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Celebrating our graduates........................................................................... 18
QUEENS CHAMBER MEMBER NEWS
SHREYA UPPAL
Shreya Uppal only recently started working for the Chamber’s outreach team but said that she has found they share a common goal in helping others.
“Even though I’ve only worked here for five or six months, it feels like I am doing something impactful,” Uppal said. “Going outside and doing outreach, you learn something new every day. Whether it’s technology or party planning. All the different kinds of things people do.”
Working with the outreach team has given her a chance to go out and meet with different kinds of businesses from all different areas of the world. Immigrants, who much like herself, share a hard-working lifestyle with a similar goal of being successful in whatever they do.
“It feels good to know we’re in this together,” Uppal said. “That’s what the Chamber has given me… I just hope to continue with a career where I am out and about helping any way I can.”
Recently, she received her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Clinical Psych and Sociology from CUNY Hunter College.
In the future, she hopes to continue her studies, pursuing either a Masters or Ph.D., and hopes to someday work with children.
Shreya Uppal recently graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a degree in Clinical Psychology and Sociology Tasneem Sultana recently graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a triple major in Political Science, Public Policy and Economics.
TASNEEM SULTANA
Tasneem Sultana also works as an outreach assistant with the Chamber of Commerce and has recently graduated from CUNY Hunter College with a triple major in Political Science, Public Policy, and Economics.
In addition to meeting with local businesses, she helps with email marketing, webinars, and meetings with stakeholders.
“I think of it as a combination of all my studies,” Sultana said. “I like working with people in underserved communities and helping out small and minority-owned businesses.”
Sultana said that being multilingual has been beneficial to her experience because it has allowed her to hit communities that the Chamber hadn’t traditionally served before. She also enjoys the cultural diversity of “The World’s Borough,” especially getting to experience the many different types of cuisine from all over the world. “They’re just a train ride away,” she said.
In addition to having just completed her undergraduate degree, Sultana says she is currently studying for the LSAT and looks forward to going to law school sometime in the near future.
“I just want to thank the Chamber for giving me the opportunity and for being so flexible,” Sultana said. “[Woriking with the Chamber] helped provide me with the exposure to professional life while continuing my academic journey.”
NONPROFIT NEWS Flushing Town Hall celebrates 160th anniversary
Flushing Town Hall celebrated the 160th anniversary of its historic facility on Northern Boulevard. To commemorate the occasion, Flushing Town Hall held its “Happy Birthday Gala” on June 9th honoring New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and CUNY Queens College President Frank H. Wu.
More than 125 people were in attendance for the historic event, which helped raise funds to support the landmarked building’s operations. The evening was filled with music, performances, networking, and an awards dinner in the renowned institution’s grand theater.
While the Town Hall limited attendance this year, out of an abundance of caution due to the pandemic, it happily held its first in-person event since 2019.
“In spite of everything, culture never closed, and the arts are essential,” Flushing Town Hall Executive and Artistic Director Ellen Kodadek said. “It’s very simple actually, that’s what you can count on us for here at Flushing Town Hall.” In attendance were Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, New York City Councilwoman Sandra Ung, New York State Sentator John Liu, Assemblyman Khaleel Anderson, and a representative for Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
When attendees arrived, they were greeted by The Hellfighters—an ensemble created by Black, Harlem-based artistseducator Elijah J. Thomas—before enjoying performances by the New York Chinese Chours, and a “Global Mashup” featuring seven of New York’s finest musicians including Abdulaye Diop, Alioune Fayé, Frank London, Meg Okura, Arcoiris Sandoval, Cillian Vallely, and Jennifer Vincent, who were representing regions from all over the world, including Senegal, Mexico, and Asia.
The Gala was co-chaired by Flushing Town Hall Board Members Pauline Huang and Timothy Chen. Sponsors included Veronica Y. Tsang, Queens College, City University of New York, Raymond Jasen, Graf & Lewent Architects, Tai Wang/ WAC Lighting/Glow Cultural Center/ Glow Foundation, Viviana Benitez, TeHsing Niu, Emily Lin/Lin + Loveall Foundation, and New York-Presbyterian Queens.
During the event, Flushing Town Hall honored New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, the first Black woman to hold the position and proud representative of the 28th District in Queens. Robbie Welsh, co-director of the community outreach unit / community engagement division of the New York City Council Speaker’s Office, represented Adams, who was unable to attend due to budget negotiations.
“Your stewardship of this historic institution has made Flushing Town Hall a welcome destination for residents of all ages to watch concerts, dance, theater, and much more,” Welsh said.
The second honoree, Queens College President Frank H. Wu, praised Flushing Town Hall for being a beacon of culture in the borough. “Through concerts and jam sessions,” he said, “Flushing Town Hall has helped to establish this borough as a home for jazz. That is the United States’ musical gift to the world: American classical music.”
During the evening, Howard Gilman Foundation Program Officer Emily Sproch called Flushing Town Hall “a very bright spot in this City’s cultural ecosystem,” announcing that the foundation made a $160,000 gift to Flushing Town Hall.
“One thousand dollars for each year of its impressive life,” Sproch said. “So happy birthday Flushing Town Hall, may you continue to be blessed, and may you continue to share these blessings with this remarkable community.”
Flushing Town Hall is a Smithsonian affiliate, which presents multi-disciplinary global arts that engage and educate the global communities of Queens and New York City in order to foster mutual appreciation.
As advocates of arts equity since 1979, Flushing Town Hall supports local, immigrant, national, and international artists, developing partnerships, and collaborations that enhance its efforts.
Part of the New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group, it serves to restore, manage and program the historic 1862 landmark on behalf of the City of New York.
Flushing Town Hall iscommitted to arts education and hands-on learning, for the arts-curious, art enthusiasts, and professional artists. They continue to serve one of the most diverse communities in the world and strive to uphold the legacy of inclusiveness that has defined the community since the Flushing Remonstrance of 1657.
(PHOTO BY DOMINICK TOTINO)
NONPROFIT NEWS Solace House raises over $50K
LIC nonprofit continues mission to tackle stigma of suicide
BY EVAN TRIANTAFILIDIS
news@queensledger.com
The 5:24 a.m. sunrise on the morning of Saturday, June 11 served as a symbolic light at the end of the tunnel for New Yorkers rallying to break the stigma of suicide.
More than 100 people in bright yellow tshirts walked along the waterfront in Long Island City for the annual Solace Sunrise 5K Walk/Run last weekend. During the event, Solace House, a Queens-based nonprofit organziation that provides free counseling services for people who are in suicidal distress, raised over $50,000 for their cause.
Two years into a global pandemic that has called for residents to social distance and shelter in place, Danielle Gallagher, director of operations at Solace House, says the demand for mental health treatment continues to increase.
“There’s been an increase in clientele,” Gallagher explained. “Isolation and loneliness have always been triggers to mental health issues.”
She says the nonprofit acts as a resource for people who are not yet ready for hospital care, but are still in need of someone to talk to. Mental health issues have only been exacerbated with stories of COVID-related losses and loss of employment, she adds.
First launched in 2006 in Dublin, Ireland by Irish politician Joan Freeman, the Pieta House has become an Irish household name with 20 locations and over 200 therapists across the European country.
In 2014, Freeman chose the New York Irish Center in Long Island City to house the United State’s first branch of the Pieta House, which has since evolved into the Solace House.
Following a one-year pilot program that saw the need for the nonprofit’s presence in the area, the Solace House has been offering bereavement counseling, family support, and workshops at its national headquarters in LIC and their other New York location in Yonkers.
From what started in 2015 with just one therapist and approximately 15 clients, Solace House now has six therapists who serve about 75 clients.
Several other Solace Sunrise Walks took place this year in the Catskills, the Bronx, Rockland County, as well as San Antonio, Texas and an upcoming walk in Asbury Park, New Jersey.
“Our goal would be to have a Solace House everywhere,” Gallagher said. “We would love to be in every city, because we provide a service that you go to when you’re having suicidal thoughts.”
For Queens resident Tara Mullaney, a biweekly bereavement group organized by the Solace House helps her cope with the loss of her husband, James, who took his life in January 2020.
Waking up before 4 a.m. on the morning of the Sunrise Walk/Run 5K, she remembered her husband—an Irishman who she was married to for nearly seven years, who had a passion for welding and World Rally Championship rally car racing.
“It helps to know that there are people who are struggling with the same thing,” Mullaney said. “You always think there’s something you could have done. But when you hear other people tell their story, and they’re like ‘I should have done something,’ and you as an outsider are like ‘no, obviously you couldn’t have done something,’ that really helps you with your own processing… realizing you couldn’t have done something for the person who you’ve lost.”
Tommy DiMisa, founder of Philanthropy in Phocus, a radio and podcast show, was on hand to walk from darkness to light on Sunday morning, while also shining a light on the nonprofit sector. He walked in last year’s Sunrise Walk/ Run and continues to advocate for nonprofits in New York City.
“We need to end the stigma,” DiMisa said. “We need to find compassion and love for each other. We all go through dark times.”
DiMisa, who had been up since 2:30 a.m. Saturday morning, says his passion is to amplify the messages of the 36,000 nonprofits in New York City that do special work like the Solace House.
“If we think in terms of how we just have to look out for somebody, and that everybody needs a little support, versus, how much stuff can I gather or how much money can I get… I think the world’s a better place if we do the former versus the latter.”
QUEENSBOROUGH CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JULY
THRIVE IN BUSINESS BY USING GOOGLE BUSINESS
July 13, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
You are invited to a webinar presented by Thryv teaching you about how to use Google for Business. Here you will learn: How to get found on Google without spending money. Learn why you’re NOT getting found online and what you can do about it. How to get your business in front of thousands of potential customers for free. How to nurture your new customers over a lifetime - increasing repeat business sales.
VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
QUEENS CHAMBER SUMMER NETWORKING CRUISE
July 14, 2022 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
The Queens Chamber will take to the high seas once more for its Summer Networking Cruise on July 14. Join the Chamber as we safely “cruise” into the summer. Tickets include a four-hour open bar, live DJ performance, hor d’oeurves and carving stations, raffles, and giveaways. The event will be a great opportunity to network with other businesses. The venue is fully air-condition and weather proof. We will sail rain or shine. The ship is the Skyline Princess, which will dock between Pier 1 and Pier 3 at the marina. The marina also has free onsite parking. Remember to bring your business cards to participate in the raffles.
Skyline Cruises, 1 World’s Fiar Marina, Flushing Register at queenschamber.org
MANAGING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS AND DIFFICULT PERSONALITIES IN THE WORKPLACE
July 15, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Human Resource Specialists face the challenges of communicating with employees on many difficult issues including coaching discipline and termination. Communication is further challenged by the many difficult personalities we encounter in the workplace. This program will offer the nuts and bolts of effectively engaging and succeeding in managing those difficult communications and personalities. We will also focus on the ins and outs of effectively coaching a challenging employee.
VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org BE EASY TO DO BUSINESS WITH! WHOSE TERMS ARE YOU DOING YOUR BUSINESS IN?
July 19, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
You are invited to a webinar presented by Thryv on how to be easy to do business with and deal with clients. Here, you will learn about: How to enhance your client’s experience. Learn how to engage your clients. Modern tips for doing business on their terms. What does your online presence say about you.
VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION
July 20, 2022 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
If you’re a new member of Queens Chamber, mark your calendar and join us for this in person session. Here’s your opportunity to explore all the benefits your membership affords.
Queens Chamber of Commerce 75-20 Astoria Blvd., Suite 140 - Large Conference Room, Jackson Heights Register at queenschamber.org
BUILDING GREEN TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES: CHALLENGES AND PRACTICES
July 26, 2022 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Helping the environment and growing your business – the ultimate reconciliation of environmental and economic concerns. In this new environment, both companies and the environment can win, where being Green is no longer a cost of doing business; it is a catalyst for innovation, new market opportunities, and value creation.
Elmhurst Hospital - Auditorium, 79-01 Broadway, Elmhurst Register at queenschamber.org
SUMMER HEALTH SCREENING EVENT: DENTAL AND BLOOD PRESSURE
July 27, 2022 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Wellness pays and we’re making it easily accessible. This complimentary session offers oral exams as well as blood pressure monitoring. Employee wellness checks all the boxes: Controlling healthcare costs, Improving employee well-being, reducing disease risk, and improving employee productivity, engagement, and retention.
Plaza College - Commons, 118-33 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills Register at queenschamber.org
AUGUST
August 10, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Learn how to manage your clients in this modern world by being flexible with this webinar presented by Thryv. Here, you will learn about: How to enhance your client’s experience. Learn how to engage your clients. Modern tips for doing business on their terms. What does your online presence say about you.
RESOLVING CONFLICT IN A CULTURALLY DIVERSE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
Aug. 12, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Most conflicts that arise can be avoided or resolved if we have the necessary training in managing conflict. The conflict which is not resolved will spiral out of control and can lead to serious consequences including anger, violence, and loss of customers. This program will put you on the track to successfully managing conflicts and improve relationships with your supervisors and co-workers. Explore the numerous cultural variables that impact how conflict is resolved in different cultures.
VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER
EVOLVE WITH TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHANGING TIMES
Sept. 27, 2022 from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
You are invited to a webinar presented by Thryv on how to evolve with technology and the changing times in a post-COVID world.
VIRTUAL Register at queenschamber.org
SO, YOU WANT TO START A BUSINESS: THE ABC’S OF STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Oct. 14, 2022 from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Join the Chamber Breakfast Workshop series for this online discussion about The Nuts & Bolts of Starting a Business: A Guide for the Aspiring Entrepreneur, beginning Fall 2022 through Spring 2023. Special guest speaker Joshua Bienstock, director of NYIT School of Manangment, will be there to discuss how protect the name of your new business, how to get incorporated, where to start the business and how to get capital.
