICE MANAGING PARTNER – LONG ISLAND OFFICE KPMG LLP

Felicia Tucker is the Managing Partner for the KPMG Long Island office and is also the lead principal of the KPMG Metro New York Development and Exempt Organization Tax practice.

She has more than 23 years of experience providing tax consulting and compliance services to the higher education, private foundation, healthcare, and other various nonprofit industries. Felicia is the national leader of the KPMG International Tax Exempt Services practice.

She is also the national co-leader of the KPMG Tax Exempt Bond practice and a developer of the KPMG Tax Exempt Bond Tool.

Felicia has experience providing subject matter knowledge and guidance to a diverse portfolio of tax-exempt clients. Her current and past clients include large healthcare systems, public charities, religious organizations, colleges and universities, trade associations, and private foundations.

Felicia advises clients on various transactions related to the client’s operations and provides tax planning and operational advice to healthcare, higher education, and other exempt organizations.

In addition to her client responsibilities, Felicia has an impressive history of leading teams and spearheading office initiatives. In her most recent role as a practice leader for Metro NY, she led 20 professionals and contributed to consistent

year-over-year growth.

Felicia is very active in her community and is the co-leader for the firm’s Pride network, driving firmwide Business Resource Group initiatives nationally and locally to the Long Island and NY markets. She is also a strong brand ambassador for the firm, involved in recruiting, and has been on the African Ancestry board of directors.

Felicia began her career with KPMG in 2015 as a Tax partner. She received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from State University of New York Empire State College before obtaining her Juris Doctorate in Law from Hofstra University School of Law, and her Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of Alabama School of Law.

Liz Uzzo, SHRM-SCP, SPHR

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, CHRO H2M ARCHITECTS + ENGINEERS

Liz Uzzo is the Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Vice President at H2M architects + engineers, where she has worked since 1987.

She leads and directs the H2M Human Resources Team to achieve excellence by planning, implementing, and evaluating employee development, HR policies, programs, and practices with the goal of supporting business strategy.

Liz grew up in a home that was far from traditional, with five siblings, a quasi-stay-at-home mom with a part-time job, and a father with multiple careers.

From the beginning, the family threw gender roles right out the window: the girls did the yardwork and the boys played music. In junior high school, Liz’s father pushed the school counselor to allow Liz to become the first girl in the district to take shop class.

After being told that she wasn’t “college material,” Liz was advised to find a trade instead. She attended a BOCES school where she was introduced to the culinary arts and restaurant work. In an industry dominated

by men, Liz worked grueling 80-hour weeks and rose through the ranks until she was trained by a French pastry chef at one of the most exclusive restaurants in New York City.

To move from the “back of the house” to the front, she enrolled at SUNY Farmingdale, later transferring to NYIT, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management.

The day she graduated with her bachelor’s degree, Liz quit her job – to work on a commercial longline fishing boat out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., another industry heavily dominated by men.

She represented the industry in front of local governments across the eastern seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico to ensure fair representation in policy matters.

After her father passed away, Liz returned to New York. Her mother, Babe Uzzo, had already worked at H2M for many years as a part-time corporate librarian, but after the death of her husband, she transitioned to a full-time job with H2M so that the family would continue to have access to health insurance. Liz joined the company as well as a payroll clerk.

When the opportunity arose to transfer into the HR department (then

called Personnel), Liz took it. After two years of being a “department of one,” Liz went back to school and earned her master’s degree in human resource management and labor relations.

Since then, Liz has earned senior level certifications from the Society of Human Resource Management and the Human Resources Certification Institute.

Liz had long been passionate about advocating for others and incorporating that advocacy into industry practices. From a “department of one,” Liz has built H2M’s HR Department into a close-knit team of 10 and introduced organizational clarity on operational structure, employee development, recruiting/retaining talent, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, workforce and succession planning, and strategic planning.

She has presented at national industry conferences on employee engagement, the demonstrated value of HR, and industry best practices.

On the advocacy side, Liz puts others first as a member of the Farmingdale Foundation Board, Stony Brook University Women in STEM Advisory Board, and the Long Island Chapter of SHRM.

She supports three ACE Mentoring teams, which introduces over 70 high school students each year to careers in science, technology, engineering, math and architecture. Liz is also the executive sponsor for H2M’s Women’s Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, and Young Professionals employee resource groups.

She is active in charitable and

civic organizations such as Tri-CYA and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Cycle for Survival fundraiser, where she and the H2M team have already raised over $100,000 for rare cancer research. Liz also employs her culinary arts background to address food insecurities by cooking meals for The Interfaith Nutrition Network.

A GREAT PERSON ATTRACTS GREAT PEOPLE AND KNOWS HOW TO HOLD THEM TOGETHER.

—JOHANN WOLFGANG VON

Wendy Valentino

PARTNER PRAGER METIS, CPAs

Wendy Valentino boasts an impressive career of over four decades, currently holding the esteemed position of partner at Prager Metis and serving as a vital member within the Prager Metis International Group.

With more than 40 years of experience in the accounting sector, Wendy has solidified herself as a reputable authority in the field.

Her proficiency comes to the forefront when collaborating with high-net-worth and ultra-high-networth individuals, offering comprehensive guidance across all aspects of their financial landscape.

This encompasses the meticulous preparation of business and personal tax returns, accurate tax projections, and the facilitation of family office services. Wendy’s commitment to her clients is unwavering, as evidenced by her dedication to ensuring that each client’s unique financial objectives are met with the utmost attention and care.

Wendy’s skill set extends significantly within the real estate sector, where she has cultivated a notable

specialization. She adeptly manages an array of commercial and residential rental properties spread throughout the nation.

Moreover, Wendy’s expertise also encompasses the intricacies of manufacturing and distribution companies, underscoring her ability to handle complex financial scenarios with precision and personalized service.

Beyond her role in taxation, Wendy’s expertise extends to encompass financial statements, reviews, and compilations. Her proficiency further branches into business valuations, forensic accounting, fraud investigations, and the resolution of both matrimonial accounting and shareholder disputes.

This multifaceted skill set positions her as a dependable source of assurance and resolution in navigating intricate financial challenges.

Wendy’s commitment to philanthropy is a notable facet of her character. Serving on the board of Canine Companions for Independence/ Northeast Region, she supports the organization’s mission of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support.

This altruistic initiative extends

its reach to adults, children, veterans, and professionals within the healthcare, criminal justice, and education sectors.

Within the Accounting Industry Leadership Council, Wendy contributes her expertise to a consortium of accounting firms united by their commitment to raising revenues and advocating for Alzheimer’s disease awareness and research.

Leading by example, she serves as the Prager Metis Team Captain for the Long Island Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a cause that holds personal significance due to her mother’s battle with dementia.

A member of the board of WIFS–LI (Women in Financial Services–Long Island), Wendy actively supports the organization’s mission of advancing career opportunities and fostering professional development for women.

Her involvement in establishing the Long Island chapter of this national organization is driven by her commitment to addressing genderbased disparities in career growth and salary.

This chapter, established in 2021, has played a crucial role in mentoring soon-to-be graduates on interview strategies and networking

skills, while also providing guidance to women entrepreneurs launching their businesses.

Wendy Valentino’s extensive career journey is a testament to her

unswerving dedication to excellence, compassion, and progress. She continues to make a significant impact, embodying the values of professionalism and dedication to the highest standards.

combined vision and hearing loss to live, work and thrive in their community of choice. Helen

The Helen Keller National Center provides comprehensive vocational and rehabilitation services to DeafBlind individuals Our person-centered training gives participants with combined hearing and vision loss the skills they need to live, work, and thrive

At Helen Keller Services for the Blind, our Dayhab programs offer adults with developmental disabilities the resources they need to become more independent in their daily lives

Our Children’s Learning Center in Brooklyn provides programs and services for preschoolers with low vision, multiple disabilities, autism, or pervasive developmental delays Educators and therapists collaborate to help these students reach their fullest potential

Angela Wambugu Cobb

VICE PRESIDENT FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE OLD WESTBURY COLLEGE FOUNDATION

SUNY OLD WESTBURY

Angela Wambugu Cobb has over 20 years of experience as a trusted fundraising executive. She has worked with leading, mission-driven higher education, social justice, international human rights, health and social service organizations.

Throughout her career she has established herself as a strategic planner, program and infrastructure developer, target fundraiser, and determined advocate and partner for the support and advancement of women and marginalized communities.

Angela was appointed as SUNY Old Westbury’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Old Westbury College Foundation, Inc. in December 2022.

In her capacity, she oversees alumni relations, private individual and organizational fundraising for the university, community engagement and program development.

In addition, as the Executive Director of the Old Westbury College Foundation – the university’s private 501(c)

(3) organization charged with advancing the mission and strategic goals of SUNY Old Westbury – she leads efforts to support student success, faculty and staff research, strategic initiatives and community service through fundraising and community partnerships.

Working with a volunteer board of trustees including 25 leaders from Long Island and New York City, her work with the Foundation focuses on broadening partnerships for SUNY Old Westbury’s students, faculty and staff.

“My work in higher education has always given me joy. It is not only fulfilling but exciting to be able to have a hand in getting students to their academic finish line, and even more, watch them venture on into the career of their dreams. When a first-generation student gets their college degree, they lift their entire family up. It can truly be life changing. So when I partner with staff and faculty on campus, and dedicated individuals and organizations off campus to create scholarships, internship opportunities, or to develop special programs, we are literally make the impossible, possible –many times for entire family.”

Prior to joining SUNY Old Westbury Angela worked in an executive capacity for fourteen years at the City University of New York (CUNY). She served eight years at CUNY’s Bronx Community College as the Assistant Vice President for Development, and six years at CUNY’s LaGuardia Community College as Director of Development.

In those roles she managed alumni relations, grants, special events and most notably, directed both colleges’ private fundraising efforts in support of scholarships, historic preservation, student resources, social justice initiatives, faculty research, study abroad, cultural programming and a host of strategic programs.

In addition, she worked very closely with the colleges’ foundation boards of directors, spearheaded graduation initiatives, created scholarships and endowments, and helped institute leadership and diversity education programs in support of students.

Angela has also served as Assistant Director for Major Gifts at Amnesty International USA, Director of Foundation Relations at St. John’s University,

and held multiple roles at the National Hemophilia Foundation.

Angela is a native New Yorker and attained her Master of Arts in Urban Studies from CUNY – Queens College, and her Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies from St. John’s University. She resides in Queens, NY with her husband and children.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry?

In my industry, there are few women in leadership roles – even less women of color. Early on I was fortunate to

work with women who demonstrated what it meant to be great managers and professional fundraisers. However, as I ascended into leadership roles, there were fewer women in my circles who could help me navigate the challenges I faced in spaces traditionally not occupied by women. Ultimately, I learned to expand my knowledge base, be fearless in my approach to my work, be willing to work in new arenas and forge new relationships, so my work could speak for itself. I look forward to many more talented women to join me the near future.

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Tawaun Whitty DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS VISION LONG ISLAND

Tawaun Whitty is the Director of Operations for Vision Long Island managing the day-to-day operations of the organization. Ms. Whitty joined Vision in 2008 and runs the group’s community outreach, planning projects, advocacy, communications, and administration for the organization.

In her role as Operations Director, manages the internal operations of the organization including overseeing staff. She supervises, and is often the lead on community outreach, for several projects such as community charettes and small business outreach.

Event planning is also part of her duties at Vision Long Island, not only managing the 2 larger events annually, but also community meetings, smaller conferences, and press events. She also works directly with the board on a variety of issues.

As Assistant Director, she is directly involved in decision-making as part of the core leadership.

Over the years she has helped move forward multiple affordable housing, community improvement,

downtown, transit-oriented development and pedestrian safety projects while providing assistance for small businesses and local organizations.

Ms. Whitty graduated from Hofstra University with a B.S. in Computer Science.

from college, she returned home and began to volunteer in the community. She served as president of the Gordon Heights Civic Association and founder of the Gordon Heights Steering Committee and Gordon Heights Coalition of Organizations.

Over the years, she has received a number of awards for her service including the Long Island Business News 40 Under 40 and Top 50 Women designation.

Most recently she received a community recognition award for her past work in the community of Gordon Heights and her continued efforts to better the neighborhood.

Volunteering is a passion of Ms. Whitty. She looks to help others in any way she can. As part of the Genesis Church family, she volunteers at the front desk to welcome visitors and assist them. She also helps to bring resources to their Grace Cares food pantry.

A lifelong resident of Long Island, Tawaun grew up in the Gordon Heights community. After graduating

Tawaun Whitty continues to be involved in her greater community of Long Island in both her personal and professional life.

She has helped move forward multiple affordable housing, community improvement, downtown, transit-oriented development and pedestrian safety projects.

The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

proudly celebrates our own, Samara B. Ginzburg, MD Vice Dean & Dean for Education Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

on being recognized for her contributions to medical education and healthcare.

Congratulations to Dr. Ginzburg and all of the 2023 Women of Distinction honorees!

At the innovative Zucker School of Medicine, we are turning medical education on its head to lead, inspire, and prepare the next generation of physicians who will provide unparalleled patient care in an ever-evolving healthcare environment.