40 under 40 2024_02_02 by The Island 360

A BLANK SLATE MEDIA SPECIAL SECTION | FEBRUARY 2, 2024 PHOTO BOOTH SPONSOR

S2 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

It is with great pride that Glen Cove Hospital

Celebrates

Chief Nursing Officer Theresa Dillman, DNP, MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC as one of

Blank Slate Media’s 40 Under 40

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

Congratulations LAWRENCE LESSING

Lessing’s Hospitality Group Congratulates Blank Slate’s 40 Under 40 Award Recipient

Lawrence Lessing

Congratulations To All Of The Recipients LES S INGS .C O M

S4 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

EVENT HOST

ntoinette Biordi is a 4x Emmy-Awardwinning reporter and anchor for News 12 Long Island. She has been a TV Reporter since 1997. Antoinette began her career as a “one man band reporter” producing, shooting, writing and editing daily stories for News Center 7 in Ithaca, NY. Then in 1998, she moved on to work as reporter/anchor for WETM (NBC) in Elmira, N.Y. In 1999 Antoinette worked at WNYT (NBC) in Albany, N.Y., and FOX 23 News in Albany. After 5 years in upstate New York, she jumped at the chance to

be closer to home and began working as a freelance news reporter at News 12 Long Island before working full time at News 12 Westchester in 2003. In 2007 she earned her ﬁrst New York Emmy Award in the category of Sports Coverage for a series called “More than Just a Game”. It was an inspiring story about physically challenged children who despite their limitations were able to beat the odds and excel in the Special Olympics. She also received two Emmy Nominations, one in the category of “Writing Composite” and the other for a piece about adults who were physically challenged but overcame their deepest fear of the water in or-

der to steer and control a sailboat on the Hudson River. During her time at News 12 Westchester, she also worked on a series called “Wasted Youth” where she went undercover with police as they busted an underage drinking party. As the story progressed, undercover surveillance video discovered that several convenience stores were selling beer to underage kids. A year later she did a series called “Westchester Teens: Life in the Fast Lane” where she exposed parents who were hosting underage drinking parties for their own kids and their friends. The drinking epidemic continued the next year in a series called “When Mommy Drives Drunk” as she found dozens of mothers were driving drunk with their own kids in the car. Those series combined with her daily stories won her several distinguished awards including Edward R. Murrow Awards, Deadline Club Awards, New York Press Club, AP award, AEGIS award, Gold Aurora Awards, New York Festivals, Telly Award and a Videographer Award. In 2010 Antoinette transitioned

to News 12 Long Island where she is now a weekday reporter and weekend anchor. During Superstorm Sandy in 2012 she not only reported on the devastation of many South Shore communities that had been ravaged by the storm surge, but she also had the difficult task of telling countless heart wrenching stories of survival and how many communities started to rebuild. Since then, Antoinette has reported on everything from court cases, crime, community issues, societal concerns, health and wellness, to heart warming profile stories about the resiliency and tenacity of Long Islanders. In 2017 Antoinette won her 2nd NY Emmy after she did a twopart series about “Wiccan” a growing religion in New York that featured practicing witchcraft on Long Island. In 2020 during the pandemic, Antoinette continued to go out into the field and report on coronavirus cases, and how Covid changed all of our lives. Two months into the pandemic, she started a series called “We’re Open” that highlighted businesses on

Long Island that were forced to pivot to our new normal. Seeing the need to put a spotlight on these businesses earned her another NY Emmy Award. Antoinette has been a positive force in business by also representing News 12 at countless community events that have enhanced our connections with Long Islanders. In 2022, Antoinette earned her 4th Emmy in the category of Business and Consumer News for a series called “Road Trip Close to Home” that features fun and entertaining places to go and things to do in the tri-state area. Antoinette was born in Brooklyn, moved to Corona Queens and then moved to Nassau County, Long Island. She continues to live in Nassau with her husband, son, and her dog Pepper. In her spare time she teaches Spin and Bootcamp classes, is a certiﬁed health and wellness coach, loves to read, travel, workout, cook, make her homemade wine, take pictures and play several musical instruments including the accordion.

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

FROM THE EDITOR AND PUBLISHER

If, as they say, the future belongs to the young then the 40 people under 40 who Blank Slate Media is honoring should instill confidence in all of us who live or work in Nassau County. The 40 that we have selected have achieved success in a wide range of fields and hold many different positions. But they are united by their education, imagination to create and commitment to others in this community. They will need these qualities at a time when the world faces unprecedented change and unprecedented challenges from political upheaval to climate change. The advent of artificial intelligence is poised to reshape the world in ways we can’t imagine but will soon experience. These changes hold the possibility of great good and great harm. It will be up to our leaders in government and business to determine which. Having grown up in a time of great technological change, our 40 under 40 are well positioned to adapt to the new changes ahead of us and hopefully steer them in the right position. They are already working hard to change policy, support the less fortunate, advocate for your health, fight for your rights and help build a better Nassau County. I can appreciate the challenges that lie ahead for our honorees,, having begun as a young reporter working on an electric typewriter in 1974.

I soon graduated to a main frame computer at the Daily Record in Morristown, N.J. shortly after stories from two reporters at the Washington Post helped bring down a corrupt president. At the time, daily newspapers were flourishing across the country. I would later move on to the Post-Standard in Syracuse and the Kansas City Star, where I received state and national awards as well as a Pulitzer Prize-nomination for investigative stories on political corruption and wrongdoing by bankers and developers. Having had success as a reporter and editor and seeing a need in the community, I decided at age 37 to purchase three weekly newspapers in Queens believing that good journalism would be good business. I would grow the group to 16 award-winning papers covering all of Queens. And then sell them News Corp. in 2006. By then, the internet had dramatically changed the media landscape, forcing many daily and weekly newspapers to close – sadly a trend that continues to this day. Undeterred, I would start all over by purchasing the Great Neck News, the New Hyde Park Herald Courier and the Williston Times. But to succeed I had to make changes. This included operating in the cloud, an active website that allowed us to publish daily as well as weekly, a partnership with the Hearst Corp. to allow us offer a full range of digital services and events like the one we are hosting to honor this group. In short, I learned that to succeed you need to be open-minded and willing to learn new things, to not be afraid of the unknown and to always look ahead without being stopped by the inevitable mistakes you will make. That’s what I see in Blank Slate Media’s 40 under 40. A group of passionate people who have invested in their careers without compromising their standards and values. The stories of who they are and what they have accomplished, in and out of the work place, are found in this special section. I hope their talent, drive and commitment to excellence will inspire confidence that the future of Nassau County is bright. I offer my congratulations to all the honorees for recognition that is well deserved.

BlankSlate MEDIA,LLC

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Steven Blank

OFFICE MANAGER Holly Blank

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Rosemarie Palacios

OFFICE ASSISTANT Carol Marcus

DESIGNER

REPORTER Cameryn Oakes

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

MARKETING DIRECTOR Sue Tabakin

ART DIRECTOR Yvonne Farley

Lorens Morris Debbie Flynn Barbara Kaplan Wendy Kates Stacy Shaughnessy Melissa Spitalnick

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WordHampton PR congratulates ASHLEY LYNCH on being named to the 2024 Blank Media 40 Under 40 List!

wordhampton.com | 631.329.0050 |

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER

tacey I. Sikes is an experienced leader of innovative programs in business, government, the non-proﬁt sector, and higher education. She serves as the vice president of Government Aﬀairs and Communications for the Long Island Association, the leading business organization in the region that supports Long Island’s economic growth. At the LIA, she is the primary advocate for its legislative agenda, manages the Membership Department, coordinates the work of the member Board Committees, and oversees the organization’s press and digital communications. Stacey previously served as the executive dean of Entrepreneurship and Business Development at Hofstra University, where she supervised the globally recognized Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Scott Skodnek Business Development Center. Under her leadership, Hofstra was the only organization in New York State to receive a 2021 U.S.

CONGRATULATIONS ALLISON STORCK

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Small Business Administration Labto-Market award for its efforts to support a diverse population of entrepreneurs during the pandemic. In 2022 Stacey was elected Chair of the Board of Accelerate Long Island, a non-profit collaboration among Long Island’s research and academic institutions and business community to support the growth of high-tech startup companies, and previously served as its Assistant Executive Director. Stacey has served as a speaker on several Newsday panels offering advice to businesses navigating the economic challenges presented by COVID-19. She has been honored by regional and national non-profit organizations, including Girls Inc. of Long Island; the Urban League of Long Island; the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives as a 40 Under 40 Executive. She has also been recognized by many regional media outlets including Blank Slate Media. She is a member of the 2022 class of the Energeia

Partnership at Molloy University and is a volunteer in her community with Girl Scouts of Suﬀolk County, her school district, and church. Stacey’s career started in government, serving as deputy chief of staﬀ for Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko; director of special projects for Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi; and deputy regional representative for U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. She received her B.A. and M.A. in government and politics from St. John’s University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and also served as an adjunct instructor. Stacey lives in East Northport with her husband Rich and two daughters.

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Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

Congratulations

Samantha Stewart 2024 Blank Slate Media’s 40 Under 40 We congratulate Samantha for her dedication to serving Webster clients and her leadership in the business community.

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Webster Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender . Webster, Webster Bank, the Webster Bank logo, and the W symbol are trademarks of Webster Financial Corporation and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. © 2023 Webster Financial Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

S8 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

2024 HONOREE

azisha Ali-Silochan is currently the clinical director of nursing at the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, which is in New Hyde Park. The 527-bed non-proﬁt skilled nursing facility is located on the border of Nassau County and Queens County. Fazisha credits her career success with not only working hard, but also learning from the mentors she is fortunate to have in her life. This includes mentors at work and the support she ﬁnds from family. An immigrant from Trinidad and Tobago, Fazisha is married, and has two beautiful daughters, one who is age 12, and one who is age 8. Working at the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation has proven to be rewarding for Fazisha. For example, Parker has a mission

to provide, with compassion and dedication, superior quality health care and rehabilitation for adults. This is a mission that strongly resonates with Fazisha, who ﬁnds, in her role as clinical director of nursing, she is of service to the region’s most vulnerable population. In helping this population, primarily older adults, Fazisha takes part in Parker’s goal to foster and improve the skilled nursing facility’s programs and services, so that it continues to serve as a leader in health care delivery and education. Fazisha enjoys working at one of the New York metropolitan region’s largest skilled nursing facilities, where there is encouragement for career growth and team members receive training with an eye towards future leadership. As a nurse, Fazisha aims to make a diﬀerence in people’s lives, and does so for those at Parker, whether they are

there for Short Term Rehabilitation or Long Term Care. Fazisha ﬁrst became a nurse in 2016 with the goal of helping people. In her career, Fazisha has been quickly recognized for her talent as well as her work ethic. In the past seven years alone, she earned four promotions, from staﬀ nurse, nurse supervisor, nurse manager, associate director of nursing before becoming clinical director of nursing at the Parker Jewish Institute. What has enabled you to be successful? I am a team player and always strive to support my co-workers while managing up. I have always been an overachiever and people-pleaser. I have been very fortunate in my career with having great mentors that have helped guide me in achieving my goals, and with the support of my family, I have been able to be successful.

2024 HONOREE

arvin Amazan stands as a transformative force dedicated to fostering positive change and empowerment across Long Island and its neighboring areas. Born to Haitian immigrants and raised on Long Island, Marvin’s unwavering commitment to community development and creating opportunities has been the guiding force in his remarkable journey. Possessing a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set, Marvin

emerges as a seasoned professional in public affairs, marketing, and political strategy. His prowess is evident through his collaboration with numerous organizations, offering effective and impactful strategies. Marvin’s success extends to managing and leading various political campaigns and outreach initiatives in Nassau County, showcasing his ability to navigate the intricate political landscape with finesse. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Marvin is a dedicated community member actively engaged in driving social and economic progress. Serving on numer-

ous community boards, he leverages his adept relationship-building skills with influential stakeholders on Long Island, shaping a distinctive approach to community-building that ensures meaningful and impactful change. As the Founder and CEO of Amazan Strategies, Marvin heads a leading consulting company specializing in Public Affairs. Through his agency, he has played a pivotal role in empowering organizations and initiatives to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Marvin’s educational journey through SUNY Empire, Nassau Community College, and Ithaca College has finely honed his ability to bridge generational gaps. This educational background, combined with his extensive experience, positions Marvin as a transformative figure capable of turning neighborhoods into thriving communities. One of Marvin’s notable endeavors is the creation of Wolfpack United, an organization founded with a mission to uplift and empower diverse entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and creatives. Under Marvin’s leadership, Wolfpack United illustrates the power of collective effort, demonstrating how caring and collaboration can drive

positive change. “Every one of us has the power to change our neighborhoods into communities. We just have to care a little.” This guiding principle embodies Marvin’s steadfast commitment to creating positive change and making a tangible difference in the lives of those he serves. What has enabled you to be successful? My success is a culmination of various factors, each contributing to my journey as a dedicated social entrepreneur and public affairs strategist. First and foremost, my unwavering dedication to the work I do has been a driving force. I am committed to ensuring that every endeavor I undertake has a tangible connection to making a positive impact on the world. In the realm of public affairs and outreach, my success is rooted in a grassroots approach. I believe in going to the people where they are in need, meeting stakeholders on their terms, and truly understanding their needs and desires. This enables me to effectively communicate these insights to my clients, demonstrating how their goals align with the needs of the community. Growing up in a Haitian household has instilled in me discipline, strong values, and a motivation to

not only succeed for myself but to uplift others as well. This cultural foundation, combined with my background in scholastic wrestling, has molded my dedication and instilled a resilient mindset that propels me in my work. I possess a unique ability to connect with people, meeting them both in conversation and physically, bridging gaps and fostering genuine understanding. A pivotal mantra in my life is “rise and grind.” This mindset permeates every aspect, from work to social interactions and relationships. It represents a relentless and progressive force, urging me to approach each day with determination and a forward-thinking attitude. This mindset is crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship and the dynamic field of public affairs. In essence, my success is a result of a multifaceted approach that combines dedication, cultural values, a strong mindset, and a commitment to making a positive impact. As a social entrepreneur and public affairs strategist, these qualities enable me to navigate complexities, connect with people authentically, and drive meaningful change in the communities I serve.

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

2024 HONOREE

meline M. Aviki, MD, MBA, is a nationally recognized leader known for innovations in delivering cancer care, holds two critical roles at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center: she serves as both a gynecologic oncologist who sees and treats patients across Long Island — including in Mineola and Patchogue — and as medical director of network integration and strategy for the

cancer center. As clinical assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine, Dr. Aviki specializes in radical cytoreductive surgery, robotic surgery, fertilitysparing surgery, risk-reducing surgery, and prescribing chemotherapy for patients with ovarian, endometrial, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. That clinical excellence meets

strategy acumen in the role of medical director of network integration and strategy, where Dr. Aviki works to advance network expansion, integration, and operations. Perlmutter Cancer Center has made a series of strategic investments in improving cancer care outcomes for patients who live on Long Island, as well as in Brooklyn and Queens, by bringing world-class cancer specialists and innovative programs to those communities. She partners with cancer center leadership and with members of the community to fulﬁll Perlmutter Cancer Center’s mission to provide world-leading cancer care closer to home. Before joining NYU Langone, Dr. Aviki was nationally recognized for innovation in providing cancer care and was named one of the “40 under 40 in Cancer” by the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, she founded and led the Aﬀordability Working Group, where she and a multidisciplinary team conducted a three-cycle Plan-

CongratulationstoourFounder&CEO

JacobDixon

forbeingnamed oneof2024BlankSlateMedia's

40under40!

Your heart, passion, founding vision and commitment to working towards justice for children and families across Long Island is an inspiration to us all. On the behalf of the board of directors, team members, friends, supporters and the hundreds of youth and families you've impacted, Choice for All celebrates you!

Do-Study-Act process to develop, test, and implement a program to refer patients who had cancer and who were in financial need to a hospital-based financial assistance program. In short order, this innovation resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial aid reaching the patients in need. Dr. Aviki also led a study examining how dose-specific packaging of oral agents can inflict unnecessary costs on patients and their families. Dr. Aviki presented the study on lenvatinib, used for treatment of recurrent endometrial cancer, at The Society of Gynecologic Oncology annual meeting. In response, the pharmaceutical company, Eisai US, created an expanded dose-exchange program for all indications and doses of lenvatinib, eliminating the overspending. Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a hospital on Long Island. It offers a robust portfolio of clinical trials, including phase 1a

trials, so that patients have the ability to participate in novel lifesaving treatments in a way that is accessible, aﬀordable, and convenient. Dr. Aviki received her medical degree and master of business administration from Duke University. She completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency at the Harvard combined program at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, followed by a gynecologic oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She has written more than 70 articles in research publications and is on the editorial board for the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Oncology Practice. Castle Connolly named her a Rising Star in 2022 and 2023 and in its “Top Doctors” series for the New York metro area in 2022 and 2023. Dr. Aviki was recently elected to serve as Secretary-Treasurer of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, a national society focused on the comprehensive management of gynecologic cancers.

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2024 HONOREE

icole Barthelemy is an Audit Partner at Citrin Cooperman, one of the nation’s largest professional services ﬁrms. Nicole boasts a distinguished professional career, amassing over 15 years of experi-

ence in the realm of public accounting. Nicole has ascended the professional hierarchy, progressively garnering invaluable insights and skills. Her prolonged tenure in public accounting attests to a depth of knowledge that equips her to adeptly navigate intricate ﬁnancial land-

scapes, offering strategic counsel to clients, as well as the firm. In her role, Nicole provides an array of accounting, auditing, and tax services for clients throughout the real estate and hospitality industries. She works closely with real estate owners, managers, developers, and investors, as well as REITs, that are involved in a broad spectrum of properties — among them residential, commercial, retail, and shopping malls as well as properties under development. In the hospitality arena, she has a particular specialty in guiding clients in the food and beverage sector. Nicole is highly skilled in preparing and reviewing GAAP, income tax basis, and special purpose financial statements, reviewing partnership and corporate tax returns, performing certiorari filings and operating expenses, and real estate escalation audits. She develops tax projections for potential sales and purchases as well as determining the tax implications of various types of debt restructuring and like-kind exchanges, analyzes

new construction developments, and advises startups and growing businesses on tax planning and record keeping. Active in the Long Island business community, Nicole is a member of the Long Island Real Estate Group. Members include many of Long Island’s most influential real estate developers, owners and professionals who join together to support philanthropic organizations. On the professional side, she is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Beyond her professional commitments, Nicole actively contributes to her community by generously dedicating her time to charitable organizations. She has worked with Legal Outreach, a nonprofit benefitting urban youth from underserved communities in New York City, to educate high school students in their “Let’s Make a Deal” program. This program seeks to impart a foundational knowledge of the real estate industry through monthly ses-

sions and guest lecturers who introduce them to the inner workings of many real estate developers. Additionally, she helped raise money for The Safe Center, and played a pivotal role in the firm’s initiative of adopting families for the holiday season through the Family & Children’s Association. Finally, Nicole has actively volunteered and served as a speaker at Math Hits, an enlightening education program that focuses on STEM and social-emotional learning. In this capacity, she adeptly leverages students’ interests in sports and entertainment to infuse an element of enjoyment into the learning process. Her participation in these organizations exemplifies her commitment to social responsibility and underscores her proactive engagement in initiatives aimed at making a positive impact on the broader community. Nicole’s philanthropic endeavors reflect her dedication to fostering positive change beyond the realms of her professional responsibilities.

2024 HONOREE

ois Bladykas is a partner at Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., where she is a member of the firm’s Trusts & Estates Department, Estate, Trust and Fiduciary Litigation Practice Group and the Insurance and Insurance Litigation Practice Group. Lois’s practice focuses on estate, trust and fiduciary litigation, including all manner of Surrogate’s Court proceedings such as probate contests, accounting proceedings, discovery and turnover proceedings, will and trust construction proceedings, and other complex disputes between beneficiaries and fiduciaries. This includes related litigation in New York State Supreme Court and appeals to the Appellate Divisions and the Court of Appeals. In addition, Lois has experience representing clients in SCPA Article 17 and 17-A guardianship proceedings and Mental Hygiene Law Article 81 guardianship proceedings. Lois is qualified to serve as Guardian ad Litem in Surrogate’s Court, and as Court Evaluator and Counsel for Al-

leged Incapacitated Persons in Article 81 guardianship proceedings. A portion of Lois’s practice also involves defending professional liability claims against attorneys where estate and trust issues are involved. As a complement to her litigation practice, Lois has significant experience in estate administration, including handling probate and administration proceedings, preparing fiduciary accountings, and preparing federal and New York State estate tax returns, as well as estate planning matters. Lois is an active member of the New York State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Law Section, where she serves as Co-Chair of the Legislation & Government Relations Committee, and is a past Co-Chair of the Suffolk County Bar Association Surrogate’s Court Committee. Lois is a member of the New York State Bar Association Membership Committee, Nassau County Bar Association Surrogate’s Court Committee, and Suffolk County Estate Planning Council. Lois has written and co-written

many articles for the New York Law Journal and other publications concerning trusts and estates issues, is an update editor of the LexisNexis New York Practice Guide on Probate and Estate Administration, and was a recipient of the 2019 Long Island Business News, Leadership in Law Award in the Associate category. During law school, Lois was an Associate Managing Editor of the Brooklyn Law Review, as well as an active member of the Brooklyn Law School Moot Court Honor Society. She was a participant in the 2015 Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Vienna, Austria where her team was awarded Honorable Mention for their Respondent’s Brief. Lois is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.

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2024 HONOREE

hayna Blumenfeld, age 16, has lived her entire life in Port Washington. She has always been interested in the political landscape, and became actively engaged as early as 4th grade, when she started attending protests and rallies. Shayna ﬁrst became involved with Kyra’s Champions in August 2020, after hearing the founder of the organization speak about the tragic loss of her two-year-old

daughter to domestic violence. She was inspired to take action and immediately got to work on behalf of the mission: focusing on legislative initiatives on the state and federal levels to ensure children and their safety are top priorities in the family court system. The role of youth ambassador was created for Shayna after she successfully planned, promoted, and executed the organization’s ﬁrst Pinwheels in the Parks Event in April of 2021.

This now annual event aims to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month and Kyra’s birthday. In addition to planting 750 pinwheels in two parks, Kyra’s Champions distributes pinwheels for community members to display throughout Long Island. Shayna has devoted herself to spreading the word about the important work of Kyra’s Champions in many ways. She served as the emcee and facilitator at a rally in 2021, as well as a press conference for local news outlets and community members the following year. Shayna has been interviewed by Newsday, the Port Washington Patch, Manhasset Press, The Island Now, and The Island 360. She has appeared on Pix 11 News, News 12, and she is featured in articles on the New York State Senate and the Town of North Hempstead websites. She seizes every opportunity to speak out about legislative initiatives aimed at combating child abuse, and in the process, she has developed relationships with numerous local and state representatives.

In September of 2021, Shayna testiﬁed before the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Forensic Custody Evaluations. This came about as a result of the push for changes in NYS Family Court’s forensic evaluator training, giving Shayna the chance to speak about the real-world and tragic impact the lack of training has on child custody cases. Although it is uncommon for a teenager to testify, she did so because of her passion for the issue and her deep desire to create lasting change. Shayna was recognized with a Youth Community Stewardship award from the Town of North Hempstead for “exhibiting outstanding dedication to the local community and the residents of the town” in June of 2021. As a result of her work with Kyra’s Champions, Shayna has expanded the scope of her advocacy and leadership. In June of 2021, she received a full scholarship to attend Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within conference as one of 15 Youth Leaders. Additionally, she was nominated to join the National Women’s Political Caucus’ inaugural class of the

Young Women’s Leadership Network program. Collaborating with young leaders throughout the country has helped Shayna with her goal of putting Kyra’s Champions in the national spotlight. On the water, Shayna assumes a leadership position as a coxswain for the Port rowing varsity men’s team. She has been rowing since 7th grade, and as a freshman on the men’s team, became the 2nd varsity coxswain, bringing the boat to the 2022 Youth National Championship. The following year, she became the top varsity coxswain in the program. In addition, she has raced as a freshman, sophomore, and junior at the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston. Last summer, she led her team to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta. Her success in her sport is yet another example of the devotion, dedication, and commitment she brings to every endeavor. Shayna is eager to continue her efforts to make a lasting impact on the world.

2024 HONOREE

lex Calamia is an Emmy Award-winning, AMS certiﬁed, broadcast meteorologist for News 12 Long Island and the creator and host of the network’s Garden Guide segment.

In Garden Guide, he empowers people to grow a garden with tips that keep our local climate in mind. He is a native Long Islander and grew up with a passion for both plants and weather — so this is truly a dream job. When he was younger, Alex had

huge hopes that his dream job was out there waiting for him. Now, he thinks that’s underselling the value in the journey. He has spent his entire life gardening because it’s a safe space to think outside the box. He is growing hundreds of tropical plants in New York, and he’s constantly experimenting with new ﬂowers and fruits to test the garden limits in our climate. Sharing such a big piece of his life gives him an opportunity to make an authentic connection with our community and share so much more than a typical weather forecast. Before he started working for News 12, Alex worked his way up in the TV world in Florida and South Carolina. He realized very early in his career that he could use his platform as a meteorologist to also inspire people to grow beautiful, tasty gardens. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his garden segment in South Carolina really took oﬀ. He says, “Growing food gives

people a feeling of control during supply chain shortages, and plants can turn a home into a little piece of paradise. It was incredibly rewarding to give viewers the tools they needed to start such a rewarding hobby.” Alex started working with News12 Long Island in June 2022 and is so excited to share his passion for gardening with the place that inspired his love for plants. Alex is honored to have a platform to guide people through terrible weather and celebrate all the beautiful days we have on the island too. His favorite part of the job is meeting people around town and talking about the things they love about our lovely seasons on Long Island. He hopes that his work makes people appreciate nature a little more. What has enabled you to be successful? I was very lucky to have an incredible family who have encouraged and supported me all my life. My family and friends are the en-

tire foundation of my success. Everything I do is fueled by the gratitude I have for them and for the people who took a chance on me when I was very fresh in the industry. There were a lot of boxes I did not check oﬀ when I was applying for jobs early in my career. I had a degree in meteorology but I was not a natural on camera. Regardless, I gravitated toward a career in television because I wanted to provide a service for my community. I had many rejections from people who only saw my shortcomings, but others saw my work ethic and passion and they felt I had a space on their news team. I wake up every morning excited for work because I know I am here for a reason. It’s the feeling that fuels me and it’s why I approach my job with creativity and give every day my best.

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2024 HONOREE

AM|G was founded by Chief Executive Oﬃcer and Managing Partner, Sean M. Campbell. Mr. Campbell serves as the broker of record for the ﬁrm and spearheads development due diligence, along with private equity activities pre- and post-acquisition. Sean has comprehensive experience in the asset management, development and construction project management of Industrial, Commercial, Residential & Mixed-use properties. With the success of CAM|G, Sean is now launching his luxury residential development business Fore Developers, Inc. (4D). The mission of 4D is to provide a full-service real estate development, syndication and portfolio management platform for investors. 4D aims to capitalize on opportunities within real estate asset, space and capital markets by matching equity

placements with in-house expertise and due diligence. Through 4D’s platform investors will pool resources and share in the profits generated upon executing a 4D project. Sean is currently working on 4D’s pilot project here in the U.S., while simultaneously developing a 24-unit Luxury Villa Development in Jamaica, West Indies. As part of the 4D business model, Sean is working on technology that will streamline the development process, creating efficiencies across professional accounting, legal and financing disciplines. Prior to pursuing private equity endeavors, Sean held several management positions at Related Companies, L.P. within the Asset Management group at Hudson Yards, New York operating over $1+ billion in assets. Prior to operating the Hudson Yards campus – the largest development in U.S. history to date – Sean spent several years as a Project Manager for Cushman & Wake-

field in their Project & Development Services (PDS) division managing and executing commercial projects in New York and New Jersey. Mr. Campbell received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Thomas Jefferson University, and then subsequently received a Master of Science in Construction Management and an M.B.A with concentrations in Finance, Management and Entrepreneurship. Sean is a licensed real estate broker in the state of New York and a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He lives in Northport with his wife and three kids, who are the bedrock of his success.

2024 HONOREE

ead of marketing and internationally recognized marketing strategist, Sarah has spent over 15 years executing growth, marketing and business development strategies to professional service firms, non-profits and growing businesses. Perhaps best-known for jumpstarting her career with the accounting profession’s famous viral video sensations and strategic social media strategy, she now spends her time leading a talented team to execute various growth and marketing initiatives for the firm and its clients. Sarah’s key responsibilities include leadership, practice growth, brand management, go-to-market strategy, niche development, Pipeline management, ambassador advocacy, business development culture enrichment and more. Accounting Today has honored her as “Top 100 Most Influential People” in the accounting profession 2 years in a row and helped land her a spot as a hand-selected attendee at

the first-ever Forbes Under 30 Summit before reaching the age of 30. Outside of the office, Sarah is active with The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where she was honored as Woman of the Year in 2016. In 2019, she rejoined the All Star campaign as a national Woman of the Year candidate. In total, she and her team have raised over 1m for blood cancer research. Today, she continues to serve as a member of the board of trustees for the LLS New Jersey Region. Sarah is wildly fascinated by people, motivated by what makes them tick and a firm believer that success is a result of hard work, performancedriven energy and equal parts humor and coffee. What has enabled you to be successful? My early influences were profoundly shaped by the values and work ethic instilled in me by my father. His unwavering dedication as a hard worker and his commitment to providing for our family profoundly impacted me. I have vivid memories of ea-

gerly awaiting his return from business trips, running to greet him, and catching the scent of smoke on his clothes. These moments taught me the value of hard work, determination, and the importance of showing up consistently for those you care about. Equally significant was my mother’s presence as a kind and empathetic figure at home. Her nurturing nature complemented my father’s persistence, reinforcing the importance of balance and understanding in all aspects of life. These early influences, particularly the lessons drawn from my father’s work ethic and my mother’s compassion, laid the foundation for my drive to succeed and my commitment to positively impacting my career and community.

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2024 HONOREE

oshua Cohen is a highly accomplished managing director at Newmark’s Long Island oﬃce, specializing in capital market investment sales, industrial sales and leasing. With extensive experience representing both institutional investment ﬁrms and Fortune 500 companies, Josh has established himself as a trusted advisor and a leading expert in the industry. As a member of a top-producing team, Josh has been instrumental in transacting on over 3 million square feet of commercial real estate over the past three years, with a total deal consideration exceeding $450 million. His expertise and dedication have consistently delivered exceptional results for his clients. Some notable transactions include the successful sale of 45 Oser Ave in Hauppauge, NY, where Josh facilitated the transaction with Link Logistics, resulting in the construction of a new Class A distribution center. He also played a crucial role in marketing the

facility and subsequently leasing it to a national tire distributor. In another significant deal, Josh represented Time Cap Labs, a global pharmaceutical company, in their expansion to 235 Pinelawn Road in Melville. This lease marked one of the first new Class A construction leases executed on the island, showcasing Josh’s ability to navigate complex transactions and secure favorable client outcomes. Josh also represented ViacomCBS in their expansion from their existing data/communications center to the HBO facility in Hauppauge at 300 New Highway. This pivotal transaction facilitated Viacom’s operational needs and contributed to HBO’s relocation off the island. Before joining Newmark, Josh served as a director at Cushman & Wakefield for seven years, where he excelled in client relationship management, valuations, and business development. He is certified by Altus Group for Argus Enterprise, demonstrating his commitment to staying at the forefront

of industry practices. Josh is an active member of the Commercial Industrial Brokers Society and has been recognized for his professional achievements. He was honored with the Top Communications Center Sale by Long Island Business News in 2021, named to the 30 Under 30 list by Long Island Business News in 2020, received the Innovative Deal of the Year award from Rechler Equity Partners in 2019, and was recognized as a Rising Star by Cushman and Wakeﬁeld in 2019. Joshua Cohen holds a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in ﬁnance from Hofstra University, where he graduated with distinction. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the State University of New York, College at Geneseo.

INTERNATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF TEAMSTERS LOCAL 282 IS PROUD TO SUPPORT BLANK SLATE MEDIA’S 40 UNDER 40 AWARDS! CONGRATULATIONS 2024 HONOREES! The Executive Board THOMAS GESUALDI President & Principal Officer LOUIS BISIGNANO Secretary Treasurer MICHAEL O’TOOLE Vice President

DARIN JEFFERS Recording Secretary

MICHAEL BOURGAL Trustee-Business Agent

JOHN SANTANIELLO Trustee-Business Agent

THOMAS COSTELLO Trustee-Business Agent Business Agents WILLIAM SWEENEY GARY LABARBERA JR 2500 Marcus Avenue, Lake Success, New York 11042 (516) 488-2822 (718) 343-3322 Fax (516) 488-4895

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40 S17

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2024 HONOREE

ara Cronin is a partner at Cronin & Cronin Law Firm PLLC. She has extensive experience representing commercial property owners in tax certiorari matters in Nassau County, Suﬀolk County, New York City and upstate New York (including Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties). Cara is the head of the ﬁrm’s New York City practice. Prior to joining Cronin & Cronin in 2011, Cara worked in Washington, D.C. at the National Republican Congressional Committee. She continues to be involved in politics and has acted as a consultant to several state Senate campaigns on Long Island. Cara is on the Executive Board of the Long Island Real Estate Group (LIREG) in the position of vice president and is a co-founder of LIREG W. LIREG is an organization that provides the real estate industry and allied trades with a platform for real estaterelated charitable giving and networking.

Joshua Cohen Managing Director

Newmark congratulates

Joshua Cohen on being selected as a Blank Slate Media “40 Under 40” honoree. nmrk.com

Cara is on the Executive Board of Directors for The Safe Center Long Island. TSCLI is a creation of two former non-profit agencies that separately served victims of domestic abuse and child abuse. Cara is a former board member of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association where she served as the Nassau Chapter Delegate. She was honored by the NCWBA in 2016 with the Bessie Ray Geffner, Esq. Memorial Award. The NCWBA Bessie Ray Geffner, Esq. Memorial Award is presented annually to an attorney who possesses a demonstrated interest in improving the justice system, the professionalism of the bar and serving the community at large. Cara is a member of the New York State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, the Nassau County Bar Association and the Suffolk County Bar Association. She holds a B.A. from Washington and Lee University (2005) and a JD from the Maurice A. Dean School of Law at Hofstra University (2010). What has enabled you to be successful?

Success requires both hard work and collaboration. I’m so fortunate to have two amazing partners who regularly inspire me and help me grow in my career. I further have the privilege of working with the dedicated staﬀ at Cronin & Cronin and professional colleagues with whom I collaborate daily. In addition, the experience of sitting on the executive boards of both The Safe Center LI and the Long Island Real Estate Group has exposed me to so many diﬀerent aspects of our community as well as ways of thinking and approaching issues which has helped me grow both in my personal and professional life. I have always had a strong work ethic and that has been fostered by being surrounded by so many other successful inspiring individuals in my daily life. The people I have had the privilege of knowing and working with have been an invaluable part of my career success and I am incredibly grateful.

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

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2024 HONOREE

homas DeLuca joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2015 and specializes in industrial advisory services with a primary focus throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. Thomas has emerged as one of Long Island’s top industrial advisors, providing expertise in advanced financial strategies with a dedication to market analytics and his extensive market knowledge. His clients include private and institutional investors, REITs, corporations, and local/regional occupiers. Thomas’ responsibilities include managing and underwriting investment properties, landlord and tenant advisory, land development, and acquisition and disposition of industrial facilities. Significant Transactions:• 75 Maxess Road / Buyer Representation – 210,000 SF Industrial Redevelopment• 100 Marcus Boulevard / Buyer Representation – 151,000 SF• 49 Wireless Boulevard / Buyer Representation – 123,790 SF Industrial Redevelopment• 2950 Vets Highway

/ Landlord Representation – 121,790 SF• David Knapp / Landlord Representation, Leased to Anheuser-Busch Brewery – 108,000 SF• JB Hunt / Tenant Representation – 80,000 SF• Arizona Beverages / Seller Representation – 75,000 SF• 1 Burt Drive / Seller Representation – 70,000 SF• Ansaco LLC / Seller Representation – 59,200 SF• 275 Oak Drive Syosset / Buyer Representation – 54,000 SF• Wurth Industries / Tenant Representation – 21,000 SFProfessional Recognition• Top Industrial Lease – Long Island Business News, 2022• Commercial Broker of the Year – Long Island Business News, 2022• Development Deal of the Year – Rechler Equity Partners, 2021• Broker Rising Star Award – Herald Community Newspapers, 2019• Rising Star Award – Long Island Commercial Industrial Brokers Society, 2017 Education• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management, Hofstra University.

2024 HONOREE

hristopher started his professional career in 2012 at Best Yet Supermarket and began as a cashier and within one year he became a bookkeeper; from 2013-2018 he was a bookkeeper for the company. While working at Best Yet and going to college in 2016, Christopher

joined Jericho Specialty Imaging as the oﬃce administrator. In the summer of 2017, he became a Global Wealth Management intern at Merrill Lynch, and then became a client associate from 2017-2018. In 2018 he was also promoted to a sales and marketing specialist at Jericho Specialty Imaging. In the summer of 2018, he graduated from Farmingdale State College Bachelor

of Business Administration. After graduation, he became a fulltime member service representative at Jovia Financial Credit Union. In the summer of 2020 he was promoted to business development specialist. Then in the summer of 2022 he was promoted to his current position as educational development officer. His most recent accomplishment was being awarded for LIBN’s 30 Under 30 in 2023. Christopher says the best part about working in his industry is being able to help individuals with their finances. “My goal in my work life was to be able to educate and help people with their finances. Being able to be in classrooms with students K-12th grade and teaching them financial literacy is the highlight of my job. Over the last year, I have had the honor to teach over 100 presentations about budgeting, credit scores, and various other financial literacy topics.” Another part he loves about business development is the amount of community involvement, from spon-

soring and participating in big events all over Long Island to being able to give back to organizations in need. “My father Richard DiLeonardo is the person who has guided me through every step of the way of my career and showed the rights and wrongs of every step. Growing up my dad was always so determined and passionate about all aspects of his life. When I was younger, I wanted to be just like him, a successful businessman, amazing husband to my mom and father to four children. He would take me to every sporting event from travel baseball to all the football games. He was the best mentor and coach I could have asked for.” Christopher adds, “My dad would take me to the baseball fields and parks to let me pitch to him countless times and I owe my success in that to him. At a young age, he used to take me to his office and show me all about his job, which sparked my interest in working in the financial industry.” “I had the honor in the summer of 2017 to work for him and learn everything I could about wealth management. He taught me so many

things about business that I can’t even describe, from proper workplace etiquette to being able to conﬁdently speak to clients and coworkers. He taught me to be passionate and love what I do and that’s why I strive to do so well in my current role.”

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2024 HONOREE

s the Associate Executive Director and Chief Nursing Oﬃcer, Theresa Dillman, DNP, MSN, MHA, RN, NE-BC sets the strategic vision and operational infrastructure for Nursing, Pharmacy, Respiratory Therapy, Information Technology, Patient Experience, Volunteers and Chaplaincy for Glen Cove Hospital. Through an interdisciplinary approach, Glen Cove Hospital has been named the Geriatric Center of Excellence for Northwell Health, putting Glen Cove Hospital among the ﬁrst health systems in the country to im-

plement age-friendly care. Glen Cove Hospital earned the top designation as an Age-Friendly Center of Excellence by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Glen Cove Hospital’s Emergency Department was awarded the Level 1 Geriatric Friendly Designation, being only second in the New York State and 19th in the country to receive this award. Glen Cove Hospital is a newly designated Magnet hospital and has also achieved a prestigious four-star rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Glen Cove Hospital’s Acute Rehabilitation Program was ranked

47th in the Top 50 U.S. News & World Report and rated in Newsweek as seventh in New York State. She creates and attains a shared vision and successfully manages change to implement the organization’s strategic plan to achieve top outcomes. Theresa joined Northwell as an emergency department nurse, sexual assault nurse examiner and has grown over the years in multiple roles including, Assistant Manager of the North Shore University Hospital Emergency Department, administrator for hospital operations, PACU Manager, Director of Perioperative Services, Director of Cardiac Services, and Magnet Director. Under Theresa’s purview, Lenox Hill, MEETH and LHGV achieved Magnet Designation with multiple exemplars. Prior to her role as AED/CNO, she oversaw the strategy and execution for Magnet, Education, Research, and Wound and Ostomy teams. She received her nursing degree from Queensborough College. In 2009, she went on to obtain her BSN, MSN, and MHA. She ﬁnished her Doc-

torate in 2023 and has obtained her Nurse Executive certification. In 2020, Theresa received the American Organization of Nurse Leader (AONL) Young Voice Leaders award and is currently on the task force for AONL. Through Johnson and Johnson, Theresa completed the CNO Academy and Cornel/HANYS leadership academy. In 2022, she received the Northwell Women who Inspire Mentor award. In 2023, Theresa won the Power Business in Leadership of Long Island Award. Theresa volunteers with the American Nursing Credentialing Center to assist with test-developing activities for the Nurse Executive Program and sits on the AONL committee strategy and recruitment. Theresa has a passion for releasing nursing leadership growth and creating an atmosphere of support and transparency, seeking to learn and partner with others to develop highperformance teams. The word “success” is a difficult word to define because it is very per-

sonalized. Success for me may mean something very different than success for someone else. The foundation of anyone’s success includes achieving specific organizational goals, driving performance and growth, and exemplifying effective leadership. I will start by saying that a role or a degree does not make you successful, it is what you do with it that does. Although everyone may have a different definition of success, here are some foundational structures that I do believe has enabled me to be “successful” in my professional journey. Education is the foundation; having a purpose and passion that will lead you; leadership effectiveness and meeting organizational goals; strategic vision and execution; you must be willing to take risks; creating the right culture as a leader to impact on organizational performance; stakeholder satisfaction and mentoring and developing others. From day one, build a succession plan, embrace the challenge and be willing to make mistakes. Lastly and most important lead with respect and integrity.

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S22 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

2024 HONOREE

n educator-activist, nonprofit founder and cultural broker, Jacob Dixon is committed to advocating for equity and justice in education, health and income for children and families. Understanding his purpose and his “why” is children, Jacob brings over 15 years interdisciplinary experience in education, nonprofit leadership, community organizing and coalition building. Jacob currently leads as the Founder & CEO of Choice for All, a nonprofit founded with a group of parents in 2011. Choice for All’s vision is one day, every child is

healthy and thrives across Long Island – regardless of zip code. He started the nonproﬁt in Roosevelt, his hometown, with one program providing educational advocacy for parents of students with dis/abilities. Today, the organization has expanded with over twenty programs, services and communitybased leadership initiatives focused on education, health and economic justice serving close to 500 children and families across 22 zip codes. Under his leadership, Jacob is ﬁnalizing the development of The Hagedorn HUB, a three story, state of the art multipurpose community center in Freeport that will serve as Choice’s new headquarters on Long Island.

The 4,500 square foot facility will have a dedicated floor for human services, a co-working space for social justice nonprofit organizations, multipurpose program rooms, a financial empowerment center and a nonprofit commercial anchor. Through this advocacy work with Choice for All, Jacob has championed regional and statewide policies and initiatives, including increasing food access for seniors aging in place, dis/abled and families who are displaced; engaged in community-based participatory research with universities, international public health research institutions and government partners, as well as supported coalition building efforts to bring state dollars for youth preventive services on Long Island. Additionally, Jacob serves as lead as convener and center manager for the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center for Pre-K and Early Childhood Education – a cross-sector collaboration of organizations working to improve quality, access, equity and delivery of Pre-K and Early Education Programs on Long Island in

partnership with Child Care Council of Nassau, Child Care Council of Suffolk, Nassau BOCES, Western Suffolk BOCES, Eastern Suffolk BOCES and New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute at CUNY. Prior to Choice for All, Jacob served as a special education teacher in Washington Heights, New York and is an alum of Teach for America as a 2008 New York City Corps Member. Prior to teaching, Jacob was selected as the first African-American to serve as CEO/national chair of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls, Inc. – one of the largest student-run, international membership nonprofits in the country focused on student leadership development and advocacy in residence hall communities across the United States and Mexico. As an undergraduate student leading NACURH, Jacob expanded its membership to include universities in Australia, Qatar, South Africa, Hong Kong and England, as well as designed a $500,000 higher

education programming grant fund impacting over one million students worldwide. Jacob also is a keynote speaker and presenter on diverse topics, including diversity, equity, inclusion, education, community resiliency, and transformative leadership with organizations including, Prevent Child Abuse New York, United Parent Action Leaders Network, Prosperity Now, AmeriCorps and more. Jacob was selected as a 2019 Culture of Health Leader with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and 2013 Energeia Fellow with the Academy for Regional Stewardship at Molloy College. Jacob also serves as an adjunct professor at Bank Street College of Education. Jacob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts & Sciences from The Pennsylvania State University — University Park, a dual Master of Science in Childhood General & Special Education from Bank Street College of Education and currently pursuing his doctorate of Education at The Pennsylvania State University.

2024 HONOREE

nn Fangmann, AICP is a certiﬁed urban planner with over 15 years of experience in the public, private, and non-

proﬁt sectors. For the past seven years, Ms. Fangmann has served as executive director for the Glen Cove Community Development Agency. As of January 2018, Ms. Fangmann has also served as executive

director of the Glen Cove Industrial Development Agency and CEO of the Glen Cove Local Economic Assistance Corporation. At the helm of economic development for the City of Glen Cove, Ms. Fangmann has provided oversight of the construction of the $1 billion Garvies Point Redevelopment at the Glen Cove Creek Waterfront, a public/private partnership with RXR Realty spanning over two decades.

In her roles, Ms. Fangmann was heavily involved with the development of 28 acres of public amenities at the waterfront, including a multimodal esplanade, playground, dog parks, and marinas. Ms. Fangmann, who secured millions of dollars in funding for the waterfront in her previous role as consultant to the CDA, helped manage the construction of the Waterfront Connector, also known as Herb Hill and Garvies Point Road, which buried new utilities underground and raised the existing roadway to provide resiliency during storm events. Grants are a specialty for Ms. Fangmann, and she has secured tens of millions of dollars of funding throughout her career for planning/engineering studies and infrastructure, including drinking water, stormwater, water quality, parking, roadway, transit, and green infrastructure projects from dozens of federal, state, and local entities. She has enjoyed mentoring many young professionals in grants and relationship building over the years and ﬁrmly believes in the value of this skill set. Ms. Fangmann strongly supports

the construction of affordable and workforce housing on Long Island and played a key role in the development of 55 units of such housing at the Glen Cove Creek Waterfront. She works to further projects of this type in Glen Cove and provides oversight of the Glen Cove Housing Choice Voucher Program through her role with the CDA. As a planner, Ms. Fangmann recognized the need for Glen Cove to update its Master Plan after more than 10 years and with funding secured by her office, has been directing a comprehensive planning update, which has included public workshops and a public survey. She has spent seven-plus years on the board of directors of the Glen Cove Business Improvement District and has developed collaborative opportunities between the BID and the CDA to better serve their constituents. After undergoing three independent audits of the IDA, including one by the state Comptroller’s office, Ms. Fangmann is proud to say that with the support of her team, each of the

audit ﬁndings have been addressed, including an updated Uniform Tax Exemption Policy and project site visit policy. She is not someone to leave a report or plan on a shelf and values implementation. Through her leadership, the CDA has utilized hundreds of thousands of dollars in Community Development Block Grant funding to improve pedestrian access, recreational facilities, and municipal building improvements in Glen Cove, most of which were recommendations from planning studies and engineering reports developed with grant funds by her oﬃce. She is honored to receive this award as she enters her fourth decade in 2024 and credits her success with team and relationship building, with a “roll-up-your-sleeves” attitude to challenges and a realistic mindset for projects. Ms. Fangmann considers Glen Cove her second home and resides in Rockville Centre with her husband and 2 children.

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2024 HONOREE

regory Fantauzzi is a vice president and relationship manager for the NY Metro Commercial Real Estate department of Provident Bank.

He is responsible for originating, evaluating and structuring commercial real estate transactions, cross-selling bank products and increasing the bank’s visibility in the NY Metro market. He works closely with institu-

tional and private investors, owners, and developers to oﬀer a variety of deposit and lending solutions while managing a portfolio of commercial real estate clients. Gregory recently joined Provident Bank in June 2023 and is excited to increase its exposure to his client base of commercial real estate owners and operators in the New York market. Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of ﬁnancial products and services through its network of branches throughout New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Provident Bank has been around for more than 180 years and is looking to expand its footprint in the New York market, especially on Long Island. Prior to joining Provident, Gregory was a vice president, associate group director at Signature Bank where he helped develop, service and maintain the group’s $33 billion real estate portfolio. Prior to Signature’s closure, Greg personally maintained and serviced a $2.5 billion portfolio composed

of 350+ loans including multifamily, retail, office, industrial, land and mixed-use properties. In his short time with Provident, he has closed a handful of loans and looks forward to growing his portfolio with the Bank. Gregory attributes much of his success to the close working relationships he formed with his colleagues at both banking institutions. Signature Bank had a very strong group of commercial real estate lenders that had vast knowledge in the New York market and helped to grow Signature Bank’s CRE portfolio from $0 in 2008 to $33 billion in 2023. He believes the department had very strong leadership that promoted a significant collaborative working environment and flowed seamlessly from the top down. This was pivotal in his early stages of lending when he joined the Bank in 2015. He believes that Provident Bank has a similar type of working culture and is excited to continue his early success with the Bank with two of his colleagues from Signature Bank. He also contributes much of his

success to the strong banking and personal relationships that he developed with his clients. This was primarily achieved through a white glove, single point-of-contact model that was/is utilized by both Signature Bank and Provident Bank. Clients can access and communicate their needs to Greg directly, without having to go through various channels of the Bank, thus providing a quick and eﬃcient process to his clients. This was a contributing factor to the success of Signature Bank prior to its close in 2023 and is an important model for Provident Bank. Greg believes that his clients developed a strong loyalty and trust in him that has carried through in his transition from Signature Bank to Provident Bank. Gregory was born and raised on Long Island where he currently resides with his wife and two children. He received a degree in economics at Boston College.

“Congratulations To All Of The 2024 40 Under 40 Honorees For All Of Your Achievements.” 2023

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S24 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

2024 HONOREE

abine Franco, founder and managing Attorney of The Ambitious Legacy Firm P.C., is a visionary leader dedicated to guiding individuals and families toward securing their futures. With over a decade of experience, Sabine specializes in creating enduring legacies. As the driving force behind her team, she ensured that clients received comprehensive support in establishing businesses, safeguarding properties, and planning for the future. Recently, Sabine has expanded her impact by launching STPL LLC, a consulting practice where she provides expert advice on business, life, and wealth strategy. Through STPL LLC, she empowers clients to achieve their ambitious legacies by oﬀering tailored solutions that align with their goals and aspirations. Sabine’s commitment to excellence and holistic guidance sets her apart in the legal and consulting arenas. Recognized as a “Super Lawyers”

rising star for 2022, and a “Super Lawyer” in 2023, Sabine has gained widespread acclaim for her expertise. She has been featured on prominent platforms such as The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo Finance, BET, Essence, “The Breakfast Club” (New York’s #1 radio show) and the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast, solidifying her reputation as a trusted authority in her field. Sabine’s legal prowess extends beyond her role at The Ambitious Legacy Firm; she is the Amazon bestselling Author of “You’re Richer Than You Think: A Step by Step Guide to building a lasting financial legacy for your family.” In addition to her professional pursuits, Sabine actively contributes to her community by managing the legal affairs of the nonprofit organization, “Marie’s Food Pantry” at mariesfoodpantry.com. This organization is dedicated to fighting hunger in the poorest neighborhoods of Haiti by providing free daily hot meals to the community. Sabine holds a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law and resides

in Nassau County, where she balances her roles as a wife, mother, and entrepreneur. Beyond her direct client interactions, she extends her reach through her Podcast and YouTube shows, “The Ambitious Legacy Podcast” and “Bine-spiration” where she imparts valuable information and guidance, aﬀectionately known as Sabine The Purpose Lawyer. To discover more about Sabine Franco and her comprehensive approach to life, business, and planning, visit www.sabinethepurposelawyer.com and mariesfoodpantry. com.

2024 HONOREE

ong “Dana” Guo, a dedicated real estate professional from Great Neck, has left an indelible mark in Nassau County, successfully selling over 200 homes. Her remarkable achievements extend beyond the numbers, as she has become a trusted pillar of support for the Asian community in

real estate. In 2021, Dana was honored as a 20 Under 40 Rising Star, a well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions and her extraordinary commitment to both her profession and her clients. Dana’s success in the real estate industry can be attributed to her unparalleled dedication and unique approach to client service. What truly sets her apart is her un-

wavering commitment to her clients’ well-being, even after the closing of a deal. She understands that homeowners may encounter unexpected challenges with their new properties, such as water leaks or maintenance issues. Dana goes above and beyond to assist her clients, ensuring that they have a reliable resource to turn to in times of need. This exceptional level of care fosters enduring relationships, transforming clients into loyal advocates. Maintaining strong client relationships is a cornerstone of Dana’s success. She takes the time to attend to her clients’ needs, whether it’s helping them navigate issues with their homes or celebrating their milestones. On special occasions, Dana sends thoughtful gifts, demonstrating her genuine appreciation for each homeowner and seller. This personal touch not only makes her clients feel special but also solidiﬁes their trust in her. As a result, they not only return to Dana for their real estate needs but also enthusiastically recommend

her services to their friends and family, further expanding her network. Dana’s integrity is a guiding principle in her profession. She never takes shortcuts and conducts every transaction with transparency and honesty. This unwavering integrity has earned her the respect and trust of her clients and peers alike, establishing her as a beacon of trustworthiness within the industry. Another deﬁning aspect of Dana’s success is her ambition and her refusal to back down in the face of challenges. She thrives on exceeding her own expectations, consistently pushing herself to reach new heights. Whether navigating complex deals or overcoming unforeseen obstacles, Dana’s determination shines through. Her ambitious spirit has propelled her to surpass her own goals and deliver exceptional results to her clients. In addition to her dedication to individual clients, Dana is deeply committed to the Asian community’s growth and well-being. She actively participates in local events and lends her support to Chi-

nese associations in various neighborhoods, including Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Plainview, and beyond. Her involvement strengthens the bonds within the Asian community and fosters a sense of unity and belonging. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dana’s commitment to her community was particularly evident. She took it upon herself to manage the distribution of over 600 boxes of face masks and hand sanitizers to local residents, ensuring their safety and well-being. Dana Guo’s impact as a real estate professional, her recognition as a 20 Under 40 Rising Star in 2021, and her exceptional dedication to the Asian community in Nassau County all reﬂect her outstanding character and unwavering commitment. She may not actively seek the spotlight, but her legacy of compassion and service continues to inspire and uplift those around her. Dana Guo remains a humble, dedicated, and trustworthy asset to Nassau County, and her inﬂuence continues to shine brightly in the years to come.

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2024 HONOREE

atima Hassan-Szlamka is associate director for Global Public Policy at Ernst & Young LLP. EY is one of the largest professional services organizations in the world with more than 300,000 people in 150 countries. In her EY role, Fatima works closely with the Office of the Global Chairman and CEO, Global Assurance leadership, and other service line and functional leaders across EY businesses to support their engagement with regulators and other policy influencers such as the World Economic Forum. Fatima has also authored several EY thought-leadership publications in the areas of artificial intelligence, crypto-assets, and corporate governance. A native Long Islander, Fatima is based out of EY’s Jericho office and co-chairs the local Diversity & Inclusiveness Committee, which provides activities to help EY professionals access the insights and skills of the network’s diverse leadership.

Before joining EY in 2014, Fatima began her public policy career in the United Kingdom, where she regularly engaged with UK Government oﬃcials and Parliamentarians. Her achievements include chairing a UK Government initiative to improve access to high-quality internships in 2011. Outside of work, Fatima is a mom of three, a proud supporter of UNICEF, and a World Cup enthusiast. What has enabled you to be successful? I wouldn’t be where I am today without a strong group of mentors. I’ve had mentors at various points in my career who have nurtured my professional growth, ensured I had a seat at the table, and provided me with honest feedback. My advice to any young professional is to ﬁnd a mentor who will help you achieve your career goals and to jump at opportunities that advance your skills.

2024 HONOREE

iden Jay Kaplan joined the bachelor’s internship program at PFY, a Division of Long Island Crisis Center in January

2014. A young transgender man, in his senior year of college, seeking a way to give back to the Long Island

LGBTQ+ community that had been a safe and aﬃrming space for him in his early teenage years. Aiden was pursuing a Liberal Studies degree from Purchase College with little vision of what he wanted to do in the future, other than to help. When Aiden entered the internship program at PFY he soaked in

all he could learn and rapidly developed a passion for health and human services work which fulfilled his soul and often lead to him going beyond his dedicated internship hours. At the end of placement, Aiden was offered a position as the LGBTQ Youth Services Coordinator. During this time Aiden learned the definition of the term hustle. He entered this role to take a program that was in its twenty second year of service and was rapidly seeing a decrease in participation and turn it around. In his first two years in the role the program doubled its participation from an unduplicated client count of 350 clients annually to 700 LGBTQ+ youth and allies being served in a single year. Aiden expanded his knowledge and expertise moving into the LGBTQ Services Coordinator role in 2017. At this time Aiden began to provide trainings and community education for the organization and became the face of the agency for much of the next few years. Aiden spoke at conferences, rallies, legislative sessions, and town

halls to educate and inform the public of the needs of Long Island’s LGBTQ+ community. He utilized his own story to tug at the heart strings of community members and help them to see LGBTQ+ people in a new and personal light. Aiden’s experiences at PFY led him to seek out a master’s degree in social work and he graduated from Stony Brook University with his MSW in May 2018 and was quickly promoted to LGBTQ Services Manager at PFY in August of 2018. Aiden used his expertise as a social worker and his passion for ethics to guide his work as he became a supervisor. Throughout his four years in this position Aiden worked to develop his team to meet the growing needs of Long Island’s LGBTQ+ community with a focus on decreasing the impacts of the social determinants of health. Aiden began overseeing the agency’s education programs and social media focusing on developing curriculums and campaigns that are culturally responsive and accurate.

In 2022 Aiden was promoted to assistant director – operations & programs where he now oversees the day to day operations of PFY’s three locations, 6 agency vehicles including a fully functional mobile medical clinic, two websites, and multiple social media accounts. Aiden supervises a team of passionate and hard working staﬀ who are dedicated to the agency’s mission and works alongside a team of managers whose drive and vision is unmatched. Aiden continues to advocate in both his personal and professional life for policy advancements for communities disproportionally aﬀected by homophobia, transphobia, and racism on Long Island. Beyond his professional achievements, Aiden is a proud husband to a supportive and loving wife, a grateful son to a mother who has given so much of herself to ensure he had what he needed, and an honored friend to have a best friend to always celebrate alongside.

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2024 HONOREE

ince joining Lessing’s Hospitality Group in 2014, Lawrence has been a key driver inthe company’s journey towards growth and

innovation. His role began with overseeing the operations of the franchise group, a responsibility that involved the strategic launch and management of nine Blaze Pizza

locations. In this capacity, his focus on operational excellence and commitment to customer service were pivotal, leading these restaurants to rank as the top performers among all Blaze Pizza franchisees based on the brand’s OPS Metric. Progressing to the role of executive vice president of the restaurant division, Lawrence played a crucial role in expanding the group’s portfolio.

His tenure in this position was marked by significant achievements, most notably the introduction and development of Hatch, Lessing’s venture into the breakfast segment. Under his stewardship, Hatch not only debuted successfully but also expanded with the opening of its second location in 2023. Lawrence’s talent for business development was apparent across all divisions of Lessing’s Inc., where his efforts drove substantial growth and fostered continuous innovation. In January 2024, Lawrence reached a new pinnacle in his career at Lessing’s Hospitality Group by being appointed as the chief operating officer. In this role, he brings a wealth of experience from the hospitality industry, applying his insights and strategic acumen to guide the company’s direction. His leadership in this position is characterized by a forward-thinking approach, balancing the company’s long-standing traditions with innovative strategies to navigate the dynamic landscape of

the hospitality sector. Lawrence’s background in hospitality was cultivated prior to his tenure at Lessing’s, notably at Shake Shack. There, he served as a manager at their flagship location in Manhattan’s Theater District, one of the brand’s most demanding and high-profile sites. His tenure at Shake Shack was significant not only for the managerial experience he gained but also for his role in the new restaurant opening team. Lawrence was instrumental in launching Shake Shack’s initial ventures into Brooklyn, Long Island, and Philadelphia, showcasing his aptitude for managing and expanding operations in diverse markets. Graduating from the University of Richmond, Lawrence earned his B.A. and honed his leadership skills as the captain of their Division I golf team. Complementing his professional life, Lawrence is actively engaged in community and industry associations.

He serves on the executive committee of the New York State Golf Association and is a member of the Long Island Association’s Young Professionals Committee. In 2019, Lawrence established the Learning and Development Department at Lessing’s, a pivotal move to enhance training and career development opportunities for employees. Demonstrating a deep commitment to social responsibility, Lawrence initiated a philanthropic gesture by donating 50% of sales from Hatch’s Fort Lauderdale grand opening to Voices for Broward County, showcasing his dedication to community service and setting a standard for corporate social responsibility. Lawrence balances his professional success with a fulﬁlling personal life in Cold Spring Harbor, where he lives with his wife Diana and their two children. His family life mirrors the values he upholds professionally.

Recognizing your achievements Congratulations to Kyle Moeller, relationship manager and director for Regional Commercial Banking, on being named one of the 40 Under 40 by Blank Slate Media. Capital One Commercial Banking is proud to recognize someone who shares our goal of building stronger communities. capital.one/commercial

The third parties listed are not affiliated with Capital One and are solely responsible for their products and services. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Commercial banking products and services are offered by Capital One, N.A., Member FDIC. © 2024 Capital One.

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

The Building and Construction Trades The Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties on congratulate the 40 Under 40 honorees congratulate the 40 Under honorees their achievements and40 hard work. on their achievements and hard work. We congratulate the Building Trades very own We congratulate the Building Trades very own

Grant Newburger Grant Newburger

On his success and accomplishments! On his success and accomplishments! President Matthew P. Aracich President Matthew P. Aracich Recording Secretary Michael Bourgal Recording Secretary Michael Bourgal

Vice President Stephen Flanagan Vice President Stephen Flanagan Recording Secretary William Hill Recording Secretary William Hill

Trustees Janet Powers, Brian Nigro, Tim McCarthy Trustees Janet390 Powers, Brian Nigro, Tim McCarthy Rabro Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Tel (631) 951-3315 | Fax (631) 951-3317 | www.nsbctc.com 390 Rabro Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788 Tel (631) 951-3315 | Fax (631) 951-3317 | www.nsbctc.com

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2024 HONOREE

shley Lynch was born in East Hampton, New York and graduated from East Hampton High School in 2010. With a love for the ocean and wanting to be close to family, she decided Rhode Island was the best place to continue her education and in 2014, she received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Johnson & Wales University. After a year of job searching, she landed a job at WordHampton Public Relations as an account coordinator in October 2015. Over the years she has mastered the numerous entry-level skills that lay the foundation for a successful career as a publicist and today is a budding senior account executive taking the lead on social media at WordHampton Public Relations while also managing and working with a myriad of her own clients. Over the last seven years, Ashley has helped manage the widely successful award-winning tri-annual campaign Long Island Restaurant

Week, various social media campaigns, and has attained numerous media placements for a variety of clients, including features on News 12, Newsday and the New York Post. Her knowledge of social media has helped her clients achieve notable goals across all platforms, including TikTok. Ashley has been an integral part of the team on several award-winning campaigns earning MarCom Awards, PRNews Platinum Award, Folio Award, AVA Digital Awards and the prestigious PRSA Big Apple Award. She has also had the opportunity to work and achieve success with not-for-proﬁts including Project Most, The Shelter Island Run and Katy’s Courage. In May 2018, Ashley received the “Rising Star Award” from the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island and in October 2020 was featured as Long Island Business News’ 30-under-30.

2024 HONOREE

.P. Morgan Private Bank provides customized financial advice to help wealthy clients and their families achieve their goals through an elevated experience. Clients of the private bank work with dedicated teams of specialists that bring their investments and financial assets together into one comprehensive strategy, leveraging the global resources of J.P. Morgan across planning, investing, lending, banking, philanthropy, family office management, fiduciary services, special advisory services and more. Jennifer Marks is a Managing Director and Market Team Lead in the Long Island office in Greenvale, of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, developing and implementing strategies for the region, while providing wealth planning, banking, investing, lending and trust services to the area’s prominent families and individuals. Jennifer partners with her clients to understand their complex lives from all angles. She draws upon J.P. Morgan’s global resources to develop

the strategies that will propel clients toward their long-term objectives. Jennifer was named “One to Watch” in Banking and Finance by Long Island Business News in 2019. In 2020, she was further honored as one of the “Top 50 Women in Business” and with a “Business & Finance Award,” also by Long Island Business News. Jennifer is the Co-Chair of the region’s Market Leadership Team, focused on unifying all J.P. Morgan Chase employees across Long Island and within our communities. She also chairs the region’s Diversity and Inclusion eﬀorts. Jennifer joined J.P. Morgan in 2006 and has remained with the Private Bank ever since. She began her career as an Investment Business Analyst and became an Investment Advisor in 2010. Jennifer’s natural intelligence and problem-solving abilities have led her to a seat on J.P. Morgan’s U.S. Advisory Council, where she works with a select group of leaders to develop initiatives that shape experiences for employees and clients alike. Jennifer holds FINRA Series 7 and

63 securities licenses and earned a B.S. in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Most recently, Jennifer was invited to become a member of the 2021 Energeia Partnership, a group that gives proven, ethical leaders the opportunity to act as catalysts for change, helping to create innovative and sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our region. She is Co-Chair of the UJA Long Island Young Families Fundraising Committee, focused on raising awareness, funds and community engagement. Jennifer enjoys spending time at the beach, exercising, and exploring the area’s parks and museums with her husband and two children. What has enabled you to be successful? I attribute my success to my curiosity. Being curious throughout my career has enabled me to explore how I can expand in my own role as a banker and work with partners to support my clients to achieve their goals.

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2024 HONOREE

yle Moeller is a Director in Capital One’s Regional Commercial Bank. In his role, he supports prominent public and private businesses across Long Island, Queens and Manhattan. He is a passionate and competitive banker who takes pride in partnering with business executives to help them save money and achieve their goals. He is a hands-on banker who rolls up his sleeves to optimize banking packages and tailor lending solutions that address each of his clients’ unique objectives. Prior to Capital One, Kyle spent nearly 11 years at Citi, where he similarly supported companies across the New York metropolitan market and also took on a national role, helping to launch the bank’s Diversiﬁed & Professional Services industry team. Two career highlights included helping to run Citi Commercial Bank’s PPP lending program; where he helped communicate and frame

out the internal plumbing for the program in unprecedented times; and standing by a client under duress, underwriting and extending the bank’s largest Main Street Lending Program (MSLP) loan, during the peak of the pandemic. Before his career in banking, Kyle was a standout lacrosse player appearing in two NCAA tournaments and earning various collegiate awards including All America East ﬁrst team honors, America East Men’s Lacrosse Fans’ Choice Player of the Year honors, and serving as team captain while at Stony Brook. Kyle was drafted into the Major League Lacrosse by the Long Island Lizards. Following his time with the Lizards, Kyle spent one season playing for the Charlotte Hounds in North Carolina. Kyle is a lifelong Three Village resident and presently resides in Setauket with his wife Makenzie and three sons. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching his boys’ lacrosse teams, ice hockey, boating, hiking, traveling with his family, craft beer, whiskey

and real estate. Kyle holds FINRA 63 and 79 licenses and earned his B.S. in Business Management and Finance at Stony Brook University and his M.B.A. in Finance from St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business. Kyle is an active YPC member of the Long Island Association, Risk Management Association and Hauppauge Industrial Association, among other community organizations. What has enabled your success? For starters, my wife and family’s steadfast support of my career and goals. Second, I would say having an athlete’s competitive mindset and determination. Third, having a fantastic team of partners and exceptional mentors around me (I will be the ﬁrst to say that I’ve been blessed and fortunate to have admirable leaders, smart bankers, and fantastic COIs around me). And, last but not least, I’d say having an amazing environment to work in. The Long Island community is special and most people recognize that it’s a small world but an even smaller island.

2024 HONOREE

oseph M. Moretta, a Long Island native, is a supply chain planner with Zebra Technologies, located in Holtsville, where he has developed a wide-ranging knowledge from supply chain management and procurement to inventory optimization and analytics. The experience he has gained in

his chosen ﬁeld has allowed him the opportunity to provide an audience and outreach to the local professional and collegiate communities. Joe has a bachelor’s degree in business management from Farmingdale State College, where early on, he became involved in professional organizations and was oﬀered an opportunity in 2017 to serve on the all-volunteer profes-

sional board of directors for the Association of Supply Chain Management, New York City-Long Island Forum. He currently serves as Director of Program Development. ASCM (formerly known as APICS), is a globally known nonprofit organization that is committed to professional development, collaboration, education and networking for Supply Chain professionals, students and educators. As part of his work with ASCM, Joe is the founder, producer and host of ASCM NYC LI Presents Supply Chain Briefs, which has been recognized as one of the top 20 supply chain podcasts (Feedspot.org) in the United States. The mission of the podcast is to interview supply chain leaders, industry professionals and educators to discuss changing supply chain topics and provide a forum for dialogue for a greater understanding for professionals, and next-gen industry entrants. Joe is always looking to expand the outreach for the next generation of professionals that will help

move the needle in a much-needed career path for those yet to discover it. To say Joe has a passion for supply chain is an understatement. Beyond the professional, Joe has another story he tells. Joe has always had a heart for reaching out to youth and college students. Early in his youth, Joe met with some personal medical challenges when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor that allowed him to see a side of his life that could be met with anger, and questions of “why me,” but was able to turn them into a question of “why NOT me?” Over a number of years as he has progressed and overcome the odds, Joe has been invited to be a public speaker to share his experience. During that time, he has developed a moving and timely outlook by turning the mirror around, saying to others, “You are not the summation of the things that have happened to you. Circumstances don’t deﬁne you; you have to deﬁne the circumstance. Your story matters.”

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2024 HONOREE

avigating the intricate landscape of civic duty, Grant Newburger, a proud Long Islander who grew up in Sands Point and Upper Brookville before laying down roots in Glen Cove, stands out as a dedicated professional with a rich tapestry of experience in public service and political engagement. Currently representing the Nassau Suﬀolk Building Trades, his trajectory is marked by a profound commitment to community, eﬀective communication, and stra-

tegic leadership. His professional journey began in 2013 when he joined the ofﬁce of state Assemblyman Charles Lavine in Glen Cove. This formative experience laid the groundwork for subsequent roles, allowing him to assimilate into the dynamic world of public service, issue advocacy, and community outreach. In that ﬁrst professional environment he had the honor and privilege to work on a piece of Alzheimer’s research legislation that opened his eyes to just how many people can be helped by the scale of legislative reach.

Serving as outreach coordinator in the same office in 2016 and 2017, Newburger not only honed his skills in policy research and event coordination but also took on the responsibility of mentoring a team of interns. This dual role allowed him to contribute significantly to Assemblyman Lavine’s legislative efforts while fostering the development of emerging talents in the political landscape. Eager to broaden his horizons, Newburger contributed to the district office of Congressman Steve Israel in 2014 and 2015. Here, his responsibilities extended to federal grant research, constituent casework, and outreach efforts. This experience exposed him to the multifaceted world of federal policy. 2014 also saw Newburger actively involved in the reelection campaign of Representative Steve Israel. On the campaign, he played a pivotal role in voter outreach, intern recruitment, and event planning, demonstrating his commitment to the democratic process at both the grassroots and legislative levels. In January 2018, Newburger assumed the role of legislative aide in

the office of Nassau County Legislator Arnold Drucker. Working closely with Legislator Drucker and senior team members, he delved into policy research and community event coordination. This experience further refined his understanding of local governance and community needs. Transitioning to the City of Glen Cove in March 2019 as the Public Relations Officer for Mayor Timothy Tenke, Newburger undertook the role of communications director. In this capacity, he wrote press releases, organized press conferences, and managed public-facing materials, contributing to the effective communication of the mayor’s initiatives. The journey in the political arena reached a pinnacle in March 2020 when Newburger became the political aide to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, working for the Curran for Nassau campaign. As the sole member of the political department, he cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, coordinated organized labor networks, and played a central role in messaging amplification and field capacity enhancement. Serving as the political sched-

uler for County Executive Curran, he was the linchpin for down-ballot candidate interactions, fundraisers, and outreach initiatives within targeted constituencies. Building on this rich foundation, Newburger’s current role with the Nassau Suffolk Building Trades encapsulates his dedication to advancing the interests of the labor community. Spearheading strategic political initiatives, he works tirelessly to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of the Building Trades here on Long Island are effectively represented in the ever-changing political landscape. Beyond the political realm, Newburger is characterized by a strong desire to help others. This altruistic commitment is woven into the fabric of his professional journey, driving him to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of the community. In essence, Newburger’s journey reflects a steadfast commitment to public service, community empowerment, and effective governance, anchored in the pursuit of a more equitable and engaged society.

2024 HONOREE

rooke Oliveri is the manager of communications, health outreach, and research for the Suburban Hospital Alliance of New York State. The alliance is a regional hospital association that advocates on behalf of hospitals that belong to the NassauSuﬀolk Hospital Council (Long Island region) or Northern Metropolitan Hospital Association (Hudson Valley region). The alliance engages key lawmakers and regulatory decision-makers in Albany and Washington to ensure reasonable and rational healthcare policy prevails. In her role, Ms. Oliveri manages the associations’ communications, community outreach eﬀorts, and research endeavors with an emphasis on digital communications, media cultivation, brand awareness, and content development. She also manages the Long Island Health Collaborative, a population health initiative overseen by the Nas-

sau-Suﬀolk Hospital Council which convenes 300+ hospitals, communitybased organizations, health departments, and organizations spanning numerous sectors on a quarterly basis to improve the health of Long Islanders. Ms. Oliveri is currently serving her second term on the Public Relations Professionals of Long Island’s board of directors, and she also currently serves as the organization’s secretary. She received a Folio Award from the Fair Media Council in 2023 for her work on the Suburban Hospital Alliance’s Now’s the Time social media campaign, which encouraged parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 during a time when vaccination rates were lagging among youth populations. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in mass communications with a minor in English from the University of Delaware. According to Ms. Oliveri, mentorship, perseverance, and a personal commitment to life-long learning have been fundamental keys to her success.

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2024 HONOREE

amantha Pardal-Jerez serves as the manager of government affairs at Altice USA/Optimum, specializing in broadband and cable policy. She is responsible for developing and executing community and public affairs strategies to garner support for business initiatives across Long Island. Samantha has established a career in government affairs without previously working in government or politics. She started her career in 2017 at Altice USA/Optimum as a paralegal managing regulatory compliance and contract renewals across 21 states. As she learned the telecommunications industry the intersection with policy and advocacy became part of her portfolio. Samantha sought out mentorship from colleagues and obtained professional development training. In 2020, she was promoted to an external affairs position, establishing herself as the principal negotiator for multimillion-dollar contracts, regis-

tering as a lobbyist, and serving as the company’s liaison for Long Island municipalities. Samantha finds the most rewarding aspect of her career in the community and public affairs space. She is responsible for collaboratively creating and executing events to support nonprofits, schools, and local communities. Through these efforts, she highlights the company’s work to local and state elected officials. She continues to seek out causes and develop strategies that are key to her success. Today, her role transcends the conventional boundaries of government affairs. It is a role that demands not only a thorough understanding of the legislative landscape but also an innate ability to foresee and navigate through the complex interplay of policy and technology – all while advocating for her Company. Samantha’s key to success lies in her communication skills and ability to build and maintain robust relationships. Whether it is liaising with elected or public officials, collaborating with team members, or engaging

with external stakeholders, Samantha does it with authenticity. She is an avid social media user and strategically uses those platforms to highlight the excellent work in which she is involved. She has a vast network and enjoys connecting people and resources together. Samantha is on the Young Professionals Board of New Ground Inc., the Young Professionals Committee of the Long Island Association, and is a member of the Women’s Diversity Network. When she is not working, she spends time with her husband, young daughter, and extended family. She is passionate about racial equality and women’s rights. She enjoys Latin American travel, cuisine, and culture. Samantha obtained two bachelor degrees from the University at Albany, SUNY. What has enabled you to be successful? A vast network and strong relationships.

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2024 HONOREE

avitree Pestano is a dedicated professional with more than two decades of experience in nonprofit healthcare. Savi was born in a small country

call Guyana, approximately 83,000 square miles located in South America. Savi migrated to the US at the age of 19. Once arriving in the U.S. Savi continued her studies and

started off her career in not-forprofit healthcare where she quickly found her passion and purpose. She developed a passion for serving the communities. Savi is currently the chief financial officer at Harmony Healthcare Long Island. Harmony Healthcare Long Island is a Federally Qualified Health Center that provides affordable, quality health services to everyone regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Savi joined Harmony Healthcare LI as their chief financial officer in March 2021; she has been instrumental in steering the financial strategy of the organization. Savi feels Harmony Healthcare’s mission “to provide access to equitable, optimal healthcare by improving the overall wellness of all individuals in our communities and delivering high-quality comprehensive patientcentered care” aligns with her purpose and goal. Savi is extremely proud to be part of this outstanding organization. Before joining Harmony Health-

care, Savi held the position of associate chief financial officer at the Institute for Community Living and worked extensively at the Jewish Board of Family and Children Services for five years, followed by a decade at Ryan Health Center. Her impressive 22-year journey in the nonprofit sector reflects her unwavering dedication to supporting the most vulnerable communities. Savitree holds a B.S. in accounting from Lehman College and an M.S. in health care engineering from Binghamton University, combining financial expertise with a deep understanding of healthcare systems. In 2022 Savi completed the executive program at the American College of Healthcare Executives. Savi is passionate about contributing to society, she finds fulfillment in giving back to those in need, a value instilled by her late mother, who encouraged her to pursue her passions. Part of Savi’s success was driven by her parents. Her late mother always encour-

aged her to do what she enjoys and taught her at an early age how to be kind and compassionate to others. She believes her upbringing has a lot to do with her success and for that she will forever be grateful to her parents. Savi believes her empathy and compassion, inherited from her mother, continues to shape her approach to serving the community. Savi draws inspiration from her son, who remains her primary motivation in all her endeavors, infusing purpose into her work and personal life. Savi has a clear goal and a growth mindset. Savi believes her success was enabled by faith, commitment, believing in herself, support from her family and mentors, conﬁdence, positive thinking, and open-mindedness. Savi also believes when you achieve success you must remain kind, humble and respectful as this will lead to even greater success. Beyond Savi’s professional commitments, she cherishes moments spent traveling and with her beloved family.

2024 HONOREE

ichael Rant, P.E. is a Principal of Northcoast Civil and the President of the Engineering Department. Northcoast Civil is a Civil Engineering & Land Surveying ﬁrm located in Oyster Bay. Northcoast

Civil provides a wide range of civil engineering and land surveying services for commercial and residential projects all throughout Long Island. Mr. Rant joined the ﬁrm in 2007, which at the time was named Bladykas & Panetta, and began to climb his way up the ranks and grow the company.

In 2019 Mr. Rant and his current partner, Thomas Bremen P.L.S., took over the business and rebranded it as Northcoast Civil. A once small “mom & pop” land surveying company began its transformation into a thriving civil engineering and land surveying ﬁrm that has been able to compete with the large ﬁrms and make a name for themselves. Mr. Rant has used his vast knowledge of civil engineering to see a multitude of projects go from a raw piece of land to a completed, fully operational development. His hands-on approach allows him to be intimately involved in each project whether it is a small residential single-family home or a largescale commercial development. Each project is given the same level of attention and professional care. He continues to develop new relationships with clients and manage his growing team of motivated engineers. Currently, Mr. Rant and the Northcoast Civil team have been involved in many development projects through-

out Nassau and Suffolk counties. Some of the recent projects include the subdivision of a 43-acre parcel of land into seven residential building lots in the Village of Oyster Bay Cove, a redevelopment project of a vacant commercial strip mall site into a mixed-use development in the Village of Roslyn, a new four-story, 92-unit multi-family development in the Village of Mineola, site engineering for the construction of six new single-family homes in the Village of East Hills and a new car dealership in the Village of Hempstead. Northcoast Civil has been able to complete a wide range of different projects and continues to take on new areas of civil engineering. In the past five years Mr. Rant has helped strategically grow Northcoast Civil. He believes the backbone to a great company is its employees and he makes every effort to show his appreciation for his amazing team. Without having a positive, enjoyable work environment employees will never give 100%. He hopes to keep the momentum going and continue

to grow his team of hard-working engineers. As a native Long Islander, Mr. Rant enjoys working on projects where he grew up and continues to live today with his wife and four children. It is exciting to see the natural progression of properties as they change hands and are redeveloped to ﬁt the needs of the current times. It is important to not stand in the way of progress but rather properly plan for the future. What has enabled you to be successful? My drive and determination has allowed my to reach my goals and continue to be successful. Growing up it was instilled in me at a young age how important a strong work ethic was. It is very rewarding to spend so much time working to get a project approved and seeing the ﬁnished product. I encourage my employees to take pride in their work and continue to grow as engineers.

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2024 HONOREE

risten Rodrigues has been working as a Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist for over 14 years. She is currently employed at William E. DeLuca Elementary school in the North Babylon School District, working primarily with students in the STRIVE Program (Structured Teaching Reinforced in a Visual Environment). As an alumni of North Babylon, Kristen is truly grateful to be able to give back to her hometown community that prepared her so well for her academic journey. When Kristen began working in North Babylon, her goal was to facilitate increased use and access to

visual and augmentative supports to improve functional communication skills of students. She feels that her greatest professional accomplishment is the organization of the installation and implementation of the school’s Playground Communication Boards. With the installment of these boards, all students have access to communication in order to express their wants and needs when playing outside, by pointing to pictures on the boards related to outdoor activities. Kristen created a training video with students that was shared with staﬀ on how to appropriately use the communication boards. In addition, she has developed assistive and alternative methods of communication for students who require

additional support when communication breakdowns occur. By providing students with additional modes of communication, more independence is noted across educational environments, as well as an increase in social interaction between all students. Kristen is considered a valued resource for both colleagues and parents. She has developed presentations for parents and staﬀ within the district related to the carryover of learned speech-language skills, the relationship between communication and behaviors, as well as increasing knowledge of augmentative communication awareness. Kristen is a PTA member, SEPTA member, and volunteers as a mentor for children in the district. She is an advocate for students with disabilities and her compassion for her students is always evident. Prior to returning to her alma mater of North Babylon, Kristen learned about various therapeutic strategies for working with children with Autism and with children with multiple disabilities at Eastern Suﬀolk Boces

and United Cerebral Palsy. She completed her clinical fellowship year at the Children’s Learning Center at United Cerebral Palsy of Nassau County. Kristen was drawn to helping children with multiple disabilities overcome communication delays to eﬀectively express themselves. Through the course of her professional career, she further developed her skill set learning about the many diﬀerent facets in the diverse world of Speech-Language Pathology, including assessment and evaluation in the areas of receptive/expressive language, articulation/phonology, augmentative and alternative communication, and pragmatics. She has experience treating children from Early Intervention to 21 years of age in a variety of settings. Kristen’s mission has been to focus on the individual needs of her students to make progress toward functional communication and improved self-advocacy skills by building a connection. She encourages the facilitation of a total communication approach with her students, acknowledging all forms of communication to improve overall

social and language skills. She believes that the ﬁeld of Speech-Language Pathology is everevolving, and strives to incorporate evidence-based practice techniques into her therapy sessions. In addition, she aims to assist each student in realizing his or her maximum potential, aligned with North Babylon’s core beliefs. Kristen feels that she continues to learn every day from her students, who encourage her to be the best clinician she can be. Kristen received her MA in SpeechLanguage Pathology from St. John’s University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is a member of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. Kristen lives in Kings Park with her husband Frank and their three sons, Frankie, Cristiano, and Antonio.

2024 HONOREE

alcolm M. Simms believes in giving his time, talent, and resources to the betterment of his community. He is actively engaged in diverse sectors of the community that include the business, civic and religious sectors. Nurtured by a diverse group of

educators and business professionals when he was young, Malcolm M. Simms displays the kind of preparation our youth need to make a positive impact on our community and our world. He continues to exemplify the traits of an outstanding leader in every endeavor that he embarks on, and his goals are to operate in an

area of excellence in every aspect of his life. Malcolm M. Simms is a business relationship manager with J.P. Morgan Chase, one of the country’s largest financial firms. He has been working in finance for the past seven years and has played an integral part in helping businesses access capital throughout Long Island. Malcolm is responsible for managing clients with revenues from $1 million to $5 million. Throughout the course of his career, he has built relationships and honed his abilities. He is a consistent and capable problem-solver skilled at prioritizing and managing projects. This aids in developing and maintaining strong client relationships within the firm. Malcolm is also the vice president of the Westbury-Carle Place Chamber of Commerce, where he chairs the Young Professional Committee. The team spends a lot of time bringing attention to and spotlighting local businesses by hosting networking events and biannual street fairs. In addition, Malcolm is a member of the 100 Black Men of Eastern New York.

Malcolm enjoys networking and demonstrates expertise in strategic planning. Throughout his career, Malcolm has loved serving the Westbury community, where his family has lived for over 40 years. In addition to work-related duties, Malcolm also does a great deal of community work, contributing to workshops for young males and career days for students. Malcolm M. Simms stands as a highly respected figure within his community and among his peers, earning accolades that reflect his unwavering commitment and exemplary work. Recently recognized as the businessperson of the year, Malcolm has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in his field. His achievements extend beyond mere professional success, as evidenced by his receipt of the Executive Circle Award—an honor reserved for individuals who exemplify outstanding leadership and contribute significantly to their industry. Malcolm’s dedication, vision, and

impact resonate not only within the business realm but also serve as an inspiration to those who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond. Malcolm attended SUNY Old Westbury where he received his degree in business administration in 2017. He has a passion for business, having grown up in a family of business owners. Malcolm has been a mentor to several young professionals throughout Long Island across his career. In addition to working hard for business and community, Malcolm allocates time to engage with his family. He lives in Westbury with his wife Janielle Simms and son Malcolm V Simms II. In his spare time, he loves to travel with them.

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2024 HONOREE

ohn-Paul Smolenski founded MMP Capital in 2013 and serves as president and CEO. Over the past 10 years, he has been the driving force behind MMP Capital’s significant growth, establishing MMP Capital as a leader in equipment financing, leasing, and unsecured capital. MMP Capital funds more than $350 million annually for clients in aesthetic medical, healthcare, graphic arts, dentistry, veterinary, and ophthalmology industries who regularly need new equipment. Clients turn to MMP for its quality service, highly competitive rates, and loans that are often approved within hours. Personalization is a key component of John-Paul’s leadership. Internally, John-Paul has built a family culture that encourages employees to spend time together both in and out of the corporate setting. Externally, he has fostered strong customer, vendor, and banking relationships to create flexible financial

programs for both new and well-established small businesses. Under his guidance, MMP Capital responds to all inquiries – email, phone, or text — within 5-10 minutes and will track a customer’s performance through custom analytics to offer expert advice and an overall better experience. As a leader in commercial financing, John-Paul joined the Forbes Finance Council, an invitation-only community of top financial services leaders. He was selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience, his track record of successfully impacting business growth, and his significant personal and professional achievements and honors. Beyond professional achievements, John-Paul is actively involved in his community. He founded a community giving program called MMP Tots a few years ago as a scholarship program, awarding tuition for private K-12 education to families on Long Island. In 2023, as part of MMP Capital’s

2024 HONOREE

amantha Stewart joined Webster Bank in 2023 as a Relationship Manager, Director in Investment commercial real estate. Prior to her current position, Samantha worked at Signature Bank for eight years, where she began her career as a Loan Administration Assistant and eventually worked her way up to Senior Lending Officer. In this position, she originated and managed a diverse $1.2 billion portfolio comprised of multi-family, mixed-use, office, retail and industrial properties throughout New York. While working at Signature, Samantha recognized the value of relationship banking and its significant role in the success of the CRE team. At Webster, Samantha is an integral part of the newly established Regional Banking Team, which focuses on clients with lending needs ranging from $2 million to $10 million and revenue between $10 million to $50 million. Her expertise lies in multi-fam-

10th Anniversary Year, the MMP Tots program expanded with the goal of enriching young lives beyond their education. The MMP family was invited to take part in charitable activities throughout the year, volunteering and organizing events to give back and make an immediate impact. John-Paul attended Purdue University, where he was nominated and served as captain of the men’s track and ﬁeld team in 2004-2005. At Purdue University, he also distinguished himself as a Big Ten conference champion, an NCAA AllAmerican, and had the privilege to represent the United States on its Under 23 Men’s National Team. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in history and went on to receive a master’s degree in educational administration. Among his professional aﬃliations, John-Paul is a member of the Aesthetic Industry Association and serves on the group’s advisory board as a commitment to the long-term health and sustainability of the medical aesthetic industry.

ily, mixed-use, retail, medical ofﬁce, and industrial properties in the New York Metro area. As someone who values the relationship banking mindset, Samantha appreciates the emphasis placed on personalized service, attention to detail, and most importantly, the trust between the client and the bank. She particularly enjoys networking as it provides opportunities to meet likeminded individuals and drive business forward. Samantha’s success can be attributed to the work ethic her parents instilled in her from a very young age and to good fortune of having worked and continuing to work with some of the best professionals in the commercial real estate industry. In addition, she acknowledges that there are challenges to working in a male-dominated industry, however she is grateful for the female role models, colleagues, team leads and mentors who have paved the way for her to be successful. Samantha resides on Long Island with her husband and two

young daughters. They are involved in organizations that provide resources to Veterans, as her husband served two tours in Iraq with the United States Marine Corps as well as various charities that serve her community.

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2024 HONOREE

llison Storck’s journey in the realm of nonprofit work began with a profound interest in making a difference. The intersection of this passion with her love for animals marked the inception of what she describes as “a match made in heaven.” With a career kick-started in managing communications for North Shore Animal League America, Storck discovered her true calling in the animal non-profit sector. This pivotal experience paved the way for her current role as the Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Smithtown-based Guide Dog Foundation and its sister organization, America’s VetDogs, a transition she made in 2017. A seasoned public relations professional, Storck has proven her prowess by elevating the organizations’ brand image through strategic planning, design, and implementation of initiatives, creative campaigns, and PR events. Her contributions have been instrumental in enhancing public aware-

ness at both local and national levels, amassing an impressive two billion impressions for the sister not-for-proﬁts. Reﬂecting on her impactful work, Storck expresses, “There is something magical that happens when I see one of our clients get matched with a guide or service dog. These are stories that need to be shared, and I’m humbled to be a part of such life-changing missions.” Beyond her core responsibilities, Storck spearheads the Puppy with a Purpose program, a collaborative effort with national sports teams, broadcast media outlets and corporations across the country to raise a future guide or service dog. In this role, she orchestrates the showcasing of the dedication involved in raising future service or guide dogs. Since becoming a part of the team in 2017, Allison has overseen remarkable growth in the program, facilitating the inclusion of more than 30 dogs. This expansion has been made possible through valuable partnerships with renowned entities such as NBC’s TODAY, New York Islanders, New York Mets, Washington Capitals, Houston

Texans, NBC Baltimore, NBC Universal, and numerous other collaborators. Not confined to her professional duties, Storck actively engages as a volunteer within the organization, assuming the roles of a volunteer puppy raiser and fundraiser. Her commitment shines through as she successfully raised a guide dog for a visually impaired graduate from a New York-based program. Allison has puppy raised three dogs in total for the organization and has been honored with the role of a volunteer breeder caretaker. Her boundless affection for both organizations is evident, and she finds perpetual inspiration in the remarkable clients she encounters and the exceptional staff she collaborates with regularly.

2024 HONOREE

esirie Sykes is the CEO/Founder of NESS Behavior Consulting Agency & NESS Cares Inc. Her immersion in developmental disability services took a profound turn when her own child encountered speech challenges, sparking her journey into the transformative world of Applied Behavior Analysis. Watching her students progress— from mastering minimal verbal communication to acquiring fundamental life skills—deepened her unwavering commitment to this ﬁeld. Beyond therapy sessions, her dedication extends to advocating for families. Recognizing the stark disparity between administrative decisions and the authentic needs of parents and children fueled her mission to empower families. Desirie became resolute in equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the system eﬀectively. In 2020, amid the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exacerbated challenges faced by

students with special needs during the shift to virtual learning, Desirie founded NESS Cares. This not-for-profit, 501c(3) organization serves as a platform providing essential resources for individuals in need of special education and mental health support. It also allows her to share her own experience battling high-functioning depression, finding solace, safety, and proper advocacy. NESS Behavior Consulting, her for-profit agency launched in 2018. It provides direct ABA therapy and parent training services primarily to children diagnosed with autism. The company also extends our services to public schools in need of behavioral technicians to assist children whose behavioral challenges impede their ability to learn. NESS Behavior Consulting stands not only as a service provider but as a beacon of hope, working in tandem with NESS Cares. Together, the organizations provide a collective commitment to redefine the narrative for children with special needs.

Their dedication lies in ensuring that every child doesn’t merely receive support but experiences personalized, consistent, and comprehensive care—an unshakable foundation that propels them toward success and independence.

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2024 HONOREE

the Washington Football Team as Manager of Business Operations and the Las Vegas Aces; selling over $600k in ticket revenue and managing their season ticket holder base for their inaugural season. She attended George Washington University where she served as Head Equipment Manager for the Women’s Basketball Team, graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She went on to complete the Sports Certiﬁcate program at New York University in 2013. A native New Yorker – Taylor resides in Long Island with her son, Devin. What has enabled you to be successful? My success is a testament to the strength of my support system— family and mentors who provide unwavering encouragement and guidance. Consistent self-reﬂection keeps me focused on goals, guiding my journey with purpose. Active networking with peers has broadened my perspectives, fostering collaborations and opening doors to

diverse opportunities. These three pillars—support, reﬂection, and networking—have been integral to my achievements.

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organ Taylor serves as the Vice President of Business Operations for the New York Liberty and the Long Island Nets, the NBA G League aﬃliate of the Brooklyn Nets, where she oversees event operations, merchandise and leads on ticket marketing initiatives. She works closely with the CEO and the full executive team to execute strategic planning, increase fan base and generate sales. With a passion for the fan experience and revenue generation, Taylor started her career with the MLS in their Digital Properties department gaining a keen focus on providing digital value to sponsors. From there she spent ﬁve seasons with the New York Liberty at Madison Square Garden, where she led the WNBA in top ticket sales revenue for the 2015 and 2016 seasons and provided top-tier service to all season ticket holders to help maintain and grow the fan base. Taylor moved on to work with

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40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

2024 HONOREE

ourtney TricarichiFunk is a distinguished professional whose career spans across education, business, and gaming, marked by a deep commitment to fostering knowledge and creativity. Holding a bachelor of arts in psychology from Hofstra University, and a master of business administration and master of philosophy in information sciences from Long Island University, Courtney is currently nearing the completion of her doctor of philosophy in information sciences. The culmination of Courtney’s academic pursuits is reﬂected in her doctoral work. In her proposed dissertation,

titled “Unveiling Inequities: Exploring Systemic Barriers and Missed Opportunities for Neurodivergent Individuals in Higher Education,” she explores the complexities of neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to a range of neurological variations that signiﬁcantly impact cognitive functioning, learning, and social interaction. Courtney’s research is driven by a deep concern for the pronounced inequities faced by neurodivergent individuals in the higher education system. She critically examines the discriminatory nature of standardized entrance examinations and the inadequacies within educational infrastructures to support the unique needs of these students. Her work not only highlights these critical issues

but also aims to initiate a transformative dialogue in educational policies and practices. This Ph.D. research underlines Courtney’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equity in education. In the realm of academia, Courtney’s role as an adjunct professor at Long Island University’s College of Management and as Nassau Community College’s Center for Workforce Development, stands out. Here, she imparts her extensive knowledge to students and professionals, guiding them through complex subjects and fostering an environment of intellectual growth. Additionally, at Long Island University, Courtney is known for her active involvement in student life, advising clubs such as the Society for Human Resource Management and the Startup Society. This engagement reﬂects her commitment to student development beyond the classroom, helping shape well-rounded individuals. Courtney’s professional experience is as diverse as it is profound. She cofounded Legendary Realms Games and

Terrain, a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and passion for gaming. This venture not only showcases her creativity but also her ability to transform a hobby into a successful business venture. Additionally, her role as an Expo co-runner for the Long Island Tabletop Gaming Expo further cements her standing in the gaming community, demonstrating her skills in event management and community engagement. Perhaps one of the most impactful chapters in Courtney’s career was her tenure as the associate center director at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes. In this role, she worked closely with neurodivergent children, including those diagnosed with dyslexia and hyperlexia. Her work involved tailored educational programs, helping children overcome learning diﬃculties and unlocking their full potential. This experience not only highlights her expertise in educational development but also her compassion and dedication to making a diﬀerence in children’s lives. Courtney’s contributions to academia are further underscored by her

research and publications. Her peerreviewed works, including “Escape to Fun: A Usability Study” and “The Effect of Birth Order on Personality and Leadership” in the Journal of Organizational Psychology, reflect her in-depth exploration of information sciences and organizational psychology. These publications are not just a testament to her scholarly abilities but also contribute significantly to the field. In every aspect of her career, Courtney Tricarichi-Funk demonstrates a unique blend of academic rigor, entrepreneurial acumen, and a deep-seated passion for education and gaming. Her journey is characterized by her versatility, her ability to connect with diverse groups, and her unwavering commitment to enhancing the educational and personal development of others. Her work with neurodivergent children underscores her empathetic approach and her desire to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those she works with. What has enabled me to be successful? Courage.

2024 HONOREE

yleana K. Venable has concentrated experience in providing collaborative real-time guidance to public school districts and public libraries on complicated and conten-

tious issues. Tyleana’s experience includes policy development, student privacy, school board elections, Title IX, faculty tenure, employment issues, disciplinary proceedings, student residency requirements, special education, student disciplinary hearings, open meetings law and freedom of information law. In addition, she advises clients on the competitive bidding requirements for construction and purchase contracts. Prior to joining Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP, Tyleana was a litigator at a Long Island law ﬁrm representing individuals in federal court. Tyleana received her bachelor of arts degree from Berkeley College and Juris Doctor from the University at Buﬀalo School of Law.

During law school, Tyleana clerked for Judge Denise Hochul and Judge Walter Ruehle of the Executive Oﬃce for Immigration Review. She also served as executive editor of the Human Rights Law Review. Tyleana received the Top Lawyers of Long Island Award from Herald Publications in 2023 and the Marie Nesbitt Promise Prize Scholar in 2017. Tyleana is a member of the Firm’s Marketing Committee, delegate for the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, director of the Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (Nassau Chapter). She also served as chair of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association Annual Holiday Cocktail Party and Mittens Fundraiser and member of the AMISTAD LI Bar Association Annual Luncheon Committee. Tyleana is admitted to practice law in New York State. Along her journey from law school to the law ﬁrm, Tyleana garnered invaluable insights into the multifaceted world of law. These ex-

periences were not mere professional milestones; they were chapters that enriched her perspective. Her role in various bar associations and committees allowed her to realize that she is passionate about fostering community, championing causes, and ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are amplified. She is a legal professional and a lifelong learner, who is driven by the desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of those she serves and the communities she is a part of. What has enabled you to be successful? Throughout my life, my parents have been the bedrock of my achievements, providing me with unwavering support and encouragement. Their belief in my potential, their sacrifices, and their constant motivation have been my foundational pillars of strength. In addition, a blend of diverse experiences, supportive networks, continuous learning, and a deep-rooted commitment to societal betterment has been the cornerstone of my accomplishments.

Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024 • 40 UNDER 40

congratulates

Shayna Blumenfeld for being honored as one of Blank Slate Media’s 40 Under 40 Shayna’s commitment to prioritizing safety for children in child custody cases underscores the harsh reality and need for collective efforts to advocate for and secure the well-being of children. Join us in supporting Kyra's Champions as they continue to raise awareness and push for legislative changes.

www.KyrasChampions.org

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S40 40 UNDER 40 • Blank Slate Newspapers, Friday, February 2, 2024

Congratulations to

MALCOLM M. SIMMS On this well-deserved honor of being recognized as a Blank Slate Media 40 under 40 honoree. Your commitment to our community is an inspiration and we thank you for your hard work and dedication.

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