Women of Distinction 2021_10_22 by The Island 360

Women of Nassau County’s

Distinction 2021 n e t wo r k i n g a n d awa r d s e v e n t

Recognizing and celebrating individuals who have consistently demonstrated strategic thinking, innovation and action and are influential in their field.

A B l a n k S l at e M e d i a S p e c i a l S e c t i o n • o c t o b e r 2 2 , 2 0 2 1

Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Together, we ensure a bright future for women. Congratulations to my fellow honorees on your exceptional achievements and initiative. During the pandemic, we chose not to back down but to set greater goals and challenge ourselves to meet them. We continued to a make a difference and to serve as role models to all women in our communities. Thank you, Nassau County, Blank Slate Media and sponsors, for recognizing the crucial role women play throughout our region. May we continue to inspire other women and accomplish great things. Christine M. Riordan, PhD President, Adelphi University

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

from the publisher

In writing about Fred Astaire in a comic strip in 1982, Robert Lee Thaves wrote that “Sure he was great but don’t forget that Ginger Rogers did everything he did, backwards and in high heels.” Thaves could have been speaking about many of the 43 exceptional women featured in Blank Slate Media’s first annual Women of Distinction of Nassau County awards section. Not only have they achieved much but often they have often done so as trailblazers in fields with few if any role models for them to follow and perhaps more than a little skepticism among their professional peers. Often with the responsibilities of a family falling most heavily on them. In doing so, these women have helped expand the definition of the American Dream and enriched the lives of everyone in Nassau County. Madeline Singas, who will serve as the keynote speaker as well as honoree at the Women of Distinction awards ceremony on Nov. 9, is but one example. She is the daughter of Greek immigrants, grew up in Astoria, Queens and rose to the New York State Court of Appeals – the highest court in the state. In between, Judge Singas established Nassau County’s first Special Victims Bureau as a member of the District Attorney’s Office, was appointed chief assistant district attorney and was elected twice as District Attorney. I myself have drawn inspiration from someone who was denied that opportunity by circumstance. My mom survived the Holocaust where she lost her father in a death camp and was

separated from her mother and twin sister and then came to America at the age of 15. She had spoken five different languages in attending schools in four countries before coming to the United States where she scored the highest in her class in the English Regents - her sixth language. But a year after she graduated high school she got married and a year later I arrived - one of three children she would have by the time she was 23 and four by age 30. I always wondered what her life would be like if she hadn't had children so young. If she had been able to go to college and pursue a career. And how fortunate I was to not have the responsibility of raising a family so far from home. I didn't want to waste my own opportunity. The women we are honoring this year are making their own marks in public service, education, business, health-care, notfor-profit, engineering, real estate, business and the arts. Although each individual represents a different type of work, they all have something in common: their determination to make a difference and have a long-lasting impact. Our honorees have all worked their way up the ladder, and are now leading their own teams inspiring others. While growing their careers, they also have found ways to fulfill passions outside of the office….including mentoring, volunteering and serving on various boards in different capacities. Each of our 43 Women of Distinction share 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 succeeded. Congratulations to all…we know you will continue to have success.

Steven Blank Publisher, Blank Slate Media

BlankSlate

With over 30 years of residential experience in Long Island real estate, I will personally be with you from start to finish.

media,llc

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank

office manager Holly Blank reporters

Robert Pelaez, Brandon Duffy

marketing director Sue Tabakin

art director Jewell Davis

production manager Rosemarie Palacios

designers

Lorens Morris Yvonne Farley

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stacy Shaughenessy Melissa Spitalnick Wendy Kates Debbie Flynn Linda Robinson Barbara Kaplan

22 Planting Field Road, Roslyn Heights, New York 11577 Phone: 516-307-1045 E-mail: sblank@theislandnow.com

Shelley Scotto Founding Agent of Compass North Shore Licensed Associate RE Broker shelley.scotto@compass.com shelleyscotto.com M: 516.816.7428 | O: 516.517.4751 1695 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030 Located in the Munsey Park Center Shelley Scotto is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a Licensed Real Estate Broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity Laws.

Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

keynote speaker

Madeline Singas

Associate Judge on New York State Court of Appeals

he Honorable Madeline Singas was appointed to the New York Court of Appeals by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 25, 2021, and she was confirmed by the New York State Senate on June 8, 2021. As an associate judge on the New York Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, Judge Singas works with the six other judges of the court to decide cases that involve issues of statewide importance in New York. Judge Singas began her legal career as an assistant district attorney in Queens County in 1991. In 2006, she joined the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office to establish the county’s first Special Victims Bureau, bringing her expertise to serve the most vulnerable victims—children, the elderly, and victims of domestic and sexual abuse.

In 2011, Judge Singas was appointed chief assistant district attorney and worked to design and implement specialized programs for adolescent offenders, veterans, and those who suffer from mental illness or drug addiction. In 2015 and again in 2019, she was overwhelmingly elected Nassau County District Attorney, a role she held until her appointment to the Court of Appeals. She managed a staff of more than 450 attorneys, investigators, and support staff prosecuting and investigating approximately 30,000 criminal cases annually. During her tenure, crime in Nassau County dropped by more than 25%, making it the safest community in America for two years in a row according to U.S. News and World Report. On her watch, opioid overdoses fell by more than 20%, and gang violence plummeted as the office simultaneously worked

to prevent crime and recidivism through innovative programs that engaged the community. Judge Singas worked to address the opioid crisis using funds seized from criminals to establish the region’s first 24/7 medically-assisted crisis treatment facility, bridging the gap between emergency room discharge and long-term drug treatment. She coordinated the launch of Nassau County’s Family Justice Center, which will provide holistic onsite services to crime victims and their families. She established the Phoenix Division to help justice involved individuals access the services, support, and job training they need to lead productive and law-abiding lives, and created new units to focus on hate crimes, crimes against immigrants, and offenses that victimize the elderly. Judge Singas has been an advocate for women throughout her career.

During her tenure as District Attorney, in addition to her work protecting women, she also promoted the careers of women in the District Attorney’s office, increasing the percentage of women managers from 57% to 67%. Because of her advocacy, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office became the first county office to offer family leave to attorneys. Judge Singas is an active member of the Nassau County Women’s

Bar Association, the New York State Permanent Commission on Justice for Children, and the New York State Safe Schools Task Force. The daughter of Greek immigrants, Judge Singas grew up in Astoria. She is a graduate of the Bronx High School of Science, Barnard College, Columbia University, and Fordham University Law School. She lives in Manhasset with her husband and teenage twins.

Congratulations, Danielle! We are thankful for your hard work and dedication to Nassau County, its businesses and economy. NCIDA also congratulates all of the distinguished women being honored for the incredible contributions they have made in their professions.

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

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead’s Town Board Congratulates

Supervisor Judi Bosworth

and this year’s honorees for being recognized as

Women of Distinction

Council Member, District 1 Viviana L. Russell

Council Member, District 2 Peter J. Zuckerman

Council Member, District 3 Angelo P. Ferrara

Council Member, District 4 Veronica Lurvey

Council Member, District 5 Lee R. Seeman

Council Member, District 6 Mariann Dalimonte

Town Clerk Wayne H. Wink, Jr.

Receiver Of Taxes Charles Berman

Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

event host

Antoinette Biordi

anchor and reporter news 12 long island

ntoinette Biordi is an Emmy Award winning reporter for News 12 Long Island. She has been in the news business since 1997. Biordi began her career as a one man band reporter, producing, shooting, writing and editing daily stories for News Center 7 in Ithaca, NY. Then in 1998 she worked as reporter/anchor for WETM (NBC) in Elmira, NY. In 1999 Biordi worked at WNYT (NBC) in Albany, NY, 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 reporter at News 12 Long Island before working full time at News 12 Westchester in 2003. In 2007 Biordi earned a prestigious 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 limita-

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. tions 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 own kids in the car. Those series combined with her daily stories won her sev-

eral 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. Biordi was born in Brooklyn and was raised most of her life on

Long Island. She continues to live there with her husband, son, and her dog Dottie. In her spare time Biordi loves to read, travel, workout, cook, make her home-made wine, take pictures and play several musical instruments including the accordion.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE 2021 NASSAU COUNTY WOMEN OF DISTINCTION HONOREES.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Maria Babaev

Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Douglas Elliman

aria Babaev is the elite licensed associate real estate broker and international real estate advisor representing luxury properties on the North Shore of Long Island. She brings a refreshing perspective to the business of residential real estate. Her many years working on Wall Street, along with the impressive network of clients she has cultivated, both locally and abroad, has enabled Maria to represent unique Gold Coast estates and bring buyers and sellers of luxury properties together. Maria has an MBA in international business/finance and a bachelor’s degree in industrial management. Maria has an outstanding professional record having worked on Wall Street as a client account manager at Citigroup/Emerging Markets Division, successfully managing the portfolio of 130 banks located in Central and Eastern Europe.

Maria is adept at strategizing the most complex negotiations while maintaining a strong work ethic and compassionate nature. Maria has remained a highly sought-after authority on residential real estate, especially on the Gold

Defining Success: A lot of hard work and hanging in there. Coast and within the international community. Speaking fluent Russian, Maria has served as liaison to numerous Russian brokers and developed

a highly respected pipeline of foreign investors and buyers of luxury residences. Given her widespread knowledge of the North Shore’s most prominent villages and towns she delivers invaluable guidance to her exclusive network of clients. Maria is a sought-after international and luxury real estate expert, having appeared on ABC, CBS, CNBC and News 12. She and her properties have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Financial Times, Mansion Global, Architectural Digest, Town & Country, The Mann Report, The National Post, The New York Times, The Daily News, New York Post, The Real Deal, Real Trends, Inman News, Broker’s Weekly, DuJuor Magazine, Hamptons Magazine, Residency New York, Newsday and Long Island Business News. Maria has also been a featured panelist at many of the top real estate summits around the world. Well-known throughout the

New York Russian community, Maria is actively involved in New York- based business and cultural councils such as the Russian Nobility Association, American-Russian Children’s Welfare Society, and Gift of Life Foundation. She has leveraged both her personal and business relationships in these councils and numerous other charities and organizations to create a broad business-based network of professionals, com-

munity leaders and respected residents throughout the North Shore of Long Island and New York City. She remains committed to building relationships based on trust and integrity and delivers exceptional results.

summa cum laude graduate, with Departmental Honors.

lawsuits on behalf of my clients who have suffered life altering injuries. It also means being someone that others can turn to and rely upon when they are in need. It means giving advice when asked, lending a helping hand, being a good listener. It means being able to help people without being asked. It means helping to connect people whether it concerns finding the right doctor or job opportunity. Last, but certainly not least, it means being able to look back on my life and career and be able to say I was able to help people.

How Do You Define Success: “A lot of hard work and hanging in there.” Her Website:www.luxurylongisland.com.

Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard, Esq.

Managing Partner PEgais Law Group, LLC

nnamarie BondiStoddard, Esq. is the managing partner of the Pegalis Law Group, LLC in Lake Success. She represents patients in medical negligence cases focusing on women’s health issues, children’s birth injuries, cancers, surgical and neurosurgical cases, and medical specialty cases where negligence is involved. Over the last 30 years, she has developed an encyclopedialike knowledge of medical terms, and is leading advocate of being a proactive patient. She lectures on patient safety and medical malpractice for community groups and law industry professionals. Bondi-Stoddard received a recognition that less than 1% of all attorneys in New York receive. She was named the 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” on Long Island for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation and the 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” on

Long Island for Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice by Best Lawyers. In addition, she is one of only 5% of all U.S. attorneys to be listed in Best Lawyers, and has been named to the list every year since 2007. In 2019, she received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” of the Leadership in Law series from the Long Island Business News. Ms. Bondi-Stoddard has been recognized as one of the New York Metro Super Lawyers every year since 2007. She has served as an officer on the New York State Trial Lawyers executive board, as well as Dean of the New York State Trial Lawyers Institute. The Long Island Press honored her with their “Long Island Power Women in Business Award” in 2018 and 2019. Long Island Business News named her to their Hall of Fame of “Top 50 Women in Business,” as a threetime award recipient. She was also recently named to “Top Women in Law” by Hofstra University and

awarded the “Corporate Leadership Recognition Award” from United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau. Bondi-Stoddard has been recognized three times in Long Island Business News “Who’s Who in Women in Professional Services.” She supports the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement. She has written extensively on medical malpractice in publications such as the Long Island Corridor Journal of Strategic Alliances and The New York Law Journal. Bondi-Stoddard is a member of New York State Trial Lawyers Association, Nassau-Suffolk Trial Lawyers Association, Nassau County Bar Association, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, and the New York State and New York County Bar Associations. Bondi-Stoddard obtained her law degree from Boston University, and her undergraduate degree from Seton Hall University as a

How do you define success? To me, success is multifaceted. In regard to family, it includes raising three children who have gone on to achieve their own successes by fulfilling their educational goals, embarking on careers they enjoy and starting families of their own. In regard to my 30 plus year career as an attorney, it means building and achieving a level of respect amongst my colleagues and adversaries through quality representation and resolution of

Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Judi Bosworth

Town Supervisor Town of North Hempstead

udi Bosworth took office in 2014, as the 37th supervisor of the Town North Hempstead, following six years with the Nassau County Legislature as the representative for the 10th District and 16 years as a trustee of the Great Neck School District Board of Education. She was re-elected to her fourth two-year term in November 2019. The hallmark of the supervisor’s administration has been delivering outstanding constituent services to all residents, with loving attention to the town’s senior citizens and veterans. In 2020, Supervisor Bosworth led North Hempstead’s thorough preparation and response plan in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that the town maintained the continuity of government and often expanded its services by developing initiatives in response to emerging needs. To this end, she established an internal business recovery response workgroup that developed creative opportunities and initiatives allowing local shops and restaurants to expand operations

outdoors. Among a multitude of other innovations, Supervisor Bosworth oversaw the creation of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” a social program for seniors feeling isolated and disconnected. She also ensured that the town hosted a series of free outdoor events and numerous virtual enrichment programs for residents of all ages. Throughout her tenure, Supervisor Bosworth has shown a strong commitment to fiscally conservative budgeting that stays under the statemandated tax cap, by reducing debt and saving taxpayer dollars whenever possible. This has resulted in the town’s first-ever Triple A bond rating by Moody’s, the highest a municipality can obtain, which has since been reaffirmed 11 times. She has also led a slate of ethics and procurement reforms, ensuring employees and anyone doing business with the town are held to the highest ethical standard. The Town also implemented an anti-nepotism law to prevent situations where town employees might supervise relatives. To reform procurement, the supervisor created a professional

purchasing division, which has simplified bid documents, reached out to women and minority vendors, and greatly expanded the universe of vendors used, assisting the Town in receiving optimal goods and services at competitive prices. From the start, Supervisor Bosworth prioritized making North Hempstead government more accessible and enhancing public participation. She spearheaded significant changes, including moving public comment to the start of Town Board meetings and making the meetings viewable online. Additionally, Supervisor Bosworth launched a transparency portal on the town website that provides comprehensive, interactive financial reports. Her commitment to transparency in government has also included voting on the town’s budget before Election Day. Throughout her career, Supervisor Bosworth has been committed to safeguarding our environment. She has been a staunch advocate of protecting the area’s waterways, aquifers, and drinking water, and an outspoken opponent of New York City’s Department of Environmental

Protection’s proposed plan to re-open the Jamaica Wells, which would extract up to 68 million gallons of water per day. Supervisor Bosworth and the town are also supporters of the national “Not In Our Town” initiative that has inspired hundreds of communities to take action against messages of hate and prejudice. In 2014, Supervisor Bosworth made it a priority to re-establish the town’s Veterans Advisory Committee. The committee has since implemented veterans donation drives, discount programs, and free/discounted parking at town facilities. One of the committee’s greatest accomplishments was successfully advocating to secure a CommunityBased Outpatient Clinic to offer easily accessible medical access to vet-

erans in North Hempstead. Supervisor Bosworth also created the Disability Advisory Committee which has since provided the town with valuable input on different programs for residents with disabilities. The town has extended its Project Independence taxi program to include rides to residents with disabilities and expanded the town’s CARE program for adult children with disabilities. The Supervisor and her husband, Dr. Jay Bosworth, reside in Great Neck. They are so proud of their son Michael, an attorney, and his husband David Guggenheim, a psychologist as well as their son Brian, a physician, and his wife Lauren, an attorney, and their two grandchildren Andrew and Robin.

Women in Business award in 2017. Burch is especially proud of the work she has done throughout her career to mentor young women and promote women executives. She currently leads a team of

five female assistant vice presidents who oversee all of the program operations at FCA. Lisa believes in the quote “build a team so strong you don’t know who the boss is.”

Lisa Burch, MPH

Vice President/COO Family & Children’s Association

isa Burch has over 30 years’ experience in public health, non-profit management, community and government relations, grants administration, budgets, strategic planning, and program development. Burch is currently serves as the vice president and chief operating officer at FCA, overseeing program operations, facilities, IT, compliance and quality assurance. Prior to joining FCA Burch worked for Northwell Health for 11 years where she first established the Office of Sponsored Programs followed by the health system’s first Sustainability and Social Responsibility program. While at Northwell, Burch was a member of the 2010 High Potentials Program – a group of top employees chosen for future leadership positions in the health system. Earlier in her career, Burch worked for Odyssey House, the

Osborne Association, Planned Parenthood of New York City and Safe Horizons. Burch earned her BA in psychology from Clark University with minors in philosophy and sociology and a concentration in women’s studies, her Maser of Public Healh from Hunter College, a certificate in corporate citizenship management from Boston College, and a certificate in community leadership from the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. Burch served as a parent representative for the Oceanside Middle School Anti-Defamation League No Place for Hate committee for two years. Burch has also served as a member of the Clark University Alumni and Parents Association, the NYC Mayor’s Carbon Challenge, the US Green Building Council’s LI Healthcare Committee and the North Oceanside Road. Elementary School site-based management team. For the past four years Burch has served on the board of the Long Island Regional Planning Consor-

tium, working with local behavioral health organizations and state agencies to guide behavioral health policy in the region and recommend priorities for reinvestment of Medicaid savings. She also serves on the advisory committee of the LIU Nonprofit Shared Services program and as the co-chair of the Nassau County Community Advisory Board. Burch served on the board of directors for Temple Am Echad beginning in 2009, serving as the vice president for membership, vice president for finance and, finally, as the president. During her tenure as president, Burch was responsible for hiring the first ever female rabbi and female cantor in the synagogue’s history, and, during her final year as president she presided over an allfemale administration and clergy. Burch is a member of the Energia Partnership Class of 2020, a recipient of the Premier Business Women of Long Island award in 2019 and the Long Island Power

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Congratulations to Donna Gehnrich for being named one of Blank Slate Media’s “Women of Distinction”

Donna Gehnrich Operations Manager BEB Capital

26 HARBOR PARK DRIVE | PORT WASHINGTON, NY 11050

S10 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Randell M. Bynum, LMSW

CEO Girl Scouts of Nassau County

ande is the chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County. A third generation Girl Scout, Rande brings decades of experience enhancing the efforts of nonprofit organizations. Early in her career, Bynum was the director, program and adult development, at Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Girl Scouts of Nassau County serves about 14,000 girls and 5,000 adults. Rande led GSNC through the pandemic ensuring that girls had Girl Scouts when they needed it the most. The organization pivoted to virtual programming in which allowed girls to participate in re-imaged Girl Scout experience. Before returning to the Girl Scouts of Nassau County four years ago, Bynum was content designer and editor, with various organizations, media entities and corporations. As an independent contractor she was tasked with elevating content to best meet the needs of the target audience, support professional

development efforts and ensure consistency and sustainability. Prior to that she was the publishing director of Family and Community Engagement at Scholastic Inc. She was responsible for the development of all resources that

Rande led GSNC through the pandemic ensuring that girls had Girl Scouts when they needed it the most. support engagement for schools and community organizations and that ensure student achievement. Before her work at Scholastic, Rande was the senior director, outreach and

partnerships, at Sesame Workshop. Rande managed all engagement activities for Sesame Workshop’s Emmy Award winning. The Electric Company. This included community events, partnerships and the development of literacy materials for both children and educators. Rande has over 20 years of experience working with youth and families in various settings. She also worked at the Girl Scouts of the USA, where she was responsible for the implementation of The Dove Self-Esteem Fund corporate partnership and the development of the Girl Scout/Dove self-esteem program. She is the co-author of Dove’s “true you!, Sometimes I Feel Ugly and Other Truths About Growing Up” workbook for mothers and daughters. Rande received a Master of Social Work with a program planning, administration and research concentration from Stony Brook University. She also holds a B.A. from Binghamton University.

Margo K. Cargill

Founder/CEO Titanium Linx Consulting, Inc.

argo K. Cargill is founder and CEO of Titanium Linx Consulting Inc. (“Titanium Linx.”) a diversified project impact management firm specializing in corporate, institutional, and government strategy. Her expertise is in the areas of business and economic development through research analysis, marketing and communications, public relations, government affairs, and regulatory compliance channels. Cargill partners with commercial industry leaders, elite institutions, and government agencies on private, public, and public-private partnership ventures. Her background as a corporate manager overseeing operations of post-mergers and acquisitions at Fortune 500 companies and startups delivers insight into critical approaches of not only how to launch, but implement and sustain

successful projects and partnerships while controlling information, maintaining interfaces and managing crises. As president emeritus of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce and elected vice president of the

Our commitment to the integrity of every project and that each engineered is to the highest standard of industry. Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce, Cargill apprehends a project’s social, economic and environmental impact on communi-

ties and ensures they are highly scrutinized by facilitating total stakeholder engagement. She is responsible for Titanium Linx.’s sector expansion into public policy, finance, land development, energy, transportation, infrastructure, environment, and crisis communications. With over 22 combined years of experience in senior project management, marketing research, and strategic communications Cargill brings the tactical skills necessary to implement multi-faceted programs. Through her leadership and methodology, the firm maintains systematic efficiency and efficacy in every aspect of its function. She is the U.S. Department of Commerce National Ronald H. Brown Leadership Honoree, the New York district U.S. Small Business Administration Minority Business Champion, an Engineering News-Record Top Young Professional, and holds Nassau County’s Outstanding Leadership Citation and Woman of Distinction Awards.

Cargill serves as chair of the advisory board of the Uniondale Community Land Trust, member of the Nassau County: Executive’s HUB Committee, Comptroller’s MWBE Advisory Council, and District Attorney’s Business Council. Cargill is an alumna of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Nassau Community Col-

lege, Garden City and holds a Construction Management Certificate from Pace University. Titanium Linx Consulting Inc. is a federally certified WOSB, MBE, HABE, SBE, and DBE as well as a New Jersey State, New York State, New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Port Authority NY/NJ certified MWBE.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

MTA-LIRR Third Track

Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine

FDNY

Copiague Commons

Morrelly Homeland Security Center

Smithtown Solar Photovoltaics

Fordham University

St. Joseph’s College Athletic Complex

SUNY Stony Brook Long Island Seagates Study

Massapequa Creek Preserve

Congratulations To Our Associate Sarah Oral And All Of Nassau County’s 2021 Women of Distinction LEED Accredited Professionals Woodbury, NY

New York, NY

Nassau Coliseum

Ritz Carlton North Hills

Sacred Heart Academy

Baxter Pond

White Plains, NY

www.cameronengineering.com Garvies Point

Bergen Point WWTP

Molloy College Center for Nursing

SC Minor League Stadium

Museum of American Armor

S11

Clean & Green Biosolids Facility

S12

Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Ann Cella, R.N.

Senior VP Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center

nn Cella is a nurse executive, in the role of the senior vice president for Patient Care at St. Francis Hospital & Heart Center in

Roslyn. Ann is known best for her leadership as the chief nursing officer in achieving the prestigious Magnet Designation for four consecutive cycles for providing exemplary nursing care. She attended Queens Hospital Center’s School of Nursing in New York graduated and became licensed as an RN. She also earned Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marymount Manhattan College and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from C.W. Post College in Greenvale. Subsequently, Ann attended Columbia University’s Teachers College and earned both a Master of Arts in Nursing Education and Master of Education in Nursing Administration.

Ann accepted her first staff nurse position at Queens Hospital Center. She excelled as a nurse leader and was quickly promoted to assistant head nurse and then to head nurse. Ann’s drive for professional advancement lead her to Mount Sinai Hospital, a nationally recognized tertiary medical teaching center. She was promoted from a head nurse on a surgical unit in to a clinical supervisor for the hospital. Ann, immersed in the new field of quality assurance and improvement, was prompted to join St. Francis Hospial. She was responsible for the coordination of clinical and administrative activities within the Nursing Department. She was promoted to a new position as assistant director of nursing – quality assurance and established the first decentralized Nursing Quality Assurance Program for the nursing department. Ann had a clear trajectory for nursing leadership and enjoyed promotions to assistant vice president – nursing, to vice president for

patient care and CNO. She soon became the senior vice president of patient care and CNO. St. Francis is the only designated cardiac center in New York State and Ann assumed responsibility for the leadership and management of all patient units there. Ann, as an established leader, assumed additional responsibility for other departments including care management, social work and all perioperative services, pre-admission testing, central sterile processing services, perfusion, pharmacy and oncology. She also had the responsibility for the creation of a cardiac catheterization lab generating medical and nursing research, becoming early adopters of the popular TAVR surgery. Ann’s leadership talent was recognized by the Catholic Health System as she assumed interim CNO for Mercy Medical Center for three years while maintaining the CNO role at St. Francis Hospial. At Mercy, Ann assumed executive oversight of all in-patient

units, cath lab, peri-operative services, emergency department, care management and patient relations to meet the hospital’s admission capabilities and improved care delivery, while safely reducing patients’ length of stay. She led the opening of a St. Francis Hospial cardiac surgical program in another Catholic Health Hospital in addition to opening two cardiac cath labs in two Catholic Health hospitals. Ann assumed administrative responsibility for the hospital’s physician assistant services and was able to influence the stakeholders of the worth, value and contributions of the nurse practitioners, thus creating new roles for nurse practitioners throughout the

hospital. Her executive leadership contributes to the hospital’s achievements including Leap Frog A, U.S. News & World Report ranked in 5 specialties and Magnet Designation. Ann favors awards in nursing excellence, in each specialty, achieving PRISM Awards in all Medical Surgical Telemetry Units, BEACON Awards for the three Critical Care Units, Intermediate Care Unit, PACU and Cardiac Cath Lab, and the Lantern award for the Emergency Department. She defines success as personal, “knowing what I have accomplished is attributable to my belief to always raise the bar and never settle.” Ann’s philosophy is that “one can expect more when willing to give more.” The patients drive Ann to excel in leading an exemplary nursing staff. She believes a nurse makes a profound difference in the lives of the patients, families and the community in which they live. The leaders of the profession have recently sought ways to change the image and status of nursing. Ann’s hope for her legacy is that she has influenced nurses to continue to evolve, contribute and foster quality patient care through a highly educated workforce with the stamina to endure the changing healthcare environment.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Glenda Clark

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Remediation Project Lead Lockheed Martin

lenda Clark is the remediation project lead at Lockheed Martin for the environmental cleanup in Lake Success. Glenda’s passion for the environment began at an early age while watching television with her grandmother. The television program depicted a ‘solution’ to car pollution, but it wasn’t a solution at all. That set Glenda’s mind thinking about all the possibilities of how to make the world a better place. Thoughts of working in the environmental field stayed at the back of her mind while growing up. Then, when watching the news in college, a story came on about how antibiotics were difficult to remove from wastewater, and Glenda knew she had to change her career path to make the kind of difference she wanted to see in the world. The next day, Glenda went to her advisor and changed her major from civil engineering to environmental engineering.

Glenda received both her Bachelor of Science and her Master of Environmental Engineering from Texas Tech University. After graduation, Glenda began her career at Lockheed Martin as a project lead associate, supporting multiple environmental remediation sites across the northeast. It was during this valuable time that she learned from the best and was able to watch the different management techniques of her colleagues. She also had mentors, both official and unofficial, to help guide her through her early career. Glenda began working on the Lake Success remediation site beginning in 2010 and took over as project lead in 2017. Since taking over as lead, several large projects have been completed including: the onsite groundwater treatment system was expanded to pump more water per day, the offsite groundwater treatment system was made more energy efficient with the installation of a variable frequency drive, a subslab depressurization system was

installed, and soil excavations for the project were completed. Current projects include installation of a new diffusion well and expanding a sub-slab depressurization system. Glenda attributes both her success and the project success not to herself but to the team that comes together with one major goal in mind: protect human health and the environment. The team includes engineers, geologists, operators, finance, procurement, legal, schedulers, communications, and more. Glenda’s favorite thing is when a team member comes forward with a new idea that then becomes part of the solution. Also contributing to her success are the relationships she has developed over the years with local elected officials and the environmental regulators. With open communications, the project is able to move forward. While leading the Lake Success remediation project, Glenda also leads three other remediation

projects in the northeast. Glenda’s goal in her personal life as well as professional is to leave this world a better place than she found it. Glenda’s advice to any young girl looking to succeed in the world is to find her passion and turn it into a career. Find and work with mentors who truly want to see you succeed. Finally, stay true to yourself as you grow.

Glenda has been a volunteer for international creative problemsolving organization, Destination Imagination, since 2008 and has served as the chairwoman of the Abilene Christian University Industry Advisory Board for the Engineering Department since 2018. In her free time, Glenda can be found sailing or spending time with her husband, three step-children, and two dogs.

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Janet Nina Esagoff, Esq. Founder Destination Great Neck

anet Nina Esagoff, a longtime Great Neck resident, is truly humbled to be among such fine Nassau County honorees. Short story long, Janet followed her mother and grandmother into fashion as her first career, designing evening wear for women and girls. At 19, and armed with an A.A.S. degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, Janet launched her retail showroom in Scarsdale. In 1998, Janet opened a second atelier in Great Neck. Following 9/11, Janet struck gold, giving birth to a daughter after 3 sons. It was that impetus that influenced her decision to retire, self-invest and pursue her bachelor’s degree. Janet attended CUNY’s Baccalaureate Program, obtaining her degree in Urban Politics by 2003. At 36, Janet followed her twin sister into law and started Hofstra School of Law. By 40, Janet obtained her Juris Doctorate. Honed by de-

cades of stress management, Janet passed the New York State bar exam in 2009, now on her own as head of household. Amid the global financial crisis, Janet focused her practice on real estate and foreclosure litigation. Janet was admitted to U.S. District Court, Eastern and Southern Districts, and in 2014, the United States Supreme Court. Due to her established networks prior to the law, Janet’s legal career flourished. After experiencing a few mid-sized Nassau firms, Janet founded the Esagoff Law Group, in 2017, in her hometown of Great Neck. A second- career attorney, always entrepreneurial and pragmatic, Janet is a “Licensed Problem Solver,” aiming to do law, differently. That translates into flat fees only— no hourly billing. Janet has been recognized by SuperLawyers (since 2013), as a Woman of Distinction by New York State Senate and North Hempstead, (2016), an Outstand-

RAISE YOUR VOICE YOUR HAND YOUR SELF YOUR COMMUNITY YOUR EXPECTATIONS YOUR IDEA OF HEALTH

ing Woman in the Law by Hofstra (2018), a Power Woman of Long Island (2021) and by Bethpage Best of Long Island (2021-2022). Janet has also received notable distinctions by Martindale Hubbell, Avvo and the Nassau County Bar for her pro bono work. Janet proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Iranian American Bar Association- NY Chapter since 2012, as Treasurer of Yashar- Hadassah Bar Association since 2021. In March 2021, Janet founded Destination: Great Neck, a nonprofit community organization with pending 501c3 status. Destination functions as a grassroots incubator for Great Neck residents to brainstorm ideas for the town’s redevelopment, devastated by the pandemic’s impact. Destination fosters bonds within the local community, by mobilizing merchants, residents and partnership organizations to accelerate recovery and also, to rebrand Great Neck. Destination enjoys a loyal

following of thousands on its social media platforms and has been invited to present before Great Neck’s nine village mayors, and at public meetings to voice concerns. The Destination team regularly confers with local merchants and with other local partner organizations to advance the collective mission. Destination proudly and effectively provides social media marketing to local businesses, for free. Drawing upon Great Neck’s Jazz Age past, Destination also promotes the town’s arts and cul-

ture scene, by experiential events such as Speakeasy-in-the-Park the West Egg Street Fest and most recently, the Gatsby Fest, a music festival, with notable speakers and celebrity appearances by Great Neck alumnae. A focal point—the honorary street re-naming of the main county road to Great Gatsby Way. Undeniably, Great Neck is experiencing a renaissance, and reaffirming its place as a jewel of the North Shore. Destination is led by a dedicated and diverse board of directors. Janet gratefully shares tonight’s award with Irene Gabo, Esq., Lisa Saltzman, Esq., Denise Hill, Michele Tabaroki, Ilona Trokel, Halleh Fouladi, Matthew Wigler, Judy Liman and Josh Ratner. Janet is thankful to her indefatigable and inspirational husband, Zachary Goldfarb, retired chief of FDNY who survived 9/11 and is now an officer and volunteer paramedic at Great Neck’s Vigilant Fire Company. Janet is awed by her four children, ages 29-19 and additionally blessed with two more beautiful daughters and a granddaughter by marriage.

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Dr. Kerry Fierstein

CEO Adjuvant.Health & Allied Physicians Group

r. Kerry Frommer Fierstein is chief executive officer of Allied Physicians Group, a primary care independent physician group with over 30 locations throughout the New York metropolitan area. Fierstein is also the chief executive officer of Adjuvant.Health, a premier managed services organization, offering a wide range of medical practice solutions and administrative consultative services. She has been an active executive chair since its’ inception in 2017 and is also a board bember of Allied Foundation and United Health Care Children’s Fund. In 2018, she was a recipient of Bridges to Excellence (a physician office systems recognition program). This program recognizes practices that use systems to enhance the quality of patient care, a huge accomplishment. She was managing partner of Pediatrics Health Associates prior to joining Adjuvant Health in

2011, retains this title and has held additional roles with increasing responsibility during her tenure with Adjuvant. As a leader, Fierstein is consistent, logical, and clear-headed. She understands the big picture and ties projects and work into the organizational goals seamlessly. The organization and her teams have grown under her leadership in roles including Treasurer and chief medical officer. Her presence and style foster a strong confidence in her abilities. As CMO, Fierstein greatly impacted many competencies within the business and her subject matter expertise in Pediatrics is demonstrated by her successful speaking engagements with Pediatric Supergroup, at the Molloy Early Childhood Conferences and the Academy of Pediatrics National Convention. She is pediatric board certified, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and on Healthgrades Honor Roll. Fierstein believes strongly in the importance of physician leadership in the healthcare arena, and

that physician independence leads to premier quality healthcare and better experiences for both the doctor and the patient. It is her mission, and that of Allied and Adjuvant.Health, to give physicians the support necessary to be the drivers in healthcare delivery. She is an active practitioner and is trained in Pediatric Clinical Hypnosis. Born in the Bronx and raised in Queens, Fierstein is a New Yorker all the way! She attended New York University where she attained her undergraduate degree. She then earned her Doctorate in 1987 at New York Medical College where she also met her husband David, an internist. She completed her residency at North Shore University Hospital. Here, her passion and excellence in pediatrics soared and in 1990 she joined Pediatrics Health Associates.

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Amy Flores

Executive Director Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs

Board Member Nassau County Industrial Development Agency

my Flores was born in Mineola. Her parents immigrated here from El Salvador to Washington D.C., and then settled in Hempstead where they bought their first home. Mrs. Flores grew up in Hempstead, attended St. Joseph School in Garden City, and graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School in Uniondale. She continued her education at Hofstra University where she received a bachelor’s degree in business management and furthered her coursework in the ABA Accredited Paralegal Studies Program at Hofstra University where she received a certificate of completion with honors. In September 2019, Amy was appointed by Nassau County Executive Laura Curran as the new executive director of the Nassau County Office of Hispanic Affairs. The executive director oversees the Office of Hispanic Affairs

and its daily operations, serving as a bridge between the growing Hispanic community and county government. The Office of Hispanic Affairs works with the county executive’s office and other county agencies on the research, analysis and implementation of policy to ensure the Hispanic community is afforded equal opportunities, meaningful engagement and access to Nassau County government. The office also works with community organizations that serve the Hispanic community with the goal of building strategic partnerships, collaborations, and a robust resource system for the Hispanic population in Nassau County. Prior to working in county government, Mrs. Flores worked at People’s United Bank, a northeast bank with approximately over $60 Billion in assets, as vice president, senior affordable lending manager managing the Affordable Lending Division for the entire footprint of the bank. She partnered with over 400 locations to serve local communities through outreach and education

with a strong focus on distressed areas, minority and low to moderate income communities. She directly worked with government agencies, HUD-approved counseling agencies, non-profits and community organizations in efforts of revitalizing and strengthening communities through economic and community development. Mrs. Flores has received numerous accreditations which range from being honored by the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Assembly, Hispanic Media News, and the organization Flutterflies, as Outstanding Community Leader. Mrs. Flores has also been featured in the national magazines: Mortgage Professional America and National Mortgage Professional. In 2018 she was awarded the CEO Leadership Award at People’s United Bank for her sustained leadership, commitment and contributions in “Delivering Outstanding Results, Succeeding Together, Caring for Customers and being a Good Community Partner.”

In April 2019, she was honored by the Long Island Business News at their 4th Annual Diversity in Business Awards, which recognizes consistent commitment to excellence and support of diversity and equality within our community. Most recently she was highlighted in the City & State New York: 2020 Long Island Power 100 List which highlights the 100 most powerful figures of Long Island and in 2021 she was recognized by the Long Island Business News as one of the 2021 most powerful women on Long Island. Mrs. Flores is co-founder of the women’s group, Empress Group. She is a board member of the Nassau County Industrial Development

Agency, board member of Circulo de La Hispanidad, Board Member of CARECEN: Central American Refugee Center and a member of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office Hispanic-Latino Advisory Council, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office Hempstead Advisory Council and member of the Hempstead Prevention Coalition. Mrs. Flores is a notary public, certified paralegal and an approved real estate and continuing education instructor for the state of New York. Mrs. Flores has a proven track record of delivering unsurpassed results with respect, excellence and integrity. Mrs. Flores currently resides in Nassau County with her husband and 3 children.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Congratulations Maria Babaev Congratulations to Maria Babaev for winning the “Nassau County Women of Distinction Award” for 2021!

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Donna Gehnrich

Operations Manager BEB Capital

onna Gehnrich is the Operations Manager at BEB Capital, a Port Wa s h i n g t o n based real estate development, investment, management, and lending firm. The firm’s portfolio encompasses more than two million square feet of property on the East Coast including industrial, multifamily, commercial, and mixed-use assets, as well as interests in a diverse set of other businesses. Gehnrich joined the company in 2014 as a paralegal and quickly rose through the ranks, taking on the responsibilities of researching and overseeing the implementation of new software systems that enabled broader efficiencies. Those efforts played a significant role in laying the groundwork to support BEB Capital’s recent growth. Gehnrich, who also holds a juris doctor degree from Albany Law School, has had a career in law and operations management spanning more than 25 years, with time taken off to raise her family and create a private party hostess/ service company. At BEB Capital, Gehnrich is part of the legal team, although her primary focus is on improving the efficiency of the firm’s operations. This includes meeting with all departments and researching and instituting forward-looking software and policies. Ms. Gehnrich also

manages and coordinates investor opportunities and serves as a liaison between BEB Capital’s investors and the executive team. Born in Pennsylvania but raised on Long Island in Northport, Gehnrich attended Northport High School and then was awarded a BA degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, where she was on the dean’s list. After earning her Juris Doctor degree she was admitted to the New York State Bar Association in 1990. Prior to joining BEB Capital, Gehnrich was a legal department manager for Long Island-based Systemax, a Fortune 1000 provider of industrial products worldwide. Her multiple responsibilities there included implementing a companywide lease, contract, and legal matter management system, as well as handling investor relations and coordinating board meetings. She also was instrumental in instituting a legal e-billing system in the US and Europe, resulting in reduced outside counsel fees. Gehnrich began her career at a mid-sized law firm in Manhattan, where she worked closely with the head of its real estate practice. Gehnrich resides in Syosset, with her husband Mick, a chef, and one of their three children.

striving to do better. Continuous improvement takes a willingness to keep educating ourselves in our field and learning from our mistakes. Another important part of success is respecting your team and co-workers. A business in which employees treat each other with respect helps foster a healthy work environment, and results in positive outcomes for the employees and the company as well.

How do you define success? I define success as doing something you enjoy every day, executing it well, and continuously

What drives you to succeed? Starting with my childhood, I’ve had a strong personal desire to succeed. I enjoy setting and achiev-

What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? Be adaptable and have an open mind. I believe most companies appreciate an employee who is willing to consistently learn and adapt to the needs of the company and/or their team. One example is via technology. Technology is continually growing and improving, and our way of working needs to adapt and incorporate these new trends no matter what field we may be in. We have truly seen the need to adjust our work experiences and environment during the pandemic. Being flexible, adaptable and willing to learn made one’s transition, during such trying times, much smoother and increased the chances of work and projects being completed efficiently.

Laureen Harris

President Association For A Better Long Island

s. Harris has established herself as a credible authority on tax certiorari proceedings within the State of New York. With over 30 years of experience, Ms. Harris has gained extensive trial and appellate experience, while creating legal precedent in a myriad of areas, both in terms of

valuation and legal principles. She is the past chair and vice chair of the Nassau County Tax Certiorari & Condemnation Committee (1988 – 1992, 2010 – 2012) and has continued to be an active participant in the Committee. Ms. Harris is currently president of the Association for a Better Long Island and has been a board member since 1996. She is also a founding member and current president of the Insti-

tute of Real Estate at Hofstra University, an educational forum for the Long Island real estate community. She was the former downstate chairman in tax certiorari and condemnation for the New York State Bar Association. Ms. Harris was appointed by Gov. Cuomo in 2020 to the board of trustees of the Long Island Power Authority.

L eadership is the c apa c it y to translate vision into realit y. —Warren Bennis

ing goals, learning new things and coming up with ideas to improve processes and procedures. From my years in college and law school, to raising children, starting a business and then changing careers completely, I have always tried to adapt and improve myself. It is important that I serve as a role model for my children, and that they see their mother continuously moving forward and growing and adapting to career and life challenges. What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? Thankfully, throughout my career, I have experienced very little, if any, challenges specifically for being a woman. I have always

strived to be the best in any role, whether as a paralegal, attorney, legal department manager, or operations manager. My gender never influenced this goal or deviated the focus from my determination to be the best professional I could be. I like to believe I was rewarded for that perseverance at each of my positions, as a person, not as a woman. While I may not have personally faced challenges as a woman in the workplace, I do believe glass ceilings and various other obstacles do exist for women. However, I truly hope and believe that, at many companies, a woman working diligently and giving it her all on a consistent basis will be recognized for her achievements.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Tessa Hultz

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CEO Long Island Board Realtors®

essa Hultz began her career in notfor-profit association management in 2005 when she joined the Columbia Board of Realtors as director of their education department and leading their advocacy efforts. At the time she joined the organization, she was also aspiring to be a first-time homebuyer as well. The experience of helping make the dream homeownership possible for others while saving up for her own home had a profound impact, and Tessa has become an industry advocate for fair access to safe, affordable housing. Tessa’s dedication has earned her notable achievements and honors including being named by her peers as an inaugural recipient of the National Association of REALTORS Association Executives YPN Leaders of Tomorrow Award and her induction in the Bud Smith Leadership Society, whose members play an active, ongoing role as leading contributors to the industry

and innovative mentors for the AE community. Tessa has also earned the REALTOR Association Certified Executive and the Certified Association Executive designations. In 2018 Tessa pioneered a firstof-its-kind local REALTOR Association affordable housing study. Using MLS data, this study measured the impact of Habitat homes on surrounding properties compared to homes in similar neighborhoods without Habitat-built homes in proximity. The study measured 9 metrics and found neither the control nor study group were consistently favored and that study subdivisions with sizeable Habitat-built homes continued to draw for-profit builders. This study has since been cited by regional affordable housing groups to argue favorably for affordable housing projects. Tessa’s volunteer efforts have been largely focused on expanding housing opportunities, first serving as a consultant with the Wichita Habitat for Humanity, and then as a Director for the Wake Habitat for

Humanity Board of Directors. She also served as first a Director, then Secretary for the North Carolina REALTORS® Housing Foundation. How do you define success? I think the best measure of success is how much someone pays forward, sharing their experience, lessons learned and insights to help others achieve and succeed. Success is measured by how much you give back. Best advice received? Many organizations like LIBOR were founded around one hundred years ago. Very early in my career someone said that organizations like LIBOR are meant to exist into perpetuity. Understanding that long horizon created in me a growth mindset. No organization can exist for a century or more if it is not also growing and changing to meet the needs of members today and also the members of tomorrow. We are always working toward the goal of creating a better organization, but with the knowledge that

Celebrating all of the 2021 Nassau County Women of Distinction

we will never be done improving and innovating. What drives you to succeed? I get to work daily with some pretty dynamic teams at LIBOR, the leadership team, the staff team and beyond that committees and task forces.

We are really a series of interconnected teams working toward the organization’s overall mission and goals/ In an organization like LIBOR, success for any person or team is really a success for the whole organization. So I am highly motivated to help individuals and teams succeed.

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S20 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Nicole Iannarone, MA, LBA, BCBA

President/Founder Cornerstone Behavioral Services

icole Iannarone is the president and founder of Cornerstone Behavioral Services. Nicole began her career as a behavior therapist in 2009, she quickly realized her passion for helping children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In 2015, she started working independently and made it her mission to provide quality care and compassion to every client she worked with. Nicole received her Masters’s Degree in Forensic Psychology and later received her certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis. Her work includes advocacy for families and helping ensure each child is afforded an opportunity to learn, grow and meet their full potential. Additionally, Nicole currently sits as a member of the Legislative Committee for New York State Association for Behavior Analysis.

This year NYSABA has seen a victory, our bill to remove the scope of practice restriction on Be-

Defining Success: Taking something small and building upon it over time.

havior Analysts in New York State has passed the Senate and the Assembly. Success Success is taking something

small and building upon it over time. Creating a solid foundation rooted in integrity, core values and incorporating others who share your values, mission, and passion. What drives me to succeed? My clients are my motivation. I am blessed to be a small part of the changes in their lives. Watching them develop new skills, speak their first words, try a new food, play with toys, dress themselves or share laughs with friends drives me to do more every day. Challenges As a young woman in the field with a passion for advocating, one of my biggest challenges is being heard. Often it will take a lawyer sitting next to me for people to stop and listen. What we do as behavior analysts is a science, it is not a whim or an idea that might work. Having a supportive team comprised of various professionals has been a tremendous help!

The Board of Directors and Staff congratulate our CEO Randell M. Bynum on being named a Nassau County Woman of Distinction. Join the Girl Scout Network of Nassau County, a powerful community of adults—Girl Scout alums and supporters—who believe in preparing girls to be leaders of the future. Enjoy opportunities to volunteer, socialize, fundraise, mentor, and learn. Connect or reconnect with us by emailing gsnetwork@gsnc.org

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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We Salute all of the 2021 Nassau County Women of Distinction honorees!

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Kim Kaiman

Regional External Affairs Manager PSEG Long Island

hen the going gets tough, Kim Kaiman picks up the phone and finds out what she can do to help. As regional external affairs manager for PSEG Long Island, Kim is there when Long Island leaders, officials, and decisionmakers need to know the facts when crisis hits and decisions need to be made. Village mayors, town supervisors, members of the New York State Assembly and U.S. Congress know that when they need to guide their own community through a storm, figuratively and literally, they know that Kim understands what they need to know and when they need to know it. She is reliable, savvy, engaging, articulate and knowledgeable. Officially, her job is to provide crisis management and communications, management leadership, and community outreach to decision-makers within her region.

She does this by maintaining a positive network of cultivated relationships with key industry stakeholders including local, state, and federal officials as well as with law enforcement agencies, business and civic organizations and community advocates and opinion leaders. On the PSEG side of the ledger, she is responsible to the corporate executive officers on matters relating to the administration of company protocols and the implementation of policy and procedures. In this capacity, she has developed a keen sense of PSEG and LIPA targets and goals and works painstakingly to make sure that such are translated to public leaders in a manner that is thoughtful, respectful, effective and efficient. In doing so, she has become a credible and trustworthy messenger to those who need answers and guidance in real-time when decisions need to be made and information needs to be shared. Kim’s success is based on her own years of experience in the

public sector working in county and town government alongside officials at every level of governance. She has a keen appreciation of what local businesses, community leaders, and all of our residents need to meet their own obligations at challenging moments in time. It doesn’t hurt that Kim is engaged in a number of her own local endeavors. She enjoys participating in community theater and in fact, Kim even has an actual Emmy to her name. (No really, she does!) She has served as a member of various boards of directors in relation to childcare services, the arts, and her local school district. It is likely that she honed her problem-solving skills in dealing with the responsibilities that go along with being a mentor and seeing from the front lines what local communities and organizations need when a crisis hits. Kim is married with three children, clearly the best forum for solving life’s endless challenges. She also holds a Juris Doctorate

degree, is fluent in Spanish, and the primary caregiver for her two dogs and two cats. Kim would like to congratulate all of the other phenomenal

women being honored tonight, and to thank her sisterhood tribe, husband, and children for their unwavering love and support over the years.

Congratulations

LAUREEN HARRIS! From all of us at

CRONIN, HARRIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. www.cha-tax.com

Women of NASSAU COUNTY’S

Distinction 2021

N E T WO R K I N G A N D AWA R D S E V E N T

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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S24 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Veronica Karas, CFP(R), MBA

Senior Financial Advisor CapTrust

eronica Karas joined CAPTRUST in 2018 and serves as a senior financial advisor. She has extensive experience working with high-net-worth individuals and small businesses in all areas of financial planning, including estate planning, retirement planning, tax planning, education planning, and insurance. Veronica previously worked as a financial planner at FCE Group; a financial planner for a team of advisors in Merrill Lynch’s global wealth management division; and as a financial advisor and director of marketing and business development at Circle Advisors Inc. When she is not in the office or with a client, Veronica enjoys helping people through transformational life coaching, volunteering at Rescue City, and spending time with her husband and their three rescued pets. She is on the board of directors for the CAPTRUST Community Foundation.

Veronica is the author of the ‘Money Matters’ series of books which includes: “Money Matters: Everything You Should Have

Defining Success: Helping someone else achieve their desired outcomes. Learned in School, but Didn’t,” “Money Matters: Merging Lives, Merging Finances, and Money Matters: Avoid Getting ‘Sandwiched’ out of Retirement.” How do you define success? I define success as helping someone else achieve their desired outcomes. When one person suc-

ceeds, it creates a ripple effect of success in the world around them. What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? The best leaders succeed by asking better questions. If you ask better questions, you get better answers. The questions we ask of ourselves daily can have the biggest impact, both on our businesses and our personal lives. What drives you to succeed? I see my work as helping people make their dreams come true. I wake up every morning excited to talk to people because I know that by working with me, they are moving the needle in their lives towards achieving anything they want. What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? Finding successful female mentors to learn from. Luckily there is an answer to that too: if you can’t find it, you just have to work to become it!

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Jean Kelly

CEO/Executive Director The INN ean Kelly is the executive director of The Interfaith Nutrition Network. She was among the small group of concerned Long Islanders who established The INN’s first soup kitchen

in 1983. She was a member of The INN’s Board of Directors for the first ten years, serving as president of The Board for five years. Prior to joining The INN, Jean worked in the corporate world where she was vice president of a Long Island–based advertising agency and then Marketing Services Manager for JBL, the world’s largest manufacturer of high-fidelity loudspeakers. At The INN, Jean has been instrumental in guiding its growth from one soup kitchen to a network of 21 soup kitchens across Long Island, 12 of whom are now operating independently of The INN and following its model. She also oversaw the creation of more than a dozen emergency shelters over the many years to ac-

commodate single men, families, refugees and people with HIVAIDS. Finally, she was also instrumental in the formation of 21 units of long-term, low-income housing with supportive services. The INN’s current network of Long Island’s largest soup kitchen and two emergency shelters feed over 224,000 people each year and shelter approximately 100 children, women and men each night. Jean has been previously honored and recognized by the League of Women Voters, the Mental Health Association, National Association of Women Business Owners, Molloy College, St. John’s University, and the New York State Senate. Jean also received The Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, the Kairos Award, the Public Citizen of the Year award from the National Association of Social Workers-NYS Nassau County Division and is in the Long Island Business News Hall of Fame, as one of the Top 50 Women on Long Island. Jean is married to Rob Kammerer, an original INN volunteer

and lives in Huntington. How do you define success? Success is finding both your purpose here on earth and the avenue/vehicle you can use to fulfill whatever service you were sent to accomplish. What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? Best advice I have received early in my career was “In order to get anything done, you need to realize it may be your place to make it happen” What drives you to succeed? What drives me to be successful is the realization each day that each day at The INN, all of us have been given the privilege to be of service to the Masters of the Universe, a.k.a. the guests of The INN. While struggling to attain life’s basic necessities, the guests understand what is important and how critical their role of suffering is to awaken their fellow traveler’s empathy and generosity towards

them. We all know that it is simply a matter of circumstances and anyone’s position in life could easily be reversed. What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? The most significant challenges I face does not involve being a woman, but more involves the realization that we all need to fight each

day to overcome the general population’s attitude towards many in need, which is that they somehow are responsible for their life circumstances, and they are making a choice to live in profound poverty. No one makes a choice to suffer or go without, but we are all called upon to make a choice as to how do we respond when asked for help from another human being in need.

Opening hearts, doors and minds... For 50 years. Life’s WORC has provided comprehensive services and support to people with developmental disabilities and autism and their families in Queens, Manhattan, Nassau and Suffolk Counties for the past 50 years. Today, we support more than 2,000 people across our residential locations, community programs, Trust Services and The Family Center for Autism.

Congratulations Janet Koch, CEO and to all of this year's Women of Distinction honorees.

Show your support! Scan the QR code to make a contribution to Life's WORC.

www.LifesWORC.org

516.741.9000

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Town of North Hempstead

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth Congratulates Blank Slate Media’s 2021 Women of Distinction in Nassau County Honorees “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” - MAYA ANGELOU

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth

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Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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S30 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Janet Koch CEO Life’s WORC

anet Koch, Life’s WORC chief executive officer, has dedicated her entire career in support of people with developmental disabilities. A self-proclaimed “numbers person,” Janet spent decades in accounting and financial roles at nonprofit organizations, rather than joining a large corporation; a conscious decision she made right after college. Janet joined Life’s WORC in 2009 as chief financial officer and was later chosen to become its chief executive officer in 2014. With 25-plus years of industry experience with a proven commitment to quality services for people with special needs, she was the perfect fit for the role. During her tenure as CEO, Life’s WORC budget has grown from $43 million to over $60 million and Janet facilitated $12 million in debt restructuring to purchase the Life’s WORC Family Center for Autism, opened in 2015, which is now a $3 million non-OPWDD program.

In addition, she advanced the Life’s WORC Trust Services program, supporting more than 300 people with $8 million in assets. Outside of her role at Life’s WORC, Janet serves as director on the following boards: Long Island Alliance, Advance Care Alliance and Interagency Council. How do you define success? Success to me is when you have not just grown professionally, but achieved a level of growth that allows you to utilize your skills while at the same time being personally fulfilled. While both professional growth and personal fulfillment are important individually, to be able to find both in your career is the ultimate success for which I am very grateful. What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? I was once told, “You learn more by listening than talking,” and I find this to be true in all settings, but even more so in business. I do my best to consider all points of view from

throughout our organization, including varied representation in decisions we make, gathering feedback from colleagues and staff at every level, as well as from the people we support. For me, it’s also about observing and not just listening. While I listen, I pay close attention to the response of others, not just what they say but their body language. By observing the reactions from the people in the room and the interactions between the speaker and his or her audience, you learn about interpersonal relationships and whether the idea will be well received by a larger audience. What drives you to succeed? It comes from something deep inside me that I can’t help but pursue. I am the youngest of my siblings yet was always the one “in charge,” a natural leader. I constantly gather information everywhere I can and analyze how we might apply it to benefit the mission and business of Life’s WORC. The work we do here is to help people, to ensure equitable and successful outcomes for the people we support, which is truly what drove

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? I have found this industry to be inclusive from the start. Supporting people with special needs, the industry looks for fair and equal rights for all, and general acceptance regardless

of your differences. However, as I moved into the CEO role, while the workforce was and remains predominately female, the top executives were still often male, including my predecessor. My experience transitioning to the CEO role was different than my experience working my way up to that point. It was my own comparisons to others that made me less confident in my role initially, but once I shifted my focus to what I could contribute based on my unique strengths and skills, my confidence grew and allowed me to become a better leader. That experience has further driven my efforts towards mentoring and coaching other female professionals.

brary Service, the nation’s highest honor conferred on museums and libraries for extraordinary service to the community under her tenure, LICM has received the Neighborhood Builders Award, issued to the nation’s most impactful notfor-profits by Bank of America Charitable Foundation and the Promising Practices Award from the Association of Children’s Museums and the Metropolitan Life Foundation. LICM has received funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services for 17 program initiatives during her tenure, covering such areas as kindergarten readiness, accessibility, theater expansion, exhibit development and science partnerships with high-need schools.

LeBlanc earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley College (now Lesley University) in Cambridge, Mass., and a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the School of Public Communication at Boston University. She attended a four-week-long residential program of the J.P. Getty Trust – Museum Management Institute (now Museum Leadership Institute). Suzanne LeBlanc lives in Long Beach, New York, where she has the opportunity to be close to the ocean again after several years in the desert. Her one wish: teleportation skills to bring her closer to granddaughter Aimee and daughter Tara who lives in London.

me to the field. This also applies to our staff, the belief that everyone should be treated equally and have opportunities for success, however they define it. I hold myself and others to a higher standard in hopes that everyone will reach their fullest potential. Helping others achieve success is what pushes me forward each day.

Suzanne LeBlanc

President Long Island Children’s Museum

“Keep your eye on the long term goals.”

ith that advice guiding her actions, Suzanne LeBlanc has created a 45 year career in the children’s museum field and left her stamp on such wellknown institutions as Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, and Lied Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas, before assuming the leadership of Long Island Children’s Museum. LeBlanc encourages her staff and professional colleagues to focus on the long game for personal and professional success. “There are so many immediate challenges and opportunities, deadlines and daily interruptions, that it is easy to get lost in the day to day, and to take one failure or disappointment too much to heart,” she explains. She defines herself as a builder, who keeps her eye on where the Museum is going, one step

at a time. This approach enabled LICM to win the National Medal for Museum & Library Service, to participate in national initiatives, to receive federal funding, all in the service of making an impact on the lives of children and families in our community. She has held numerous leadership positions in the museum field, including as an officer of the Association of Children’s Museums and the Nevada Museums Association. Currently, LeBlanc serves as President of the Museum Association of New York. She has also served as a national juror for the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities and a panel reviewer for the New York State Council on the Arts. LeBlanc was named one of the “50 Most Influential Businesswomen of Long Island” by Long Island Business News. She writes, consults, teaches and presents at conferences on a variety of topics in the field and has a special interest and expertise

in the areas of serving culturally diverse audiences and low-income families, as well as involving adolescents in the life of museums. She has spoken before the Subcommittee on Healthy Families and Communities of the Committee on Education and Labor of the U.S. House of Representatives at a hearing that examined the unique role that museums and libraries play in strengthening communities. She has been published numerous times in both Museum News, a publication of the American Association of Museums, and Hand to Hand, a publication of the Association of Children’s Museums. Her article, “The Slender Golden Thread – 100 Years Strong,” documenting the children’s museum movement appeared in Museum News to commemorate the centennial anniversary of this field. In addition to earning the National Medal for Museum and Li-

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Congratulations to

Judge Madeline Singas on this well deserved recognition.

Born to, supported by, and raising women of distinction! We love you and are very proud. “Mia oikoyenia”

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S32 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Shanequa Levin

Founder & CEO Women’s Diversity Network Co-Founder LI United To Transform Policing & Community Safety

hanequa Levin is an award-winning social justice leader, motivational speaker, and author. Shanequa published a memoir titled “Poverty’s Phoenix,” which is about surviving childhood poverty. She is the founder and CEO of the Women’s Diversity Network. WDN connects and mobilizes women and gender-expansive people of different backgrounds to create positive change through unity and collective work. Through WDN, she’s created a yearly summit that brings diverse people together to learn about social justice issues and celebrate cultures. In 2020 she convened a Blackled, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational coalition of organizations, activists, and community members who work to ensure genuine public safety for all Long Island communities called LI United to Transform Policing & Community Safety. LI United’s mission

is to transform public safety by divesting from policing and investing in our communities. Shanequa also founded the Long Island chapter of Mocha Mom’s, a support group for mothers of color, and is the former director of Every Child Matters in New York, an advocacy and electoral engagement organization on behalf of kids. She is the creator of culturally relevant Facebook groups. She has also been instrumental in advocating policy changes to Early Care and Learning, Raise The Age, Paid Family Leave Insurance, Bail Reform, and more. Shanequa defines success by having survived childhood poverty, the accomplishments of her children, securing grants for her initiatives, winning legislative changes, and being able to remain calm in the middle of chaos. Success is constantly evolving for her. The best advice Shanequa ever received was from a quote by Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This paired with the advice for her to use her experience of growing up in poverty to help others instead of being ashamed of it. She’s one generation out of poverty and Shanequa never wants her kids to experience its wrath. Her goal is to help others have a chance to break generational curses, that’s why she’s driven to fight systemic change. One significant challenge for her as a woman in the non-profit sector is being Black. Shanequa joined a predominantly white mothers’ group and after the sessions, Shanequa felt ostracized because they’d get into their huddles and talk as she stood off to the side. A volunteer was needed to lead the group, Shanequa raised her hand, but Shanequa didn’t hear back and the facilitator continued to ask for leaders. Shanequa approached her after the last meeting when she had no choice but to take her up on my

offer. Shanequa made that location a model center. She made sure they would never underestimate a Black mother again and they hired her to become a facilitator to create other centers. After entering into the nonprofit sector, Shanequa found herself in another predominately white environment. This time her pay wasn’t the same and a white woman that Shanequa worked alongside continuously disrespected her in meetings. This woman also challenged their experiences as Black women as if she was the expert on all social justice issues and their lived

Congratulations

Tessa Hultz

CEO, Long Island Board of REALTORS®

Nassau County’s 2021 Women of Distinction and to all of the inspiring honorees recognized for their leadership and passion in strengthening our communities.

experiences didn’t hold weight in the office. Shanequa signed up for leadership training and learned how to deal with challenging conversations so she could stand up for herself. This led to an increase in pay and her supervisors agreeing to her finding another location to work out of. Shanequa still finds herself in situations where her leadership is challenged. She handles it with as much grace as she can find in the moment and stays true to herself and to the mission of the work she’s doing.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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S34 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Adrian Miller

President/Founder Adrian Miller Sales Training

drian Miller is president and founder of Adrian Miller Sales Training, a sales consulting organization that she launched more than 30 years ago. She is also a professional speaker, trainer and author (“The Blatant Truth: 50 Ways to Sales Success” and “The Blatant Truth: How to Not Screw Up the Customer Service Game”). Adrian’s byline also appears in many business publications. Adrian specializes in designing and delivering highly customized sales and customer service skills training programs that are practical, results-driven and provide real-world solutions for realworld situations. Her consulting expertise includes working with the owners and “C” level executives of companies ranging in size from entrepreneurial start-ups to Fortune 500 firms across a vast diversity of industries, helping them to de-

velop successful sales strategies, develop new and results-driven sales processes, implement CRM programs and identify and overcome obstacles to sales growth and increased revenues.

I’m competitive with myself and that in itself fuels my passion and keeps me on point. Adrian’s highly enthusiastic and energetic approach to training has won her raves from fans nationwide and her program design is always extremely interactive and engaging.

Leveraging her love of writing, Adrian had also developed content for her clients and creates customized newsletters, blogs, marketing and sales materials, websites and social media all designed to increase her client’s visibility, credibility and market penetration. Adrian is also the creator of Adrian’s Network, a highly successful business networking community comprised of 400 members who help each other with contacts and introductions that result in revenue-producing business. The best advice she ever received is basic. Be yourself, because you can’t be anyone else. She takes that to heart each and every day and am determined to provide value in all that I do. “I’m competitive with myself and that in itself fuels my passion and keeps me on point,” she said. “My family is my backbone and I am grateful every day for the closeness we share and our ‘drama-free’ relationship. I started my business when a woman working from home meant

you had a hobby, not a company when you didn’t reveal that you had children, and work-life inte-

gration was a myth. We’ve come a long way, but we still have far to go.”

correct ones even when you don’t think so. – My dad The Engineering Consulting and Construction Industry can be a challenging stage. Different factors affect a project’s dynamics which can affect team effort and ultimate success. Some of the best advice I have received that positively impacted the progression of my projects is ‘communication is key’. In my business, there are many players. Effective, consistent, ongoing communication makes a very positive impact through reaching common ground. It’s the best fuel for teamwork.

One of the most difficult challenges women in the workforce encounter is juggling family and careers. This requires organization, discipline and creative problem solving to be present for both work and family. As a mother of three daughters, it was a very delicate balancing act to stay on top of both parenting and career. Rethinking schedules for chores, being home to help with homework etc. was always a moving target. The dynamic of my house along with tenacity, organization, being flexible, creative and staying calm, were some of the constantly changing factors.

Olga J. Mubarak

Vice President D&B Engineers and Architects

lga J. Mubarak is a Vice President of D&B and currently serves as Project Engineer for the firm’s Wastewater Collection and Treatment Division. Having worked on myriad wastewater and environmental engineering projects during a career that spans over two decades, her experience includes wastewater and sewer treatment plant improvements, regulatory compliance, pumping station upgrades, trenchless technology, and sanitary sewer systems. In addition, Ms. Mubarak has been responsible for providing engineering services related to feasibility studies, design services during construction, technical engineering reviews and evaluations, project planning, contract document preparation, CPM scheduling and construction management services. She remains an active member of the New York Water Environment Association and the Society of Women Engineers.

Olga defines success as a travelling road, a multi-dimensional state, impacted by hard work, obstacles, mistakes/wrong decisions, juggling acts, family, community, spiritual state and lessons learned. The journey has no definite timeframe and constantly changes. Reach one destination/goal and another appears. It’s not static. Success means making positive impact and difference to those around you along that journey. Success doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Circumstances, people, the universe, all shape the successful person. Showing gratitude to those who have walked alongside you and those who will accompany you in future journeys defines your success. Parents, sisters, daughters, friends, mentors. Success can also be defined by mindset, starting by trying to erase negativity. It’s not easy to stay positive. Appreciating today and having the next day is the first positive thing. Success is the mindset to move forward when the going gets tough and to keep trying to stay high when you feel low.

Success is not defined by chance, luck or prizes won. Success doesn’t happen without hard work, perseverance, grit, determination, failure, wrong decisions. Spirituality is the foundation that can also define success. Success in faith and trust in God allow you to continue moving forward especially in difficult situations. Faith allows you to trust and gives strength that translates into courage to take you to the next step in that journey to success. The drive to succeed has to be cultivated. Once you see the fruit it becomes its own motor for continued self-motivation. Confidence requires continual validation and the need to be kind to oneself. Confidence in oneself and passion are driving factors for that self-motivation to keep trying until you achieve one goal and then the next… a chain of events that leads to success. Don’t let fear get in the way. It will prevent you from achieving your full potential. Put all of your focus and energy into your goals and the results will always be the

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Danielle Oglesby

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COO/Deputy Executive Director Nassau County Industrial Development Agency

anielle Oglesby was appointed as chief operating officer/deputy executive director of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency in November 2018. Prior to her appointment at the NCIDA she served as Chief Operating Officer of the Global Institute at Long Island University. Throughout her career, Ms. Oglesby has acquired and administered millions of dollars in federal and state grants for economic development projects. She has an extensive background with economic development agencies having served the Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency, the Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization, the Nassau County Planning Department and the City of Glen Cove Community Development Agency. During her tenure as commis-

sioner of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency, Ms. Oglesby became proficient in the administration of the Community Development Block Grant program. Additionally, Ms. Oglesby created program budgets, and worked with federal, state, and local agencies to develop the Village of Hempstead Downtown Revitalization Project. Prior to working with the Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency, Ms. Oglesby worked for the Town of Babylon Office of Downtown Revitalization. There she oversaw community redevelopment projects in economically distressed areas, while also collaborating with stakeholders to promote economic development in Wyandanch, as well as transit-oriented development in East Farmingdale. She managed the Base Realignment and Closure project in North Amityville to help create 60 units of housing for veterans. She also previously held the position

as planner for the Nassau County Planning Department, where she worked with the Nassau County Planning Commission to develop areas of potential economic growth in Nassau County. Ms. Oglesby attributes her successful career to her work and collaboration on the Glen Cove Waterfront Revitalization Program. Working with the community and government officials on the federal, state, and local levels, Ms. Oglesby administered the Brownfield Program for the Glen Cove Community Development Agency. Ms. Oglesby earned her Master of Urban Planning degree from City of New York-Hunter College and graduated from SUNY Albany with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Planning. She and her husband were both born and raised in Glen Cove and currently live in Glen Head. How do you define success? Success for me is being proud of the work I have accomplished

and building integral lasting relationships with my colleagues and peers. What drives you to succeed? As a lifelong resident of Nas-

sau County, I pride myself on working closely with clients of the NCIDA to promote projects that generate jobs, provide affordable housing in Nassau County and grow our local tax base.

S36 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Sarah Oral, PE

Associate, Civil Engineering & Planning Cameron Engineering

arah Oral is an associate overseeing the Civil Engineering and Planning Groups at Cameron Engineering & Associates in Woodbury. A professional engineer and LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, Ms. Oral has over 18 years of experience encompassing the fields of transportation, planning and sustainability planning, design, and analysis. Ms. Oral has managed several significant projects on Long Island including the analysis and design of a 2-mile section of roadway that incorporates drainage and Complete Streets elements to mitigate current flooding and convert a car-centric corridor to one that supports pedestrians and bicyclists. She is currently serving as the Long Island regional coordinator for the Clean Energy Communities program for the New York State Research and Development Authority, in which she assists local governments in completing high-impact

actions items that reduce energy reliance, save money, foster a vibrant economy and improve the environment. Ms. Oral established an affinity group at Cameron Engineering for all technical staff members that do not identify as male. These monthly meetings provide an open forum to discuss various topics that are relevant to members in a male-dominated field, whether they are early in their career or more established. She is a member of the 2021 Class of the Energeia Partnership, which brings together a diverse group of ethical leaders from Long Island’s public, private and not-forprofit sectors to help address Long Island’s most complex issues. She actively participates with Girls Inc. to connect with junior high and high school aged girls to demonstrate how engineering applies to all aspects of life and may be a viable career to pursue. Ms. Oral also currently serves on the board of directors of Vision Long Island, an organization that promotes more livable, economically sustainable and environmen-

tally responsible growth on Long Island. Other affiliations include the USGBC-LI Sustainable Transportation Committee, and the steering committees of the Drive Electric Long Island Coalition, the Long Island Solar Roadmap Consortium, and the Long Island Youth Summit. Ms. Oral has proudly served her community as a Village of Roslyn trustee since she was first elected in 2013. She is also an appointee on the Civil Engineering Technology Department Advisory Committee at Farmingdale State College. Ms. Oral graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and completed Accident Reconstruction Training at the Traffic Institute of Northwestern University. How do you define success? To me, success is a combination of attaining the goals that I set for myself and enjoying the journey to meet those goals, even if it’s

a bumpy road along the way.

solutions to the task at hand.

What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? The best advice I’ve received was to be myself and to trust my instincts. Over the years I’ve learned that our life experiences help shape the way that we approach different situations. As an engineer, I’m a professional problem solver and my personal experiences often help me think “outside the box” to come up with creative

What drives you to succeed? In short, I’m motivated by personal growth and the desire to help others. As a civil engineer working in the fields of transportation, sustainability, and planning, I know that when my projects succeed, they often result in the betterment of society at large. I’m lucky that I get to work in fields that overlap with my personal passions and feel a real sense of wellbeing when I see projects through to completion.

What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? Work-life balance. Earlier in my career, I found it difficult to balance work with my personal life especially with young kids at home.

Over time I have learned that rather than being a separate part of my life, work is a genuine and vital part of it. I’ve tried to set realistic career and personal goals that work together to create a healthy lifestyle that works for me and my family.

Barbara Osborn

Vice President Public Relations Northwelll Health

arbara Osborn is vice president of public relations at Northwell Health, New York’s largest health system and private employer. Osborn, of Rockville Centre, oversees all media relations, thought leadership and strategic communications for Northwell Health, including the health system’s 23 hospitals and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. Since January, Osborn has been at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting the media with Northwell’s clinical and non-clinical experts to provide an inside view of the crisis. “Barbara Osborn’s deep knowledge of the health system and media landscape made her an ideal fit to take on this leadership role at a challenging moment in our history,” said Michael J. Dowling, Northwell’s president and CEO. “Her ability to clearly

and transparently communicate with the public what’s happening at our hospitals has never been more vital than during this pandemic.” Osborn assumes her new position after spent 18 years at Lenox Hill Hospital, where she advanced in positions with progressive responsibilities from media relations manager to assistant vice president of regional public relations for Northwell’s Western Region, which encompasses Manhattan, Westchester and Staten Island. During her tenure, she directed the public relations team, managing media relations, crisis communications and content development. She also led communications strategy for large systemwide initiatives such as The Fin, Northwell’s innovative amphibious prosthetic, and the new Netflix docuseries, “Lenox Hill,” which chronicles the daily life of four Manhattan-based clinicians. Prior to Lenox Hill, Osborn served as director of public rela-

tions for John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson, where she oversaw all public relations for the hospital. She began her career as a journalist in the news departments of both Fox News Channel and News 12 Long Island. Osborn, a mother of three, graduated from Stony Brook University with a degree in English and journalism. What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? Stay true to yourself and play to your strengths. Hone your communication skills and leadership development. Raise your hand in meetings. Speak up, and be heard. How do you define success? I am incredibly passionate storyteller. Instead of conforming to the widely held belief of what a successful leader looks like I have discovered that it is important to have confidence in myself and the skill sets that brought me to where I am today and trusting my own voice.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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S38 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Constantina S. Papageorgiou, Esq.

Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

onstantina Papageorgiou is a partner in Vishnick McGovern Milizio’s Wills, Trusts, and Estates and Elder Law practices. She assists individuals and their families with asset protection and long-term care planning through various planning techniques. She also provides legal counsel to individuals and families with the administration of estates and liquidation of a deceased’s assets. Additionally, she helps clients navigate the complex legal landscapes of guardianship and Medicaid. Her passionate advocacy for her clients and sharp business acumen have made her the youngest partner in the firm’s history. She has been named a Best Lawyers “One to Watch,” Super Lawyers “Rising Star,” Long Island Herald “Top Lawyers of Long Island Rising Star,” and one of Long Island Business News’

“Top 50 Women in Business.” Papageorgiou is heavily involved with her community and regularly hosts free webinars on estate planning for young families and older individuals with various organizations. She is a board member of the Hellenic American Neighborhood Action Committee, an officer of the Hellenic Lawyers Association, and a board member of the St. Demetrios of Astoria Alumni Association. How do you define success? I like to set different goals, some more reachable than others, every few years. I then work hard to reach them–each one is a victory, whether small or large. If I feel that I’ve given it my all, I consider it a success. What is the best advice you have received that has made an impact on your business? Do it because you love it, not because you want to make money. Your

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knowledge and compassion clearly show to your colleagues and clients when you enjoy what you do. What drives you to succeed? First and foremost, I’m driven to succeed to provide for my children, my husband, and my family. I’m also driven by the desire to make my parents proud and to show them that their hard work has paid off. They both came here as refugees from northern Cyprus, without any money and without knowing the language. They worked, and continue to work, endlessly in our family’s restaurant to provide for us and to secure our future, so that we and our children can be “even more successful” than they are. They’re my inspiration. What are the most significant challenges you have as a woman in your industry? Like every working mother,

it’s the struggle to find a balance between my different roles in life: mother, wife, daughter, law firm partner, and practicing attorney. It’s a constant juggling act. But I’ve been extremely lucky both at home and at work,

being surrounded by people who support me and see my success as their own. Being named a “Woman of Distinction” is great validation that all the hard work is paying off.

Congratulations Dr. Kerry Fierstein, CEO! Nassau County Woman of Distinction

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Congratulations to

Supervisor Judi Bosworth As you are recognized as a

2021 Woman of Distinction Your commitment to North Hempstead has been truly inspiring. We are grateful for your leadership and friendship. We will miss you!

With Love, Your Staff

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S40 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Sharmine Persaud, Esq.

President/Founder Persaud & Associates

harmine Persaud is admitted to practice law before the following courts: • Eastern District of New York • Southern District of New York • United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit • Supreme Court of the United States • Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims Bar Association Sharmine Persaud was born and raised in London, England. She graduated from Long Island University in 1986 and Syracuse University College of Law in 1989. She has been licensed to practice law in New York since 1990. Sharmine has an active federal practice and is admitted to the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. She was admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court in June 2001. In 2012, she was admitted to practice law before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.

Sharmine’s law practice is solely dedicated to representing the injured, disabled individual, and service-connected veterans and military families. Sharmine is an active member of NOSSCR

Sharmine’s law practice is solely dedicated to representing the injured, disabled individual, and service-connected veterans and military families. ( National Organization of Social Security Representatives and was elected Second Circuit Board Member from 2011-2013. In addi-

tion, she is also an active member of NOVA ( National Organization of Veterans’ Advocates). She is also a member of IWBA (Injured Workers’ Bar Association).Sharmine is also a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, where she held the position of Co-Chair of the Social Security Disability and Workers’ Compensation Committee from 2009 to 2011. Sharmine is married to a dedicated public school teacher, and they have a 17-year-old daughter. The family pet is a five-year-old Cockapoo. Her law practice includes Federal Court appeals, where she has successfully argued cases in Federal Court. In February 2010, she argued Primiani v. Astrue. Lynn Marie PRIMANI, Plantiff, v. Michael J. ASTRUE, Commissioner of Social Defendant. No. 09-CV-2405 (JG). Feb. 5, 2020. This case was reversed and remanded solely for the calculation of benefits. More recently in March 2020, Sharmine was again successful in

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Elizabeth Post

Executive Director Nassau County Bar Association

iz Post was hired as the executive director of the Nassau County Bar Association in the fall of 2018. She planned to use her skills and experience acquired during her 25+ years in bar association management to transform the 4,000-member nonprofit organization into the premier metropolitan bar association in the country by complimenting its rich history with the latest technology. “Domus has been the NCBA’s home for 90 years, where generations of Nassau County lawyers and judges have come to break bread, socialize, and learn,” says Post of the bar’s Mineola headquarters. “My vision was to develop online MCLE and webinars to compliment the quality live events and services the Bar Association offered.” Her vision proved prophetic; just 16 months into her tenure, the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. “Within two weeks of closing our doors to work remotely in midMarch 2020, the NCBA presented

live Zoon seminars. CLE On Demand―an online library of recorded seminars― launched soon after,” says Post. “By April, we established the

My vision was to develop online MCLE and webinars to compliment the quality live events and services the Bar Association offered. COVIDHELP email for residents and small businesses to get their legal questions related to the pandemic answered by local attorneys. Member participation skyrocketed while community engagement continued uninterrupted.”

Bar staff returned to Domus fulltime in June. The NCBA is one of the only bar associations in the state to offer in-person programs, including legal clinics, networking and social events, and Board meetings. Seminars and committee meetings are offered hybrid, and the in-house caterer has resumed daily lunch service and private events. “Bar leaders were eager to come back to Domus,” said Post. “My challenge now is to provide value to members who continue to participate virtually while incentivizing their return to Domus.” While Post looks ahead, she has spent three decades dedicating herself to public service. Raised in upstate New York, Post earned her B.A. in Political Science from Syracuse University, and upon graduation, became a legislative aide for her hometown congressman, Ben Gilman. Post soon began to climb the executive ladder. “During my first year on the Hill, there was an opening for Congressman Gilman’s legislative director and, for the first time, I en-

visioned myself as a manager. After my promotion, I supervised the staff and directed Congressman Gilman’s legislative agenda for two more years.” Post returned to New York to pursue a Master of Public Administration at NYU Wagner School of Public Service, specializing in Management for Public and Nonprofit Organizations. “I learned the nuts and bolts of running an organization: budgeting, finance, organizational development, and human resource.” Post simultaneously served as legislative specialist for the international law firm, Milbank Tweed, and was a member of Milbank’s Nonprofit Organizations Team. “I worked with some of the world’s largest nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. It reinforced my de-

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sire to transition to the nonprofit sector.” Degree in hand, Post moved to Los Angeles with her fiancé. There she began her nonprofit career as a programs assistant for the Los Angeles County Bar Association, the largest metropolitan bar association in the country. After two years learning the ins and outs of bar associations―and just weeks after the 1994 Northridge Earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley―Post was hired as executive director of the struggling San Fernando Valley Bar Association. “Just like the COVID-19 pandemic has altered my focus at the NCBA, the earthquake immediately changed the SFVBA’s priorities.” During Post’s 24-year tenure at the SFVBA, she grew the SFVBA from 800 to more than 2,100 members; created an award-winning website and magazine, Valley Lawyer; and established new programs to serve the profession and community, including the ABA-recognized Court Walk-Thru for New Attorneys, Valley Associated Settlement Team Program, Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program, Valley Bar Mediation Center, Inclusion & Diversity Committee, and the Bar’s own professional networking group, the Valley Bar Network. Post lives in Merrick with her husband Gary and teenage daughter Hannah.

S42 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Jessica E. Proscia

senior Project Manager CA Rich Consultants, Inc.

s a senior project manager/environmental scientist with CA RICH, Jessica Proscia’s responsibilities include the conductance of Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. Proscia is currently managing the testing and remediation of redevelopment sites under the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Brownfield Cleanup Program; New York City Brownfield Cleanup Program and State Superfund Program. She has also conducted all

aspects of environmental investigations including UST removals, supervision of drilling and well installation, sanitary system or dry well clean-outs, groundwater, and soil sampling, soil delineation, excavation, petroleum and hazardous waste disposal, analytical interpretation, groundwater contouring, soil vapor intrusion testing and report preparation. She has received approval from the State for BCP applications and has closed out numerous New York State spills sites. Proscia has also assisted with the construction, pilot tests, and start-up tests associated with air

sparge/soil vapor extraction and sub-slab depressurization systems for the remediation/mitigation of contamination. In addition, she has conducted monitoring and troubleshooting for the AS/SVE and SSD systems. Proscia conducts annual property inspections for the highly successful Tenant Environmental Compliance Program, which helps to ensure that the tenants are not contaminating a landlord’s properties. This program now covers almost 2 million square feet of multi-tenanted buildings on Long Island.

Theresa A. Regnante

President and CEO United Way of Long Island

heresa A. Regnante serves as president and chief executive officer of United Way of Long Island, where she has been a catalyst for positive change since

2009. As an innovator, she is leading the nonprofit organization in the development of strategic, as well as relevant initiatives that have a measurable and lasting impact. This includes providing support to over 100 nonprofit partners, as well as the development of signature programs that best meet the needs of Long Islanders with the focus on health, education and financial stability. During her tenure, Theresa has implemented significant organizational improvements, including strengthening community, business and labor partnerships. To ensure the organization maintains financial competency, she assembles, retains and engages high-impact board members that bring expertise from industries throughout the region. She diligently maintains the balance of dedication to mission, the need for bold entrepreneurial initiatives and the application

of sound business management needed to run a successful nonprofit organization.  Theresa is an innovative and creative leader who has helped United Way expand its

Her ability to pivot quickly is evident, as this year the pandemic changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. traditional fundraising activities. Theresa’s leadership has transformed United Way to strengthen the workforce and social services

sector to better serve families and individuals. The organization has advanced its role as a provider of green construction training for special populations and technical building services for energy-efficient homes. With career sustainability critical to the mission, the launch of employment-geared initiatives are blazing a new trail of success for youths and veterans. Her ability to pivot quickly is evident, as this year the pandemic changed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Theresa keyed in on addressing the needs of Long Islanders dealing with unparalleled hardship by forming a United Solution. Current partnerships, as well as new alliances, including with funders, allowed the organization to broaden its outreach and assistance to affected Long Islanders, many who have never needed help before. This was especially important to families with young children, veterans, mothers with newborns and seniors. The health and economic crisis has caused many difficulties for vulnerable seniors, including isolation. Theresa acknowledged that there was a great need to assist seniors, leading to the development of Safe at Home Initia-

Leadership and learning are i n d i s p e n s a b l e t o e a c h o t h e r. —John F. Kennedy

tive. Bilingual Community Navigators help with day-to-day tasks, such as shopping for essentials, picking up prescriptions, connecting to family and access to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Students and their families are also feeling the burden. With so many unprecedented educational challenges, Theresa recognized that student equity is critical in this remote-learning era and provided digital technology to least advan-

taged children and teens. Theresa is a regular contributor to a number of high-profile regional and state discussions. She frequently speaks about critical issues ranging from suburban poverty to the ability of public/private partnerships to drive innovation and create long-term human success. Theresa is a champion… bringing change and making a difference to the people who live on Long Island.

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

Kristen Reynolds

President/CEO Discover Long Island

ith more than 25 years of experience as a destination marketing and management leader Kristen Jarnagin oversees the official regional organization charged with furthering Long Island’s $6.3 billion tourism economy. A Long Island transplant from Arizona, Kristen’s vast knowledge of destination leadership spans from state tourism marketing, corporate branding and serving as the statewide lobbyist for tourism and economic development advocacy. Kristen and her team at Discover Long Island work to promote a positive perception of Long Island across the globe, which draws lucrative visitors, stirs business attraction and drives economic development throughout the region. During her tenure at Discover Long Island, Kristen has spearheaded many groundbreaking initiatives and partnerships that create regional synergies and leverage resources.

Collaborations with the Long Island MacArthur Airport, LIRR, LIA, NYC & Co. and all eight regional IDAs have led to awardwinning campaigns and a new Economic Development Collective brand to ignite business attraction and economic vitality.

Being Driven: I’m driven by the love of what I do. Kristen has been named to the Top 50 Women in Business on Long Island’s Hall of Fame, Power Women of Long Island, City & State’s Top 100 Long Is-

land influencers, Long Island Press Power List and Business Advocate of the Year. She is a graduate from the acclaimed Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and is a Certified Destination Management Executive. Her favorite pastime is discovering Long Island with her two daughters and reigniting the passion for this place we call home for Long Island natives. How do you define success? Success is when you’re able to execute your vision to drive professional goals that have a positive impact on your team, your industry, your community and your family. What drives you to succeed? I’m driven by the love of what I do and the positive impact that I know destination marketing and branding has on Long Island’s economy. I’m inspired daily by our passionate and dedicated Discover Long Island Team and I’m energized by the love and support of my family.

Congratulations

to Annamarie Bondi-Stoddard, Esq.

for being recognized along with her fellow

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S44 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Christine M. Riordan, PhD

President Adelphi University

hristine M. Riordan, PhD, is the 10th president of Adelphi University in New York and the first woman to hold the role in the university’s 125-year history. Dr. Riordan is an established expert in leadership, team building, career success, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She is also a seasoned and respected board member in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. Since her appointment in 2015, her vision has transformed Adelphi into a nationally recognized modern metropolitan university. Under her leadership, enrollment has grown by 10 percent, the university community is more diverse than ever, and more than 50 innovative new academic degree programs have been launched. For the third year in a row, U.S. News & World Report has named Adelphi a Best College among national universities and named it a Best College for Veterans, a Best Value School and a Top Performer on Social Mobility.

In 2021, Adelphi received the INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for the fourth consecutive year. Dr. Riordan is a respected and experienced board member. She is chair of the board and serves on the executive committee for the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities in New York, the association for the more than 100 private colleges and universities in the state. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she co-chaired the Higher Education Restart Task Force to develop reopening guidance for more than 230 New York institutions of higher education. She is a trustee, serves on the steering committee and is secretary-treasurer of the Long Island Regional Advisory Council on Higher Education. She is a member of the board of directors of the Long Island Association, a leading business organization on Long Island, and is co-chair of the LIA’s Women’s Collaborative. For more than six years, Dr. Riordan has served on the

board of directors of RE/MAX Holdings Inc. (NYSE: RMAX)— a leading real estate and franchise company—for which she is currently chair of the nominating and governance committee and serves on the compensation committee. Dr. Riordan is a National Association of Corporate Directors Board Leadership Fellow, the Gold Standard Director Credential. Her leadership is widely recognized. Dr. Riordan has published 70 academic and business press articles and is authoring a book titled “Shift Happens: How to Adapt and Thrive in a Rapidly Changing World of Work.” Her work can be viewed at christineriordan.com. Her honors include the Council for Advancement and Support of Education Chief Executive Leadership Award in 2021 and the ATHENA International Leadership Award in 2020. In 2019, Georgia State University honored her as a Distinguished Alumna. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine named her one of the 25 Top Women in Higher Education Who Are Making a Differ-

ence in 2018. She has been named Best College President in 2017, 2019 and 2020 by the Bethpage Best of Long Island Awards, and as one of the most influential people on Long Island every year since 2016 by the Long Island Press. Long Island Business News lists Dr. Riordan among Who’s Who in Education, Who’s Who in Professional Women and Top CEOs.

Dr. Riordan was previously provost of the University of Kentucky and dean of the Daniels College of Business at the University of Denver. She received her MBA and a PhD in Organizational Behavior from Georgia State University and earned her bachelor’s degree in textile engineering (now called materials science engineering) from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Suzanne LeBlanc! An exceptional and inspiring leader of the

Long Island Children’s Museum We honor and salute you! Lisa and Lewis Warren

Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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Lisa Rispoli, CPA, AEP, TEP Partner, Trust & Estate Services Grassi Advisors & Accountants

isa Rispoli is the her clients. Lisa is well recognized partner-in-charge of as an estate accounting expert by Trust & Estate Ser- various Surrogate Courts and vices at Grassi. works closely with many of the With over 30 years of experience in accounting, estate planning and gift, estate and trust taxation, Lisa is adept at working with clients and their other professional advisors to develop estate plans to transfer family, businesses and personal wealth to the next generation and to charitable organizations. Lisa assists executors and trustees, providing administration and fiduciary services – including litigation support tax compliance, income tax planning, and courtprescribed accountings. Her expertise in post-mortem planning and compliance guides executors through the complex process of administering estates. Her knowledge in these areas is tri-state’s leading attorneys. She is recognized by the Nacomplemented by her attention to detail and the individual needs and tional Association of Estate Planunique financial circumstances of ners & Councils as an accredited

Lisa is adept at working with clients and their other professional advisors...

estate planner and holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. Prior to joining Grassi in 2015, Lisa was the president of her own firm, which she founded in 2000 after transitioning from a successful career at a Big 4 firm. Among her many professional and civic accolades, Lisa was recognized in 2016 by the Long Island Business News as one of the Top 50 Women in Business and was listed in the publication Who’s Who for Women in Professional Services in 2017. She was also a 2017 Midas Award recipient, an honor that recognizes individuals who exemplify quality in their professions and communities. Lisa earned her BBA in accounting from Adelphi University and her Masters in Taxation from Long Island University. She is an active member of the New York State Society of CPAs, AICPA, Estate Planning

Wendy B. Samuelson, Esq. Managing Partner Samuelson Hause & Samuelson, LLP

endy Samuelson is the managing partner of the boutique matrimonial and family law firm, Samuelson Hause & Samuelson LLP (www.SamuelsonHause.net), based in Garden City. Since graduating from Cornell Law School in 1993, Ms. Samuelson has confined her practice to counseling high net worth clients to make exceptional business decisions — and not emotional ones

— on how best to resolve their divorce or child custody matter in the most strategic manner possible. Ms. Samuelson is the associate editor for the New York Bar Association’s prestigious quarterly publication, The Family Law Review, and has been the author of the column “Recent Legislation, Decisions and Trends” for this publication since 2002. She has authored several articles for various continuing legal education programs and is a frequent lecturer at various large law and accounting firms, and other professional organizations.

Ms. Samuelson has been selected as one of Long Island’s Ten Leaders in Matrimonial Law, one of the New York Metro Area’s Top Attorneys in Matrimonial Law by the New York Times’ Super Lawyers, one of the 10 Best Female Attorneys in New York by The American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and is included in the matrimonial law section of The Best Lawyers in America. She received an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating in practice and ethics. Her firm is rated as a Tier 1 Family Law Firm by U.S. News and World Report.

A g reat person attra c ts g reat people and k no w s ho w to hold the m to g ether . —Johann Wolfgang Von

Council of New York City and Nassau County, Columbian Lawyers, and the Westchester Bar Association. She has written for several Long Island periodicals, including Newsday, CNN, and Bar Association Journals on topics relat-

ing to estate and trust planning and administration. She has served on the board of Bethany House, an organization that provides emergency shelter and services for women and children.

S46 Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021 • Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021

Karen Seltzer

Board Chair Planned Parenthood of Greater New York

aren Seltzer is the board chair of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and a passionate advocate for women’s healthcare and reproductive rights. She has been an active member of Planned Parenthood boards and a strong advocate for over 15 years. She has extensive knowledge of how to manage nonprofit boards and an ability to collaborate and bring people together, which has helped to achieve meaningful results in the recent merger of five New York Planned Parenthood Affiliates. Karen grew up in Great Neck where her family instilled strong philanthropic values with a desire to help others. After graduating from Tulane University, she had a short career in retail before working in development where she honed her fundraising and volunteer management skills, setting the stage for a life-

long passion for volunteering. She returned to Long Island where she and her husband Steven have raised their three daughters. Over the past 30 years, Karen has held many volunteer leader-

Defining Success: My goals as a parent have been to raise strong, independent women. ship positions in Port Washington; serving on the boards of The Community Synagogue, The Community Chest of Port Washington, and

holding many leadership roles in the community including President of Parents Council of the Port Washington School District. She also currently serves as board chair of the MB and Edna Zale Foundation in Dallas. How do you define success? Success in 2021 can be defined in so many ways. As a “stay at home” mother of three daughters, my goals as a parent have been to raise strong, independent women. Now that they are all in their 20’s, I believe that the volunteerism and work that I did while they were growing up modeled an option that is not often glorified. When my family was young, we often participated in community service activities and were always doing what we could to expose our girls to the realities of the world that we live in while appreciating our lives and our riches. Now that they are young adults, these daughters are all activists and social justice warriors. They have each, in their own way,

taken on leadership roles in community organizing, getting out the vote, education and other local issues and, not surprisingly, have marched for women and abortion rights - both with me and in their own communities (including in Austin, Texas!)

My passions have taken me to places that I never could have imagined, introduced me to people I have such admiration for, and now, I have that admiration for my daughters. Success, to me, is seeing the results of my lifelong work and the impacts they have made.

Congratulations Stella Spanakos Co-Founder, The Nicholas Center & Spectrum Designs Foundation

A Woman of Distinction 2021 I wanted to create something where the individuals “ whom we serve could live, work and enjoy the community where they were raised, secure in their surroundings and be seen as the valuable citizens they are.

” — Stella Spanakos

Community Engagement, Employment Training and Peer Connections for individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. Long Island Location: 516.767.7177

Westchester Location: 914.919.9188

info@nicholascenterusa.org I www.tncnewyork.org I 501c3 nonprofit organizaton I Tax ID #45-2022370

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Blank Slate Media Newspapers, Friday, October 22, 2021 • Nassau County’s Women of Distinction 2021

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Wednesday Nov 18 / / / /

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Avenue New York NY 10028 @ 2pm / $49

Editor's Pick Friday After Work Happy Hour at Fusion Lounge Fusion Lounge NY 34-19 Steinway Street Queens NY 11106 @ 6pm / Free

THE MANSION OF MADNESS with live music by PIDE AYUDA

Film Noir Cinema 122 Meserole Avenue Brooklyn NY 11222 @ 10pm / $20

Comedian Famo & Friends After Thanksgiving Comedy Show Astoria Lounge 3208 N. Kostner Ave Chicago IL 60641 @ 10:30pm / $15

Sat 11/24 Editor's Pick

Mother Goose Tales Nov 2018 Westbeth Home to the Arts 155 Bank Street New York NY 10014 @ 11am / $10

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 1000 5th Avenue New York NY 10028 @ 11am / $49

Harlem Jazz Series - Bruce Williams

Once again Bruce Williams Quartet will be performing on November 23, 2018 7PM - $20. Bruce is one of the blazing hot alto saxophonist today. Harlem time to welcome the Bruce Williams Quartet.

Metaphysical Masterpieces Guided Tours November 2018

CIMA – Center for Italian Modern Art 421 Broome Street, Floor 4 New York NY 10013 @ 11am / $10

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Tue 11/27

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Mike Birbiglia

Permission" Gallery Exhibit

171 Elizabeth Street New York NY 10012 @ 12pm / Free

Changa Chait - New York City Premier

Peek Screening of UNLADYLIKE2020 at the Lower Eastside Girls Club

Bombay Theatre 6825 Fresh Meadow Lane Queens NY 11365 @ 3:30pm / $15

Lower East Side Girls Club 402 East 8th Street New York NY 10009

Screenin

g| //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// @ 5:30pm / Free //////////////////////////////////////// Jonestown: The Life //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// and //////////////////// Death of Peoples ////////////////////

Cort Theatre 138 W. 48th St. New York NY 10036 @ 7:30pm

Department of Drama Information Sessions

Broadway, Department of Drama, 3rd Floor New York NY 10003 @ 12pm / Free