P.O.W.E.R. Magazine Fall 2023

2023 FALL ISSUE

SPECIAL ISSUE: MEN WHO UPLIFT WOMEN

MEET DR. PINCUS

“EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH PHYSICAL CHANGE” WHAT’S COOKING WITH IRON CHEF

ALEX GUARNASCHELLI BREAKING BARRIERS WITH

NISCHELLE TURNER A TIME FOR

ACTION

SNEAK PEEK AT OUR RED CARPET HONOREES

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 1

P.O.W.E.R. Woman of the Year

P.O.W.E.R. Icon Award

P.O.W.E.R. Man of The Year

Harris Faulkner Anchor, Author FOX News Channel

Christie Brinkley Supermodel, Actress

David J. Pincus, MD, FACS Plastic Surgeon Pincus Plastic Surgery

P.O.W.E.R. Hope & Inspiration Award

P.O.W.E.R. Top Mom Award

P.O.W.E.R. Angel Award

P.O.W.E.R. Glass Ceiling Award

Patricia L. Blake Acting Patrol Commanding Officer, Retired | LAPD

Deborah Adler Licensed Art Psychotherapist Deborah Adler Creative Art Therapy P.C.

Theresa (Terry) Prag Program Manager Lend A Helping Hand, BBCC

Captain Sandy Yawn Captain Bravo’s “Below Deck Mediterranean”

P.O.W.E.R. Inside/Out Beauty Award

P.O.W.E.R. Music Legacy

P.O.W.E.R. Top Doctor

P.O.W.E.R. Top Real Estate Mogul

Dr. Kelly Mattone Cosmetic Physician Aesthetic Medical Studio

Rainere Martin Entertainer

Dr. Rajasree Roy Attending Physician The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital

Dottie Herman Vice Chair Douglas Elliman

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Nischelle Turner N

Co-Host | Entertainment Tonight

ischelle Turner is co-host of the seven-time Emmy Award-winning news magazine Entertainment Tonight. She joined ET as a correspondent in 2014 and was named co-host in 2021, making her the first woman of color to helm the broadcast in ET’s almost 43-year history. Nischelle is an award-winning journalist, having won six Emmy Awards with ET. She is a contributor for CNN and often lends her voice to entertainment and political news, along with joining their coverage on the Grammys, Golden Globes, and Oscars.

She hosts and produces CBS’ summer hit series, “Secret Celebrity Renovation,” which began its third season in August 2023. Nischelle also co-hosts the popular podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq.

In 1998, Nischelle began her journalism career when she joined WEHT as a reporter and fill-in anchor in Evansville, Indiana. She received a B.A. in Journalism and Broadcast News from the University of Missouri. In 2000, she served as a weekday reporter and weekend anchor for WVUE-TV FOX8 in New Orleans.

After establishing herself as a presence in news, Nischelle joined KTTV in Los Angeles in 2004 as a reporter on “Good Day LA” and anchor for “Good Day LA Weekend.” She returned to New Orleans to cover Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath for “Good Day LA.” Her coverage of the disaster won several journalism awards.

As an avid sports fan, Nischelle’s passion and knowledge came in handy when she joined “Fox NFL Sunday” as a sideline reporter for national football broadcasts in 2007. She has also covered major league baseball and basketball for Fox. In 2009, she hosted “Extra on Essence,” an online entertainment show focusing on Hollywood’s most elite stars.

As a Black woman in the entertainment industry, what barriers did you face and how did you overcome them?

The list is long and there continue to be barriers, but basically it comes down to being counted out, not counted at all, or underestimated immediately upon entering a room. But I live by the motto, “It only takes one ‘Yes,’” and every time the yes has happened I’ve been ready to perform.

How do you use your platform as a respected journalist to advocate for diversity and inclusion in reporting and in journalism?

First and always I want to be an example of Black excellence. Approaching my job being prepared, fair and first as a journalist is the best way to show how diversity and inclusion is paramount.

With the rise of social media, the way we consume entertainment news is changing. How do see the future of journalism?

I consider myself a journalist, but I know the industry is changing. There

are so many content creators out there who are lending to the conversation and making news off the red carpet.

We have to pay attention. People still come to ET for their confirmation and information.

Is there anyone you have not interviewed that you would like to and why?

The person I always dreamed of interviewing recently passed away – Sidney Poitier. He is the gold standard to me, and I always hoped for that moment.

Where do you keep your Emmys?

They are upstairs in my house on either side of the hallway as I walk to my bedroom.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power really means freedom to me.

When you are truly grounded in your power and recognize it, you have a freedom that is soul soothing. The more I’ve leaned into my power, the more powerful I feel. www.etonline.com

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Dr. Rajasree Roy Attending Physician The Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center Assistant Professor of Medicine Hofstra University

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ince 2014, Dr. Rajasree Roy has served as an attending physician with the Cancer Institute at St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, based in East Hills, New York. She is also an attending physician with the division of hematology/ oncology with Long Island Jewish Medical Center of New Hyde Park and an assistant professor of medicine with Hofstra University, all in New York. Dr. Roy received her M.D. from Dhaka Medical College in Bangladesh in 1993.

She is board certified in internal medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, hematology, and medical oncology.

Dr. Roy is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. She was awarded the Rose and Jack Horowitz Fellow in Hematology from Long Island Jewish Medical Center in 2006 and received a National Merit Scholarship for the duration of her medical education in Bangladesh.

Previously, Dr. Roy served as a clinical instructor of a hematology course for AECOM second year medical students from 2006 – 2012. She taught and mentored fellows, rotating medical students and residents from 2006 – 2014.

Dr. Roy is the co-author of over 20 peer-reviewed and other journal articles.

Was there a particular person or experience in your life that led you to choose a career in hematology/oncology?

I chose oncology and hematology as my specialties due to my experiences during my hematology/ oncology rotations when I was a resident physician. I was captivated by the dual nature of oncology and hematology and I knew that it was my calling to become an oncologist. As a clinician, I would be able to study fascinating therapies and use them to better the lives of others. At the same time, I was also touched by the humane aspect of treating patients. I fell in love with oncology’s fascinating combination of scientific exploration and compassion.

How do you determine the treatment needed for each individual patient, even if they all have the same type of cancer?

In the era of personalized medicine, determining treatments for individuals with the same type of cancer involves considering a range of factors. When we see patients, we recognize that even if they technically have the same kind of cancer, each patient has unique characteristics that must be considered. Factors such as their health status, medical history, personal preferences, and cultural preferences play significant roles in tailoring treatment plans to their needs. Furthermore, it’s important to understand that an individual type of cancer has its own molecular features, which provide valuable insight and enable us to identify different ways to treat cancers.

By comprehensively considering all these factors, we can develop unique patient and cancer specific treatment strategies.

Can you tell us about a specific case that was particularly rewarding to you?

One particular case stands out as particularly rewarding to me.

In 2011, I encountered a 42-yearold woman who presented with metastasis (cancerous tissue) to her brain and bones, along with a large ovarian mass. Initially, it was assumed that the patient had terminal stage ovarian cancer. Following a hunch, I sent the patient’s tissue sample for genomic sequencing which revealed an ALK mutation. Coincidentally, the FDA had recently approved a medication targeting this mutation, allowing us to treat her immediately. She is still alive, 12 years after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer.

Dealing with extremely ill patients on a daily basis must be emotionally draining. How do you unwind at night and separate your work life from your personal life?

On a personal level, it’s naturally difficult to separate my work from my personal life. I like spending time with my friends and my family. I play music and garden quite often. I think that I’m able to come back stronger every time. Most importantly, I love what I do. Kind words and gratitude from my patients makes up for all the extended hours and hard work that goes into it.

Is the advice you give to your patients the same as the advice you give to your loved ones?

As an oncologist, I have a deep and genuine care for my patients, which is no different from the love I have for my own family members. The relationship between a patient and their oncolo-

gist is intimate and personal, built on trust and shared goals. When providing advice, I treat my patients as I would my own family members, always seeking their best interests.

Do you think we will ever see a cure for cancer?

I strongly believe that a cure for cancer is within our reach.

There have been a lot of impressive advances in diagnostics and therapeutics demonstrating impressive results allowing patients to live longer and quite frequently achieve complete remission. I think that this ongoing momentum in the development of cancer therapeutics and diagnostics indicates that we are on a path to curing cancer.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is the ability to make a positive impact on others. As a clinician, I have a unique position to be able to help others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be able to tell people that they’ve finally been cured; that their treatments have given them so much more time.

When I work with a patient, I’m not only helping a single person, but many. I’m able to have a positive impact on so many people— not only the patient, but also their families, friends, and those who cherish them.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 5

Woman

OF EXCELLENCE

Guidance Counselor and Professor Mathematics, Science Research & Technology High School

Gertrudis Hernandez-Cohen

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ertrudis Hernandez-Cohen is a minority woman who has achieved every dream that she ever had. She was born in the Dominican Republic and migrated to the U.S. after completing high school. As a young woman, Gertrudis worked with her brother in their family business, while earning a B.S. in Deviant Behavior and Social Control from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. After graduating, she earned an M.A. with honors in School Counseling and then a Professional Diploma in School Administration and Supervision, both from Saint John’s University. Gertrudis never stopped learning in order to provide the best service possible to young adults and families.

While working as school counselor for the New York City Department of Education, Gertrudis pursued her Advanced Certificated in Clinical Mental Health at Long Island University. She has great respect for family and family values. She is the proud mother of a 28-year-old son name Jeff who is also a John Jay College of Criminal Justice graduate. Jeff is a young professional in the area of law enforcement, and is characterized for his honesty, moral values, respect, straightforwardness, truthfulness, loyalty, devotion, and dedication to his profession.

Gertrudis has a true passion for beauty including accessories and clothing. After her mother, Dulce Bello, passed away last year, Gertrudis is honoring her by opening an online clothing and accessories boutique in her name, entitled GH Bello A Boutique by Gertrudis Hernandez, since her mother shared the same passion for beauty and clothing.

Gertrudis is very proud of her accomplishments in the U.S. Her love, tenacity, dedication, motivation, perseverance, determination, persistence, and purpose in life is the reason why she is who she is. She is a successful minority woman and an example for other young women. This is exemplified by her entire family including her 96-year-old father.

Monique D. Joiner-Hollis

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CEO | Mojo Services

onique D. Joiner-Hollis is the CEO of Mojo Services, a reconstruction company based in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Monique is responsible for the overall operations, bidding, remodeling, and reconstructing homes. She also provides IT-related services for houses. Mojo Services is a woman owned, service-disabled veteran company.

Monique is a retired U.S. Army veteran. She earned an M.A. from Touro College in 2005 and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping and being with her family.

Information Technology | Telecom | Logistics | Supply & Demand | Construction | Fitness MOJO Services’ mission is to effectively implement business processes that help your organization achieve excellence. We do this through various disciplines including but not limited to Information Technology, Telecom, Logistics, Supply & Demand, New Construction or Remodeling, and Promoting Health & Fitness. We believe in professionalism, satisfied customers, and a healthy working environment. We provide over 50 years of real world expertise.

Our Services: • Information Technology • Telecom • Logistics

• Supply & Demand • Construction • Health & Fitness

Work Areas: • Florida • Georgia • North Carolina

• South Carolina • Virginia • Afghanistan

About Us Monique Joiner, our president, has over 34 years of experience in the United States Army as a Logistician holding a TS/SCI with Poly Clearance. Mojo Services is a black woman owned, disabled veteran company seeking golden opportunities to provide excellent services to your business. Our experience includes working with Intelligence, Special Forces, Psychological, DIA, Aviation units, CACI and FORSCOM in a civilian work environment.

MOJO Consulting Services | 2635 Bardolino Dr. Fayetteville, NC 28306-4638 Phone: 910.779-9095 | Email: MOJOCS4@yahoo.com, monibmw35@yahoo.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 7

TJA PUBLISHING, LLC PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Tonia DeCosimo VICE PRESIDENT Nicole Crumb DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Syndi Reibman SENIOR EDITOR Ellen Gold PUBLIC RELATIONS Geri Shumer MEDIA DIRECTOR Jeremy Felber WEB DESIGNER & IT Chris Ziminski CREATIVE DIRECTOR Cris Bell CONTROLLER Maureen Meagher ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Shari Brozinsky Anna Rose Cameron Denise Forte Helene Kaye Hailee Matthews Sari Meyer Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized/P.O.W.E.R. magazine is published quarterly by TJA Publishing, LLC. All biographical information and photographs submitted by members, as well as questions and answers may be altered as necessary to fit our format. While every effort has been made to ensure that information is correct, errors may occur.

There is no guarantee of accuracy, timeliness, and completeness. We are not responsible for other’s opinions or views as expressed herein. P.O.W.E.R. Magazine does not discriminate based upon race, religion, and political views. P.O.W.E.R. magazine does not assume any responsibility for unsolicited materials. Advertisements do not constitute an endorsement of the product or services by P.O.W.E.R. Magazine. Copyright 2023 by P.O.W.E.R. magazine. All rights reserved. Content may not be reprinted or reproduced without permission from P.O.W.E.R. magazine.

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here are so many exciting things happening at P.O.W.E.R. this season. Our fall issue is a ground-breaking one as we are featuring a man on the cover for the very first time! David J. Pincus, M.D., FACS, of Pincus Plastic Surgery is a pioneer in his field, empowering women through physical change. He is experienced in all types of cosmetic procedures, and is a seasoned expert in breast and body procedures including breast augmentation and revision, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift and facial surgery.

It is also the first issue to honor male figures who support women’s empowerment. Men, whether it is through personal or business connections, are a significant part of our lives and help us strive to be our best selves. Make sure to read the inspiring stories of Charles Gucciardo, Gerry Ferretti, Sal Valentinetti, and Stephen Wade LaMagna. For me personally, this issue holds profound sentimental value as I reflect upon the indelible impact that my late father, Michael J. DeCosimo, left upon me. My dad was a driving force in my life, taught me my work ethic, and served as an unwavering beacon of influence, profoundly shaping my character. I still hear his voice in my head reminding me constantly that the worries overwhelming me today will seem inconsequential in a year's time. His sound advice remains an enduring source of guidance during moments of stress, empowering me to navigate life's challenges.

In addition, this fall, P.O.W.E.R. will be hosting its Red Carpet Gala on October 19th. This is always a special event honoring women, and as this year’s event will be held during Breast Cancer Awareness month, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Babylon Breast Cancer Association.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to remind all women to get their annual mammogram. Here at P.O.W.E.R. we are always talking about the importance of self-care, and getting a mammogram should be number

Talk

TONIA’S

My dad, my rock, gone for ten years.

Here's a picture from the old days.

Tonia DeCosimo Tonia DeCosimo

PRESIDENT AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF @Toniadecosimo @power_woe

one on your priority list of the things you make time for, no matter what.

Annual mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early on, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of breast cancer fatalities. In between mammograms, it is important to pay attention to our bodies and consult a doctor if you find any of these symptoms: • Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit) • Thickening or swelling of part of the breast • Irritation or dimpling of breast skin • Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast • Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area

If you do have breast cancer, or know someone who needs assistance, this issue includes a comprehensive guide listing nationwide resources that are available to breast and other cancer patients and their loved ones. All of the organizations mentioned are reputable and are making dramatic impacts in the lives of so many.

As editor-in-chief, I feel extremely privileged to have the power to educate our readers on so many meaningful topics. By raising awareness about the importance of mammograms and featuring male figures who support women's empowerment, P.O.W.E.R.'s fall issue not only recognizes the invaluable contributions of men, but also inspires readers to prioritize their health, appreciate those who uplift them, and make a lasting impact on the world around them.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 9

Women

OF THE MONTH Jeanie Edwards

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eanie Edwards is the owner of THE CPR GALS, a company which teaches health and safety as well as disaster preparedness. Jeanie earned an A.A. from Pasadena City College. She is a member of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and the Kiwanis Club of Pasadena. She also supports Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles, the Pasadena Humane Society, and SPCA. Jeanie is responsible for the daily operations, teaching CPR, first aid, and disaster preparedness. Previously, she volunteered with the American Red Cross from 19682022, was a health and safety instructor, a disaster instructor, a local and national disaster responder, and served as an EMT for over 20 years. She also worked with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a disaster communications ham radio operator and was

Nancy Erickson

Owner | THE CPR GALS

a volunteer member of the El Monte Police Department Mounted Unit. Jeanie enjoys animal rescue and her German shepherds.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I grew up with Dr. Charles Richter (Richter Scale) and Dr. Ellis Jones (one of the men who started what is now the paramedic program in this country). What I learned from them got me hooked on disaster preparedness and what to do to help in the aftermath.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I feel a big challenge women face is labeling themselves as a woman, or defining what they will be or do by society’s standards. We all have God-given gifts, so develop these and be your best, whether as a business woman or a stay-at-home wife and mother.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means taking charge of your own life through the decisions you make daily. www.thecprgals.com

Middle Line Backer, Retired | Toledo Troopers

N

ancy Erickson was a middle line backer for the Toledo Troopers.

At the age of 35, she decided to try her hand in the women’s professional tackle football team since she had played baseball and softball her entire life but never had an opportunity to play football. In July 2014, Nancy, along with her Troopers teammates, was entered into the Women’s Football Foundation Hall of Fame. She is featured in the documentary, “We are the Troopers: The Women of the Winningest Team in Pro Football History.” Nancy earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1966. She was honored as a member of Title IX Performance Team in 1978, was part of the Toledo Troop-

ers 1971-1977 World Champions NWFL, entered into the Florida Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 1993, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Arcadia Recreation Department, was awarded the University of Michigan Lifetime Achievement Award in Kinesiology in 2016, and is in the Baseball Hall of Fame as a member of the Kalamazoo Lassies.

Following her year with The Toledo Troopers, Nancy moved to Florida to work as the first recreation supervisor for Arcadia and DeSoto County. While there, she started the state’s first integrated girls’ junior high softball team. She continued to start girls sports teams of all kinds in Arcadia. She was active in ensuring Title IX was installed in local schools. Nancy and her partner owned the H&R Block in Desoto County from 1974-1992 for many years before retiring. She enjoys golf, the Special Olympics, and camping.

Younok Dumortier Shin

Co-Founder and Managing Director | Alaired, LLC

D

r. Younok Dumortier Shin grew up in Korea in a family where girls were relegated to housework. She felt powerless as if her life was doomed because she was born a girl. This gave her an enormous sense of freedom to pursue her heart. At the age of 19, Dr. Shin left for Canada on a student visa to learn English. She then received a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 1997, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from McGill University in 1999 and 2002, respectively, and an M.B.A. from Babson College in 2019.

In 2004, Dr. Shin moved to the United States and has devoted herself to drug development, manufacturing, and world-

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wide product supply. Previously, she worked at GSK, BMS, Janssen, Allergan, Dermelix, and Avalo Therapeutics, and developed treatments for cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, heart diseases, macular degenerations, and rare genetic disorders. Currently, Dr. Shin is a co-founder and a managing director of Alaired LLC, where she continues to focus on developing medicines for patients. She belongs to the National Association of Corporate Director-Certified Director.

Dr. Shin mentors women around the world, helping them find wisdom to convert inequitable circumstances into

opportunities, courage to free themselves from the sense of inferiority, and perseverance to continue on until they reach their full potential. She is on the board of directors at Sheltered Yoga. Dr. Shin published a poetry book entitled “Four Seasons,” to share her life lessons.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I always wanted work in the field of human medicine. Despite new technologies, there are so many people who still suffer from their illnesses. I want to contribute in bringing new medicines to help them.

Karen E. West

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Principal and Fund Controller, Retired | Vanguard Investment Co.

aren E. West previously served as a principal and fund controller with Vanguard Investment Co. Currently retired, Karen spent over 40 years in the financial industry.

She served on the board of directors and has extensive knowledge of mutual funds, fiscal compliance, IRA’s, ETS’s, 401K, and financial investments. She received an A.A. from Goldey-Beacom College and is the chairwoman and chair of investments for the Epworth United

Methodist Church. Karen is also an ordained deacon with the United Church of Christ. During her career, she was the first female vice president of Vanguard and received both a Quality Award and the Vanguard Award of Excellence. She was featured in a book, “The Vanguard Experiment.” Karen enjoys church activities.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

When money market mutual funds were coming into existence, I was offered a job with the Wellington Management Company. When Jack Bogle decided to start his own mutual fund company, he asked me to join him at his Vanguard Group, and I did.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Even a penny error in the price could be very expensive. I designed a control system where it was almost impossible to allow an error which Vanguard sold to other companies.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Most senior positions are held by men.

Women are judged as too emotional.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Power means giving people the power to make their own decisions until they prove they are not able to do that successfully, instead of deciding they are not capable with little or no evidence of that fact.

Jana L. Veillon

Nurse Advantage Medical Professionals

ana L. Veillon is a nurse with Advantage Medical Professionals, a medical staffing agency based in Lafayette, Louisiana. She received an R.N. and A.S.N. from Louisiana State University.

Jana provides general nursing for patients in a variety of settings. She belongs to the American Nurses Association.

In her spare time, she enjoys painting, sculpting, hiking, and hunting.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I became a caregiver at the age of 17 when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I found my passion for helping people heal. Nursing was a natural transition for me.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

COVID 19 has been my biggest challenge to date. It has destroyed the lives of so many people. To watch the suffering with no end in sight is a nightmare. Standing at the beside of a dying patient without their family is completely heartbreaking. I was devastated to lose my husband to COVID last year; no family is exempt. I still work as an RN, at my patient’s bedside, caring for all.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face?

We stand in our own way. We have to let ourselves be great. advantagemedicalprofessionals.com

Christine A. Magan

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Tiffiany A. Frazier

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iffiany A. Frazier is a confidence coach with The Tiffiany Institute, LLC. She is responsible for building confidence in her clients and helps identify thoughts and fears that may be holding them back. Tiffiany is also a motivational speaker and poet. Her first poetry book, “The Blessed Novelties,” will be in book stores soon. She participated in a news radio show in April 2023 at Close-Up Television & Radio and had a television shoot in Connecticut in May, both with Jim Masters.

Tiffiany belongs to The Hoinser Group (UK) and has been featured in the Hoinser Queens 2022 magazine Top 100 Inspirational Women, Top 33 Inspirational Women 2022 volume, 2 Queens

Instructor Needle Arts Academy

C

hristine A. Magan is an instructor at the Needle Arts Academy. She earned an A.A. from Chaffey College in 1995. In her current position, Christine teaches classes in sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting. She also lectures.

Christine enjoys volunteering in her spare time.

Confidence Coach | The Tiffiany Institute, LLC book, and Top 10 Powerful Personalities Christmas edition. Tiffiany has been given the title H.E Dame and earned a certification of achievement and trophy for Best Life Coach. She also received an award from Top Pinnacle Professional for contributions to the field of life coaching. Tiffiany belongs to OneWoman organization and will be speaking at the 2023 All Women’s Summit American Tour in Las Vegas.

She enjoys church activities, bowling, movies, roller skating, and ice skating.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Confidence is one obstacle that women struggle with.

Having confidence makes you feel good about yourself, and it can get you out of your comfort zone to find better opportunities. Lack of confidence can interfere with future success. The second challenge is there are not enough women in powerful positions.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means to uplift, encourage, and boost self-worth. It’s also the encouragement to promote happiness, the ability to determine your own choices, and the right to influence change in today’s society for yourself and others.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 11

Table

OF CONTENTS

Cover Story

Dr. David J. Pincus A pioneer in his field, Dr. David J. Pincus is experienced in all types of cosmetic procedures, and is a seasoned expert in breast and body procedures including breast augmentation and revision, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift, and facial surgery.

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Men Who Empower Women

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Charles Gucciardo

52

47

Andrew Yu

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John Pasquale

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Slava Fadeyev

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56

Gerry Ferretti

Sal Valentinetti

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57

Flowers

by Brian

Stephen W. LaMagna

breast Cancer Awareness

CA NCER ASSISTAN CE: Ph on e Nu mbers, Websi tes an d Helpfu l I nfor mati on

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Get You r An nu a l M am m og ra m

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Breast Cancer Coalition's Theresa (Terry Prag), Karen Kunkel & Nicholas Radesca

Regular Features

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64 Tonia's Top Pink Picks

Presenting Our 2023

Dr. Rajasree Roy

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Tonia’s Talk

My late father, Michael J. DeCosimo, was a driving force in my life. I reflect on his indelible impact.

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Breast cancer awareness and Barbie are two great reasons that I'm wearing pink this fall! Check out Tonia's Trends for more.

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P.O.W.E.R. in Nashville

Valentina Janek

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Alexandra Guarnaschelli

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P.O.W.E.R. VIP List 80 Woman of Excellence

6 Empowered Women of the Month 10 Women’s 84 Women of Distinction 17 List A Fun-Filled Autumn It’s time to get outside while it’s not too cold and enjoy the blustery weather! Here are things to do with family and friends, to make the most of autumn.

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Autumn Recipes Roast chicken with veggies, apple pie cookies, shrimp & chicken fajitas & more!

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Darcy Knapp-Fricks President, Co-Owner | Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd. Knapp Sisters Cattle Company, D&S Investments

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arcy Knapp-Fricks serves in a variety of industries including real estate, investments, ranching and self-storage. She is the president and co-owner of Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., started with her sister, Shelly Knapp, in 1999, which specializes in land rentals. They also own D&S Investments. She provides, maintains, and manages rental properties and real estate.

In addition, Darcy and Shelly own The Knapp Sisters Self Storage which consists of five self-storage building facilities.

The self-storage facility is a AAA business which consists of five self-storage buildings, with the largest of the five being climate controlled. They are open seven days a week. Their business was rated the #1 U-Haul dealer in the state of Texas and #3 U-Haul dealer in the U.S. Darcy and her sister are members of the Texas Self Storage Association, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Arlington Historical Society, the Mansfield Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.

Darcy attended the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Wesleyan University. She was featured in an article

Pumpkin house, Dallas Arboretum, Texas

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regarding her family donating land to make a historical park. In her spare time, she enjoys time spent on her ranch in South Texas and travel.

Darcy’s advice to others is to always go with your gut feeling; it will not steer you wrong. There is nothing too big or too small for you to accomplish. If you believe in yourself and whatever your plans are, you can be successful. She feels strongly that you should never let anyone take your dreams away from you. When she got the idea to build the self-storage facility, she had made up her mind that it was going to be different from others. Even though she knew nothing about the storage business until then, Darcy listened to her gut that told her to go with it, and it has been a success.

Knapp Sisters Self Storage VOTED NO. 1

Cleaning?

DEALER IN TEXAS

Moving?

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How did you get started in your field/industry?

The real estate company that my sister and I own together was inherited from my grandfather and my father. As a result, it just made sense to create a rental business, since most of the property was residential. My grandfather was instrumental in the development of Arlington, Texas, and retained a lot or two out of all the developments that he created.

These were residential neighborhoods with small homes that we put together to create Knapp Sisters Rental, Ltd., along with other purchases we made over the years. We then used them as rental properties.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The oil and gas industry has been very challenging. It has been a learn-as-you-go experience with these companies. My grandfather was an attorney by trade, but his passion was real estate. In the process of closing real estate deals, he retained all the mineral rights to every real estate deal that he had a hand in. He said that eventually technology would catch up, and it did. My sister and I inherited those mineral rights to properties that we never knew anything about. This became a blessing when the Barnett Shale (one of the largest onshore natural gas fields in the U.S.) came into play in Texas. That opened a whole new field for us, but the learning curve was difficult.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

I have a ranch in South Texas that I escape to whenever I have a free weekend. It is in the middle of nowhere with river front property that is spring fed. Being there is an amazing experience.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I get back to nature. I have a hanging bed on my back porch. After a long work day, I make myself a cold drink, relax on my back porch, and watch the wildlife in my wooded back yard.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

Always go with your gut feelings.

What does empowerment mean to you?

Being empowered means being able to move forward with the knowledge and experience that gives you the self-confidence to do whatever you dream of doing.

Who is one of your favorite designers?

Free People.

What is your favorite meal?

Fajitas.

How often do you cook?

I cook three to four times a week.

Name your favorite makeup products.

Estée Lauder.

What is your favorite perfume?

AMPERSAND from Tiffany & Co. If you are having a dinner party, who is the first guest on your invite list (besides your children)?

My best friends. www.knappsistersselfstorage.com

Fall harvest at the Knapp Sisters Self Storage

16 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Woman

OF DISTINCTION

Dr. Mary J. Gallant

Associate Professor of Sociology | Rowan University

How did you get started in your field/industry?

There are many different ways to get into academia and it may be approached at an early point in life or later. In my case, I started my first position in a tenure track position at a small graduate program on the Pacific Coast of Canada.

Rowan University, with its tenure track position, came somewhat later. It was a dream fulfilled to be teaching courses in my specialty area at Rowan. Soon after, one of my specialty areas, Sociology of the Holocaust, was accepted as part of the new sociology curriculum.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

If there is time to escape and recharge, I like to walk in carefully chosen “special places” with lots of trees and sometimes the sea, for miles and miles. Otherwise, it might be reading something different than what I am working on, or taking a “stack-walk.”

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

If you love what you are doing, persevere. If you need a break in pace, try to think of what would enrich your life and that of others in something else rewarding. Work hard as you enjoy finding this.

What does empowerment mean to you?

That concept is new to me and usually, when mentioned, great journalists, politicians, and generals are the ones addressing it. academics.rowan.edu/chss/departments/sociology/facultystaff/marygallant.html

D

r. Mary J. Gallant has been an associate professor of sociology at Rowan University since 1992. Her area of specialization is teaching classical social theory, along with senior seminars in Sociology. Her research for her dissertation focused on the network structures of students in medical school and how it had the potential to strongly support socialization to the medical profession. Interested in destructive contexts and the self, her next major research was on the Holocaust and surviving extremity, 1933-1945, in hiding, rescue, resistance, the ghettos and concentration camps of WWII and the Holocaust. From 2007-2012, Dr. Gallant served as chair of the Sociology Department and then continued as chair of the combined Sociology and Anthropology Department from 2013-2015. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Minnesota in 1985.

The Holocaust was a turning point in the lives of millions of European Jews, post-WWII and beyond. It vitalized new research on trauma, human rights research, international law, war crimes trials after WWII, the IMT (London) and NMT (Nuremberg and Tokyo), as well as social policy and politics surrounding genocide intervention. Presently, Dr. Gallant is working on a book chapter on WWII, collective memory and the Holocaust influencing military ethics and education.

She published her first book in this area, “Coming of Age in the Holocaust: The Last Survivors Remember,” (2002) and is preparing a new edition of this work.

Her journal articles and book chapters associated with the study of the Holocaust at international conferences in Germany and Britain focused on rescue and resistance. In each of these works she highlighted interaction strategies and self-processes associated with surviving destruction of the self during extremity.

Dr. Gallant’s second area of research is related to the professions using social network analysis. This research emphasis emerged out of her dissertation on medical school socialization. In 2013, she published a second book, “Friendship Networks in Medical School: A Network Analytic Approach to the Study of Social Solidarity,” at the invitation of a German publisher specializing in dissertation research. She is working on publishing an article on the role of informal relationships and social support and medical student success.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 17

Woman

OF DISTINCTION

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Clients do not always desire to pay for services. They always feel they should get something for free but do not realize that quality costs. I only provide quality services to all of my clients. I wish I could have a better marketing campaign to reach out to clients who are serious about my services and desire to be on board with the services I provide in terms of HR, payroll, and taxes.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I started in this field because of a passion to help people understand their paychecks. A lot of individuals are just concerned about the direct deposit amounts they receive and do not care to understand the calculations and what influences the calculations from gross to net. I want everyone to understand how the taxes are classified, 401k, etc., as payroll is processed.

How do you achieve work/life balance?

I take breaks after at least four hours of working on a not so busy day. I take breaks after 10 hours of working on a very busy day. I break to refresh and get back to work refreshed with new ideas on how to quickly resolve any issues with payroll from state tax issues to federal tax issues, etc. I also watch movies, go shopping, read, and spend time with family as well during the day.

18 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Arlieta I. Baldwin

A

Owner | A3J Services

rlieta I. Baldwin is the owner of A3J Services, an accounting and payroll service for small businesses based in Houston, Texas. With over three years of experience, Arlieta is responsible for general accounting, payroll, year-end tax reports, monthly, and quarterly reporting.

She earned an M.B.A. in Global Management from the University of Phoenix in 2004. She belongs to the Payroll Association and the Houston Chamber of Commerce.

Arlieta enjoys cooking and tennis.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Our accomplishments are still underestimated compared to men. This challenge simply makes women stronger, but we have to work harder than the average man to have a voice. We still get paid less than the average man, which is unfair. It makes women feel like we are not noticed in the corporate world.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I research and read internet articles to learn more each day about multiple things. Sometimes I fall asleep for a few hours after reading and sometimes I stay awake. It is exciting to read and learn new things daily.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

I help myself and learn through lots of reading and networking online with different companies- big and small. I also attend virtual career fairs to gather knowledge.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means having the ability to influence change and make the world a better place in your industry and your profession. It also means going the extra mile to ensure greatness and success for yourself. It is being the best role model possible and becoming so contagious with positivity and success that others around you are adopting your practices without realizing it. a3j-affordable-online-payroll-services. business.site

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L

aura J. Frank is currently retired after spending 30 years with Time Warner/ Synapse as their business integration project manager. She was responsible for managing multi-million dollar business systems, managing work forces from multiple businesses and companies, business integration, and project management. Laura earned a B.A. from the University of Vermont, an M.B.A. from Iona University, and a P.M.P. from the Project Management Institute.

Each July, Laura assists financially disadvantaged children in the Back to School Shop. For several years, she has helped children select a new back to school outfit, including school bag, shoes, coat, etc., without the aid of their parents. This is often the first time these children have ever had new clothes. She also volunteers as a reading assistant for disadvantaged students.

In her spare time, she enjoys hiking and brain fitness classes.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 19

Woman

OF DISTINCTION

Roxane Maliszewski

Singer, Classical Guitarist | Tool and Die Maker Specialist

R

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I aced the mathematical and mechanical aptitude test for the tool and die apprenticeship program at GE, which was the highest score in their history.

20 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

oxane Maliszewski started learning classical guitar when it was bigger than she was. Her guitar performances consistently brought home the highest awards in competitions. Eventually she was told she should be teaching, not competing. In high school, she was asked to help teach music theory at a local college. At the same time, her teaching skills and academic prowess led her chemistry teacher to work with the school to adjust her schedule, so she could teach chemistry while the teacher was away.

Roxane opened for Richie Haven on several occasions when he performed in Louisville, Kentucky. While in Cincinnati, she performed for over a decade at a recognized French restaurant, often singing in French or one of four other languages besides English.

When Cincinnati celebrated its sister city Nancy, France in 1991, Roxane performed on TV for the second time, internationally.

Roxane’s singing gigs were usually a second job. She wanted to work with her hands and became a skilled tool and die/ model maker. This gave her a place to rigorously apply her skill in mathematics on a daily basis. She was especially adept at building models or prototypes from pictures and engineering drawings, which complimented her degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. One of her more interesting jobs was building models/prototypes from movie stills for some of the first toys that came out after the first “Star Wars” movie. Roxane often helped companies to understand and meet ISO9000 requirements and improve processes. She has retired from tool and die, but continues to sing, teach, and has started an online business.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 21

D

r. Jacque Colbert is a highly accomplished global human resource leader with over 25 years of success in HR and organizational leadership. Jacque’s background consists of end-to-end HR and various senior leadership roles at Google, VMware, ConocoPhillips, Dell Technologies, and T-Mobile. Today, she serves as senior managing director for Google’s strategy and innovation function. She is responsible for architecting and stewarding Google’s people strategy.

Dr. Colbert holds board memberships with Baker University SPGS curriculum integrity and design, the Department of Defense Consumer Peer

Curator, Founder Sipping PositiviTEA Senior Managing Director, Google

Review Breast Cancer Board, Delta Kappa Gamma Women Educators, and Built4Agility, a social-civic organization.

She is the author of “Corporate Sisterhood: The Ultimate Power Prescription for Every Working Woman” and the “PositiviTEA Journal.”

Dr. Colbert earned an M.A. in Management and HR and a D.M. in Management and Organizational Leadership. She is a veteran of the United States Army, having served honorably in the U.S. and Korea. A proud cancer survivor for the past 15 years, she has been a devoted volunteer and advocate for breast cancer research and awareness.

Four years ago, Dr. Colbert formed

Sipping PositiviTEA, and successfully curated Houston’s signature Pink & Black fundraising gala for the cure. In 2022, she raised over $30,000 in 30 days and changed Sipping PositiviTEA into a nonprofit solely focused on informing, educating, and empowering men, women, and families impacted by breast and chest cancer.

In October of 2022, Dr. Colbert was awarded the congressional resolution award by Representative Congresswomen Sheila Jackson-Lee for her commitment to service and driving community impact. She enjoys drumming on her Djembe and Conga drums, giving back to the community, and her family.

Dr. Jacque Colbert Can you tell us a little bit about your recently launched Thirty Days of Hope Campaign?

Thirty Days of Hope was ringfenced around doing meaningful things more often in support of the fight against cancer, not just during October.

In your book, “Corporate Sisterhood: The Ultimate Power Prescription for Every Working Woman,” you say becoming a strong woman doesn’t mean sequestering oneself from strong men who want to help you become a champion. Can you explain what you mean by that?

Men and women should be able to collaborate and allow each other the space to shine in their individual light. A corporate woman should never have to dim her light in any area. In that same vein, it makes no sense to segregate. We should be allies.

The power scale is still not balanced, and men are still outpacing us in leadership ranks. We still have a long way to go. It is important to push the envelope while also standing side by side with men to progress and pave the path for women to have their rightful seat at the table.

What advice can you give to someone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or has a loved one who was just diagnosed?

Don’t give up! A cancer diagnosis is devastating. Irrespective of the stage, no one wants to hear that news. There is hope. In the 14 years since I was diagnosed, there are several new protocols and trials that are available. Be positive! Mindset is everything, and research has shown that a positive mindset, Sipping PositiviTEA, can have an outsized impact on one’s psyche and overall wellness. PositiviTEA is a verb, and I will always encourage anyone reading this, whether diagnosed or not, to embrace a positive mindset.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is strong, quiet persistence, making an impact, and inspiring; power is love, leadership, and building a legacy that lasts; power is game changing! www.jacquecolbert.com

22 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 23

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Joanne Ameruoso J

Independent Certified Health Coach, Author

oanne Ameruoso is an independent certified health coach. She works with clients on an individual basis and provides life and health coaching. Joanne is responsible for placing orders and following through with clients, guiding them into a healthier structured lifestyle, teaching them the macro habits of health, and providing them with the tools to keep the weight off, so they can lead a healthier life.

Due to a family history of breast cancer and the premature death of her mother also due to breast cancer, Joanne considers herself a previvor. She took preventative measures to avoid breast cancer. Through the years she has given back to many breast cancer charities, organizations, and foundations through walking and volunteering in many walks, with the hope of finding a cure.

Recently, Joanne wrote and self-published a memoir titled, “Faith Over Fear, How my Mom’s Fear of Breast Cancer Became my Fight.” She is a staunch advocate for women and breast cancer, and mentors women.

In her spare time, Joanne enjoys dancing, going for long walks, and spending time with her sons.

As someone who has experienced the loss of her mother as a direct result of breast cancer, how has that changed your life path?

The loss of my mother loss has impacted me in a tremendous way. I was emotionally impacted and beyond fearful that I was next in line for breast cancer. I discovered that I was at risk and was definitely carrying the mutation that made me predisposed to breast cancer. These findings forced me to make life-changing decisions. Becoming an author was something that I never imagined I would become either. I found my passion in helping women with breast cancer.

As an advocate for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer, what do you do to help others?

I have mentored many women, as per my doctor’s request, by simply listening.

I have created a private mentorship on social media, so that women can discuss their feelings and share their journeys. I recently wrote a memoir, in the hopes of showing women they should not be paralyzed by the fear of a breast cancer diagnosis, and how to advocate for oneself. I’ve hosted many events and spoken

on podcasts, encouraging women to get check-ups, and to get genetically tested, especially when there is a strong history of breast cancer in the family.

As a health coach, what are some specific eating habits women should incorporate in their diet to support a healthier lifestyle?

By being overweight, women put themselves at a higher risk for breast cancer. I speak on the importance of the macro habits of health including healthy fueling, hydration, motion, mind, and sleep. Women should eat six times a day and have healthy meals and snacks.

Sugar is a well-known contributor to breast cancer.

Do you support any specific charities and if so, which ones and why?

Since my 20s, I have raised funds, walked endless Avon walk-a-thons, and volunteered. I recently began my own project, Faces of Pink, where I will be collecting funds to create feel-good packages to be delivered to hospitals, infusion centers, and doctor’s offices. I also work with local laboratories and am raising funds to begin research on breast cancer related genetic mutation.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power means encouraging others to be strong and fearless. It means facilitating change in the world by educating and spreading knowledge, growing and never succumbing to fear. It means to lead by example. It’s being able to see the potential we have to influence others in a positive way.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 25

Valentina Janek Marketing Consultant, Life Coach, Advocate, Senior Information Specialist

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alentina Janek has held a variety of corporate, community, human resources, recruiting, and consulting positions in the financial, marketing, media-public relations, publishing, technology, human resources, fundraising, and events industries. Currently, Valentina is employed as a marketing consultant, career life coach, midlife advocate and senior information specialist, as well as a marketing guru well known in her field. She is the on-air host and founder of The Long Island Breakfast Club Show, which recently celebrated 250 episodes. The show received the Webby Award for podcasts in 2021 and was nominated for 2022.

In March 2023, Valentina was named a Premier Business Woman at the Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards Gala on behalf of the entire team at Richner Communications, Herald Community Media, and Richner LIVE, among other accomplished women. The evening was a true celebration of her passion and commitment to champion and lead her various endeavors in the Long Island community. She also serves as a contributing writer for Bold Magazine and Boldzine.

Valentina and Gregory Cajuste cohost the Long Island Breakfast Club Show, a West Hempstead-based live networking and business talk show streamed through Facebook live. She first began developing the idea of a local networking group when she lost her job at the age of 50. Valentina used the setback as inspiration, writing “From Fired to Freedom,” highlighting her own story and those of 67 other women who lost their jobs. Origi26 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

nally, she began developing the Long Island Breakfast Club with the goal to attract local entrepreneurs, small businesses, creative types, and others, and to facilitate their collaboration.

In 2021 and continuing today, Valentina volunteers with Ferretti Films in the Long Island New York Film Festival on Long Island which has grown into a new passion. She was cast in a movie called “The Fontanas,” acting as the family’s matriarchscenes were filmed in her home. The producers are in talks with various well-known actors and producers with the goal of bringing “The Fontanas” to a streaming service in 2023. The story centers around a typical Long Island

Italian family and follows the lives and loves of four brothers, their mother, father, and their children. Following the death of their father the brothers take over the family pizzeria, become caretakers to their complaining and aging mother, in addition to dealing with the normal everyday issues of life and family, when they suddenly become embroiled with mobsters over long-hidden family. Secrets regarding the deceased patriarch of the family become unveiled. The mob story is cleverly woven through the family dramedy and preview audiences marvel at how much they see their own family and experiences on-screen.

In 2022, Valentina was cast in the

“Bigger Picture,” with the Casual Crew, and Crooked all under the direction of Ferretti Films and Director Gerry Ferretti. In 2021 and 2022, she spearheaded a staged play in the community called “Children of the April Rain,” depicting the true story of the Vietnam Babylift true legend, which depicted the final days of the Vietnam War. In 2020, Valentina was inducted into the Long Island Angels, an organization of driven empowering women that create impact through business, community, and volunteer efforts raising awareness one voice at a time.

Valentina is the co-founder of the Long Island Writers Club, launched in 2019, spending time with individuals who want to write books with Red Penguin Books. She also enjoys spending time with high school and college students as a mentor in the LIBC ambassador program.

Valentina has been a featured guest on “Fox Five News,” “The Anderson Cooper Show,” “CBS News,” “Channel 12 News,” “The God Squad,” “Jobline,” Cablevision’s “Our Town Series,” “The Donna Drake Show,” “Hometown,” and several local radio stations and print publications on Long Island discussing the current turbulent times for professionals during their careers as well as business techniques during these times of change. She is sought out as a

facilitator and an inspirational speaker at schools, universities, community organizations, and professional businesses.

Valentina was the brainchild of the First Long Island Distinctive Author, which honored authors on Long Island who have achieved success in self-publishing. In 2006, she published “In Love & Friendship,” a true inspirational human interest story describing the heartfelt story of a triangle friendship which resulted from an experience with Nicole Caputo, a legend on Long Island. In July 2003, she formulated the first advocacy group named The Hope For Nicole Foundation.

In 2005, 2006, and 2007, as emeritus for the LI Volunteer Center, Valentina was the visionary in assisting the LI Volunteer Hall of Fame Bench Program and permanent home expansion at the Bethpage State Park Golf Course. She was instrumental as a consultant on the first U.S. Ballroom Foundation Event, working with honorees from the NYC Fire Dept affected by 9/11 tragedies. She has worked as a mentor with interns in Career/Nassau Tech/BOCES Work Based Programs, St. Vincent de Paul Outreach Program, and the Salesian Sisters’ Adopt A Nun Program.

In 2003, Valentina received The American Red Cross Community Service Make A Difference Award by the Nassau County Disaster

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 27

Services. In 2010, she received the Execuleaders Leadership Award for Community Service, L’Esperienza Magazine Most Valuable Person Award for Exemplifying the Italian American Experience, Long Islander of the Week from Newsday in 2010, and the Inaugural Class of 2009’s “Fifty Around Fifty Awards” on Long Island. She was nominated by the Senate 6th Senate District as the 2001 Woman of Distinction Award under the direction of Senator Kemp Hannon, and the “Make A Difference Award” for the Town of Hempstead. Valentina was recognized for achievement in the Long Island Wind Beneath my Wings Program, Woman of Distinction by Long Island Distinction Magazine, and inducted to the Project Legacy Pearls Program at the Statue of Liberty for her endeavors.

Valentina is a social-preneur, networker, activist, leader, media, actress, and business professional promoting paying it forward on Long Island working on different and unique projects. She enjoys cooking, and spending time with her daughters, grandchildren, and extended family and friends. valentinajanek.com longislandbreakfastclubshow.com longislandbreakfastclub.org

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A

Sylvia Kowalczuk

Check out Imma’s blog at Askimma.com

Harpist

native of Poland, Sylvia Kowalczuk is an acclaimed harpist. She received an M.M. with Distinction from the Warsaw Academy of Music. She holds an M.A. from the CUNY Queens College of Music where she was granted a full scholarship. Sylvia also studied at the International Academie D’Ete in France through the Paris Conservatory. As a first prize winner of the International Harp Competition in Varallo, Italy and winner of an Artists International Audition in New York, she was presented in her New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall. Sylvia received the highest critical acclaim from the New York Times.

When Sylvia first came to the U.S., she joined the New York Harp Ensemble as its youngest member at that time. She has played at concerts and international music festivals all over the world, throughout Europe, Africa, Asia (including Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan), as well as the United States. She recorded four solo albums and has recorded as a soloist with orchestras. Sylvia recorded five albums with the New York Harp Ensemble and was featured as a soloist with the same Ensemble. She gave concerts at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II and the White House for presidents Clinton, Bush, and Reagan. She has also appeared at international festivals as a soloist.

Sylvia has been broadcast on several international TV and radio programs including WQXR’s McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase. She was also spotlighted as a guest on the show “Good Morning America,” appeared in two episodes of the HBO series “The Sopranos,” and was a guest on “Eloise” and “The Test Dream.”

As the resident harpist of the Plaza Hotel in New York for 15 years, the Short Hills Hilton for 16 years, the Waldorf Astoria in New York, and the Rockefeller Center Rainbow Room, Sylvia has performed for various events including weddings, corporate parties, and innumerous special events throughout New York City and the Tri State area. She has performed as a soloist on cruise ships including The Queen Elizabeth II from New York to Europe, Royal Viking Sun North America and Canada, and the Holland American from New York to South America and Hawaii. Sylvia has held international master classes in Europe, China, and Japan. harpistsylvia.com

28 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

GINNY HENRY G inny Henry is the owner, broker, and a real estate agent with Golden Shield Business Brokers, which offers comprehensive services from business sales to capital raises, tax minimization, estate planning, business planning, business consulting, and business exit planning. She is an accomplished business broker, equestrian athlete, and real estate agent. As co-owner (with her husband) of Golden Shield, she is responsible for the daily operations, marketing, and general business duties. Ginny helps families and businesses in a variety of ways including raising capital. She also performs estate planning and sells real estate. As a broker, Ginny represents clients on deals as large as $150 Million and currently has over $1 Billion in business listings.

She ensures her clients receive the best possible treatment with respect

Owner, Business Broker Real Estate Agent Golden Shield Business Brokers

and holds herself accountable to them. She earned a B.S. in Allied Health from Bridgewater College, is a graduate of the School of Business Brokers, and a licensed Real Estate Agent. Ginny is licensed to sell real estate in the State of Georgia and can sell businesses in almost all states.

An accomplished equestrian athlete, Ginny enjoys competitive dressage. After having her last child, she returned to the equestrian field and currently competes in dressage, traveling to competitions with her Dutch Harness horse. As a dedicated mother and business owner, she reinforces how hard work is important in life and ensures her children perform barn chores and understand the importance of hard work. Ginny enjoys spending time with her three children, five horses, three dogs, six chickens, three ducks, and husband. www.goldenshieldbiz.com

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Women

OF THE MONTH

Michelle Gutierrez

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Musician | Music For All Occasions

retired administrator and teacher, Michelle Gutierrez currently serves as a musician with Music For All Occasions as a professional freelance trumpet player. She also performs in multiple bands, including various genres of music, from Big Band and Latin Jazz to Sonora Dinamita, Sonora Santanera, and Tejano music. Many of her bands can be heard and seen on all social media platforms and YouTube. Michelle was a band director and high brass specialist for 23 years before moving forward into educational administration. She earned an M.M. in Music Performance from Baylor University in 1993. In addition to entertaining, Michelle enjoys travelling, sports, and the outdoors.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I began my music career playing the trumpet in fourth grade.

I performed in the band program throughout my high school years and received many awards for excelling in marching band,

symphonic band, and jazz band, which includes the Semper Fidelis and John Phillip Sousa Awards.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

I was a female trumpet performer as a young girl in a male dominated trumpet section. I had to always prove myself to be as good or better than the boys/men. When I auditioned for solos, unscreened, the judges would select the males as winners. However, when there was a screened audition, meaning the judges could not see any of us, I would win every time.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means equality for all. It’s the right to make decisions, leading oneself and/or supporting others, based on one’s own life choices, commitment and dedication to their craft, business, entrepreneurship, and with regard for their family, friends, and communities.

Angela Hooper-Menifield

Chief Equipping Officer, Owner Menifield & Associates, LLC

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ngela Hooper-Menifield, MPA, SPHR, SCP is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, Amazon best-selling author, leadership expert, corporate trainer, executive coach, business strategist, and mentor. Following a multi award-winning career of over 28 years in the federal government, she founded and became the chief equipping officer of Menifield & Associates, LLC, where she and her team are instrumental in assisting organizations and individuals. Angela possesses a natural ability to elevate individual/team leadership, performance, and awareness by disrupting former mindset patterns and accelerating growth at higher frequencies of thought.

Her determination and drive to fight for everyone’s growth, propels her desire

to help others create the lives and careers they will completely, totally, and utterly fall in love with, each and every day. Angela has an innate passion for excellence, people, and leadership, which qualifies her to coach, mentor, and train individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and corporate organizations to reach unparalleled levels of success and significance.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

Serving as a senior leader of a team of thousands, I realized that the pattern

Maureen Marshall-Jeffers

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fter more than 30 years of teaching, Dr. Maureen Marshall-Jeffers retired from the New York City Department of Education in 2015. She taught elementary and middle school and had various responsibilities including teaching, mentoring, and serving on school committees. Dr. Marshall-Jeffers is a lifelong educator and administrator.

She began her educational career in Trinidad/Tobago teaching early childhood education. She migrated to St. Croix, US Virgin Island where she met and married Edme, and had two sons. Dr. Marshall-Jeffers studied piano music, both theory and practical, which trained her to be very focused and disciplined. She strongly believes that children should be

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exposed to various disciplines in the arts including instrumental music, singing, dance, and drama, as it helps them to be socially well-rounded.

Dr. Marshall-Jeffers received a B.S. in Education from CUNY Medgar Evers College, graduating in three years. In her senior year, she participated in a protest for daycare and equality for women students at the college, which resulted in victory. She has a M.Ed. in Elementary/Special Needs from Long Island University, Brooklyn

of promotion for technical expertise vs interpersonal and leadership skills had become the norm. I made it my purpose to better equip others for successful leadership. This led to a cultural shift in my agency and the founding of my business which has equipped leaders across every sector, at every level.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means having the autonomy, authority, and control to stand in one’s power, confidence, beliefs, standards, values, and ideas. It means choosing to be the best version of myself as I unlock my true potential, discover my purpose, and create the life I have always dreamed about – unapologetically! www.supervisoracademy.com

Educator, Administrator (Retired) campus, and an Ed.D. in Education.

Dr. Marshall-Jeffers belongs to the N.E.A. She is an entrepreneur and an avid philanthropist. With an inquisitive appetite for learning about international cultures including their basic lifestyle, culinary food, music, religion, and education, she attributes her passion for travel to her high school years studying world history. She has traveled extensively to most Caribbean countries and throughout Europe. Dr. Marshall-Jeffers visited her parent’s birthplace, Grenada, and reunited with her aunt, who celebrated her 100th birthday in 2022. Her birthplace, Trinidad/Tobago, was the next port of call where she united with her siblings and their offspring.

Victoria L. Clarke-Payton

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ith over 10 years’ experience, Victoria L. Clarke-Payton is a Realtor based in Naples, Florida with The Dawn McKenna Group at Coldwell Banker, the #4 team in the U.S. Originally from London, England, Victoria earned a B.A. in Fine Arts Valuation from Southampton. She previously served with a large commercial real estate development firm in London before moving to Naples, Florida in 1999. Victoria then worked for a property appraisal company for almost a decade before becoming a Realtor in 2012, joining The Dawn McKenna Group in 2017. She works with buyers, sellers, and with many high-net-worth

Realtor | The Dawn McKenna Group

individuals. She specializes in luxury properties and new construction. Victoria enjoys cooking, hiking, fishing, equestrian sports, and sailing.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I love art and interior design. After working for a property appraiser, I realized I had ample experience to not only value a property and converse on its attributes, but to sell the dream too.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Initially, my age was a factor as was being taken seriously as a young professional selling ultra-luxury real estate in

V. Diana Voicu-Marinescu

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Sandra M. Ennis

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Katherine Gillespie

Attorney | Voicu & Nina PC

. Diana Voicu-Marinescu is an attorney and partner with Voicu & Nina PC, based in Queens, New York. Diana's expertise lies in real estate transactional law, immigration law, wealth, and estate law. She earned her J.D. from the University of Bucharest School of Law in Bucharest, Romania. She belongs to the A.I.L.A.. Diana was listed with Super Lawyers. She enjoys cooking and reading. www.voicunicalaw.com

Owner, Interior Designer | Sandra Ennis Interiors

andra M. Ennis is the owner and interior designer with Sandra Ennis Interiors. An experienced interior designer, Sandra oversees the operations, advertising, home staging, buying, and designing. She earned a B.A. in Marketing from Rutgers University in 1984 and is a Licensed Realtor in New Jersey. She belongs to A.S.I.D. and I.D.S. In her spare time, Sandra enjoys gardening, cooking, and antiquing.

Realtor | Exp Realty

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atherine Gillespie is a Realtor and broker with Exp Realty based in Reno, Nevada. With over 17 years of experience, she is responsible for residential property sales. Katherine works with buyers and sellers and is an expert in effectively marketing her client’s homes. She earned an A.S. in Education from Truckee Meadows Community College in 2005 and belongs to the local Rotary Club. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys yoga, hiking, art, and sports. www.fernleyrenohomes.com

Jennifer Tipton

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ennifer Tipton is the owner of Get Zen With Jen. With over 20 years’ experience, she is responsible for the overall operations, providing yoga instruction, personal fitness training, teaching mindfulness, office yoga, teaching yoga, providing overseas travel retreats, and provides specialized yoga and exercise for those with breast cancer. Jennifer earned an M.S. in Exercise Science and Sport Psychology from California University of Pennsylvania in 2012 and an M.A. in Latin American Studies from San Diego State University in 2004. She worked as a YogaFit Master Trainer for over six years.

She was the director and lead trainer of the Yoga Teacher Training Program at Miramar College from 2017-2018. Jennifer writes articles for industry publications

a market which definitely had (and still has) an ‘Old Boys Network.’ Also challenging was having come from England and not having a long list of immediate high-net-worth connections to draw from.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

A lack of confidence can hold women back. Go out and give it a shot; nothing ventured, nothing gained.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Power means having the strength and determination to create your best self and life. It means lifting up and helping others become great too. dawnmckennagroup.com

Owner | Get Zen With Jen including Yogi Times, Elephant Journal, IDEA Fitness Journal, and Spinning News.

Jennifer has explored over 40 countries around the world. She speaks English, Spanish, and Portuguese. In 2016, she became co-founder of Yoga Pilates Travel, a luxury adventure retreat business. She is also the owner of CycleBar San Mateo, a premium boutique indoor cycling studio in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jennifer is the commissioner of Redwood City Parks and Recreation and belongs to the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I have been in the fitness/wellness space since 1998. I started teaching aerobics as an undergrad.

I kept teaching fitness and movement when I traveled the world.

Later, I moved to San Diego and started my yoga and personal training business.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means following our passions and trusting our own decisions without being judged. It means that we support other women. I constantly cheer on other women business owners and support them whenever I can. www.getzenwithjen.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 31

Andrea Aragon

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ased in Palm Beach County for over two decades, Andrea Aragon’s industry knowledge is simply unsurpassed. Whether hunting down an exotic slab for an accent wall, building a new kitchen from the studs, or simply fabricating the perfect, mitered edge coffee table, Andrea’s team at Lapis Designs runs from concept to completion.

Andrea literally worked her way from the ground up. At 18, she sold supplies for stone fabricators and soon became a master fabricator (an unusual position for a woman), honing and shaping gorgeous slabs into works of art. As a fabricator, she has worked alongside top interior

Marble, Granite and Exotic Stone Wholesaler and Supplier Lapis Designs - From Concept to Completion designers and architects on large-scale commercial and bespoke residential projects.

As a stone supplier and broker, Andrea has visited quarries all over the world. She is also a purveyor of newer materials– from porcelain to quartz surfaces, staying current on all technological innovations and design trends. While Andrea works with some of the top design experts, she also runs a one-stop shop, Lapis Designs, for clients who want a more active role in their design process. Her team includes carpenters, flooring artisans, draftsmen,

Carole L. Hamm

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arole L. Hamm is the CEO of Her-Rah! 1st Bra, LLC, a family business run by Carole and her daughter, McKenna. Designed by girls, for girls, every Her-Rah! bra has the form and function to support all types of changing body shapes. With over 35 years of healthcare and business experience and seven years with Her-Rah!, Carole is responsible for overseeing sales, marketing, and overall operations.

She has a background in government healthcare. Carole earned her B.S. in Nursing and an M.B.A. in Business and Finance from Olivet Nazarene University in 2001. She belongs to the National Honor Society of Nursing.

Carole and McKenna’s dream is to inspire a girl’s movement and celebrate

CEO | Her-Rah! 1st Bra, LLC maturing young girls to be confident, educated, and compassionate – towards themselves and others- as they explore the journey of development.

Their products are cool, comfortable, and age appropriate, providing a creative first bra experience where a tween can personalize and customize their bras.

In her spare time, Carole enjoys riding her Harley Davidson, cooking, wine, skiing, and golf. McKenna is in her first year of college at Penn State University, studying Prelaw.

Thuy H. Sekhou-Duong

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huy H. Sekhou-Duong is a nurse with Piedmont Fayette Hospital.

With over 5 years’ experience, Thuy is responsible for cardiovascular nursing and post-stroke care. She earned an A.S. from Georgia State University in 2020 and is holds a C.N., R.N., and C.C.T. She earned a Daisy Award from Piedmont Fayette Hospital and is co-chair of their Critical Care Shared Governance Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and music.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

Originally, I was caring for my younger sister who had multiple health issues including PEG tube, tracheostomy, mute, deaf, and had charge syndrome. She

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painters, plumbers, and electricians.

Her work has been featured in design magazines and television shows, such as HGTV and DIY Networks’ “The Vanilla Ice Project.” To date, she has outfitted homes for celebrities and presidents, first time home buyers and CEOs. What does the word power mean to you?

It means fortitude of spirit and self.

As women, we feel empowered when we are able to run a business, and lift others up, whether they be women, men, or children. We need to remember that there is strength in numbers. I try and help others. Success is a great feeling.

inspired me to become a nurse.

I work part-time with Omega Homecare Services assessing elders and providing medication education to them.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Interpreting EKG rhythms was a challenge that I became competent in performing over my years of nursing.

Another obstacle was being competent in my leadership skills since I transitioned from being a staff registered nurse to relief charge nurse to charge nurse.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I completed my nursing degree in 1985 and moved to Chicago, where I worked at the Hines VA Medical Center in Surgical ICU and then as a research associate.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means feeling confident to embrace and take on any challenge or passion and be successful. If you don’t possess all of the right tools and resources, utilize someone in your village to fill those gaps.

Recognize that we cannot possibly have every skill set or talent to do everything, and find the right people to support those areas. www.herrah1stbra.com

Nurse | Piedmont Fayette Hospital What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

I feel that women have many responsibilities on our plate and trying to juggle them is difficult. Women are faced with work/life balance and on top of that, self-care. We are a mother, a wife, a caregiver, an employee, and the list goes on.

Even though women face these challenges every day, we manage to keep a smile on our face and face each day with ease and grace.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means the authority, strength, motivation, or mindset a person must have in order to accomplish their goal. www.piedmont.org

Owner, Creative Director | Nelida’s Window Innovations II LLC

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ith almost 30 years’ experience, Nelida Martinez is the owner and creative director of Nelida’s Window Innovations II LLC. She is responsible for the overall operations and administration of the company. She creates custom window treatments, drapery, and bedding. Nelida collaborates with individuals, interior designers, and custom home builders. The company’s services include custom blinds and roller shades, shutters, blinds with motorization, and all window treatments. They provide their customers with everything needed from conception to installation.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I learned to sew in high school, made different clothing, and from there learned how to make wedding dresses. I then started making my own draperies, learning from books. I moved to Florida in 1995 and started making draperies.

In 1996, Nelida’s Window Innovations was born. I find myself empowered and love what I do 27 years later.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The ups and downs in this industry are challenging.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Making more money than men is still

Ginger K. Houghton

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ith over 15 years’ experience, Ginger K. Houghton is a Certified Advanced Addiction and Drug Counselor, with training in radically open dialectical behavior therapy, equine-facilitated therapy, Flash EMDR, and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia. She earned an M.S.W. from Eastern Michigan University and is an L.M.S.W. Ginger uses sensory integration treatments such as mindfulness, the safe and sound protocol, and vagus nerve stimulation technology to help clients heal from trauma. She works with individuals struggling with trauma, overcontrol, and difficulty sleeping. She has extensive experience at local nonprofits and has specialized training in anxiety, substance use, insomnia, and

Latesha Mathis

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Month

WOMEN OF THE

Nelida Martinez

a challenge, regardless of what industry you are in.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

I am with God and he gives me all the power and the strength I need to be the best I can be in this industry.

Owner, Therapist | Bright Spot Therapy Co-Creator, Owner | The Therapist Collective

perfectionism. Ginger is the co-creator and owner of The Therapist Collective, which supports and empowers therapists to live their best lives.

Ginger volunteers with the Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, bakes birthday cakes for children in foster care through For Goodness Cakes, and enjoys being with her three sons.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

Toxic workplaces are the worst. It’s been very rewarding creating a culture at Bright Spot Counseling that rests on kindness, transparency, and radical candor. Therapists need a healthy,

supportive culture to support transformation in clients.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Unrealistic expectations for work/life balance are a huge threat for women. Workplaces need to understand the value in women being able to organize work around their life instead of their life being organized around work.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is getting to a place in your life where you’re comfortable enough with yourself to go after the things you really want and help others do the same. www.brightspottherapy.com

Owner | Hidden Treasure Billing and Credentialing LLC

ith almost 10 years’ experience, Latesha Mathis is the owner of Hidden Treasure Billing and Credentialing LLC, which provides billing and credentialing services and serves the administrative needs of healthcare professionals across the state of Michigan. Latesha earned a B.S. in Healthcare Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2022 and is a candidate for an M.H.A. program with the University of Phoenix. She belongs to N.A.M.S.S. In addition to overseeing the company’s operations and administration, Latesha is responsible for helping licensed healthcare professionals to raise their consumer base by gaining additional contracts with insurance companies. She also assists provider offices with other administrative needs.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

During my eight-year tenure working for a behav-

ioral health agency as a billing and credentialing lead, healthcare providers started to ask me to assist them with getting their private practice started. This is when I enrolled my business name with the state of Michigan, got my tax ID number with the IRS, created an NPI for my business, created a website, and began to offer my services to fully licensed healthcare providers.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

One of the biggest challenges for me is trying to get healthcare providers to understand the importance of credentialing. Each insurance has a different process and while many insurances follow Medicare and Medicaid guidelines, some may have their own guidelines to follow. www.hiddentreasur.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 33

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here are few American chefs, much less female chefs, who can boast staying power in Michelin-starred restaurants- Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli can boast indeed.

Alex learned to eat according to whatever book her mother was working on at the time. This early emphasis on her palate truly shaped her future in food. She decided to explore her culinary interests and began working under the tutelage of the acclaimed American chef and restaurateur Larry Forgione, who encouraged her to travel and expand her skillset. Four days turned into four years with Alex rapidly being promoted. In addition to her restaurant work, she inspires budding chefs as a chef-instructor at New York City’s Institute of Culinary Education.

Alex first appeared on Food Network in 2006 and has since been part of hundreds of episodes of programming on the network, including as a judge on “Chopped,” co-host of “The Kitchen,” host of “Supermarket Stakeout,” and star of “Alex vs America.” She has appeared on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” NBC’s “TODAY,” “The Dr. Oz Show,” ABC’s “Good Morning America,” and ABC’s “Live! with Kelly.” Alex has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Food & Wine, Food Network Magazine, and Every Day with Rachael Ray. She also hosts the award-winning digital series, Fix Me a Plate, and is the author of the cookbooks “Old-School Comfort Food: The Way I Learned to Cook” (2013), “The Home Cook: Recipes to Know by Heart” (2017), and most recently “Cook With Me: 150 Recipes for the Home Cook” (2020). Alex’s next cookbook, “Cook It Up: Bold Moves for Family Foods: A Cookbook,” which she authored with her daughter, Ava Clark, was recently released on September 5, 2023. Alex is also co-hosting Food Network’s newest show, “Ciao House,” an all-new culinary competition that took place in Tuscany, Italy, in April 2023.

Among the many charities and organizations Alex supports are Alex’s Lemonade Stand, City Harvest, Food Bank for New York City, No Kid Hungry, Wellness in the Schools, and The Union Square Greenmarket. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking with her daughter.

Alexandra Guarnaschelli Chef

What is your recipe for success?

It’s hard to admit the obvious limitations of wanting to fully work and be a mom all the time. I work a lot when Ava is sleeping and always have. I work towards the goal of free time when she’s up and at home. I chose to always be honest with Ava and it often pays off. We admit limitations. We carve out alone time to hang out and catch up. Sometimes we don’t even talk much during those moments, but it often leads to a breakthrough at a later date.

You have taken on so many different roles in the food world. Which one has been the most challenging - chef, contestant, author, or judge?

Can I add mom here as a choice?

Your kid can see right through you, call you out on the carpet, break your heart,

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make you laugh at yourself, and leave your heart brimming with love. I’ve never struggled with work like striving to become the parent I want to be in my own head. My daughter has made my life worth it. On a separate note, being a judge with moments that mean so much to each chef is a lot of responsibility and not to be taken lightly.

With the pandemic and inflation disrupting the restaurant industry in so many ways, what do you think the future of dining will look like?

Restaurants and dining have been through the ringer already. The current financial climate makes it hard for chefs to strike out on their own. People don’t seem to want long or overly fancy meals. Consumers are educated about food more than ever. They want healthy

meals (with French fries in the mix) and it’s a lot to take in and provide this successfully for any restaurant.

What words of wisdom do you have for aspiring chefs trying to make it in the food world?

I’d say pick what you really want to do and stay the course through thick and thin. If you love it, you won’t mind.

At the end of a long day, do you go home and cook or do you order in?

It depends on how much I cooked that day and how much I slept the night before. Fatigue makes me avoid the stove. I love a good diner meal or some take out. Ava and I like to have dinner parties where we go all out. It’s all about balance. alexguarnaschelli.com

Cook It Up with Braised Short Ribs with Red Wine & Vegetables Ingredients ¼ cup canola oil 2 pounds boneless beef short ribs, cut into 2-inch cubes Kosher salt 2 cups dry red wine 2 cups peeled pearl onions 6 large garlic cloves

Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 2 to 2½ hours (mostly inactive time plus 15 minutes for resting) Yield: 4 to 6 servings

4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch rounds 4 cups (1 quart) beef stock 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. BROWN THE BEEF: Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the oil.

Arrange the beef cubes in a single layer on a tray and season on all sides with salt. When the oil begins to smoke lightly, remove the pot from the heat and add the beef cubes in a single layer. Return the pot to the heat and cook the meat, undisturbed, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Use tongs to turn the meat and continue to brown on all sides for an additional 10 to 12 minutes total. Add the wine and cook until the liquid is reduced to about ¼ cup, 6 to 8 minutes.

BRAISE THE BEEF: Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and beef stock along with 2 cups water. Bring the liquid to a simmer over medium heat and use a ladle or a large spoon to skim off any impurities that rise to the surface. Place the pot in the center of the oven and braise until the meat is fork-tender, 1½ to 2 hours (test the meat by flaking it with 2 forks—it should not resist at all when you pull the meat apart; if it does, braise for longer). Remove the pot from the oven and stir in the vinegar and mustard. Taste for seasoning. Allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

MOM TIP: DEGLAZING A PAN WITH WINE If you’re adding wine to a pan to deglaze it, after adding the wine and using a wooden spoon to scrape all the good bits off the bottom of the pan, let the wine cook out completely before adding more liquid. Otherwise your dish (or sauce) will have a raw wine flavor.

Candy Apples Ingredients

2 cups sugar 4 medium-firm apples (like Granny Smith) Nonstick cooking spray

Prep time: 15 to 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to set) Cook time: 3 to 5 minutes Yield: 4 servings Equipment: 4 sturdy wooden sticks

½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut

Directions MAKE THE SUGAR COATING: In a dry medium pot, spread the sugar evenly.

Over low heat, melt the sugar until it dissolves and becomes golden, 3 to 5 minutes (see Mom Tip!). Meanwhile, wash and thoroughly dry each apple.

Turn off the heat. The caramel only needs to cool for a few minutes before you dip in the apples.

CANDY THE APPLES: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray. Place the pecans and the coconut on separate plates and set aside. Put each apple on an individual stick, then dip and gently swirl each apple in the caramel so they’re coated. Turn the apples onto the prepared baking sheet, sticks pointing up. Roll the ends in either pecans or coconut before the sugar cools. (If the sugar hardens while dipping, warm it over low heat until it loosens.)

SERVE: Allow the apples to harden for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours before serving. Store at room temperature (the refrigerator will make the sugar weepy and soggy), covered in plastic wrap.

MOM TIP: Boiling sugar to make a simple caramel is one of the simplest— and hardest!—things to do. Be careful! Use a heavy-bottomed pot and make sure it’s clean because impurities can mix with the sugar and make it clumpy. Don’t use any utensils to stir the sugar either. Just swirl it gently and move the pot around as the sugar melts and browns.

“Reprinted with permission from Cook It Up: Bold Moves for Family Foods: A Cookbook by Alex Guarnaschelli and Ava Clark copyright © 2023. Photographs Copyright © 2023 by Suech and Beck. Photographs Copyright © 2023 by Ken Goodman. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Penguin Random House.”

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 35

Falling Into a Fun-Filled Autumn

By Syndi Reibman

Fall is upon us and it’s time to get outside while it’s not too cold and enjoy the blustery weather. Here are some ideas of things to do with family, friends, or just to make the most of autumn.

Visit a local farmer’s market.

Take a weekend trip to leaf watch and visit a local B&B within a reasonable driving distance.

Look for farms that offer apple picking nearby or if there is a cider mill that offers tours.

If you are in an area that has scenic tours, take a train trip or just pick a destination and drive for the day. Bring a picnic or have lunch somewhere you wouldn’t normally go.

Take advantage of the seasonal fruit. Have family or friends come over, ask specific people to bring specific products (sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, apples, etc.) and make candied apples, pumpkin pie, apple pie, or whatever makes you happy and everyone takes home whatever you all end up making. You could also have an apple pie bakeoff competition with judges and prizes.

If you have a lot of friends and family who do enjoy cooking, you can have a chili cookoff and make a day out of it with outside games and prizes for the best presentation, use of a different ingredient, taste, etc. Other ideas are to have a soup or casserole cookoff or pot luck, and pick fall ingredients like apples, pumpkin, or squash, as a ‘must use’ ingredient.

Nature walks and trails are always a good idea. Even if you live in an urban environment, it’s fun to walk around and see Halloween displays in store windows.

Break out the firepit, grab some hot dogs, burgers, buns, marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate and have a little late afternoon cookout.

Some people really enjoy scavenger hunts. If you have enough time, you can set items up in your yard, neighborhood, or local town, make teams, give everyone a list and have prizes ready for returning teams. It’s up to you how elaborate you want to be and how far away you hide the items to be found.

Most areas offer horseback riding, or there may even be a dude ranch within a few hours’ drive. This is a great weekend opportunity.

Many counties and towns have teams that walk to generate funds and support for cancer research in October. Find a local team or start your own and help raise money to fight cancer.

Halloween has become much more popular over the past decade. You can make a day of going to a pumpkin farm and picking pumpkins, having lunch, and then having a jack-o-lantern carving party afterwards. If little ones are involved, break out the glitter, glue, paint, and magic markers for safety and fun.

If you have a park or woods nearby, take a walk and grab some twigs, pine cones, and fall leaves. You can visit your local dollar store and buy a hot glue gun, glue, foam or metal wreaths, faux flowers, and decorate a wreath for your front door. This is fun for a group as well.

Many crafters start their holiday projects in the summer. If you enjoy knitting, crocheting, etc. this is the perfect time to review your gift list and create some hats, scarves, shawls, and mittens for your loved ones.

Whether you celebrate autumn with family or friends, the outdoors or baking, taking a trip, or finding treasures close to home, enjoy the weather and make the most of every day. Fall into a fun-filled fall!

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Veterinary Student | Long Island University College of Veterinary Medicine

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icole Mundy is a third year veterinary student at Long Island University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned a B.S. in Animal Science from Penn State, where she competed with their IHSA team and participated in genetic research on bovine fertility. In her current program, Nicole has helped start clubs at LIU’s young veterinary program and served on the executive board for The Student Association of Equine Practitioners, Feline Medicine Club, and the Veterinary Business Management Association. She also serves as an anatomy teaching assistant for the first year veterinary students.

Within the field of veterinary science, Nicole is interested in veterinary medicine including equine medicine, exotic medicine, wildlife medicine, rescue and rehabilitation, and shelter medicine.

She has worked with Bucks County Equine in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and volunteers at Helping PAW in East Meadow, New York.

She has been working with BCE for nearly a decade and at Helping PAW since connecting with her professor at veterinary school. Nicole’s responsibilities at BCE include assisting the veterinarian with vaccination, dental care, lameness evaluations, emergencies, and surgeries. At Helping PAW, she preps patients for surgery, assists in surgeries, and monitors patients post-op.

Nicole enjoys spending time with her own animals, being by the ocean, and watching movies.

Why did you choose to become a veterinarian?

I always dreamed of becoming a marine biologist growing up. I’ve always loved the ocean and although I loved animals as well, I was never interested in working in a hospital all day as a vet. When I was 12, a miniature horse I was caring for at my barn fell gravely ill. His owner wanted to euthanize him, but the equine veterinarian believed he could save him with the support of my family.

The horse survived his surgery, and I handled his post-op care. He is still my horse and serves as a reminder to myself that our story is strong and simple. It is about a little girl who had her pony saved, and who from that point on wanted to learn how to help save other kids’ ponies.

What have you found most chal-

lenging about veterinary school?

The most challenging part of veterinary school is remembering to commit as much time to yourself as you do to school. Life doesn’t stop or slow down while in school — it continues to challenge you with new struggles and hardships, as your days and weeks slip by quicker than ever. There never seems like there is enough time, and my mental health has suffered at times. I suffered from severe and chronic depression during one of my semesters, and from that point on I made a promise to prioritize choosing kindness for myself every day.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself acquiring clinical skills as a practicing equine veterinarian and surrounding myself with

Star

Nicole Mundy

RISING

like-minded people who support my growth and goals. I hope to own my first business within five years. My mission is to be able to open a huge farm sanctuary that can help many species. Rescue and rehabilitation is some of the most rewarding work I have done, and I look forward to acquiring a place that allows me to do that.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power means responsibility through vulnerability. With more power comes more responsibility.

Many confuse power with money, popularity, or success, each projecting an insecurity that hasn’t been dug into. I struggle with anxiety every day. Being kinder to myself has helped me to lead with kindness with others.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 37

Outstanding

AUTHOR

Patricia L. Blake

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Author | Acting Patrol Commanding Officer, Retired, LAPD

P

atricia L. Blake joined the Los Angeles Police Departmment (LAPD) in May of 1983.

Her career as a sworn LAPD officer spanned almost 34 years. Patricia was promoted through the ranks and held the positions of acting and assistant detective commanding officer, patrol watch commander, and acting patrol commanding officer.

She was part of a leadership team at the Foothill Division that focused on crime analysis, developing crime strategies, and implementing cutting edge predictive policing.

Upon retirement, Patricia continued as an active reserve officer as the officer in charge of a unique mounted volunteer cavalry unit, the Valley Community Cavalry Rough Riders (VCCRR). This cavalry unit was deployed in local parks, trails, and business malls throughout the city. The unit’s mission includes public outreach, crime prevention, education, mounted color guard for parades, evacuation, and search and rescue efforts. The unit enhances good will and fosters a partnership between police and the local community.

Patricia earned a B.A. from CSUN, an M.A. in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, and she completed the West Point Leadership Course with the LAPD in 2003. She was an affiliate of the Los Angeles Women Police Officer and Associates and the California Peace Officers Association.

Patricia became one of two of the first female field patrol field training officers at the Rampart Division. She was also the first female senior lead officer at the same division in 1989. She received the Officer of the Year award at Rampart, and earned a Meritorious Unit Citation at the Wilshire Division as the officer in charge of a hand chosen special problems unit. In her spare time, Patricia enjoys church activities, racquetball, horseback riding, and jogging. She participated over ten times in the annual international law enforcement 120-mile Baker-to-Vegas team relay run. Recently, Patricia wrote a factual book documenting her career and real life police work with the LAPD entitled “Touched by the Hand of God in the City of Angels.”

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I enjoy horse riding, jogging, racquetball, walking my dogs on the trails, and reading a book.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

I believe that you should seek out excellence through continual improvement. I took advantage of all the opportunities given through the department including training courses to develop my leadership and mentoring skills.

Getting a formal college higher education helps. Always try various challenging work assignments.

I am currently reading “With What book is on your bedside All Due Respect – Defending table right now and why: America with Grit and Grace,”

by Nikki R. Haley, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations. It is all about the concepts of professionalism, leadership, integrity, and inner strength.

She is a true leader with integrity, values, and she is a successful career woman with a family. I find her inspiring.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to surround myself with positive trusted family and friends, and to be more confident and self-assured in myself.

Recognize and develop mentors for guidance, and to always keep my family as a priority over work.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 39

Men

Who Empower Women In this issue, for the first time ever, we are featuring a special section which highlights men who empower and uplift women.

These men have made it a point to make a positive change and inspire the women around them.

They are from all different industries including medicine, law, fashion, entertainment, and hospitality.

P.O.W.E.R. appreciates these outstanding individuals and hopes you do as well.

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Cover Story

David J. Pincus

MD, FACS

Plastic Surgeon | Pincus Plastic Surgery

A

pioneer in his field, Dr. David J. Pincus is experienced in all types of cosmetic procedures, and is a seasoned expert in breast and body procedures including breast augmentation and revision, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift, and facial surgery. He brings innovation and tradition to his practice with compassionate patient care.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 41

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Following his training and residency, Dr. Pincus decided to return to Long Island, New York, to pursue his career as a plastic surgeon.

This has been a fruitful professional decision that has solidified his practice as one of the leading state of the art plastic surgery facilities in the Northeast. In addition to the specialties mentioned, he also specializes in breast implant revision surgery for women who aren’t satisfied with the results of their past breast augmentation performed by other surgeons.

He is especially known for his skill in performing high-quality breast reduction and breast augmentation procedures.

Dr. Pincus earned his B.S. from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, earned his M.D. from the University of Miami School of Medicine, and has undergone years of extensive training in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Pincus served his general surgery residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. He was then recruited by the chairman of the medical school’s plastic surgery department to become a research fellow. He continued his training and completed his plastic surgery residency based at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts, including training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Maine Medical Center, and Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts.

Among the many awards he has received, Dr. Pincus was awarded the New Beauty – Top Beauty Doctor in 2018-2019 and was named one of the 10 Best Plastic Surgeons in 2018 from the American Institute of Plastic Surgeons. He belongs to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, The New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Student Association (Phi Kappa Phi), Golden Key National Honor Society, and Premedical Honor Society.

Through his extensive knowledge and superb surgical techniques, Dr. Pincus has changed the lives of his patients. His patience, skill, and demeanor continue to bring rousing and enthusiastic endorsements from patients.

When did you first realize you wanted to become a doctor and why did you choose cosmetic surgery as a specialty?

I can’t remember wanting to do anything else with my life. I always had an interest in the human body and how it worked. I feel that it was a cross between physiologic anatomy and working with my hands that I always found very appealing when I was young. My father passed away from stomach cancer at a very impressionable age when I was 12.

I feel as though that event in my life jump started the interest into medicine and healing. When I was in general surgery residency, I found that taking care of breast cancer patients and doing breast reconstruction to be the most rewarding, fulfilling aspect of my training. I started at that point to lean into plastic and reconstructive surgery and really spent a lot more time with the plastic and reconstructive surgical team at the University of Miami.

I got very close with the attendings and the residents and really fell in love with the difference that plastic and reconstructive surgery makes.

There is a physical aspect to not only patient’s bodies (men and women), but also the psychological impact it had on people. I really liked the procedures performed and it seemed that I had a great affinity for performing these operations.

The University of Miami is on the cutting edge of surgery. It’s a coveted program and it’s very difficult to get into. It features the best in every specialty, including plastic and reconstructive surgery. I had a strong skill base for performing these procedures and it was difficult at that point to go anywhere else. So, upon finishing my general surgery residency, there was only one choice for me - a plastic surgery fellowship.

white coat hypertension or fear from being with a surgeon. I try to keep a very relaxed and jovial interaction every time I’m with my patient to put everybody at ease. I create an environment where I want to hear; I want to know. I want the patient to feel more comfortable with me than with anybody else in the room or with anybody else looking at their body. I want them to look at me as a personal guide to get them their wants, hopes, and dreams, not only through me, but through the entire office. This includes their experience from the front desk to the nurses to the O.R. to recovery to post op. It makes it much easier to guide the patient and find the right procedure for them. I can’t think of any better ways than that.

Why do you think so many patients feel comfortable in your hands and choose your practice over others?

I think the two most important things are word of mouth and patient reviews, which is another form of word of mouth. We are known as the practice where people go and have a great experience. We have hundreds and hundreds of great reviews. We are revered in every Facebook mom’s group and every place where people get together and Guiding patients is one of the talk about cosmetic surgery. My most important things that I encounter throughout my day. This is only goal and concern is patient sateven more important than perform- isfaction from the first call to the last ing the procedure. Patient selection day. That is what I aim to achieve.

How do you keep current in the and finding the right operation for the right patient is the most skillful ever-changing world of plastic part of the job. Through experience, surgery?

I’m a tireless reader and a tireless open communication, and dialogue tinkerer. I am always striving in evwith every patient, we start the ery case to make the outcomes betjourney together. I consider taking ter. We are absolutely on the cutting on any new patient as a journey, edge of cosmetic and reconstructive and their outcome is my outcome. surgery. Every day and night, I’m Throughout that journey, we have very open communication. I try to thinking about patients as individuals and thinking about how to make promote an atmosphere of relaxation and calm interaction between these results better through tireless patients. I try to remove any sort of research, and through innovations of

How do you educate patients about the wide range of services you offer and how do you guide them to make informed decisions about what is right for their plastic surgery journey?

Keeping patients informed in today’s world is not the hard part.

We are at a point in our society where we have too much information as opposed to not enough. Our team works tirelessly to make sure that patients are well-informed with every procedure that we perform.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 43

my own. We strive for the best every day. A lot of what I read now are about things that I’ve innovated months, years, even a half decade ago. I’m not quite ready to stop and publish everything that I do at this point in my career, but one day, I will. You can be sure that every day, we’re looking at how to make things better for every patient, every case, every day.

With all the new technology available, do you feel non-invasive procedures are becoming more popular?

Absolutely. I think in the last 10 to 15 years, non-invasive procedures have been one of the most, if not the most, quickly expanding and growing in popularity facets of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. At Pincus Plastic Surgery, we really lean into the best of the best when it comes to non-invasives. The technology now is so great that the results that you can get through non-invasives are magnificent. I do firmly believe in carrying a heavy stable of cutting edge non-surgical treatments. We work tirelessly to train our staff of medical estheticians to constantly expand their knowledge. I’m really proud of them, and I feel that my estheticians have surpassed anything I could have hoped for with results and knowledge base in the non-surgical sector. The non-surgical sector is cutting edge, and it continues to be. I don’t know of any other part of cosmetic surgery or reconstructive surgery that has such tireless research into innovation and results, and it shows in their growth.

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What advice do you have for women who are considering plastic surgery but still have doubts or reservations about the process?

Plastic surgery is a very personal choice. It starts as being physical, but it really affects people psychologically as well. My advice to any woman would be to go on multiple consults, talk to multiple people, read reviews, get recommendations, and choose a practice where you feel most comfortable not only with the doctor, but with the staff. Basically, anytime you sign up for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, you marry the practice for a year.

You really must love most, if not all of the players in the practice. You must be comfortable with the infrastructure, the number of visits, the number of pre and post-op visits, and the way a surgeon handles any postop cosmetic dissatisfaction. About 40% of my business happens to be revisions from the outside community. I think half of these revisions could have been kept inhouse with better patient care. It just goes to show you that not only do we take care of ours, but we also take care of other doctor’s patients as well.

Explain your slogan “Empowering Women through Physical Change” and why it is so important.

The slogan is everything. I live and die by that slogan.

Physical change really works backwards. A change in form and function really works back to the psychological basis of not just women, but men as well. Obviously, in our business, it’s mostly women, and we really do empower women. I love to watch a patient come in for their first visit, their consult, and come in for the pre-op visit before surgery. Even with discomfort and post-surgical changes, the patient’s whole personality changes.

They’ve now become more outgoing. They walk differently. They walk with a strut in their step. They dress more outgoing and attractive. They’re wearing things that are saying, “look at me,” and “notice me,” whereas before they didn’t. They are empowered and it is through physical change. I thought of that slogan in about 15 seconds when I opened the business. Somebody asked me, “What is your slogan?,” and I literally stopped, thought about what I do for my patients, and they created my slogan, not the other way around. I empower you through physical change. So, it’s actually my patients who created a slogan for me in that respect.

As a male doctor surrounded by a female staff and mostly female patients, do you feel you have a better understanding of women? If so, what have you learned?

I’ve always been around more women than men for some reason. My father died when I was young. I was raised by my mother and had three sisters, two older, one younger. So, I grew up in a house full of wom-

en. That really gives you a basis of understanding. I’ve learned to really understand the female body, to try to understand the female psyche, and really try, more than anything else, to identify on a human level with women and all people, but again, mostly with women. I think that approach has definitely helped me and the practice along the way.

Are you currently seeing more men interested in cosmetic enhancement, and if so, what type of procedures are they doing?

I spent a large portion of my life in Miami, where men get just as much cosmetic surgery as women.

My past experience of men getting cosmetic surgery was not the exception, but also the rule. Usually, the procedures that men get are Botox, liposuction, gynecomastic excision, and some tummy tucks from weight loss. I’ve always had a strong male patient population in New York.

Patients feel very comfortable with me, male patients especially. So I understand there is a change and increase, but I’ve always had a strong male patient population.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is having a feeling of empowerment. From that empowerment, there is a sense of power.

This translates to one’s whole life.

When you feel good about you, you just feel better; you feel empowered; you feel powerful. That’s why I feel we are such a great partnership with P.O.W.E.R. Magazine, because they are all about women and empowerment. Our whole business model is about empowering women through physical change. Power is a general sense of strength that comes from multiple factors in life. For the most part, helping with the physical aspect of empowerment is our end of the spectrum and adds to the overall feeling of power that we need women to have. I feel powerful by empowering others to feel powerful. www.pincusplasticsurgery.com

Before & After Surgery Before

After

Face and Neck Lift

Our patient is in her late 60’s and six months post-op from a face and neck lift.

This is a beautiful standard rhytidectomy as well as facial fat grafting. She could not be happier with her lifechanging results.

Before

After

Mommy Makeover

This patient is in her mid-20’s and was having difficulty with some normal activities after losing over 70 pounds, leaving her with excess skin. She is seven months post-op after a tummy tuck and breast augmentations using 285cc sientra implants with a vertical lift and liposuction to hip rolls. She loves her new body.

Before

After

Breast Augmentation

This patient is in her mid-20’s and underwent a breast augmentation procedure.

Six months post-op and our patient feels beautiful with minimal scarring.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 45

Charles Gucciardo Attorney The Gucciardo Law Firm, PLLC Why do you feel you have been so successful as a personal injury attorney for the last 30 years?

The interests of my client are always my foremost concern. I leave no stone unturned during the pre-trial work-up aspect of the litigation.

Most attorneys work up their cases for settlement. I work up our cases with the intention of actually going to trial. Our adversaries know that this is how we work and they are well aware of my trial ability and reputation for taking verdicts that are well into the eight figure range. This is a difficult level to achieve. Simply stated, I take no prisoners at the trial.

Our efforts and strategies benefit our clients in obtaining justice for them.

How do you determine if a case is suitable for you to pursue?

A personal injury or medical malpractice case requires three components to be accepted by me and my firm for prosecution. First, there needs to be liability against a person or an entity. Second, that act had to cause an injury that is compensable.

The last component is that there must be a deep enough pocket from which to extract fair compensation for the victim.

Do you find a difference dealing with a female adversary versus a male?

The female attorneys in my business exhibit the same level of compe46 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

W

ith over 40 years’ experience, Charles Gucciardo is the founder of The Gucciardo Law Firm, PLLC and one of the top trial lawyers in New York. He is an expert in plaintiffs’ personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability, labor law, automobile accidents and injuries, and wrongful death. He belongs to the New York State Bar Association. Charles earned his J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. tence as their male counterparts and are given the same utmost professional respect as men.

Are there any female attorneys that have influenced you in a positive manner?

The women that have influenced me in a positive manner have been the many female judges on the bench in our system. Almost every one of them has a good judicial temperament and tremendous insight.

The women judges tend to be more compassionate for the victims that I represent who have been injured through no fault. Their attention to detail facilitates the process and actually brings the process in their courtrooms to another level.

Why do you think it is important to support women’s empowerment?

There seem to be efforts being made by some groups to minimalize what it means to be a woman.

With a career of over 30 years, I have witnessed women’s inequality and the transformation that has gone on

in recent years. Women are on par with men in every area including, politically, economically, socially, and intellectually. Through the grace of God, I have been able to personally assist five women who did not have either the benefit of strong family support or who had just been dealt a bad hand in life to start. Through years of attention, labor, direction and money, they have risen to positions of respect in the work force and in life so that they are independent and prosperous. Investing in women’s power is an investment in humanity.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is the force that may be exerted either by the operation of nature or intention. The power of a person will manifest in the ability to bring about a desired effect by taking legal or otherwise official authority over a set of circumstances to bring about a desired result. www.guccilaw.com

Entertainer, SohoJohnny Founder, Let Me Help, Inc.

Photo: Billy Hess Photography

J

ohn “SohoJohnny” Pasquale is a New York-based philanthropist, promoter, entertainer, and recording artist from SoHo, who uses music as a means to bring people together to help others. A charismatic musical ambassador, Johnny started out in the real estate and trucking businesses. He has always known the gift of sharing and healing that music can bring, and with his music production company also titled SohoJohnny, he has hosted musical charity events for the American Cancer Society, Humane Society, anti-bullying organizations (#IAMNOJOKE), Meals on Wheels, and COVID-19 victims and their families.

Johnny created a nonprofit called Let Me Help, Inc., whose mission is to help those who have been devastated by something terrible in their lives. In 2020, he hosted a free virtual celebrity-filled benefit concert which included live performances and inspirational messages to benefit those devastated by the pandemic and to address other important causes like bullying and prostate cancer.

Celebrities who participated included Sir Patrick Stewart, Jeff Goldblum, Slash, John Lodge of The Moody Blues, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, Charlie Sheen, Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, and others. Over the years, his company, SohoJohnny, has been a driving force in bringing entertainment and music from the streets of SoHo to the world, creating star-studded events designated to get people motivated and dancing, always for a good cause.

John Pasquale What strategies do you implement to run a successful real estate company, world-renowned music video production and publishing company, and charity?

Life is defined not by what we let go but by what we let in. I have a genuine interest in people who are helpful in every industry endeavor. It takes resilience, time, courage, and a little bit of madness to run a company. I find that paying attention to details and putting myself in another person’s shoes helps me survive in all the businesses I become involved in.

In your opinion, what is it about music that brings people together?

They say music is the universal language and I believe this to be true.

Often people are challenged by the fact that no one understands them or knows how they really feel, so they turn to music. The temporal patterns of music mimic our emotional lives. There is an introduction, a build-up, and a climax.

Can you share a positive outcome in which your charity, Let me Help, Inc., or you personally were able to empower women?

The Let Me Help, Inc. foundation produced a live 9/11 celebrity 20 year anniversary tribute concert benefiting Operation Warrior Shield. One of the performers was a young singer, Aro Rose, who had lost her mom during 9/11. She told her story and premiered her song during the concert. I thought this was a great inspiration for those women who have met with sorrow and continue on in the face of tragedy. There were and are many other empowering instances, but this stands out in my mind because it was heartwarming and because I had recently lost my own mom to COVID. What is next for you? What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?

I am currently working on my late night television entertainment and talk show called “Soho At Night.” I hope to use it and my label, Tribeca Records, to help new and current artists to realize their goals and dreams. I plan to continue doing this for the remainder of my career.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power means courage. While courage cannot move mountains, God can show us how to climb them. peprealestate.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 47

Gerry Ferretti Filmmaker, Playwright, Actor

G

erry Ferretti is a filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, director, producer, playwright, singer, and songwriter who has been performing since his early teens. A former student at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he is best known for his feature film, “The Mark,” a romantic thriller which he wrote, starred, and directed as well as his current major production of “The Fontanas.” “The Fontanas” is an original dramedy based loosely on his own family. It tells the story of an Italian Long Island family of four brothers and their children whose lives get turned upside down following the passing of their father at their mother’s 75th birthday party. The first season was completed in July 2023.

Gerry is the creator of the theatrical production, “Bridge the Gap,” for which he also composed the music and lyrics. He is the host and creator of various YouTube web series including his original Nobodies series which includes Nobodies Talking Politics, Nobodies Talking Baseball, and the comedic Seinfeld spoof, Nobodies In Cars Running Errands, all available on YouTube. As a singer songwriter, he wrote and recorded his first original CD in 2013 entitled “Just Like Me.” He is also the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the very popular original and cover band, The Mutant Kings, which performs all over Long Island. Gerry is the founder of Ferretti Films as well as the founder and director of The New York Long Island Film Festival, now in its fifth season. The festival, based in Lindenhurst, has been instrumental in showcasing hundreds of films and creating a networking opportunity for many actors and filmmakers. Gerry’s favorite role, however, is that of father to his two daughters, Ginamarie and Erica.

How did you become interested in the entertainment industry?

From the time I was very young I would learn the lyrics to songs, record my favorite comedies, TV shows, and movies on cassette, and listen to them over and over.

I would then create talk shows with family members. A shy kid by nature, I didn’t get too involved in school with performing, but after graduation I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and various other acting workshops. I became involved in Long Island theatre but still

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had trouble developing the confidence necessary. I began performing as a singer more often, which broke me out of my shell. Eventually, after performing in a murder mystery theatre, I wrote and produced my own murder mystery.

This began my path of creating my own work rather than going out and getting work. Three plays and nine years later, and after a lengthy divorce and cancer battle, I totally committed to the craft and the creative process. I knew this was where my future would lie. I made my first successful indie feature film which I wrote, directed, self-funded, and acted in. I created The New York Long Island Film Festival, a new, very successful band, produced a play, and became involved with every aspect of entertainment and art that I could absorb.

I learned the filming, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing aspects of the business as well.

What part of the entertainment business do you enjoy the most – writing, producing, acting, or singing?

I love it all. Sure, on certain days I may love one over the other. But I love the challenges. New scripts to write, new songs to learn, new venues to perform in, actors to work with, roles to play. As I go further into my career I can honestly say there is a certain special something about directing.

Have your experiences as a fraud investigator helped spark any ideas for your movies?

I have a full script called “The Land of Opportunity.” It is a political thriller based loosely on my work as an investigator and the social issues plaguing this country. I always say a story is more than what it is about. Sure, there always are the central characters, their struggles, and the major plot point.

Are any of the characters in “The Fontanas” based on your friends or family?” If so, are they aware of it?

I always say, “Write what you know.”

As a young struggling writer, I somehow felt I had to create an epic story that no one had ever heard before and I tried too hard to avoid real life. Then, one day I began writing what I knew, felt, and believed. This crept into all aspects of my creativity- songwriting, screenwriting, and directing. “The Fontanas” is loosely based on my family structure

and dynamic with a whole lot of creative license. I have drawn from all aspects of life and most people are either aware of being the influence or the character has evolved into someone so different that the person would not even be aware how they’ve influenced the creation. My characters often become hybrids of a person I know mashed with aspects of myself and something or someone I met somewhere in life.

Why do you think it is important to support women’s empowerment?

I am a big believer in equality of all kinds, especially equal opportunity!

What we make of that opportunity is up to us. We live in a very complex and controlling society where those in power never want to give it up and will come up with every excuse to maintain it. I have two daughters whom I have watched grow into mature, intelligent, highly capable women who deserve every opportunity any man is offered. Education, responsibility, respect, human decency, and hard work are the traits that make a person – not their sex or race, etc. I feel we need to focus on being better and take the focus away from these divisive issues.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power has many meanings. Depending on the context it can mean many things, good and bad. Power as a means to make things happen, get things done, for the betterment of all is a good thing.

Power to control or divide can be a dangerous thing and power to hurt can be a terrible thing. I have experienced many different types of power in my life and we see it every day in the world.

The most powerful people can often be detrimental and dangerous. As in politics and the military, when one country or group becomes more powerful, others must follow suit, merely to stay alive.

Again, my belief is power is strength and strength is necessary to survive. One must be strong to compete in this world of business merely to survive. However, as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. Maintaining that responsibility is the true super power. I try to bring these types of issues into my writing and life, and it certainly works its way into “The Fontanas.”

Ferrettifilms.com | NYLIFF.com

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BRIAN

Owner

F

or over 30 years, Brian has been transforming ordinary events into extraordinary celebrations.

His dedication to his clients, unique perspective, and flawless execution has made Flowers by Brian into an institution. Brian leads a talented team of event design consultants, world-class floral designers, and production staff that shares his passion for creating stellar events. As one of the highest-ranked floral houses in the region (acknowledged by TheKnot.com), and as the perennial winner of Best Florist on Long Island (from LIWeddings.com), Flowers

by Brian is New York’s florist of choice, with enthusiastic reviews from event venues, past clients, and experienced wedding professionals.

In your business you deal with many young women. What have you learned about women through the years and how do you support women’s empowerment?

For over 35 years, I have been dealing with many young women to help design their weddings.

Grasping varying visions and concepts, I have learned that women, brides in particular, are all different. There is no cookie cutter mold for a woman.

Each bride is incredibly different and needs support differently. Some brides need reassurance or guidance, while others need someone to simply share the joy of their special day with them. I do whatever is necessary to ensure that they are happy with their flowers and arrangements, that their venue is beautiful, and that their choices highlight their day and make it as special as possible.

What is the most elaborate/challenging creation you have ever done for an event?

I once designed a wedding in Palm Beach, Florida, alongside the late, great, Rhona Silver. I

worked alongside Ms. Silver to design and execute a wedding straight out of a storybook. There were 20-foot trees blooming with florals, an enormous ceiling treatment, and even a replica of the client’s dogs were made out of flowers.

What sets Flowers By Brian apart from other floral designers?

Flowers by Brian is a full service event design company with an emphasis on fresh products. I work directly with growers around the world to ensure our products are the freshest and best. We also provide world-class customer service to ensure every client has an amazing experience with us.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power is strength. I don’t mean physical strength, but the type of strength that comes from within.

This type allows us to welcome adversity and build more strength because of it. Power is about having the strength to change and grow. www.flowersbybrian.com P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 51

Andrew Yu A

ndrew Yu was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. in his 20s. He has a lifelong passion for art and design. Andrew received his fashion training from Virginia Commonwealth University and FIT. At the age of 21, he started his own collection which he successfully built and grew. Andrew’s collection can be found in multiple major specialty department stores across the country.

With a focus on luxury knitwear and a keen eye for detail, Andrew has collaborated with many designers during his three decades of experience. He pulls his inspiration from music, art, architecture, design, and his surroundings and believes that what we wear is a form of art. Andrew firmly believes in further empowering the women he takes inspiration from through his creations.

In what ways did your upbringing in Taiwan influence your clothing lines?

Growing up in Asia and the U.S. helped me to bridge the culture and fashion worlds in multiple levels. East meets West has been in the fashion scene from the beginning, hence the Silk Road. Even though beauty standards and cultural relevance may be different from country to country, self-expression and presentation is a common desire for everyone.

How do you think the clothes you design help to empower women?

I have been designing women’s wear for 30 years. Clothes make women feel beautiful and confident in their daily life. When clothing and style fit your body and personality, this boosts your confidence and helps you reach your goals.

If you didn’t become a fashion designer, what career path do you think you may have chosen?

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I’ve always loved art and painting has been my favorite thing since I was a child. I love all kinds of art and designs. I think I probably would have been an artist or a chef- definitely something creative.

Do your twin boys have your fashion sense?

My twins like art and fashion, but they like playing videos games like everyone else their age. I have two younger brothers who don’t like art or fashion. I am the only

Designer

one who inherited a great sense of creativity from our father.

I’m not sure about my kids yet, but I try to expose them to all kinds of art whenever I can.

How did it feel to be the recipient of the Asian American Dreamer Award?

I was so excited to be the inaugural recipient of AAD’s Asian American Dreamer award for uplifting Pan Asian American and LGBTQIA+ communities and beyond, through fashion, food, culture, and tennis! AAD’s guiding mission is to provide mentorship networks, professional development training, and career advancement opportunities for underserved Pan Asian American undergraduates, with the goal of helping them achieve their unique vision of the Asian American Dream. The charity event featured an amazing selection of food, drinks, vendors, and an exciting after-party presented by Moët Hennessy.

What does the word power mean to you?

Power sometimes has bad connotations for women since it was used to describe men in power for centuries. However, I am glad to see how this word has been applying to more and more successful women and minorities in our modern time.

I hope everyone can continue finding their own strength and empower each other. Then we can be powerful together as a team and unified. www.49andrewyu.com | @49andrewyu

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 53

Yaroslav (Slava) Fadeyev Founder and Artistic Director | Fadeyev Ballet

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aroslav (Slava) Fadeyev has over 30 years’ experience as a dance professional. He was born into a ballet family in St. Petersburg, Russia. Slava trained at the famed Vaganova Choreography Academy, noted for its high standards in accepting students. Other graduates of this Academy include Balanchine, Baryshnikov, Fokine, Makarova, Lopatkina, Nijinsky, Nureyev, Pavlova, Vishneva, and many others. Upon graduating he was invited to join the prestigious Kirov Ballet (now called Mariinsky Ballet) of the Mariinsky Theatre, where he danced soloist roles in numerous classical ballets. In 1995, Slava was invited to join the Hartford Ballet in Connecticut as a principal dancer. He founded Fadeyev Ballet in 2015. He has danced with the New York Metropolitan Opera, Uralsky Dance Productions, Eglevsky Ballet, Sawnee Ballet Company, and other companies. Slava has performed internationally on some of the greatest stages in the world.

As a teacher Slava is a meticulous professional skilled in classical ballet, theater and the performing arts. His fluency in Russian and English enables him to be precise and articulate in communicating ideas. He is accomplished in teaching classical ballet, pas de deux, character dance, and coaching for performances and competitions. Slava utilized his knowledge and skill and tapped into his vast international ballet network to develop Fadeyev Ballet as Long Island’s premier dance organization. Fadeyev Ballet is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Joann Montemarano Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher of Contemporary Dance Fadeyev Ballet

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oann Montemarano trained at Alvin Ailey, Ballet Hispanico, Parsons, Martha Graham School, and HT Chen Modern Dance. She is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. She is trained in both the Horton and Graham techniques. Joann specializes in contemporary dance which is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. As a contemporary dancer, she strives to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. She also teaches Hip Hop and Break Dance.

FadeyevBallet.org 54 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

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Sal Valentinetti E

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al “The Voice” Valentinetti, Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of “America’s Got Talent,” is an Italian American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. Sal was raised in the small town of Bethpage, New York, where he still resides today. From a very young age Sal was influenced by his grandmother who loved the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett, and Frank Sinatra. At the young age of 15, Sal realized he possessed a hidden talent and he began performing his flawless tribute to the great Frank Sinatra across New York.

In 2016, Sal made his debut on Season 11 of the NBC hit show “America’s 56 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

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Got Talent.” That night, The 20-year-old college student went from delivering pizza for his cousin’s restaurant, to delivering what’s considered one of the best performances in AGT history. Before long, the world would come to know and admire him as “Sal the Voice.” Since racking up over 350 million views worldwide with his captivating AGT audition, the celebrated charismatic crooner has been invited to appear in hundreds of sold out solo performances on stages around the world. Sal has entertained audiences from Madison Square Garden in New York City, to opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas, to selling out the legendary NYCB Theater at Westbury.

Like all of the greats before him, it’s safe to say that Sal is only getting started. salthevoiceny.com

Stephen W. LaMagna Founding Partner

JUSTICE DOESN'T COME WITHOUT A FIGHT©

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tephen W. LaMagna's career specializing in criminal law began in 1987 as a prosecutor with the Nassau County District Attorney's Office. As a prosecutor, Steve gained the reputation for being an aggressive, thorough, and skillful trial attorney. He quickly became one of the district attorney’s senior trial attorneys and was selected to prosecute some of the office’s most sensitive cases.

In 1992, Steve left the D.A.’s office and became a founding partner in Martello & LaMagna P.C. He brought all the skills and experience he learned as a prosecutor with him and put them to use defending the rights of his clients. For almost three decades he has earned the respect and reputation for being a zealous defender of his clients' rights. Utilizing his extensive experience and trial skills, Steve has successfully defended individuals as well as business entities charged with criminal behavior or under investigation for criminal activity.

Steve has successfully defended his clients in a wide variety of criminal matters both in the State and Federal Courts. His practice includes the defense of individuals charged with both misdemeanors and complex felonies, including vehicular crimes such as driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter; narcotics possession and sale; domestic violence matters, sexual assault and rape; weapons possession and sale; homicide; embezzlement; fraud including Medicaid and Medicare fraud; official misconduct; tax related criminal investigations including income and sales tax issues and all related white collar crimes. He has also successfully defended a wide variety of business entities who have been charged with criminal conduct or malfeasance or

have been targeted by the government for criminal investigation.

Throughout his career, Steve has been involved in numerous high-profile criminal cases. As a result, he has been a guest lecturer for the Nassau County Bar Association and the National Institute for Trial Advocacy as well as a guest commentator and expert for various news outlets including News 12, Newsday, and the Associated Press. He has been featured in the New York Times and has appeared on “60 Minutes” and “Prime Time.”

Defending the criminally accused is a success-oriented practice since an accused's freedom, liberty, reputation, and livelihood is often at stake. Steve’s philosophy has always been that you can never successfully negotiate from a position of weakness but rather can only successfully negotiate from a position of strength.

Throughout his career, he has utilized this philosophy to obtain successful outcomes for his clients.

As a former prosecutor, Steve was trained by the very same government that he defends his clients against. He knows how a prosecutor thinks, how a prosecutor approaches a case, and how a prosecutor makes a case. Steve received his J.D. from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 1987. He is admitted to the New York State Bar, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. He is a member of the Criminal Courts Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. www.mlfirm.net P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 57

Eve Carson E Author | Simple, Safe & Secret

ve Carson was born and raised in Danville, Illinois. She is the middle child with an older sister and Publicity Contact: younger brother. The closeLeya Booth, Editor knit family faced life’s hurdles Genius Book Publishing PO Box 250380 together, a source of strength Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53225 through the many obstacles 818.235.6746 families face. leya@geniusbooksinc.com Eve graduated from Purdue www.GeniusBookPublishing.com University with a degree in Industrial Management and EcoEve has published multiple nomics. She worked for General articles and given numerous inMotors and IBM in her early terviews. Articles about the Joan career. She married Joan’s broth- Webster murder have appeared er Steve on January 5, 1980, in Crime Magazine, The Journal and was the only non-blood of Forensic Research, The Precious relative in the immediate family Hearts Foundation Magazine, when Joan disappeared. She has The Journal of Forensic and Crime two daughters, who sadly never Investigation, Medium, and knew their Aunt Joan.

Unsolved Magazine. In addition,

Eve presented aspects of Joan’s case to the International Forensic Research Conference twice, the Stu Taylor program, and on the Whistleblower television series.

Today, Eve resides in the Midwest and perseveres for justice. She continues her writing and works as a consultant in an unrelated field.

Simple, Safe & Secret: The 1981 Murder of Joan L. Webster It was a brisk April morning in 1990 when a woman walking her dog stopped cold in her tracks. She reeled back from something strange and disturbing blocking the drainage tile: a human skull. Forensic examination showed that it was the remains of Joan Webster, the 25-year-old Harvard graduate student whose disappearance had rattled the community and stumped investigators for the past eight and a half years. The prosecutors had a suspect, Leonard Paradiso, who was tried and convicted for the murder of another local woman. The only similarity between the entangled crimes was that both victims had long dark hair. Assistant District

Attorney Tim Burke was obsessed with proving Paradiso guilty of both murders. However, between the lack of evidence and ever-changing stories, the circumstances of Joan Webster’s death remains a mystery to this day.

Hope is not lost as Joan’s sisterin-law, Eve Carson, continues to fight for justice. Simple, Safe & Secret divulges the diabolical details and dysfunctional system that has denied and obstructed justice in solving Joan Webster’s murder case. The messy truth of the botched investigation and a wrongful conviction may be darker than the story of Joan’s murder itself.

carsonevee@gmail.com. | www.justiceforjoanwebster.com 58 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Imagin Studio 366 Lincoln Blvd Hauppauge NY 11788 www.imaginestudios.net

631.641.7600

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 59

Tonia's

TRENDS B reast cancer awareness and Barbie are two great reasons that I am wearing pink this fall! I love pink because not only is it fun, but it can also be serious. Pink is the color used in the nationally recognized cancer ribbon honoring breast cancer survivors and those who have lost their lives to the terrible disease.

Pink is such a bold, intense color that you have to be strategic when including it in your outfit. You don’t want to wear it from head to toe, but rather use it as an accent color to add interest and excitement. A good way to do this is to replace a T-shirt, blazer, or pair of shoes that you would normally wear in a neutral color and wear it in pink instead.

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Leather collared moto jacket

Tonia's Top PINK

Picks

Copper 14-k gold plated necklace

Square toe heeled bootie in pink

Get these looks at www.bostonproper.com Scallop lace long-sleeve top in pink Pearl & floral earrings

Rose rhinestone bow cutout maxi bandage dress

Two-tone spliced denim sherpa hooded jacket

Pink tweed diamond button tassel and beaded edge blazer

Faux leather crossbody bag

Get these looks at www.sculpturacouture.com Spend $50 or more to get a 15% discount.

Use code POWER.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 61

CANCER ASSISTANCE PHONE NUMBERS, WEBS ITES, AND HELPFUL INFORMATION

GENERAL INFORMATION The Komen Breast Care Helpline 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) www.komen.org

Provides information, general and financial assistance to women who meet eligibility criteria.

American Cancer Society 800.227.2345

cancer.org Funds and conducts research, shares expert information, supports patients, and spreads the word about prevention. Provides information regarding all aspects of cancer research.

Patient Advocate Foundation National Underinsured Resource Directory 800-532-5274

www.patientadvocate.org Find local, state and national resources for people who have insurance but may struggle to pay out-of-pocket costs of care. Offers financial assistance information, legal and advocacy help if an insurance claim is denied.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp Provides access to clinical breast exams and mammograms (plus diagnostic testing if results are abnormal, and referrals to treatment if breast cancer is diagnosed) to women ages 40-64 who do not have health insurance or are under-insured.

The Pink Fund 877.234.PINK (7465)

www.pinkfund.org/get-help Offers financial assistance for health insurance premiums. Provides 90-day nonmedical cost-of-living expenses to breast cancer patients in active treatment for breast cancer, so they can focus on healing, raising their families, and returning to the workplace.

Sisters Network Inc. 713.781.0255 | 866.781.1808

www.sistersnetworkinc.org/programs.html Offers financial assistance for breast prosthesis, medical bras and compression arm sleeves. Committed to increasing local and national attention to the devastating impact that breast cancer has in the African American community.

Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act (U.S. Department of Labor) 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365)

www.dol.gov/ Provides information on federal laws requiring insurance coverage of breast reconstruction after mastectomy.

Red Door Community (Formerly Gilda’s Club NYC) 212-647-9700

reddoorcommunity.org Red Door Community (formerly Gilda’s Club New York City) creates welcoming communities of free emotional and social support for everyone living with cancer – women, men, teens, children and their families. The program is an essential complement to cancer care, providing support groups, educational lectures, healthy

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lifestyle workshops and social activities.

Breast Cancer Freebies

breastcancerfreebies.com Offers information and links to receive free wigs, hats, makeup, house cleaning, transportation and other services and products. Amazing, and extremely helpful website with links to 20+ free services.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE

The Assistance Fund - Breast Cancer Copay Assistance Program (855) 730-5871

tafcares.org/program-listing/ Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments. This website also offers assistance for a variety of diseases.

Cancer Care – Co-payment Assistance Foundation 866-55-COPAY (866-552-6729)

www.cancercarecopay.org Offers health insurance co-payment assistance for chemotherapy and targeted therapy drugs.

NeedyMeds.com (800) 503-6897

www.needymeds.org/pap Offers information on drug company assistance programs.

Patient Advocate Foundation – Co-Pay Relief Program 866-512-3861

www.copays.org Offers financial assistance for prescription drug co-payments.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance 888-4PPA-NOW (888-477-2669)

www.pparx.org |medicineassistancetool.org Offers low-cost and free prescription drug programs for those with limited income.

Strings for a Cure

www.stringsforacure.org info@StringsforaCURE.org Offers gift cards to patients in 45 different states, medical grants, living expense grants, and educational scholarships.

TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE American Cancer Society – Road to Recovery 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)

www.cancer.org Offers local transportation to and from cancer treatments.

Grind For Life 561-252-3939

Pink Link offers support to young women affected by breast cancer including retreats.

The site offers numerous helpful links.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center 866-983-3222

www.nadtc.org Promotes the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.

Komen Treatment Assistance Program 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636)

www.komen.org Offers financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments. *Many local churches will offer transportation assistance in medical matters.

LONG-DISTANCE TRANSPORTATION Air Charity Network 877-621-7177

www.aircharitynetwork.org Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Corporate Angel Network 866-328-1313

www.corpangelnetwork.org Uses empty seats on corporate planes to help cancer patients reach treatment centers.

(Travel for caregivers is not covered.)

Lifeline Pilots 800-822-7972

www.lifelinepilots.org Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.

Mercy Medical Airlift 800-296-1217

www.mercymedical.org Offers air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.

National Patient Travel Center 800-296-1217

www.patienttravel.org Offers free or discounted air travel to treatment centers for cancer patients and their caregivers.

LODGING ASSISTANCE American Cancer Society – Hope Lodge and Hotel Lodging 800-ACS-2345 (800-227-2345)

www.cancer.org/treatment/support-programsand-services/patient-lodging.html Offers lodging for families during cancer treatment.

Healthcare Hospitality Network 800-542-9730

www.grindforlife.org Providing financial assistance to cancer patients and their families when traveling long distances to doctors and hospitals. Those who qualify may request assistance for travel and lodging expenses, meals, and personal needs.

www.hhnetwork.org Nationwide professional association of nearly 200 unique, nonprofit organizations that provide lodging and support services to patients, families and their loved ones who are receiving medical treatment far from their home communities.

CancerCare – AVONCares 800-813-HOPE (800-813-4673)

Joe’s House 877-563-7468

www.cancercare.org/financial/information Offers financial assistance for transportation to and from cancer treatments.

Pink Link www.youngsurvival.org/directory/breast-cancer/pink-link

www.joeshouse.org/Lodging.aspx Find an online directory of free and discounted lodging for cancer patients and their families.

CANCER ASSISTANCE PHONE NUMBERS, WEBSITES, AND HELPFUL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL SERVICES/PERSONAL EXPENSE ASSISTANCE Low-cost and Free Mammograms

Medicare, Medicaid and most insurance companies cover the cost of mammograms.

National Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/ Provides access to breast cancer screening to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women.

Planned Parenthood 1-800-230-PLAN

www.plannedparenthood.org Offers clinical breast exams and referrals for mammography (and any follow-up testing, such as breast ultrasound).

Counseling 800 813 HOPE (4673)

or info@cancercare.org Oncology social workers are available to help you cope with the emotional challenges of breast cancer.

Healing Odyssey (949) 707-1710

connect@healingodyssey.net Nonprofit organization providing support and educational programs for women cancer survivors and their support team.

RETREATS AND RECREATION Casting for Recovery 888-553-3500

castingforrecovery.org Offers free flyfishing weekends in 33 states for female breast cancer survivors.

Stowe Weekend of Hope 800-GO-STOWE (800-467-8693)

www.stowehope.org Provides a three-day gathering held each spring in the resort town of Stowe, Vermont, for both male and female cancer survivors and their families including free accommodations for first-time guests and most events are free.

Activities include educational sessions with top doctors presenting current medical research in all areas of cancer treatments, workshops by cancer type, movement and exercise classes, a 3-mile run and more.

Little Pink Houses 336-213-4733

www.littlepink.org Provides free week-long beach retreats for breast cancer patients and their immediate families in private homes in 14 locations around the U.S. Meals are served in a common area with other families. Activities include fishing, yoga and parasailing. Babysitting is provided so parents can have a date night.

Swim With the Dolphins 1-866-860-7946

www.dolphinsplus.com/dolphin-swimprograms/omas-dolphin-swim Dolphins Plus in Key Largo, FL, offers a free swim with the dolphins, hands-on session for cancer patients and survivors.

To make arrangements and get medical clearance forms to participate, contact info@ dolphinsplus.com.

Do it For the Love Foundation 844-484-3561

www.doitforthelove.org Wish-granting organization that brings people with life-threatening illnesses to live concerts for free to have a one-on-one experience with their favorite artists and enjoy the healing power of their music. If you have Stage IV breast cancer, contact them.

Helpline 877-6636

The Susan G. Komen Foundation offers a specialized breast care helpline.

American Cancer Society 800-227-2345 (24 hour hotline)

The ACS offers programs that help individuals, families, and friends cope with the treatment decisions and emotional challenges they face.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation 877-880-TNBC (877-880-8622)

Assists and supports women with triplenegative breast cancer.

CLEANING Cleaning For A Reason (877) 337-3348

cleaningforareason.org Email: info@cleaningforareason.org Offers cleaning services for those undergoing treatment.

EARLY DETECTION National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)

Totes The Lydia Project 1-877-593-4212 | (706) 736-5467

www.thelydiaproject.org Offers free totes for women going through any kind of cancer treatment. The totes come filled with an inspirational journal, lotion, and other items. For women who are interested, a year of ongoing support is available in which you can share prayer requests, and request notes, phone calls, and emails.

All4OneBreast Form Fund (508) 630-2242

cancer1source.org The fund will help pay for prosthetics and other post-mastectomy garments for women with financial need.

Nordstrom Prosthesis Program 1.888.282.6060

shop.nordstrom.com/content/breastprosthesis-program This program is offered free in the lingerie department of 116 full line Nordstrom stores in 29 states. Certified prosthesis fitters are specially trained to fit women for any type of intimate apparel following a mastectomy, lumpectomy or other reconstructive surgery.

They will also sew pockets for breast forms into regular bras, camisoles and swimwear you’ve purchased at the store, free of charge.

NETWORKING/ GENERAL SUPPORT/ OTHER FORMS OF CANCER Cancer Hope Network 877-HOPENET (877-467-3538)

www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/ The NBCCEDP funds all 50 states for early detection of breast cancer.

www.cancerhopenetwork.org Provides free one-on-one emotional support to adult cancer patients and their loved ones.

WIGS & HEAD COVERINGS/PRODUCTS

Livestrong.org 855.220.7777 or 877.236.8820

American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345

www.cancer.org To receive a new free wig or donate new wigs with tags attached for those who cannot afford a wig.

Reduced Price Wigs 1-800-850-9445

www.tlcdirect.org For wigs at a reduced price, the America Cancer Society endorses www.tlcdirect. org. They offer a full array of wigs, headwear products, mastectomy products, cancer support jewelry and other goods.

Heavenly Hats 920-362-2668

heavenlyhats.org | anthony@heavenlyhats.com Offers free hats for people who are facing hair loss due to cancer and other medical conditions.

Head Wraps and Scarves/Good Wishes Scarves (888) 778-5998

www.goodwishesscarves.org Provides a scarf to anyone experiencing the thinning or loss of hair as a result of illness or treatment at no cost. Each scarf is a gift of hope that carries with it the support and good wishes of people who care and represents the strength and dignity of those who wear it.

livestrong.org To make a donation call 1-844-GIVE 2 LS International organization that provides a variety of support services.

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation 800-366-2223 (800-366-CCCF)

candlelightersnyc.org | info@candlelightersnyc.org Nonprofit organization that provides information, peer support, information regarding financial assistance and advocacy through publications and a network of local support groups.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society 800-955-4572

www.lls.org Offers information and financial aid to people who have leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.

Veteran Administration 877-222-8387 (877-222-VETS)

www.va.gov Offers medical benefits, including cancer treatment at a VA Medical Cancer, to eligible veterans and their dependents.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 63

Theresa (Terry) Prag Program Manager | Lend A Helping Hand, BBCC with medical copayments. This triggered Terry’s inherent desire to give back and help others. She immediately started volunteering whenever possible while going through 17 months of chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and heresa (Terry) Prag is the four major surgical procedures. program manager for Lend Terry was offered a position on A Helping Hand. Terry the board as a paid employee of worked in the medical field for 30 the BBCC in May of 2014, just years before being diagnosed with after her last major reconstruction very aggressive Stage 3 Triple Neg- surgery. She was given the opative Breast Cancer in November portunity to take over the premier of 2012. She was introduced to program, Lend A Helping Hand, the BBCC by a friend who exas a case program manager, having plained that she could get help and experienced its benefits first-hand support on the journey she was on her own journey, and couldn’t about to go through. The BBCC turn down the opportunity. Terry provided free housecleaning, preoversees all client intakes, services, pared food, and helped financially and implemented the ongoing

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programs, Writing to Heal/Meditation, Restorative Yoga, and Reiki Healing Circle which are biweekly or monthly programs either in person or via Zoom. The number of women being diagnosed and those that the BBCC has helped has more than doubled over the eight years that Terry has managed the LAHH Program. She is passionate about giving back. She empowers clients by referring the BBCC’s free services as a hand-up, not a hand-out. Terry loves to help others by providing information and resources for what they are about to go through, add some light to the dark, and change tears into a smile. This is shown by the timeless hours and effort she gives daily to those in need.

Because Cancer does not take a break ... we are here to help.

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) is a grassroots non-profit serving your Babylon Community (Babylon Village, Amityville, Copiague, Deer Park, East Farmingdale, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, Oak Beach, West Babylon, West Gilgo, Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch) since 1993.

Our signature program, Lend a Helping Hand provides support and services for women in active treatment for breast and/or gynecological cancer. Services include transportation to medical appointments and therapy, prepared food, house cleaning, financial assistance, and more.

Our goal is to remove some of the stress a woman faces while undergoing treatment for breast and/or gynecological cancer. The BBCC is located in Lindenhurst at 218 N. Wellwood Avenue, Suite #2.

If you are currently in active treatment for breast and/or gynecological cancer, or would like to get involved with fundraising or becoming a volunteer, please give us a call. Our office phone number is 631-893-4110. We look forward to hearing from you.

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www.babylonbreastcancer.org

Karen Kunkel

Volunteer President | Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC)

aren Kunkel earned a B.A. in Marketing and an M.A. in Education.

In 1998, she joined the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) as a volunteer while a stay-athome mom. Karen would have her children volunteer at community fairs alongside herself and assist in delivering BBCC brochures to doctors’ offices. Eventually she became a board member and a Lend a Helping Hand volunteer.

Soon after, she was invited to be co-coordinator of this program.

Karen has chaired many com-

BBCC. She has since implemented an advisory board including a breast surgeon. Karen strongly believes in the mind, body, and soul connection along with traditional treatment for BBCC’s breast and gynecological cancer clients. Their ongoing programs include Reiki, meditation, and professionally guided exercise. She is very proud of the strides the BBCC has made over the years and the fact that the mittees through her 24 years of board is comprised significantly of volunteerism with the BBCC including the Research and Schol- individuals the BBCC has assisted either directly or indirectly over arship committees. In 2016, she became volunteer president of the the years.

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Nicholas Radesca

Volunteer Treasurer and Board Member | BBCC

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icholas Radesca joined BBCC in 2017, shortly after his wife passed away from metastatic breast cancer.

Searching for a way to help others suffering from this terrible disease, he answered BBCC’s ad in Volunteer Match for office help. Impressed with their mission, reputation, and personnel, Nick gratefully accepted BBCC President Karen Kunkel’s invitation to join the board. As a career accountant, C.P.A., and banker, he has been a strong addition to BBCC’s board and a perfect fit for the treasurer’s role.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 65

OCTOBER 2023 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

r u o Y t Ge Annual m a r g o m Mam

By Syndi Reibman

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ccording to the National Cancer Institute, mammography is the only available screening method that has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality. It is recommended that every woman over the age of 50 should consider have an annual mammogram (and a pap smear of course).

Here are some key points to consider (from Kaiser Permanente) regarding getting a mammogram: Mammograms can find some breast cancers early when the cancer may be more easily treated. Studies show that a small number of women who have mammograms may be less likely to die from breast cancer.

The risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older. In general, women younger than 50 are at a lower risk for breast cancer. Because of this, women ages 50 - 70 are more likely to benefit from having mammograms than women who are in their 40s.

Mammograms may miss some breast cancers. And some cancers that are found may still be fatal, even with treatment.

Mammograms may show an abnormal result when it turns out there wasn’t any cancer (called a false-positive). This means you may need more tests—such as another mammogram, a breast ultrasound, or a biopsy—to make sure you don’t have cancer. These tests can cause

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a lot of worry but are necessary.

Mammograms may find cancers that will never cause a problem (called over diagnosis). Some breast cancers never grow or spread and are harmless. You might have this type of cancer, but a mammogram can’t tell whether it’s harmless. So you may get cancer treatment— including surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—that you don’t need.

Getting a Free Mammogram: The National Breast Cancer Foundation offers free mammograms nationally. Visit their website at: www. nationalbreastcancer.org/national-mammography-program or call (972)2489200 to learn more. The foundation manages a network of partner medical facilities throughout the U.S. which provide grants for free breast screening and diagnostic services to those in need (low-income/uninsured/underinsured).

These facilities have the systems and partnerships in place to ensure access to treatment for patients who are diagnosed. The types of services covered include screening mammograms, diagnostic mammograms, tomosynthesis (3D mammograms), CAD (computer-aided detection), clinical breast exams, ultrasounds, and biopsies (limited).

You can also visit https://milesofhope. org/resources/free-screenings-support/ to find out about free breast cancer screenings and free mammograms. Call

1-866-442-CANCER (2262) or text “Get Screened” to 81336.

The CDC also provides free services.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp/screenings.htm and click on your state for free or low-cost screenings.

You can call the Susan G. Komen’s Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). Komen provides no-cost breast cancer screening and diagnostic services for those who meet income guidelines. The program is open to all ages and genders.

Visit www.komen.org/breast-cancer/screening/mammography/ or email: helpline@komen.org.

Each October, during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many imaging centers offer mammograms at reduced rates.

To find a certified mammography center in your area, visit the FDA website (www.fda.gov).

We at P.O.W.E.R. encourage you to get an annual mammogram. Early diagnosis leads to improved treatment options and better outcomes. With all of these services available, there is truly no excuse not to do so. Five minutes of discomfort is worth a lifetime of living your best life.

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Rainere Martin

Singer, Entertainer

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lessed with the gift of a beautiful voice and a grandmother who filled her heart with her beautiful songs, Rainere Martin learned at an early age that she could use her voice to lift a soul and bring joy to all who heard her sing. With an early focus on R&B ballads and an appreciation for the art and craft of the late Donna Summer, Rainere developed and presented a tribute show featuring many of Donna’s favorites.

She found that audiences equally enjoy her variety of pop, soft rock, and the occasional ‘torch’ song to create the right mood at the right time. Her song list spans six decades with the appropriate stage presence and performance to match the audience and venue.

In the last year 11 years, Rainere has traveled the world performing her Donna Summer Tribute to raving reviews. She has shared the stage with several mainstream acts including Evelyn Champagne King, Tavares, The Stylistics, France Joli, and many more. To the delight of audiences, Rainere recorded a version of Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” that is featured on The Hot Stuff Wicked Wheel slot machines in casinos nationwide.

With music in her blood and songs her in her heart, Rainere continues to seek out audiences of all ages who enjoy melodies from different eras and appreciate the pioneers and contemporaries who brought them to us. While her song list is ever-evolving, Rainere’s desire to share her gift with others remains constant. It is this desire that keeps her singing and instills in others the joy of music.

Of all the disco icons of the 70’s, what specifically inspired you to develop a Donna Summer tribute show?

Besides Donna Summer having a voice from heaven and being an innovator and groundbreaker in her time, I was always told that I sounded a lot like her.

Which Donna Summer song is your favorite and why?

Without question, “On The Radio” is my favorite song. That was the first 45 record my mother bought me when I was six years old. I played it over and over until I knew it from start to finish. To this day, that song remains my signature song and it’s the song in which I sound most like Donna.

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How did you manage to capture Donna Summer’s mannerisms so flawlessly?

I studied every concert video that I could find. I studied her music videos, interviews, and even talked to people who knew her to learn who the woman was behind the music.

Where do you get your outfits from?

I design most of my costumes and then they are custom-made by my seamstress. Once I have an idea, I go to my seamstress. She then sketches it out on paper, takes my measurements, and then I go back the next week for a fitting.

Sometimes I find costumes online and I add my own touch to them to make them my own. I’m also referred to as the

Rhinestone Queen since I’m known for adding rhinestones to everything.

What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you on stage?

I was doing the finale with my castmates at Legends In Concert and stumbled down the steps while singing “It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year.” My heel got stuck in my gown, but the show must go on, so I continued singing and as gracefully as possible got up and exited stage right.

What does the word power mean to you?

When I hear the word power, I think of strength, confidence, perseverance, and being a woman. www.4everdonna.com

Fall Hair Tips your ponytail 1 Give a rest.

Marissa Stissi (center) with Dolores Catania (left) and Danielle Cabral, both of RHONJ

This cute and quick style is great for hot summer days, but it causes breakage and scalp stress. It’s even worse as the weather gets colder and your hair gets dryer.

Instead, wear your hair mostly down or softly pinned up. Even if you do wear a ponytail a few times a week, never wear it to bed.

Marissa Stissi 2

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arissa Stissi is the owner of Marissa Stissi Hair & Beauty Salon. She began Owner working in the beauty industry when she was 18 years old. Sixteen years later, she owns her own salon. Marissa specializes in Hair & Beauty Salon hand-tied hair extensions and hair coloring. Before she began working in the beauty industry, Marissa was a fashion major. She is an ed to switch gears. She created experienced sewer. After a year in her own technique of installing the fashion industry, she decidhand-tied weft hair extensions.

She also created her own beaded row method and stitching pattern.

Marissa enjoys creating bold and new looks and styles for women and helping them feel beautiful.

She enjoys being able to do what she is passionate about on a daily basis. Marissa always dreamed of having her own salon and working with celebrities. She feels grateful and blessed that she gets to live her passion.

Marissa is a celebrity hairstylist and extensionsist. She has been in the industry for 18 years.

She owns a hair salon in Massapequa, Long Island. These are some photos of her transformations of Olivia Pierson (above), Dolores Catania and Danielle Cabral, along with her. She has her own hair extension and hair product line. Her website is www.marissastissihair.com.

Her phone number is 516-373-1333.

Give your hair an extra dose of moisture.

It’s vital to add a mask or gloss treatment to your hair, which will condition ends and give your hair lots of healthy shine. Consider a bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment to combat static and tangles that come with fall hats and scarves. Just 10 minutes a few times a week is all you need to keep hair healthy

in new 3 Invest styling products.

Using heat-activated tools can cause all sorts of damage, especially during the colder months.

So, you should add a few protectant products (spray, serum, mouse, or cream) to your winter beauty arsenal. And before you pick up the blow dryer or curling iron, spritz a touch of protectant on your wet strands to help prevent breakage.

a new shampoo 4 Buy and conditioner.

Make sure to use a quality cleanser that washes away normal wear and tear from the environment like pollution and smoke but does not strip your hair of its natural oils and lipids.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 69

Transforming Homes: Elevate Your Living Space with Our Kitchen Remodel Services Unveiling the Artistry of Kitchen Renovations

by Nationwide Maintenance LLC Marcie Manfredonia Nationwide Maintenance Inc. www.Nationwidemaintenance.com Commercial and residential Services 914 241 1010

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he heart of every home is in the kitchen, where culinary masterpieces are crafted, memories are shared, and bonds are strengthened.

A kitchen isn’t just a space for cooking; it’s a reflection of your lifestyle and personality. Recognizing the significance of this space, Nationwide is proud to present its exceptional kitchen remodel services that turn mundane kitchens into captivating works of art.

The Essence of Our Services At Nationwide Maintenance we believe that a successful kitchen remodel is more than just replacing countertops and cabinets. It’s about understanding your needs, embracing your vision, and crafting a space that embodies functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.

Our team of skilled designers, architects, and craftsmen collaborate seamlessly to redefine your kitchen into a space that fits your lifestyle like a glove.

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Tailored Designs for Every Taste No two kitchens are the same, and neither are our designs. Whether you’re yearning for a contemporary culinary haven, a rustic farmhouse kitchen, or an elegant culinary space, we have the expertise to bring your dream to life. Our designers work closely with you, capturing your preferences and weaving them into a blueprint that’s as unique as you are.

Materials and Craftsmanship The beauty of a kitchen remodel lies in the details. We source the finest materials, ensuring durability and elegance go hand in hand. Our skilled craftsmen then bring these materials to life, meticulously curating each element, from cabinetry to flooring, to create a harmonious and visually appealing atmosphere.

Innovative Solutions Our kitchen remodels integrate state-of-the-art solutions, from smart appliances to integrated lighting systems, seamlessly blending modern innovation with timeless design.

Get Ready for Your Dream Kitchen!

Your kitchen is more than just a cooking area; it’s a canvas for self-expression and creativity. With Nationwide Maintenance, your dream kitchen is just a remodel away. Let us turn your vision into reality, as we combine functionality and aesthetics to create a space that truly reflects your personality and caters to your lifestyle.

Contact us today to embark on a transformative journey that will redefine the heart of your home. Experience the artistry of kitchen remodels with Nationwide Maintenance LLC, Your dream kitchen awaits!

DISCOVER

AARE provides a variety of real estate services including residential, commercial, lending, property management, syndication, and business opportunities.

Cessaly D. Hutchinson

Commercial Realtor, AARE.org CEO, Tahitian Pearl Consultants Inc. Cessaly D. Hutchinson has over five years’ experience. She is a commercial Realtor with AARE.org and the CEO of Tahitian Pearl Consultants Inc., based in La Jolla, California.

She is responsible for historic preservation, commercial, and residential property sales.

Cessaly also volunteers to assist disabled US veterans through NHDVS.net. She earned a J.D. from Georgetown University in 1982 and belongs to Beta Gamma Sigma. In her spare time, Cessaly enjoys traveling and playing chess.

AARE Real Estate Services

888-322-4368 | 888-32-AGENT www. aare.org

Your career is not over.

Let us help you make your next move.

Lilian Dutra | CEO, Founder

For more than a decade, Lilian Dutra has been adeptly handling the rigors of being a mother and a CFO. She has decided to share the secrets of her success in simultaneously managing both by founding AEN Talent Search. Its mission is to enlighten companies on the richness of adding diversity and to empower women to take back their careers and bring their talents to new, rewarding positions. As a Latina herself, Lilian has made great strides in challenging corporations of all sizes to re-evaluate their workforce and re-focus on inclusivity. One of her biggest strengths is the ability to connect the right people to the right jobs, ones which will bring them success and joy.

Prior to founding AEN, Lilian was the CFO of Sublime Communications, an independent marketing communications company with global reach. She also worked as a research specialist and analyst at several asset management companies, including the Commonfund Group, Greenwich Associates, and Gartner, Inc., where she managed reporting, productivity, and expenses to help clients improve their business results. Lilian is also an expert in international business and is fluent in Portuguese.

For open positions visit www.aentalentsearch.com

FRIEDRICH IOWA REALT Y We are here 24/7 to assist you with your home buying and selling needs from start to finish.

Abby Engelman Realtor, Transaction Coordinator | Friedrich Iowa Realty Abby Engelman is a Realtor and transaction coordinator with Friedrich Iowa Realty. With over seven years of experience, she has done everything from buying and selling real estate, office administration, and facilitating transactions for agents and clients alike. She earned an A.A. in Culinary Arts from Des Moines Area Community College in 2016. Abby enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, discovering new restaurants, playing intramural volleyball, and lounging with her dog Mia.

www.engelmanteam.com 100 6th St., Ames, IA 50010

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 71

toca 1/2

https://www.tocca.com Kate Mesic is the president of the Law Offices of Kate Mesic, PA. She specializes in business transactional cases, such as contract and lease review, and business sales. As a former prosecutor, Kate also handles criminal defense and DUI cases.

She opened her law firm in Jacksonville, Florida in 2011.

Kate received her B.A. from the University of North Florida and her J.D. from the University of Florida, Levin College of Law. She is a past president of the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association and is a member of the 2016 class of Leadership Jacksonville. Kate is a recipient of the Women in the Law Award from the Florida Association of Women Lawyers and Up & Coming Entrepreneur award from the Women Business Owners of North Florida.

Kate grew up in Moscow, Russia, moving to the United States when she was in high school. She is the mother of two young boys.

She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

The Law Office of Kate Mesic

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6550 St. Augustine Road, Suite 305 Jacksonville, FL 32217 Office: (904) 619-2510 Cell: (904) 463-2664 Fax. (904)328-2081 www.mesiclaw.com

P.O.W.E.R. goes to Nashville If you are looking for a fun place to visit look no further than Nashville, Tennessee.

P.O.W.E.R. members recently traveled to Nashville- home of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the Grand Ole Opry, line dancing, Bluegrass, honky-tonks, great food, and great people.

Among the places we visited and excursions we took were:

Bobby Hotel

Bobby Nashville is a vibrant lifestyle hotel unlike any other in the heart of Music City. Residing on historic Printers Alley in Downtown Nashville, Bobby is just steps away from the bustle of the downtown music scene yet far enough away to get some shut-eye.

Housing an eclectic mix of treasures and collections from Bobby’s travels, it’s also home to an inherently creative experience that will solidify you as a lifelong friend of Bobby’s.

Ole Red

This music venue is named and inspired by the song “Ole Red,” sung

by Blake Shelton, country singer, host, and judge on TV’s “The Voice,” and currently married to singing sensation Gwen Stefani. A proving ground for new and established talent, the music hall and restaurant showcases new talent, established bands, and always has lively dancing on its numerous stages.

Wildhorse Saloon

Nashville’s premiere line dancing venue did not disappoint!

Regardless of whether or not you know how to line dance, the

staff and others will help you synchronize your movements, step, and wobble with the rest. We had a great time learning, laughing, enjoying live music, and tasting their Southern inspired menu.

Nashville Tour Company

Make life simple and let the Nashville Tour Company do all the planning for you. You can ensure that you will have your fill of travel, tours, entertainment, and a variety of venues to choose from including the Nashville Pedal Tavern, Nashville Toons, and Bevē Boutiques.

The Nashville Pedal Tavern

Want to take a fun trip exploring Nashville on a pedal bike? Nashville Pedal Tavern offers private, public, and corporate trips. All bikes departs from the Pedal Tavern Headquarters at 1504 Demonbreun Street. See where Music City gets its name.

Between Music Row and Lower Broadway, you’ll pedal the famous streets of Nashville. Experience live country music, all day every day! Your driver will have a curated playlist to get you pumped up while you pedal, sing, and dance during the ride.

You’ll make a stop in one of the legendary honky tonks for a drink special, and then enjoy a photo stop at the end of Broadway.

Bev Boutiques

We are Nashville’s only boutique shopping tour.

We are local connoisseurs, revealing the city’s most sought-after destinations, like popular boutiques, hidden coffee shops, chic cocktail bars, and Instagram-worthy murals. Our team, co-founded by Angie Gleason, recognizes the challenge that many tourists and locals face when it comes to shopping in Nashville’s thriving boutique scene. There are so many places to choose from. We combine over ten years of experience in the Nashville tourism industry to provide totally customizable tours for you and your group.

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 75

Women

OF THE MONTH

Tammy R. Westerman Trauma Therapist | Center for Life, Grow Therapy

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ith over 20 years’ of experience, Tammy R. Westerman is a trauma therapist with the Center for Life and Grow Therapy. Tammy earned an M.S. in Counseling from LeTourneau University in 2016. She is currently a candidate for a Ph.D. at Regent University. She wrote one book, entitled “Choosing to Overcome.” Tammy specializes in treating those who have suffered childhood trauma and sexual abuse. She utilizes cognitive processing therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. She strives to alleviate the pain that others may experience and assist them in leading a more positive life that they deserve. Tammy believes that we should always

work towards improvement and being a better version of ourselves. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, fitness, and running.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I have wanted to be a counselor since I was a child.

I got the nickname “Doc” in middle school because people came to talk to me. I feel helping others is my purpose in life.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

I was a full-time worker, a full-time student, and a single mom of four kids the entire time I was in school.

That was challenging.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

To me, being empowered is having the strength and confidence to go after what you want in life. www.cflr.us

Uzma A. Chaudhry Physician | Uzma A. Chaudhry, M.D.

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r. Uzma A. Chaudhry is an internist and physician. She is responsible for providing general and family medicine, wound care, and urgent care. Dr. Chaudhry earned her M.D. from Ross University School of Medicine in 2003 and an M.B.A. from American Intercontinental University. She currently holds a supervisory physician role and offers primary care telemedicine. Dr. Chaudhry was previously involved with a community health center that helped indigent patients get affordable medical care. She has also worked in numerous nursing homes as a primary care and wound care physician, and she has been involved in addiction medicine. Dr.

Chaudhry is a fellow of the American Physicians in Wound Healing. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, tennis, reading, publishing books, and being with her family.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

As a primary care physician in practice for 12 years, I’ve worked in nursing homes, clinics, etc. I started off by earning a B.S. in Biology and then earned my M.D. followed by residency training.

What are some of the biggest challenges/ obstacles you faced in your career?

I really feel my work is not that difficult for me and don’t have too many challenges, except for keeping the liability low and keeping up with medical advances.

Annette R. Crymes

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nnette R. Crymes is the president of Culinary Nutritionals/Pompona Project LLC. She is a consultant specializing in flavor development, product research and development, vanilla products and consultations, Peruvian vanilla extracts, teas, and coffees. Annette earned an M.A. in International Affairs from Washington University and is a candidate for a Ph.D. from Washington University.

She belongs to the American Chemical Society and Missouri Botanical Gardens. In her spare time, Annette enjoys gardening, crocheting, and volunteering.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

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Marlene K. Cook RN, OR Supervisor Fredonia Regional Hospital

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arlene K. Cook is an RN and OR Supervisor with Fredonia Regional Hospital, based in Fredonia, Kansas. She is responsible for OR, med/surg, and ER nursing. Marlene earned A.S.N. from Excelsior College and belongs to A.O.R.N. and K.O.N.L. She enjoys farming, horseback riding, stockcar racing, and being with her family.

President | Culinary Nutritionals/Pompona Project LLC

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and after an accident which left my world in turmoil, I started a computer billing and consulting company.

Coupled with my Master’s degree in International Affairs and my interest in food security, I became more focused on the food and flavor industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge for me has been the frustration of being told “no,” “not yet,” or “later,” and then seeing my concepts and proposals handed off and credited to individuals who had nothing to do with my ideas.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

The biggest challenges that women face today are the historical problems of lack of resources and empowerment grounded in the fact that we exist in an oppressively male-dominated world.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

The word empowerment means that a person uses their skills, their position of power, and other assets to freely support and empower another person who, for whatever reason, does not have access to the aforementioned privileges.

Immacolata “Imma” Giocoli

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mmacolata Giocoli is a broker with REBNY/Tyler Vincent Real Estate.

A born and bred New Yorker, Imma began her career in real estate out of a passion to help others. For her, success is not the amount of money in the bank, but the amount of people she’s able to assist in making their dreams come true or maximizing their investments. Whether her clients are outgrowing a small apartment, looking to downsize from a large house, or searching for an investment property or commercial space, Imma guides them through the process with professionalism, transparency, and an unerring eye for detail. Before becoming a broker, Imma spent 20 years in the travel industry. Her extensive knowledge of

CNE, SRS,CCS,CPM Broker | REBNY/Tyler Vincent Real Estate

Brooklyn as well as all five boroughs and surrounding areas of New York City, from Hell’s Kitchen to the Hampton Bays makes her the consummate realtor.

How did you get started in your field/industry?

I was licensed back in 2002. I had a deep desire to learn all I could about the industry. I wanted to share that knowledge and assist people with the largest purchase of their lives.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The largest obstacle was overcoming

objections and learning to work with many unethical people and situations. As a highly sensitive entrepreneur, that was the hardest obstacle for me.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

The biggest challenges women face today is themselves. There is nothing we can’t do or overcome. History has proven that already.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

The word empowerment means having a gift that you can pass on to others. www.tylervincentrealestate.com

Physical Scientist | United States Army Criminal Diatra (Dede) L. Mason Supervisory Investigation Division (USACID) Forensic Exploitation

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ith over 30 years of experience, Diatra (Dede) L. Mason is a supervisory physical scientist with USACID FXD, which is the premier forensic center for the U.S. Department of Defense, delivering full-spectrum world-class forensic services around the globe and across the range of military operations.

Dede earned a B.S. in Chemistry from Illinois College in 1986. After working as an analytical chemist in the private sector for several years, she decided to use her science background to specialize in forensic science. In 1995,

Jennifer L. Brewer

Human Resource Manager Bass Pro Cabela’s Distribution Center

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ith over 16 years’ of experience, Jennifer L. Brewer is a human resource manager with Bass Pro Cabela’s Distribution Center based in Ohio. Jennifer earned a B.S. and M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix. In her current role, she serves as a lead specialist and is responsible for recruiting and payroll. Jennifer enjoys mentoring, coaching softball, music, and being with her family. www.bassproboatingcenters.com

she began her training and career as a latent print examiner with the Illinois State Police.

In 2009, Dede was approached by a recruiter looking for latent print examiners that would be interested in battlefield forensics. She signed on the dotted line and has since been applying her skill set in support of the US Military. Dede enjoys being with family and friends, swimming, reading, and political activism.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge I have faced since transitioning from a law en-

Department forcement application of forensics(FXD) to a military/intelligence application has been the frequent deployments to the Middle East. I have done around 20 deployments at various locations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. The environments were often more austere than others as was the threat of Indirect Fire (IDF). The long hours, threats from insurgents, and time away from my loved ones has been challenging.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means taking on challenges even when afraid. There is nothing wrong with being afraid or unsure of yourself if you don’t let it control your personal journey.

Therapist | Emages Teresa B. Moore CounselingOwner, and Advocacy Services

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r. Teresa B. Moore is a therapist and the owner of Emages Counseling and Advocacy Services. She earned a Ph.D. in Religious Education from Destiny Christian University in 2017, an M.A. in Counseling from Sienna Heights University in 2009, and a B.A. in Health and Human Services from Baker College in 2007. She develops and facilitates small group counseling sessions for women to help examine the inward self. Dr. Moore assists her clients with taking ownership of those things revealed and with making appropriate changes. She helps people in crisis develop tools to navigate daily tasks and provides mental health services and therapy for individuals with anxiety, depression and mood disorders. She also owns a catering company called Fannie

Bees and is the founder of Rescued, Restored, and Ready.

Dr. Moore belongs to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the American Counseling Association, and the American Psychology Association. Her published works include “Overcoming the Enemy’s Plan,” “Recrowning God’s Daughters: An Anthology,” “Living And Loving Life Without Regrets,” “Awakened to Win: 30 Affirmations to Jumpstart Your Day,” “Gathering the Fragments,” and “In Search of my Father.” In her spare time she enjoys cooking and traveling. drteresamoore.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 77

Susanna Smith

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usanna Smith is a life coach with her own business. She received a B.A. in Healthcare and Business Management from Montclair State University.

Susanna motivates individuals to improve their emotional health. She belongs to the International Guild of Professional Life Coaches and Gloucester City Sail. In her spare time, Susanna enjoys sailing and dancing.

How did you get started in your field/ industry?

I got started in my industry simply by having a conversation with a stranger on a trip to Barnes and Noble.

Life Coach What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

The biggest challenge I faced was the fight to be hired and respected in jobs and careers that were significantly male-dominated. Although I began my journey to be a lifeguard on the ocean at the Jersey Shore at the age of 17, it took me to till the age of 24 to break through and open the door for female lifeguards on the ocean beaches of New Jersey.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Women in the corporate world still

Stephanie R. Cavender

Abby Engelman Realtor, Transaction Coordinator | Friedrich Iowa Realty

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bby Engelman is a Realtor and transaction coordinator with Friedrich Iowa Realty. With over seven years of experience, she has done everything from buying and selling real estate, office administration, and facilitating transactions for agents and clients alike.

Lucia A. Kulp

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ucia A. Kulp is a branch office administrator with Edward Jones.

She is responsible for general administrative duties, management of the branch office, retirement planning, and providing a variety of financial services for their clientele. Lucia received an A.S. from Lewis and Clark Community College. She enjoys reading, traveling, and religious studies.

How did you get started in your field/ Industry?

I have always had an interest in business and investing. My best friend’s grandfather was the president of a bank and is the reason I became interested in the finance field. I care about helping people and making an impact, and this

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feel the need to dress and act a certain way to be taken seriously by their male counterparts. As someone who broke the hiring barrier for women in multiple job arenas through life, I would say that the secret to success and acceptance is to be confident, strong, and independent.

Never shy away from asking for help, guidance, or direction from the right people. Those are the men who will become invaluable mentors throughout your career. They will become your biggest supporters and cheerleaders.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment is having the confidence to stand up to the world and help change it for the better.

She earned an A.A. in Culinary Arts from Des Moines Area Community College in 2016. Abby enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, discovering new restaurants, playing intramural volleyball, and lounging with her dog, Mia. www.engelmanteam.com

Realtor | Highley Blessed Realty

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tephanie R. Cavender is a Realtor with Highley Blessed Realty.

With over 12 years’ experience, Stephanie specializes in residential and commercial properties as well as land sales. She is a member of the B.N.I. and N.A.R. and was voted Best In The Valley. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys church activities, helping addicts, hiking, and singing. highleyblessed.com

Branch Office Administrator | Edward Jones career allows me to do that.

What are some of the biggest challenges/obstacles you faced in your career?

I haven’t had many obstacles since starting with Edward Jones. There are so many empowering women here at this company, including my managing partner and the wife of my financial advisor. I am surrounded by individuals who are supportive of women in high positions.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

It would be nice to see a female president in this nation for starters. Some of the challenges I see that many women face in today’s world include our economy, access to equal opportunities at a global level, navigating career and motherhood, trying to get rid of misogynistic agendas worldwide, etc.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

It means freedom and promoting women’s sense of self-worth, while lifting them up and encouraging them to become anything they want to be. Power is to stand strong and pass it on. We are all unique and we are all qualified to bring value to this world. www.edwardjones.com

M

Dean of Students | American Youth Academy

anar E. Ettayem is an accomplished Middle Eastern and Muslim American woman leader with a passion for driving positive change and empowering individuals. With over 17 years of experience in higher education leadership and financial services, she has made a significant impact in her various roles.

Throughout her career, Manar has held key leadership positions, including regional director of student finance, director of operations, dean of students, and biology professor. As a regional director of student finance, she adeptly navigated the complexities of financial systems, ensuring compliance and financial stability within educational institutions. In her role as director of operations, she displayed exceptional man-

agerial skills, overseeing multiple sites, driving sales, enhancing enrollment, and streamlining operations.

As dean of students, Manar fostered inclusive environments, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. She cultivated a sense of belonging, empowering students to thrive academically and personally. Additionally, her passion for biology and commitment to education shone through her role as a biology professor, where she inspired students and instilled a love for scientific exploration.

Beyond her professional achievements, Manar’s dedication to academic excellence earned her membership in Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society. Her outstanding academic performance was recognized with an honorary award, further highlighting her commitment to excellence. She also received the Woman in Leadership Scholarship Award.

In her spare time, Manar enjoys being with her family, travel, and shopping. www.ayatampa.org

Dorotha Graham Cicchinelli

D

orotha Graham Cicchinelli is the founder, owner, and executive director of Colorado Pregnancy and Newborn Loss Services based in Parker, Colorado. With over 40 years of experience, Dorotha works with women and families who are suffering from the loss of a child. She earned a B.S.W. and an M.A. in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. She is also ASPO Certified. Dorotha has published articles.

She belongs to the Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance. In her spare time, Dorotha enjoys singing and being with her family.

What do you feel are some of the biggest challenges that women face today?

Founder, Owner, Executive Director | Colorado Pregnancy and Newborn Loss Services

With Rowe v Wade being overturned in the Supreme court, women are not judged with emotional feelings regarding consequences facing termination, genetic problems, or being educated on the management of birth control.

Women are still being treated like second or third class citizens without minds of their own. Women of child bearing and very young ages are made to suffer things they don’t even know about. As women who are blessed with choice, we need to step up and fight this antiquated attitude against women

Tammy W. Owens

T

ammy W. Owens is the senior advisor for product strategy with Express Scripts Home Delivery. With over 19 years of experience, Tammy is a strong facilitator and problem solver. She is responsible for the creation and development of new products for pharmacy home delivery. She is experienced in healthcare operations, compliance, risk, and auditing. Tammy is an expert influencer who has the ability to bring all parties together to ensure success. She has been a guest speaker at the RISE conference speaking about CMS audits, as Medicare is one of her areas

Month

WOMEN OF THE

Manar E. Ettayem

to save them from some of the world’s cruelty and disrespect, especially here in the U.S. What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Empowerment means standing up for causes that are important to humanity and especially for women. We are living in a young country compared to other countries of the world. Our forefathers fought for our independence and our democracy. As empowered women and men we need to defend those that are underserved in our country before we as citizens are forced to lose control of our democracy. www.pregnancyloss.org

Senior Advisor, Product Strategy Express Scripts of expertise. She earned a B.B.A. in Management and Economics from the University of Kentucky, and an M.B.A. with honors from Strayer University in 2022.

What do you do to escape and recharge, even for a few hours?

I schedule 30 minutes each day to step away from my computer and try to focus on something other than work.

This allows me time to think of things that are not work related and gives me time to clear my mind and then start fresh. I have a 14 year old daughter who keeps me very busy with her activities. It is a joy to spend

time with her and focus on the things that are truly important in life.

What advice has helped you get to the next level?

Know what you are talking about.

Don’t accept ‘no’ for an answer. Build and cultivate relationships; support and build up other people; look at the long term plan.

What does the word empowerment mean to you?

Power means being able to chart my own course. It means having the freedom to make the decisions that I believe need to be made, and to see those decisions through to the end. www.humana.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 79

Janet A. DeMaria Skadoosie APPAREL/FASHION

Owner

Placerville, CA

Terri A. Vano Vano Fine Art Appraisal ART APPRAISAL

Art Appraiser

Black Mountain, NC

Dr. Pam Gumbs United Pharmacy PHARMACEUTICALS

Judy L. Cornelison

CEO

Berkeley, CA

Angela M. Hunt Trinity Glen HEALTHCARE

Staff Development Coordinator Winston-Salem, NC

County of Burnett GOVERNMENT

Fiscal Manager Burnett, WI

Cyndy L. Brown Kottke Trucking TRANSPORTATION

Truck Driver

Buffalo Lake, MN

Kristen M. Toepfer Kristen M. Toepfer NONPROFIT

Stroke & Aphasia Advocate Hackettstown, NJ

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RN, Legal Nurse Consultant Marble, NC

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RL Morgan Business Strategies, LLC CONSULTING

Owner

Phoenix, AZ

Armor Keller Armor Keller’s Studio ART

Fine Artist

Doylsestown, PA

Nancy Meyer-Adams Jamille Mitchell Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis NONPROFIT

Senior Job Developer St. Louis, MO

80 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

California State University- Long Beach EDUCATION

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Waterloo Community School District EDUCATION

Lead Teacher Waterloo, IA

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Owner

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VIPs

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Freezcake FOOD

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Owner

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Hollywood, CA

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Jackson Elite Professionals LLC HEALTHCARE

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P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 81

Fall Recipes Sweet Stuffing

By Syndi Reibman

Roast Chicken With Vegetables

Ingredients 1 large roasting chicken (4-6 lbs) 3 Tbsp. olive oil Paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley 1 large orange 1 lemon

1 entire head of garlic, sliced in half (side to side, not top to bottom) 3 onions 3-4 carrots 6 large Yukon Gold potatoes

Directions Empty the cavity of the chicken and rinse very well inside and out.

Pat dry with paper towels. Set aside to dry for a few minutes.

Wash and slice orange and lemon in quarters. Cut the entire head of garlic in half from side to side. Season the inside of the chicken with salt and pepper. Stuff with the orange, lemon, and garlic.

Preheat oven to 400°.

Peel and dice the onion in large chunks. Peel and cut carrots in large chunks. Peel and cut potatoes into the same size as the carrots.

Place vegetables in large, deep baking dish and scatter. Place chicken on top of vegetables. Rub olive oil all over chicken and season with spices liberally.

Cover and roast about an hour and a half (15 minutes per pound) until a thermometer in thigh registers 165°. Remove foil the last 20 minutes so it gets nice and brown.

Remove chicken to cutting board, tent with foil, and allow to rest for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, place dish with vegetables back into the oven, season with a little salt and pepper, and continue roasting for 20 more minutes while chicken rests.

Remove vegetables to a large platter. Remove oranges, lemon, and garlic from chicken and discard. Carve chicken and place on top of vegetables. Serve with stuffing.

82 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Ingredients

2 boxes chicken flavored stuffing mix 1 lb. button mushrooms, sliced 2 stalks celery, diced 3 apples (Golden Delicious or Gala) 1 cup dried apricots (diced) 1 cup raisins 2 yellow onions, diced 3 Tbsp. olive oil (for sautéing) 1 cube or tspn. chicken bouillon 2 cups hot water

Directions

Begin by prepping all the ingredients.

Clean and slice mushrooms; clean and dice celery; peel, core, and cube apples; dice the apricots; and dice the onions. Keep fruit and vegetables separate. Measure out the raisins.

In large frying pan, heat oil to medium and add onions, mushrooms, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 10 minutes. Add apples, apricots, and raisins. Mix well. Add bouillon and hot water. Bring to a simmer, then turn heat off.

Preheat oven to 375°.

In very large bowl, empty stuffing mix.

Pour mixture over stuffing and mix. If it seems dry, add hot water half a cup at a time until it is moist, but not soaking wet.

Pour stuffing into deep casserole dish, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes. ** If you want to have a pretty presentation, add 1 beaten egg to the mixture, generously grease a Bundt pan, and pour mixture into Bundt, pressing lightly with spatula for an even top (bottom when flipped).

Bake for an hour. Remove and allow to cool for 15 minutes before carefully flipping onto a large platter. Slice into 2” slices. You can place a pretty glass or mason jar in the center for gravy.

Apple Pie Cookies Special Thanks: Spaceships and Laserbeams spaceshipsandlaserbeams.com/apple-pie-cookies/

Shrimp and Chicken Fajita

Ingredients

2 lbs. colossal or jumbo shrimp 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs 3 peppers (orange, yellow, red) 3 large yellow onions ½ cup fajita seasoning Olive oil

Serve with

Flour tortillas Salsa Sour cream Shredded cheddar cheese Guacamole Shredded lettuce Tortilla chips

Directions

Peel and devein shrimp. Rinse and pat dry. In large bowl, drizzle shrimp with a little olive oil and 2 Tbsp. of fajita seasoning. Mix and put in refrigerator.

Slice the chicken thighs into thin slices. In a separate bowl, drizzle chicken with olive oil and 2 Tsp. fajita seasoning. Mix well. Scatter chicken on large tin foil-lined baking sheet.

Preheat oven to 425.

Cut peppers and onions into ½” strips. Place on same baking sheet with chicken and mix. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and fajita seasoning, mix well, and roast for 45 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes.

After 45 minutes, make sure chicken is cooked (no longer pink), remove from oven and place chicken and vegetables in serving dish.

In a large non-stick frying pan, heat a little olive oil on medium-high heat. Cook shrimp 2 ½ minutes per side till no longer pink. Add to chicken and vegetables, mix well and serve.

Pumpkin Pecan Loaf Ingredients

3 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 2 ½ cup sugar 2 tspn. baking soda 1 ½ tspn. salt 1 tspn. cinnamon 1 tspn. nutmeg 1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs, lightly beaten 2/3 cup water ¾ cup chopped pecans ½ tspn. vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze:

¼ cup butter ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup packed brown sugar ¼ cup whipping cream 2/3 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tspn. vanilla extract

By Geri Shumer

Directions In large bowl, combine first six ingredients and mix well. In separate bowl combine pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and vanilla. Mix well and stir into dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in the pecans.

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease two 9” x 5” loaf pans. Divide batter into both. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack.

For glaze: combine butter, sugars and cream in saucepan. Cook until sugar is dissolved completely. Cool for 20 minutes. Stir in confectioners’ sugar and vanilla until smooth.

Drizzle glaze over cooled loaves.

Ingredients 21 ounces canned apple pie filling 1 package refrigerated pie crust, 2 rolls in box, thawed per directions on the box ½ cup salted caramel sauce 1 egg, beaten 1 tspn. water ¼ tspn. cinnamon ¼ cup sugar ¼ tspn. nutmeg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the apple pie filling onto a cutting board and cut the apples into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Place a silicone baking sheet onto a cookie sheet.

Roll out one of the pie crusts onto the silicone sheet.

Spread the salted caramel sauce from edge to edge on the pie crust dough.

Top with the chopped apple pie filling and spread edge to edge.

Set aside.

On a cutting board, roll out the second piece of pie crust. Using a pizza cutter and a ruler slice the dough into ¼-inch strips (or eyeball it!). Using these strips, make a lattice crust on top of the apple pie filling crust. You can also just lay some strips vertical and then horizontal if lattice work is not your thing.

Using a 2¾-inch circle cutter, cut out circles for the cookies leaving a little space in between them. Remove the extra dough from around the cookies and just leave the cookies in place on the silicone baking sheet to bake.

Brush cookies with egg wash.

Mix cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg together and sprinkle on top of the cookies.

Place cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 83

E M P O W E R E D Abby Engelman

Antonella Z. Marcks

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OWNER

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One Hope Wines

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RETIRED EDUCATOR, ARTIST, AUTHOR, POET, EDUCATOR

JCH Signing Services

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Optum

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Jodi Riley Consulting LLC BUSINESS OWNER

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Melaleuca

ASSOCIATE

Sharyn A. Camarato

Home Managing Solutions OWNER, HOME MANAGER

Sheana Firth

Rita P. O’Malley

Breakaway Graphics

Rita O’Malley

EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST/PH.D.

Rochelle S. Witherspoon LMI

SENIOR BUSINESS ANALYST

OWNER

Sherese L. Green

Newark Public Schools

ART EDUCATOR, FINE ARTIST

Shirley Reul

Life Happy Healthy Life FOUNDER

Psychic Teaz

ENTREPRENEUR

Susanna Smith Susanna Smith LIFE COACH

Tammy R. Westerman Center for Life

TRAUMA THERAPIST

Tawnya Raistrick

THERAPIST

Terryl Ann Reed Therese Herrero

Sonia Diaz PHYSICIAN

Sophie Armstrong

Sarah M. Hunter

PUBLIC RELATIONS

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Stephanie Thomas

Sophie Armstrong

Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop GENERAL MANAGER

Stephanie “Amma” Young Freelancer

EDUCATOR 88 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine

Emages Counseling and Advocacy Services

EDUCATOR

Sonia Diaz, DO, MPH, LLC

Newport Academy Health

CEO

Western States Trail Museum

STUDENT SERVICES ADVISOR

DIRECTOR, NATIONAL ACCOUNTS

Susan Lautner

Shirley A. McCou Barlow Morris Brown College

DIRECTOR

Sarah S. Davis

ARTIST

Teresa B. Moore

Caring Hearts

Rise Baking Company

Lascellesart

LIFE COACH

Sheryl Jackson-Cox

Rosalind Woodson

Wayne County Community College District

Susan Lascelles

Foothills Physical Therapy

CLINICAL PRACTICE AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Ruth A. Opalewski

All Under One Woof

Sheryl Jackson-Cox

Rosalie Griffith

University of Maryland Health System

Old Dominion University

VICE PRESIDENT

Coldwell Banker

LICENSED REALTOR

Tiffany Griffin Freelancer

DIGITAL LEADER

Tiffany S. Moore

Moore Affordable Credit CEO

Tina Gray

Compasssionate Warriors, Inc OWNER

Newport News Public Schools

Tracy Lee Harrington

SINGER, SONGWRITER, PRODUCER

Trudina Patterson Trudscreation MINISTRY

Twila LePage-Hughes Southbay Republican Women PROGRAM CHAIR/VP

Tyra A. Sphar

Sphar Enterprises

OWNER, COUNSELOR

Uzma A. Chaudhry

Uzma A. Chaudhry, M.D. PHYSICIAN

Valerie Miller

Bold Profits Solutions BUSINESS OWNER

Valerie J. Thomas Citi Premise Health

MEDICAL ASSISTANT

Vickie Rucker

Scarred But Healed Counseling COUNSELOR

Victory Edmond VeePee Market CEO

Wanda S. Keele Provision Ministry

PASTOR, ADMINISTRATOR

Maureen Tara Nelson Matchmaker, Owner

M

aureen Tara Nelson started her career in matchmaking 22 years ago, working for four different companies.

It was primarily a male-dominated business at the time. She learned the business of matchmaking inside and out and saw where things could be improved.

Maureen knew she had to do something to raise the bar in the matchmaking industry, so she opened MTN Matchmaking over 20 years ago. She started with nothing but a dream of providing singles with the highest level of quality service that didn’t exist.

Now, MTN Matchmaking has 3,000 of the finest singles on Long Island, over 1,000 marriages, thousands of success stories, and is the only Executive-Level Certified Matchmaking service on Long Island for the past 20 years.

In addition to Maureen’s care for each individual client and her ability to make the experience so personal, making all clients feel like family, she also runs a contest annually during breast cancer awareness month in October, called “Finding Love at MTN Matchmaking after Kissing Breast Cancer Goodbye.”

Maureen also offers free dating advice to breast cancer survivors all year long, as well as supporting breast

cancer charities across LI. For the past nine years, she has given inspirational posts on social media everyday in October to spread awareness and love for everyone affected by breast cancer. She has devoted her life to being the best mom to her kids, and the best matchmaker on Long Island. Her kids are now 26 and 28, and are successful in their own careers.

MTN Matchmaking is now national, taking on clients across the country, with their national office in Myrtle Beach. Maureen and her team divide their time between the Melville and Myrtle Beach offices. mtnmatchmaking.com

P.O.W.E.R. Magazine | 89

Find Love This Fall

Long Island’s Only Executive Level Executive Matchmaker 3,000 + Clients • 22 Years Experience Over 1,000 Success Stories As Seen on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX Five, HBO, A&E, Channel 11, News 12, Radio and Off Broadway 2023 Bethpage Best of LI Dating Service

Call Today for Our Special Fall Discount (516) 444-2861 | (631) 577-7940 mtnmatchmaking.com Interview personally with owner Maureen Tara Nelson 90 | P.O.W.E.R. Magazine either through FaceTime or in our Melville office