STUART RICHNER CEO & Publisher RICHNER COMMUNICATIONS
Dear Readers,
The Herald’s Seventh Annual 2026 Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards, presented by RichnerLIVE, was a powerful and inspiring celebration held on March 25 at The Heritage Club at Bethpage More than 300 attendees gathered to recognize over 50 extraordinary women whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to community continue to shape the future of Long Island.
This year’s honorees represent the very best of what it means to lead with purpose. Across industries, they are driving change, breaking barriers, and paving the way for the next generation of women in business. While the journey toward equity continues, these remarkable leaders exemplify how progress is achieved—through resilience, vision, and unwavering determination.
A special thank you to all of the sponsors listed below.
At Herald Community Media, we remain proud of our mission to spotlight the individuals and organizations that make Long Island a vibrant and thriving community. By celebrating excellence, we aim not only to honor achievement, but to inspire continued growth, leadership, and opportunity across our region.
Sincerely,
Stuart Richner Publisher, Herald Community Newspapers CEO, Richner Communications, Inc.
Executive Director, Events & Corporate Relations RICHNER LIVE
Dear Honorees, Partners and Community,
What an incredible night it was celebrating the 2026 Premier Business Women of Long Island. Each year, this event reminds me why we do what we do — and this year was truly special. The energy in the room was filled with ambition, resilience and the kind of leadership that continues to move Long Island forward.
To our honorees: you are not only leaders in your industries, you are changemakers, mentors and role models. It is an honor to recognize and celebrate you.
A special thank you to our incredible host, Kristin Thorne, Emmy-winning journalist, whose presence, professionalism and passion helped elevate the entire experience.
To our sponsors, partners and attendees: thank you for your continued support in building something meaningful and impactful. I’m already looking forward to what we create together next.
Donna M. DiSclafani is a Partner of Prager Metis, a member of Prager Metis International Group. She has more than 26 years of experience in assurance and accounting.
Donna has an expertise in accounting, audit, review, compilation, business consulting, tax return preparation, and financial planning for various individuals and industries. She works closely with her clients in several industries including Taft-Hartley Funds, labor unions, nonprofits, manufacturing, leisure time entities, highnet-worth individuals, and estates and trusts.
Donna is also a certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.
Donna strives to provide personalized, handholding service to all clients, regardless of size, and to assess clients’ financial needs and advise them as to how they can achieve their financial goals.
Prior to joining Prager Metis, Donna was a Partner at S.A. Koenig & Associates, CPAs, P.C. who joined with Prager Metis in 2018. Her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants She received a BBA, Business AdministrationAccounting from Hofstra University.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
ACCOUNTING EXCELLENCE
VANESSA M. GORDON
Audit Principal, Nonprofit Practice GRASSI
Vanessa M. Gordon, CPA, is an Audit Principal within Grassi’s Nonprofit practice. She has extensive experience auditing healthcare, human services, higher education, religious organizations, local and governmental units, and organizations serving individuals with special needs.
Vanessa demonstrates deep expertise in nonprofit auditing, including OMB Single Audits and compliance with New York State Consolidated Fiscal Report (CFR) reporting requirements. She works closely with staff and clients to improve their businesses and provide insight into the tools they need to succeed.
Vanessa is engaged in industry conferences, association events, and speaking engagements. She has shared her experience as a speaker for the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYCPA) and is an active member of both NYCPA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Vanessa also serves on the Board of Directors of Family Service League, a $70 million human services organization serving Long Island communities.
Vanessa has been recognized as one of Moore North America’s Emerging Leaders and was named to Long Island Business News’ Top 50 Women in Business and 40 Under 40 lists.
Q& A
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: I have been fortunate to have mentors and colleagues who challenged me, trusted me with responsibility, and encouraged me to grow into leadership roles. Their support helped shape my confidence and reinforced the idea that leadership is not defined by who has traditionally held those roles but by the impact we make and the people we bring along with us. What inspires me most is the opportunity to make a difference for those who will follow in my footsteps and to be an example that leadership in this profession can take many different forms. Visibility and opportunity are essential for the next generation of women entering the profession.
BANKING LEADERSHIP
CAROL A. ALLEN President & CEO
Carol A. Allen serves as the President & CEO of People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union (PAFCU), bringing a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the credit union movement. With more than 30 years of leadership roles at PAFCU, Carol has played a pivotal role in driving innovation, enhancing member experience and strengthening the financial well-being of the communities PAFCU serves. Since assuming the role of CEO, Carol has led the credit union with a focus on strategic growth, operational excellence and member-centric solutions. Under her leadership, PAFCU has expanded its products and services, embraced digital transformation and reinforced its missions of putting members first. With over $320 million in total assets, PAFCU provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services to both individuals and businesses. Through partnerships with local companies, PAFCU delivers onsite workplace banking to employees and organizations throughout the region including the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge.
Carol has been a recipient of the Long Island Business News Executive Circle Award, Top 40 Under 40, and Outstanding CEOs, and was a PowerList recipient by the Long Island Press. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Hauppauge Industrial Association-LI previously serving as Chairperson; serves as the Northport Yacht Club Financial Secretary; also serves on the Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Carol is a committee member for the HIA-LI’s Women Leading the Way Conference and as an Advisory Board member for the Northport High School Academy of Finance Program, she has the unique opportunity to share in the commitment to shape the future generation of business professionals. She is able to give back to the community by strengthening connections between businesses, educators and students, fostering a network of support and shared success.
Carol earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Hofstra University and a master’s degree in finance from Adelphi University.
BANKING LEADERSHIP
LUCY ZHANG FVP/Commercial Lender ROYAL BUSINESS BANK
Lucy Zhang is a seasoned financial services professional with extensive experience across retail banking, credit analysis and commercial lending. With a comprehensive understanding of banking operations and relationship management, she delivers strategic, customerfocused financial solutions grounded in diligence, integrity and sincerity.
A proven team builder and goal-driven leader, Lucy has successfully recruited and trained high-performing teams across customer service, financial operations and sales. By focusing on pipeline development, cross-selling strategies and personalized client solutions, she consistently drives measurable growth while ensuring strict compliance with banking policies and procedures.
Passionate about mentorship and professional development, Lucy has guided numerous team members in advancing their careers — supporting transitions such as Customer Service Representative to Personal Banker, Assistant Manager to VP/Premier Relationship Manager, and Service Manager to Branch Manager. Her leadership philosophy centers on accountability, continuous improvement and empowering others to achieve excellence. Royal Business Bank has grown into a trusted financial institution across six U.S. states.
Royal Business Bank is a full-service bank offering comprehensive commercial and consumer products and services. While staying true to its roots, RBB now focuses on helping individuals and businesses of all backgrounds access capital through speed, expertise and personal relationships. Royal Business Bank is not trying to be the biggest bank — just the most trusted one for the people and businesses they serve.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
BANKING LEADERSHIP
NICOLE A. STEFANAKOS Senior Vice President CITIZENS
Nicole Stefanakos is a Senior Vice President at Citizens Bank and a leader within Long Island’s business and nonprofit communities. Known for her relationship-driven, analytical approach, she partners with middle market companies to navigate growth, capital strategy and complex financial decisions. Her diverse background, spanning neuroscience, corporate leadership and commercial banking, enables her to approach client needs with a unique blend of strategic insight and human understanding.
With a master’s degree in Psychology from CUNY Queens College, Nicole’s career path has been anything but traditional. Beginning in academia, she taught as an adjunct lecturer and managed the Queens Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, contributing to published research and mentoring emerging scholars. She later transitioned into corporate strategy and finance, managing multimillion-dollar acquisitions, key vendor relationships, and companywide engagement initiatives for a Long Island based middle market company.
Since transitioning to commercial banking, Nicole has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, leading complex strategies, structuring credit solutions, and mentoring colleagues across business lines. At Citizens Bank, she leverages her multidisciplinary experience to anticipate evolving client needs and deliver tailored financial guidance.
Beyond her professional work, Nicole is deeply committed to community impact, supporting organizations focused on mentorship, community based giving, healthcare, services for individuals with developmental disabilities, and animal welfare.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
GIOVANA BRACCHI Executive Director
LA FUERZA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Giovana Bracchi possesses nearly two decades of experience in community development. She joined La Fuerza, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), in 2009 and was appointed Executive Director in 2012. In this capacity, Giovana is responsible for the strategic management and advancement of the CDFI, ensuring the organization fulfills its mission and objectives. Her commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth has led to the creation of employment opportunities and the development of lasting community assets. Under her leadership, Giovana has achieved significant milestones in community development, including the expansion of its small business portfolio, the implementation of an SBA Lending Program, the establishment of a New York State Revolving Loan Fund, and the introduction of P.O.W.E.R., a zero-interest women’s loan fund. Through these initiatives, she has supported thousands of local small businesses, with a particular focus on women-owned enterprises. As Executive Director, Giovana is also tasked with cultivating strategic partnerships and relationships that strengthen the organization’s capacity to serve its diverse constituents. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a member of Ponce Bank’s Advisory Board and the New York State CDFI Coalition Board.
Her biggest accomplishment to date is her 16-year-old daughter, Gwen.
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: My mother inspired me from a very young age. Growing up, I watched her lead with strength, compassion and a deep commitment to helping others. She showed me what it means to work hard for the things you believe in while still making time for the people who matter most. Her example shaped the way I approach both my work and my life. Today, I carry those lessons with me, hoping to set that same example for my daughter.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
KATHERINE FRITZ President & CEO LONG ISLAND CARES
Katherine M. Fritz is President & CEO of Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank. With more than 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Katherine has built her career around advancing equity, strengthening organizations, and connecting people to causes that change lives. She joined Long Island Cares in 2019 as Vice President for Development & Communications, where she helped grow assets and unified fundraising, communications, and advocacy under a single strategy.
Katherine will lead Long Island Cares into its next chapter guided by the mission to assemble resources to benefit the hungry and food insecure. She is focused on strengthening the organization’s dual role as a safety net and a systems-changer: building trust, fostering collaboration, expanding programs that address the root causes of hunger, and ensuring that every decision honors the dignity and worth of the neighbors Long Island Cares serves.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: Over the past year, one of my greatest achievements has been continuing to strengthen and expand the impact of Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank, during a time when the need for food assistance continues to grow across our region. Through strategic partnerships, community collaboration, and a dedicated team, we have been able to increase food distribution, expand access to essential services, and support thousands of Long Islanders facing food insecurity. I am particularly proud of the work we have done to deepen our relationships with community organizations, government leaders, and corporate partners to ensure that no one on Long Island goes hungry. By focusing on innovation, efficiency, and compassion, we have been able to reach more neighbors in need while also strengthening the infrastructure.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
COMMUNITY IMPACT
LISA BURCH President & CEO
EPIC FAMILY OF HUMAN SERVICE AGENCIES
Lisa Burch, MPH, serves as the CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, bringing over three decades of extensive experience in public health, non-profit management, community and government relations, strategic planning, and program development. Her career has been marked by a commitment to enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations.
Throughout her career, Lisa has held pivotal roles that have shaped her leadership philosophy. At Family and Children’s Association (FCA), Lisa served as the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In this capacity, she was instrumental in overseeing program operations, facilities, IT, compliance, and quality assurance. Prior to her impactful tenure at FCA, Lisa contributed significantly to Northwell Health, where she established the Office of Sponsored Programs and laid the foundation for the health system’s first Sustainability and Social Responsibility program, underscoring her commitment to ethical practices and community engagement.
Lisa’s contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Long Island Power Women in Business award in 2017, the Premier Businesswomen of Long Island award in 2019, Nassau County Woman of Distinction in 2021, Top Business Leaders 2024, Top 50 Women in Business 2024, Top Chiefs 2024, LI Press Power List 2025, Power Women 2025 and State and City LI Trailblazer Award 2025.. Additionally, she is a proud member of the Energeia Partnership Class of 2020, a testament to her dedication to leadership and community service.
Q&
A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: In the past year, EPIC LI opened its first independent living apartments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This was a major accomplishment and a move toward expanding the continuum of housing opportunities we are able to offer.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
MERLISA FAIRLEY, BS, PH, MBA Chief Operating Officer PRONTO OF LONG ISLAND
Merlisa Fairley, BS, PH, MBA is a visionary leader, author and dedicated advocate for equitable access to high-quality services for underserved communities. With more than 12 years of leadership experience across the public and private sectors, she is known for her strategic insight, operational excellence and unwavering commitment to service.
Merlisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Monroe University, and holds an MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Psychology, further deepening her expertise in human behavior, emotional well-being and community impact.
Her career includes leadership roles at Family Residences & Essential Enterprises, Inc. (FREE), where she championed programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental illness and traumatic brain injuries.
Today, as Chief Operating Officer at Pronto of Long Island, Merlisa leads organizational strategy and operations, expanding vital programs that provide food, resources and hope to families facing economic hardship. Her leadership reflects compassion, purpose, and an enduring commitment to strengthening communities.
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: My greatest inspiration is my children, Seth and Laila. Becoming their mother changed the way I see the world and clarified my purpose in a way nothing else ever could. Everything I do is grounded in the desire to create a better, more equitable future for them and for the families we serve. My family, as a whole, has made me who I am today.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
PATRICIA
CHARLEMAGNE, ED.D., J.D Executive Director GIRLS INC. OF LONG ISLAND
Dr. Patricia Charlemagne, Ed.D., J.D. is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Long Island, where she leads efforts to ensure that girls across Nassau and Suffolk counties grow into strong, smart and bold leaders. Under her leadership, the organization is expanding programs, partnerships, and opportunities that support girls’ academic achievement, leadership development and overall health and wellness.
With nearly two decades of experience in education, youth development and nonprofit leadership, Patricia brings a multidisciplinary perspective to advancing opportunities for young people. She began her legal career as a law clerk in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office after earning her law degree from Temple University Beasley School of Law, before dedicating her professional focus to education and youth advocacy.
Patricia earned her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, where her research during the Covid-19 pandemic examined how schools and community institutions collaborate to support young people during times of disruption. Her work reinforced a critical lesson that continues to shape her leadership today: when communities intentionally partner with schools and youthserving organizations, they create powerful ecosystems of support that help girls thrive. This belief drives her commitment to building cross-sector partnerships across Long Island to expand access, mentorship, and pathways for girls — particularly in fields and industries where women have historically been underrepresented.
A proud Baldwin native, Patricia is deeply invested in strengthening the community where she was raised and now raises her own family. She believes that when girls are supported, healthy and confident in their voices, they become the leaders who will shape a stronger and more equitable future for Long Island.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
COMMUNITY IMPACT
SUZETTE GORDON President & CEO
SCO FAMILY OF SERVICES
Suzette Gordon is President and Chief Executive Officer of SCO Family of Services, one of New York’s largest providers of vital human services. A mission-driven and collaborative leader, she oversees an extensive continuum of programs focused on education, family permanency, health and wellness, housing, youth justice, and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under her leadership, Suzette has profoundly shaped how SCO Family of Services fulfills its mission to empower children, families, adults, and communities with essential resources for success. She has cultivated an environment where every team member’s voice is valued, inspiring staff to actively shape SCO’s strategic direction and amplify the organizations’ impact across Long Island and New York City. She is recognized for reimagining and strengthening SCO’s leadership team, improving program optimization, and ensuring the organization’s culture remains deeply aligned with its mission, vision and values.
With more than 20 years of experience across the legal, government, and nonprofit sectors, Suzette brings deep expertise in healthcare transformation, organizational governance, and compliance. Prior to becoming President and CEO, she served as SCO’s Chief Legal Counsel and led the agency’s legal, compliance, human resources, and communications and marketing functions. Earlier in her career, she held senior roles at New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and served as a Trial Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
JANEK Founder & Host LONG ISLAND BREAKFAST CLUB
Valentina Janek is a marketing consultant, career and life coach, midlife advocate, senior information specialist, author, media personality, and actress. Her career spans corporate marketing, media relations, publishing, technology, recruiting, fundraising, and community advocacy.
She is the founder and host of The Long Island Breakfast Club Show, a Massapequabased live networking and business talk show streamed on Strong Island Entertainment TV and Facebook Live. Launched in 2008, the show recently celebrated 400 episodes and won the 2021 Webby Award for Podcasts, with additional nominations in 2022, 2023, and 2026.
Valentina’s personal career reinvention at age 50 inspired her book From Fired to Freedom, sharing her journey alongside 67 women navigating job loss. She also authored In Love & Friendship and contributes to Bold Magazine and Boldzine.
In film and television, she appears in The Fontanas, and Ferretti Films productions, including The Bigger Picture, Crooked, and The Casual Crew. She was cast in the 2024 feature film Max, scheduled for Long Island screenings in 2026.
A committed community leader, Valentina cofounded the Long Island Writers Club, volunteers with the Long Island NY Film Festival, and has received numerous awards recognizing her impact in business and service.
Her guiding mantra: “Every day: Get up. Get dressed. Show up. Never give up.” She lives in Valley Stream, New York, cherishing family while inspiring others to make a difference.
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: I am the product of remarkable women — my grandmothers, my aunts, and my mother — whose strength shaped me, and a father whose unwavering support taught me to believe in myself. They gave me an extraordinary gift: the courage to pursue my dreams with empathy, love, and conviction. Their influence lives in me every day, guiding how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up in the world.
VALENTINA
EDUCATION & YOUTH
ELLEN MORRIS TIEGERMAN, MD Founder & CEO
TIEGERMAN SCHOOL AND TIEGERMAN COMMUNITY
SERVICES
Dr. Ellen Tiegerman is the founder and CEO of Tiegerman Schools and Tiegerman Community Services. She established the organization in 1985 as the School for Language and Communication Development (SLCD), a small preschool and elementary program serving 36 students with language and developmental challenges. Over the past four decades, her vision has grown into a full continuum of programs that now includes preschools, middle and high schools, and adult services that support individuals across the lifespan.
Ellen’s work focuses on helping students move beyond academics toward meaningful adult lives. Under her leadership, she developed vocational training initiatives and partnerships with companies such as Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, providing hands-on job experience and practical workplace skills. The organization also emphasizes life skills and college-level learning for students pursuing higher education.
Through Tiegerman Community Services, she expanded supports for adulthood, including day habilitation, pre-vocational services, and residential programs.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: This past year marked Tiegerman’s 40th anniversary. It was a moment to reflect on the journey from a small program of 36 students to a full continuum of schools and adult services. More important than the growth, however, are the lives behind it — students who gained communication, families who gained hope, and adults now participating in their communities. We also continued strengthening the transition into adulthood through Tiegerman Community Services by expanding vocational training and communitybased opportunities so graduates move forward with confidence and purpose.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
EDUCATION & YOUTH
JASMIN VARELA, Ed.D.
District Superintendent
EASTERN SUFFOLK BOCES
Dr. Jasmin Varela is a systems level leader with 25 years of instructional experience. During her career in the New York City Public Schools, she developed an understanding of high-quality instructional programs and literacy best practices, with a focus on multilingualism. Jasmin began as an English Language Arts and Reading teacher in Community School District 30. As an administrator, she served as an Instructional Specialist for English Language Learners, Assistant Principal of a K-8 dual language school, Assistant Principal of an international middle-high school for newcomers, and Elementary School Principal. These positions prepared her to serve as a Director of School Renewal; in 2020, she was appointed as Deputy Superintendent in Community School District 9.
In September 2024, Jasmin was appointed as the first female Latina District Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Suffolk BOCES. In this dual role, she serves as a liaison between the Education Department and 51 school districts. She has forged a strong collaboration with the Office of Bilingual Education and World Languages and is a member of its Professional Learning Council. She works directly with the Regional Bilingual Education Resource Network and Family Education Outreach Program of Long Island.
Q& A
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: I credit my elementary teachers and parents for my academic success and professional journey. They set high expectations and established a solid foundation for me to thrive. As the daughter of immigrant parents, I quickly learned to leverage my linguistic and cultural identities to advocate for others. I drew inspiration from my first student, my late father, Héctor Varela. Héctor was an avid reader, prolific writer, and progressive beyond his years. At an early age, I taught him how to read, write and speak in English, and he sparked in me the confidence and leadership to teach.
CHARLENE JACKSON, ESQ.
Author, “The Ministry of Motherhood” & Chief Executive Officer THOMPSON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, LLC
Charlene Jackson, Esq., is an accomplished attorney, educator and community advocate whose career spans more than 30 years of public service and economic empowerment work. She serves as a Deputy County Attorney and Legal Counsel to the Nassau County Property Assessor and teaches as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Hofstra University. As New York Department of State Qualified Instructor, she has created and delivered continuing education programs on HUD compliance and fair housing for both real estate and legal professionals.
In 2011, she founded Thompson Economic Development Services, LLC, an MWBEcertified consulting firm dedicated to expanding economic opportunity. Through this firm, she has supported major clients including the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation and Entrepreneurship Assistance Programs at Hofstra University and Suffolk Community College. Charlene’s commitment to community revitalization is reflected in her service as Commissioner of the Village of Hempstead Community Development Agency, where she advanced housing, business and neighborhood development initiatives. She has also served on the Board of the Uniondale Community Land Trust and is a founding Board Member of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: My greatest achievement this past year has been publishing “The Ministry of Motherhood: A Spiritual Guide to Raising Children with Faith, Grace and Purpose.” Bringing this book forward allowed me to share the lessons, faith practices and hard-earned wisdom that shaped my own journey as a mother. Its release has opened meaningful conversations with women and families who are seeking guidance, connection, and grace in their parenting. I’m grateful for the impact it’s already having and the community it continues to build.
ENTREPRENEURIAL
JOANNA AUSTIN
Chief Executive Officer 31ST STATE
Joanna Austin is a serial entrepreneur, brand builder and C-level executive focused on mission-driven consumer brands. She currently serves as CEO of 31st State, a clean, vegan personal care brand for Gen Alpha and Gen Z guys, where she leads the company’s U.S. expansion and global growth strategy.
With more than 20 years of experience launching, scaling and advising brands across beauty, wellness and consumer sectors, Joanna is also the founder of Tenoh8 Consulting, a boutique advisory firm that helps founders and leadership teams define their value, modernize brand positioning and accelerate growth.
Known as a trusted partner to executives, entrepreneurs, and investors, Joanna brings deep expertise in brand strategy, messaging, strategic partnerships, e-commerce, and integrated marketing — helping companies strengthen customer relationships and build lasting competitive advantage.
Joanna is also active in the nonprofit community, serving as the Chair of the Book Fairies Board of Directors, which collects and distributes books to under-resourced communities across Long Island, New York City’s five boroughs and internationally. She also serves as an Board advisor to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS), which supports survivors and promotes healthy, safe relationships.
Her work centers on empowering others through entrepreneurship, creativity, and meaningful social impact.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
ENTREPRENEURIAL
LETY ALGERI Founder & CEO PLANT UP
Lety Algeri is the Founder and CEO of Plant Up, a New York-based organization challenging traditional education through experiential, sustainability driven learning with vertical gardens.
A classroom teacher turned education innovator, Lety holds a Master’s degree in Education, a Sociology degree from the University of Michigan, and certification as an integrative holistic health coach. Her expertise in academics and wellness revealed a gap between what students memorize and what they truly understand. Determined to close that gap, she built Plant Up as a model for real world, student centered learning.
Through partnerships with schools and nonprofits, she creates living classroom environments where students build, manage, and grow real food. Her model integrates academics, sustainability, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and nutrition, equipping students with practical skills and leadership experience that extend beyond the classroom.
A certified New York State MWBE and sought after speaker, she has shared her vision on national stages with audiences of 10,000. Lety is leading a movement to redefine education, where academics, workforce readiness, and wellness converge to prepare students not just to succeed, but to lead.
AGNES FALCONE Controller
Agnes Falcone is a distinguished finance professional with over 30 years of experience in the waste management industry. She currently serves as Controller for Winters Bros. Waste Systems, a WM Company, the region’s leading provider of comprehensive waste and recycling solutions.
Born in Tarnów, Poland, Agnes immigrated to the United States as a teenager and began her career in 1994 in a clerical role. Through dedication, professionalism and a deep understanding of the industry, she advanced steadily into leadership positions. Her journey reflects a lifelong passion for efficiency, sustainability and service to the Long Island community.
Agnes first joined Waste Management in 1998, when it acquired a privately owned carting company she worked for on the North Shore. She became part of Winters Bros. in 2006 and has remained a consistent force through both the private and public sectors of Long Island’s ever evolving waste industry landscape, committed to operational excellence, financial integrity and advancing sustainable waste and recycling practices.
Outside of work, Agnes is an artist at heart — enjoying painting and upcycling furniture and antiques. She is also a proud wife and mother, balancing her professional and personal worlds with creativity and dedication.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: This past year, my greatest achievement has been scaling our impact with intention. We expanded into new schools, underserved communities, and workforce programs supporting adults with disabilities, strengthening our entrepreneurship and career development model. More importantly, we built the infrastructure to sustain long-term growth. Moving from vision to scalable execution has positioned Plant Up not just as a program, but as a sustainable model for education and workforce transformation.
FOR NYS 18TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
APRIL 11, 2026, 10AM-12 NOON
FINANCIAL SERVICES
ANA LUDEMANN, MBA VP / Wealth Management Financial Advisor
JANNEY MONTGOMERY SCOTT, LLC
Ana Ludemann is a financial advisor and wealth strategist dedicated to helping families and entrepreneurs build, grow, and protect their wealth. Her journey from war-torn Serbia to leadership roles in the U.S. financial industry reflects resilience, determination and commitment to creating opportunity for others.
Ana began her academic journey at Megatrend University in Serbia before leaving her homeland in search of better opportunities. She later lived and worked in the United Kingdom before immigrating here where she continued her education and career while raising her young son. Ana earned her degree from Adelphi University with a 3.95 GPA while working full-time and later completed her MBA at Molloy University in 2023.
She began her career in financial services at Merrill Lynch, earning multiple FINRA licenses, and later served as Vice President Risk Officer at Morgan Stanley, providing oversight and guidance to financial advisors. Today, Ana is a Vice President and Wealth Management Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott and a partner in the Financial Advisory Team.
Ana is also a TEDx speaker and active community member, involved with the LI Center for Business & Professional Women and the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce. She is passionate about empowering families with financial knowledge and leading by example for her children.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
FINANCIAL SERVICES
KATHERINE M. DEAN, CFP®, MBA Financial Advisor
OPAL
WEALTH ADVISORS
Katherine M. Dean, MBA, a Certified Financial Planner professional, is the Lead Financial Advisor, OpalWomen at Opal Wealth Advisors. She is an Amazon best selling author, keynote speaker, retreat host for executive women, real estate, venture capital and angel investor and believes in multiple streams of income. Prior to Opal Wealth Advisors, Katherine ran multiple financial advisory firms and used her 25+ years of financial industry experience to run her own women’s empowerment and coaching organization, Living Your Worth, Inc.
As wealth strategist for high net-worth women specializing in tax-smart investing, concentrated stock planning and advanced trust and estate strategy, she is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with her clients. She fully respects their busy lives, and helps to simplify the financial complexities they face as women. With a laser focus on keeping her guidance clear and understandable, she supports her clients’ progress toward their goals and dreams. Katherine holds herself to the highest standards of accountability as she works to create an incredible experience for her clients.
Katherine lives on Long Island,with her wife Mary, daughters, Emma and Abbie, pups Roscoe, Hazel Mae and Murphy Bear. Katherine is also a passionate financial advocate for women and girls worldwide.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
CARMINE PEÑA, DDS
Endodontist
PEÑA
DENTISTRY PLLC PRACTICE
LIMITED TO ENDODONTICS
Dr. Carmine Peña has known she wanted to become a dentist since she was in kindergarten, a passion that has guided her throughout her education and professional career. She is a highly trained endodontist committed to providing exceptional patient-centered care with skill, compassion and integrity.
Carmine earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from NYU College of Dentistry. She went on to complete her General Practice Residency at NYU Langone - Brooklyn Hospital, followed by her endodontic residency at the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System in affiliation with NYU. During her advanced training, she was selected twice to serve as Chief Resident, first during her general practice residency and again during her endodontic residency, an honor that reflects both her clinical excellence and leadership.
Known for her calm bedside manner, clear communication and genuine empathy, Carmine takes particular care with patients who may feel anxious or uncomfortable. She approaches each case with precision and thoughtfulness, prioritizing both clinical excellence and patient comfort. Her work is guided by a deep respect for the trust placed in her by patients and referring doctors alike, and by a strong commitment to upholding the high standards of care that have long defined the practice.
Outside of the office, she enjoys reading, cycling, pickleball, and exploring the diverse culinary offerings of New York City.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: Over the past year, one of my greatest achievements has been expanding my work in helping individuals and families think more intentionally about their financial futures. Through educational events and one-on-one conversations, I’ve been able to connect people with strategies and professionals that help them protect, grow, and transfer wealth more effectively. Seeing clients gain clarity and confidence about their financial decisions has been incredibly rewarding.
A: Over the past year, I've expanded my impact as a leading voice for women and wealth, elevating the mission of OpalWomen at Opal Wealth Advisors. I've brought together influential women through curated conversations, collaborations, and thought leadership that move beyond traditional financial advice in true wealth ownership and strategic investing. Through initiatives like Show Her The Money and The Rejuvenate and Rise Retreat, I've created intentional spaces where high-achieving women can pause, align their vision, make powerful financial and life decisions.
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
CAROL
GOMES CEO & COO
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Carol Gomes is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Stony Brook University Hospital. She holds two master’s degrees from Stony Brook University in Management and Policy and in Healthcare Management and Administration and has served nearly a decade as a senior and alumni examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige Quality Program.
A Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Carol holds certification from the National Association for Healthcare Quality and teaches in Stony Brook’s School of Health Professions. Carol has received numerous awards, including the Long Island Business News Healthcare Heroes Award, the American Society of Clinical Pathology’s Master Award and Excellence in Management Award, and Healthcare Leaders of New York Award of Distinction. For four consecutive years, she has been named to the Long Island Press Power List. She is board chair of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council and serves on regional and statewide healthcare boards.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: Greatest achievements within the past year include winning the Practice Greenhealth Top 25 Environmental Excellence Award as a top performing hospital in the country. In addition, Stony Brook Hospital continues to be named one of America’s Top 50 Best Hospitals in the country. With emphasis on pride in the workplace, Stony Brook Medicine has continued to statistically significantly improve organizational culture as employee engagement has become a focal point for the health system.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
JANIS HOFFMAN, LCSW-R Co-Founder MINDFUL THERAPY
With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, Janis Hoffman brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach grounded in a deep passion for helping others grow and heal. She views therapy as a shared journey built on trust, authenticity and meaningful connection, creating a supportive space where clients can gain clarity, build resilience and develop practical strategies for lasting change.
Janis works with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem concerns. Her clinical approach integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulnessbased skills, and a person-centered framework, allowing her to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs. She helps clients recognize their strengths and move confidently toward their goals.
Inspired daily by the transformation she witnesses, Janis considers it a privilege to support others in their growth. In her spare time, she enjoys her husband, son, and daughter, their three dogs, hiking, and working out—embracing the same commitment to well-being that she fosters with her clients.
Mindful Therapy
Mindful Therapy Long Island was launched in 2018. Chance brought us together just over 10 years ago when we met online through mutual friends. We had a lot in common and realized we were both walking similar paths in our careers — to find a holistic way to meet the growing mental health needs of our community. We were hesitant about taking the leap on our own, but our new friendship cemented our partnership.
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
JILL KOFLER, LMHC-D Co-Founder MINDFUL THERAPY
With over 20 years of experience in mental health counseling,Jill Kofler approaches therapy with a human-first mindset, prioritizing the essential client-therapist relationship. By establishing trust and equipping clients with practical tools, she guides them to reframe their perspectives, often leading them to insightful breakthroughs.
Specializing in anxiety, depression, OCD, parenting, self-esteem, and phobias, she utilizes a range of treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic approaches, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness meditation. A proud alumna of Long Island University with a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and a certified hypnotherapist from the New York Hypnosis Training Center, Jill continually enhances her expertise through postgraduate coursework. Outside of her practice, she enjoys hiking, beach days, and traveling with her husband and two college age daughters.
Mindful Therapy
Mindful Therapy Long Island was launched in 2018. Chance brought us together just over 10 years ago when we met online through mutual friends. We had a lot in common and realized we were both walking similar paths in our careers — to find a holistic way to meet the growing mental health needs of our community. We were hesitant about taking the leap on our own, but our new friendship cemented our partnership.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: Continuing to expand the practice to offer more services to clients that are in need of mental health services.
"We joined forces and jumped in with both feet. It was a huge undertaking, but we hunkered down, got to work and began to make our visions of owning a mental health practice with our own unique approach come to life.With our strong work ethics and innovative ideas we created a mental health practice that met the rising needs of our community while addressing the “humanness” of us all. After recruiting other like-minded clinicians, Our sole purpose is to support our clients in becoming better versions of themselves. Mindful Therapy continues to meet the ever-changing needs of today’s world."
"We are proud of the reputation we’ve built and the opportunity to help more people every day. Like our clients, we are a work in progress and we will continue to evolve "
Dr. Marina Cortese is Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine, licensed and boardcertified Acupuncturist, Certified Medical Exercise Specialist, Certified Cancer Exercise Specialist, and Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Health Science, dual master’s degrees in Exercise Science and Health Science, and completed her clinical doctoral training in Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine.
With a background as both an athlete and former gym owner, Dr. Marina has always been passionate about treating sports injuries and optimizing recovery. Her approach blends Eastern and Western medicine with Exercise Science to create personalized, functional treatment plans.
Her own health journey led her to pursue advanced training in oncology acupuncture, neurofunctional acupuncture, and certifications through Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Over the past few years, she poured her heart into building MoveMed RX — a space that supports people before, during, and after surgeries, helps athletes recover stronger, and provides care for those navigating cancer, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, and other health challenges.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: My greatest achievement this past year has been recognizing that MoveMed RX is so much more than just an integrative medical practice — it’s a strong, growing community. What started as a vision rooted in everything I believe in has organically evolved into something far greater. Built purely through word of mouth, it’s a space grounded in trust, results and genuine connection. More than anything, it’s my greatest achievement knowing that I have earned my patients’ trust, and that even strangers feel confident placing their trust in me.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
TARA BUONOCORE-RUT President & CEO
CENTERLIGHT HEALTH SYSTEM
Tara Buonocore-Rut is President and Chief Executive Officer of CenterLight Health System, a nonprofit organization operating the nation’s largest single-state Program of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and Matter of Care, a Licensed Home Care Services Agency. She also serves as President and CEO of C2Q Health Solutions, which provides tailored management services to support value-based care to providers nationwide and TeamCare Medical, delivering personalized primary and preventive care to older adults across New York.
Since joining CenterLight in 2020,Tara has led the restructuring of care delivery, business development, business intelligence, and compliance to advance integrated, higher-quality care. Previously, as Executive Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, she guided corporate, financial, clinical and quality initiatives. From 2012 to 2017, she served as Executive Director of AgeWell New York, leading financial performance and operational strategy as the organization grew to over $750 million in revenue.
An active healthcare leader, Tarat has served on the board of the National PACE Association and held leadership roles with LeadingAge New York.
Q& A
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: I was fortunate to have a close relationship with my grandparents and becoming one of their caregivers inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare — to help offer services that improve the quality of life of older adults who may or may not have the kind of family support that my grandparents did. It is rewarding to know that what we do makes a difference in the lives of the thousands of New Yorkers and it is a privilege to work with an amazing staff that shares my passion for providing the kind of care that we’d like our own loved ones to receive.
HEALTHCARE & WELLNESS
VANESSA BAIRD-STREETER President &
CEO
HEALTH
&
WELFARE
COUNCIL OF LONG ISLAND
Vanessa Baird-Streeter is the President and CEO of the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island (HWCLI), bringing decades of leadership experience in government, business, and community service. Under her guidance, HWCLI has strengthened its role as a convener of nonprofit agencies, corporations, and community stakeholders, working collectively to respond to the challenges faced by at-risk populations. Her leadership emphasizes policy development, direct service coordination, and strategic partnerships.
A graduate of Dartmouth College Vanessa began her career on Wall Street as a financial analyst at Goldman Sachs, working in the financial industry for10 years. In 2012, Vanessa began her tenure at the Office of the Suffolk County Executive, and in 2020 made history as the first woman of color to serve as Suffolk County Deputy County Executive. In that role, she oversaw major agencies and initiatives, including the Department of Human Services, Community-Based Interventions, Language Access operations, and the County’s MWBE/SDVOB Disparity Study. In 2020 Vanessa chaired the Suffolk County Police Reform and Reinvention Task Force, which produced the state’s most comprehensive police reform plan, and led efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic to expand testing in underserved communities, launch food distribution programs, and ensure equitable vaccine access.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: I’ve been shaped by many experiences and people, but the most influential have been my parents and, professionally, Stacy Adams. My parents instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to my community—teaching me to lead with service, uplift others, and put God first. Stacy Adams is a true shero to me; her tenacity and unwavering commitment to protecting civil rights continue to inspire my own path. Together, they exemplify purpose, courage, and service, which guide the work I do today.
INSURANCE
EVELYN GELLAR Managing Director
FOREST HILLS FINANCIAL GROUP
Evelyn Gellar is a Managing Director with Forest Hills Financial Group whose career in insurance and financial services is defined by leadership, purpose and results. A forwardthinking business development leader, Evelyn is known for building strong, value-driven relationships and developing advisors through coaching, education and accountability, empowering them to perform at their highest level.
With more than three decades of industry experience, including senior leadership roles with MetLife, Penn Mutual and Forest Hills Financial Group, Evelyn has consistently transformed vision into measurable growth. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in her industry recognition, professional designations, and sustained leadership success.
A passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion and the advancement of women, Evelyn has given voice to those historically underserved in financial services. A lifelong commitment to service both nationally and locally distinguishes her career, highlighted by her role as a National Board Trustee of NAIFA and her historic achievement as the first Latina National President of Women in Insurance and Financial Services (WIFS). She is also actively engaged in her local community through the Women’s Committee of the Melville Chamber of Commerce, Decision Women, and holds a leadership role in her networking association, LeTip of Islip.
Evelyn leads with impact, develops talent with intention, and continues to shape a more inclusive and future-focused insurance industry.
Evelyn values lifelong learning, time on the golf course, and travel. She resides in West Islip, with her husband, Steven, and is a proud parent to Lindsey and Mark, accomplished young professionals building careers in law and engineering.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
LEGAL
BARBARA MARISSA MAISTO Member BOND SCHOENECK & KING, PLLC
Barbara Marissa Maisto is a Member at Bond Schoeneck & King PLLC, where she focuses her practice on complex commercial and general litigation. With decades of experience representing nationally recognized insurance companies, product manufacturers and businesses, Barbara advises clients on a wide range of legal matters involving insurance coverage, property disputes, construction litigation, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and product liability claims. She has extensive experience defending major manufacturers against allegations of defective design and manufacturing, breach of warranty, negligence, failure to warn, and strict liability, as well as representing employers in state and federal employment discrimination and labor law matters.
Prior to joining Bond, Barbara was a partner at Putney, Twombly, Hall & Hirson LLP, where she was a key member of the firm’s litigation department. She is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, New York County Lawyers Association, Defense Research Institute, and Litigation Counsel of America. Barbara was recognized as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business News in 2023. In addition to her professional work, she supports community initiatives through organizations such as Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and the National Association of Professional Women.
LEGAL
CHERYL L. FRATELLO, ESQ. Founding Attorney
FRATELLO LAW, P.C.
Cheryl L. Fratello is the owner and founding attorney of Fratello Law, P.C., a law firm focusing on elder law and estate planning for Long Island families. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to protecting seniors and helping families navigate complex legal challenges with compassion and expertise.
A graduate of the University at Buffalo Law School and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, Cheryl is a respected leader in the legal community. She serves as Vice President of Membership for the Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, sits on the Suffolk County Bar Association Judicial Screening Committee, and has served on the Nassau Suffolk Law Committee Advisory Council since 2012. A passionate advocate for access to justice, Cheryl has served on the Legal Services of Long Island Advisory Council since 2012, supporting free civil legal services for low-income Long Islanders. She is deeply committed to community education, regularly lecturing on elder law and estate planning topics at senior centers, libraries and educational institutions, including Touro Law School, Hofstra Law School, and CUNY Kingsborough Community College, where she served as an adjunct professor. Cheryl and her team serve clients throughout Long Island from offices in Smithtown and Syosset.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: My greatest achievement over the past year was purchasing and completing renovations on a commercial property for our small law firm — a goal I had been working toward for several years. Taking a vision from concept to reality required navigating the complexities of commercial real estate, managing a renovation project and balancing all of it alongside the day-to-day demands of running a practice. Seeing it come together has been incredibly rewarding, and it has given our firm a permanent, professional home that reflects the work we put into serving our clients.
MARKETING
ERIN NOURIJANIAN
Vice President of Marketing UBS ARENA
With over a decade of experience in marketing and entertainment, Erin Nourijanian is a marketing leader with a passion for creating and executing innovative strategies that drive growth and engagement for world-class venues. As Vice President of Marketing at UBS Arena, she was instrumental in launching and managing the brand identity, digital platforms, email database, event marketing, and premium marketing for the newest and award-winning arena in the New York metropolitan area, located at Belmont Park.
Before joining UBS Arena, Erin served as Senior Director of Marketing at NYCB LIVE, where she led the transformation of the arena's branding following extensive renovations, earning Discover Long Island’s Tourism Trailblazer Award twice. She also held the position of Director of Marketing at Webster Hall, the iconic club venue that won Pollstar’s 2016 Nightclub of the Year award during her tenure. Erin began her marketing career in radio, working with JVC Broadcasting and Connoisseur Media, and also had the opportunity to contribute to the Armenian Benevolent Union’s YSIP work program in Armenia.
Erin holds a Master of Science in Marketing from the Zicklin School of Business at CUNY Baruch and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business Management: Music Business from Five Towns College. She also has two advanced certificates, one in Corporate Finance from NYU and one in Brand Marketing from Northwestern.
She is an Adjunct Professor at Hofstra University, where she teaches undergraduate courses in Marketing. Erin is a former member of Fast Company’s Executive Board and the Forbes Communications Council.
Q& A
Q: If you weren’t in the industry you’re in now, where would you be?
A: If I weren’t in entertainment marketing, I would likely be in education full time. Teaching marketing and working with students is something I deeply enjoy because it allows me to share realworld industry experience while helping the next generation build their careers.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
MEDIA EXCELLENCE
ASTRID CORDOBA President AVC MEDIA
Astrid Cordoba is the President of AVC Media, Executive Producer and host of the radio program Ponte al Día con Astrid Cordoba, which airs on La X 96.3 FM and is also available through her podcasts on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Amazon Music, and iTunes. She is a dedicated, results-driven professional who believes in using her experience and expertise to provide quality service and educational information to her community.
She has over 19 years of experience in the legal field and more than 16 years in the media industry. Astrid launched her own studio combining her strong legal background with her communication skills. Her program is designed to educate the community on important topics while also opening doors for individuals interested in becoming part of the radio industry. Her dedication and professionalism led her to become Executive Producer and co-host of the television show Adictivo, which aired on WNJU Telemundo 47. The show received three Emmy nominations and won an Emmy in 2018. Astrid continues to expand her impact through AVC Media, while further strengthening her leadership through executive education programs at Harvard Business School and Harvard Law School, including Power and Influence for Positive Impact. Through her work, she continues her mission of providing empowerment and valuable information to her community.
Astrid studied Applied Science in the Legal Field at Briarcliffe College and St. Joseph’s College.
MEDIA EXCELLENCE
MOR GREENBERG Founder MOR MEDIA GROUP
Mor Greenberg is the founder and principal of Mor Media Group, a New York-based strategic communications and public affairs firm. She advises advocacy organizations, political candidates, nonprofits, and national leaders on shaping policy conversations, influencing public opinion and driving winning campaigns.
A seasoned political strategist, Mor specializes in pairing creative communications with targeted digital strategy, blending storytelling, media influence, and data driven outreach to mobilize audiences and turn attention into action.
Prior to launching Mor Media Group, Mor served as Vice President of Public Affairs at ColdSpark, the nationally recognized political consulting firm behind some of the country’s most competitive races and advocacy campaigns. There, she led communications and public affairs initiatives for major political candidates, national organizations, and issue based coalitions.
Her work has earned industry recognition through prestigious awards including the Reed and Pollie Awards, and in 2024 she was named one of Pennsylvania City and State’s 40 Under 40 Most Influential Leaders. She has secured major national media placements in outlets including CNN, Fox News, and the New York Post.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: Leading crisis communications in response to the Sydney massacre. I shifted from my usual role behind the camera, advising clients and shaping messaging, to stepping in front of the camera to demand action and honor those murdered. This resulted in almost a dozen television and radio appearances and more than 100 print and digital placements, amplifying a message deeply personal to me, as friends were murdered in cold blood in my home city. Through this work, I helped honor their memory and highlight the importance of bringing light, especially during Hanukkah, the holiday on which they were killed.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
MEDIA EXCELLENCE
SKYE OSTREICHER, MPH, MA Founder & President IN THE
ROOM MEDIA
'THE POLITICAL PERSONALITY'
Skye Ostreicher, known in New York civic circles as “The Political Personality,” is the founder of In The Room Media, an experiencefirst advocacy firm that sits at the intersection of politics, media, and culture. Through strategic storytelling, high-impact events, and candid conversations with public leaders, she helps humanize policy, elevate community voices, and build trust across government, media, and the private sector. In an era of declining faith in traditional media, Skye’s work is rooted in direct, authentic communication that brings more people “in the room where it happens.”
With more than a decade of experience in government affairs and political media, Skye previously served as a regional director for Mike Bloomberg’s 2020 presidential campaign and went on to create the Political Personalities with Skye interview series, along with video verticals for Herald Community Newspaper Group, Schneps Media, and City & State. She is widely recognized for her candid, disarming interview style and for conducting hundreds of humaninterest conversations with influential public figures. Skye also publishes her weekly Sundae Scoops newsletter on New York government, civic life, and culture, and is the founder of Style Across the Aisle®, a first-of-its-kind fashion show featuring elected officials modeling local designers from their districts. Raised on Long Island, she holds dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Public Policy from Stony Brook University.
MINORITY WOMEN OWNED BUSINESS
NOREEN CARRO President
Q: If you weren’t in the industry you’re in now, where would you be?
A: My career was never a straight path - I built it in real time. I started on a full scholarship studying medicine, then moved through public health, government, communications, government affairs, and media - with each chapter leading me to the next. What looked like detours was actually the foundation for the work I do now. So if I weren’t in this industry, I’d probably be inventing one that looked a lot like it.
LMN PRINTING OF NY, INC. PUBLIC SERVICE
Noreen Carro is President of LMN Printing of NY, Inc, located in Valley Stream, a certified minority women owned company.
She is Vice President of the JFK Chamber of Commerce, and has served as a director on many boards; she has also had the honor of being on the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for 10 years.
Noreen has been the recipient of numerous awards —national, state and local, — from 1991 to 2025. Due to her outspoken views and support for women issues and small businesses, she has been featured in numerous publications, including Printing News of Long Island and Newsday. Newsday has recognized her as one of the Top 10 “Movers and Shakers” on Long Island and has been recognized, three times, as one of Long Island’s Top 50 Businesswomen by the Long Island Business News.
Noreen has two sons Rickey and Michael, and is engaged to entrepreneur Larry Izzo. Besides becoming a mother, Noreen’s biggest and most rewarding accomplishment to date was when she went to Rwanda with the organization What Better Looks Like. Noreen and her peers raised money and brought over 700 pounds of supplies, all for the women, orphans and survivors of the genocide in Rwanda.
Noreen has said that this trip was the most rewarding experience of her life, and she has now become more grateful for all that she has.
MAEGAN FOX President
PROJECT THANK A COP
Maegan Fox is the co-founder of Project Thank a Cop, a Long Island–based nonprofit dedicated to supporting and uplifting law enforcement officers and first responders through acts of gratitude, community engagement, and direct outreach.
Launched in 2020 alongside her husband, Andy Fox, Project Thank a Cop was created during a time of heightened national tension surrounding policing, with a mission to remind officers that their service is seen, valued, and appreciated. Through initiatives ranging from providing meals and care packages to organizing community-driven appreciation events, the organization has built a powerful bridge between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Under Maegan’s leadership, the organization has grown into a grassroots movement fueled by compassion, consistency, and a deep commitment to service. Her work has helped foster meaningful connections, shift narratives, and bring positivity to those who dedicate their lives to public safety.
Maegan is also a proud small business owner who built a successful pet grooming business Rub a Dub Doggie from the ground up. The daughter of a retired FDNY Fire Marshal, she was raised with a deep respect for first responders. Originally from Baldwin, New York, she maintains a strong bond with her community, her friends, and her extended first responder family.
GC ADVISORY GROUP, INC. Chair of the NYSBDC Advisory Board
Gina Coletti is a respected woman of accomplishment for her spirited leadership and significant contributions to the enhancement of our region. President of GC Advisory Group, Inc., a New York State licensed real estate broker and appraiser, she utilizes her extensive finance and banking background to fully serve buyers, sellers, small business owners, and investors in public-private partnerships and in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate transactions.
Her experience includes property management of the Nassau County Landmark Real Estate Portfolio, Mitchell Field Veteran Housing Complex, and the inventory analysis of Nassau County's real estate portfolio.
Among her many honors, she is inducted into the Long Island Business News Hall of Fame's Top 50 Most Influential Businesswomen, Honoree of Herald News Real Estate Achievement & Leadership (REAL) Award, Long Island Press Power Woman, and Suffolk County Woman of Distinction Award. She is a member of National Association of Realtors (NAR), Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR), Women Economic Developers of Long Island (WEDLI), Commercial Industrial Brokers Society of Long Island (CIBS).
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: My extensive finance and banking background consistently provides unmatched client service to buyers, sellers, entrepreneurs, and investors in public-private partnerships, in all aspects of commercial and residential real estate transactions. Becoming Chair of the New York State Small Business Development Center Advisory Board is an honor — to share decades of experience supporting consumers, impacting small business communities, and significantly contribute to the enhancement of our region.
Suci Padro is a dedicated branch manager with The Own It Team at Nationwide Mortgage Bankers. Known for her exceptional ability to connect with clients and provide innovative solutions, Suci has established a strong reputation in the industry. She values being a trusted advisor for her clients, understanding the significance of home ownership in shaping families' lives. In addition to her role in mortgage banking, Suci is a real estate investor and the owner of No Place Like Your Place, an Airbnb property in Mystic, Conn.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Suci plays important leadership roles in her community. She recently served as the president of Nahrep Long Island and currently sits as a board member of the Latina Business Network. Suci is a passionate advocate for empowering Latino families, emphasizing education and financial stability as driving forces for progress.
Committed to philanthropy, Suci actively supports various charitable causes. She serves as a board member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Long Island, participates in initiatives like Long Island Cares Adopt a Family, and champions the Pajama Program for children in need. Suci's dedication to community service showcases her values of compassion and her drive to create a positive impact on the lives of others.
LUCIA SULJIC Vice President of Corporate Legal CANON U.S.A., INC
Lucia Marie Suljic, Vice President, Corporate Legal, joined Canon U.S.A., Inc. in May 2011. Lucia manages the Legal Division in addition to handling a wide variety of corporate and transactional matters for Canon and its subsidiaries and affiliates. Prior to joining Canon, she was Vice President and General Counsel of the nonprofit National Jewelry Institute and General Manager at Avenue Magazine. Lucia graduated from Brooklyn Law School and received her B.A. in Economics from Seton Hall University. She is admitted to the New York Bar.
POWER TEAM AWARDS
Drive Fore Success (DFS) is redefining what it means to build relationships and confidence in the world of business and golf. Founded by Patti Kielawa, Elene Bara, Melissa Naeder, and Erin O’Brien, DFS was created to empower women to step onto the golf course with confidence, skill, and purpose.
Recognizing that golf has long served as a powerful platform for networking and business development—yet has historically been maledominated—the founders saw a clear gap. Many professional women expressed interest in participating but felt held back by inexperience or lack of confidence. Drive Fore Success was born to change that narrative.
Through hands-on clinics, mentorship, and a supportive community, DFS equips women with both the technical skills of the game and the etiquette needed to feel comfortable in any golfing environment. More importantly, it fosters a sense of belonging — transforming hesitation into confidence, and participation into opportunity.
What began as an idea rooted in inclusion has grown into a movement that blends sport, empowerment, and professional advancement. Participants consistently report not only improved golf skills, but stronger networks, increased confidence, and meaningful business connections.
Drive Fore Success is building more than golfers — it’s building a tradition of confidence, connection, and excellence for women in business.
Jillian Kashuba, Managing Associate and valued member of the leadership team with Forest Hills Financial Group (FHFG), is an experienced financial services leader specializing in advising women, families, and individuals with special needs. With over a decade of expertise in planning, team development and client education, she is recognized for her strategic approach and her ability to communicate complex concepts with warmth and clarity.
Balancing the demands of parenthood with a drive for professional excellence has strengthened Jillian’s resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven approach. As a parent to a child on the autism spectrum, Jillian brings a deeply personal perspective to her work — championing inclusive planning and empowering families to navigate both immediate needs and long-term possibilities. Jillian is actively involved in the special needs community, lending her voice, experience and advocacy to organizations that support families and neurodiverse children. She is currently pursuing her Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC) designation to further deepen her expertise and expand the impact of her work.
Jillian is equally committed to advancing women in the financial services profession. She actively participates in and collaborates with women-focused professional organizations, using her platform to mentor, recruit, and develop women seeking meaningful, purpose-driven careers. She believes representation matters and she is dedicated to creating pathways for women to lead, thrive, and redefine what success looks like in this industry.
Her practice continues to grow as a valuesdriven space centered on empowerment, education, and long-term financial well-being for the communities she serves.
RISING STARS UNDER 40
JANNA RODRIGUEZ Founder & CEO THE INNOVATIVE
DAYCARE COMPANY
Janna Rodriguez is a first-generation college graduate, Latina educator and lifelong advocate dedicated to advancing early childhood education. With more than 13 years of experience as an educator and two decades of work spanning public policy, health care and early learning, she has built a career rooted in advocacy, equity and empowerment. Her mission is to create opportunities that uplift children, strengthen families and support the educators who nurture the next generation.
Civic engagement has shaped Rodriguez’s path from a young age. At 16, she began volunteering on political campaigns ranging from local school board races to presidential elections. She later interned with Congressman Gregory Meeks, an experience that deepened her commitment to public service and grassroots advocacy.
Janna also developed a strong professional foundation in health care. She began working at South Nassau Communities Hospital and Nassau University Medical Center at age 16. By 18, she became the youngest Nursing Assistant at South Nassau, and by 19 she was promoted to Cardiac Monitor Technician, the youngest in her department at the time. She later worked at North Shore/Long Island Jewish Plainview Hospital, experiences that instilled a lasting respect for compassion, service and the resilience of working families.
A proud City University of New York graduate, Janna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in Law and a minor in Medical Anthropology from York College, where she served two years as Treasurer of the Student Government Association. She later earned her Child Development Associate credential from the CUNY School of Professional Studies and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education with an extension in Dual Language and Special Needs at Brooklyn College.
Janna is the founder and owner of The Innovative Daycare Corp in Freeport, where she has spent more than a decade creating a nurturing, bilingual and inclusive environment serving children of all abilities and backgrounds. She also serves as a Chapter Representative for CSEA VOICE Local 100A, advocating for family childcare providers across New York State while continuing her work to expand access to quality early learning.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
POWER TEAM AWARD
JAIME FRANCHI Director of Communications & Government Relations
LONG ISLAND CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION
Jaime Franchi joined LICA in 2022 as Director of Communications and Government Relations. She is an award-winning communications professional with experience in government, investigative journalism, and media relations. Before joining LICA, Jaime served as Government Relations Liaison for Island Harvest Food Bank, where she advocated for anti-hunger policy. Her prior experience includes serving as Suffolk County Deputy Communications Director for Strategic Planning, Associate Public and Media Relations Director at Long Island University, Vice President for Communications at CooperHill, and Executive Editor at Morey Publishing (Long Island Press/Milieu Long Island Magazine).
Jaime graduated from Dowling College with honors in English Literature and attended the graduate program for English Literature at Hofstra University. Jaime is a member of the 2022 class of the Energeia Partnership at Molloy University. She currently resides in Islip Terrace with her two children.
SHERYL BURO
Deputy Executive Director & CFO
Q& A
Q: What/Who inspired you to be on the path you’re on today?
A: I’m inspired by the women who built careers in rooms not designed for them and still chose collaboration over competition. I’m also driven by my own lived experiences — both the setbacks and the comebacks — that shaped my belief in resilience, service and using whatever platform I have to build something bigger than myself.
LONG ISLAND CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION POWER TEAM AWARD
Sheryl Buro is the Deputy Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer She joined LICA in 2009 as Comptroller / Office Administrator In her role she is responsible for internal financial controls and administration and external financial matters affecting the highway and heavy construction industry, such as analyzing and auditing public works bids contracts and municipal capital programs. For nearly a decade before joining LICA, Sheryl held several prestigious Associate positions in the Treasury, Management Reporting & Analysis, and Fund Accounting Departments at Ivy Asset Management, a subsidiary of the Bank of New York – Mellon, as well as serving as a Senior Account Administrator at F.A. Spina & Co. Sheryl is recognized by Long Island Business News as one of Long Island’s Most Powerful Women. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University.
Reena Walia serves as Lead of Marketing and Growth Strategy at Always Compassionate Health, a healthcare organization providing home care and specialized clinical services to individuals and families throughout New York. In her role, she drives enterprise brand strategy, growth initiatives, marketing operations, and organizational process optimization across the state. She leads high-impact initiatives spanning CRM transformation, referral network expansion, digital growth, operational efficiency, and datadriven revenue strategy, aligning marketing performance with measurable clinical and organizational outcomes.
Reena’s marketing and strategy expertise spans multiple industries including finance, pharmaceuticals, retail, and healthcare, with prior consulting experience advising and implementing strategic initiatives for Fortune 500 organizations across marketing, operation and revenue engineering. Her background also includes entrepreneurship as a founding member of an award-winning North American custom menswear brand, where she led strategic partnerships with major sports leagues, universities, Fortune 500 companies, and television networks.
A dedicated people leader with deep roots on Long Island, Reena is pursuing a Master of Science in Human Resource Management at Stony Brook University and is on track to earn her PMP certification this spring.
Q& A
Q: What has been your greatest achievement(s) within the past year?
A: I chair our LICA Golf Outing, and it has become one of the premier events of our industry. The response for golfing has grown over the past few years and I am very proud that our members and supporters are so generous to support this event that benefits our ability to advocate for our industry.
REENA WALIA Lead, Marketing and Growth Strategy
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Joanna Vorachek Austin CEO, 31st State 1st
“The goal isn’t just success – every glass ceiling broken makes the path wider for the women who come next.
At 31st State, we’re building confidence in the next generation, and I’m proud to help build that future.”
t State, were ere confidenence nce in xt gene xt nereration, prou p ud d tha t at t future.”
@31stState
31st-state.ccom m @31S S
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
RORY SHAFFER WALSH
Vice President of Institutional Advancement ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Rory Shaffer Walsh is the Vice President of Institutional Advancement at St. Joseph's University, a role she has held since 2018.
With a career spanning nearly three decades in higher education, Rory brings deep expertise in advancement, enrollment management and institutional leadership across a range of New York-area universities.
Before joining St. Joseph's, she spent nearly 13 years at Adelphi University, where she rose to Executive Director of University Advancement. She also held senior admissions and enrollment leadership roles at Long Island University's Post Campus and Southampton College.
Rory holds a B.S. in Political Science from Hartwick College and an M.S. in International Studies from Central Connecticut State University.
HEATHER E. BARRY, PH.D.
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
ST. JOSEPH'S
UNIVERSITY
Heather E. Barry, Ph.D., is Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at St. Joseph’s University. She has been a member of the university community since 2002 and has held several leadership roles, including Associate Provost, Assistant Provost for Strategic Planning and Assessment, Director of the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, and Associate Dean. She is also a professor of history.
Heather earned both a B.A. and M.A. in History from Pepperdine University and later completed her Ph.D. at Stony Brook University. Throughout her academic career, she has taught a wide range of courses, including Women in American History, African-American History, History of New York State and City, Historiography and Senior Capstone.
Her scholarly work focuses on early American history, particularly religious groups in colonial America. She is the author of “A ‘Dress Rehearsal’ for Revolution: John Trenchard and Thomas Gordon’s Works in EighteenthCentury British America.”
MICHELLE PAPAJOHN
Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Michelle Papajohn serves as the Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at St. Joseph’s University. As the first female vice president for information technology and CIO, she has modernized infrastructure, strengthened cybersecurity and introduced data-driven strategies that enhance student engagement and operational efficiency. A champion of collaboration, Michelle aligns technology with institutional goals, achieving measurable success in compliance, resource optimization, and disaster recovery.
She holds an MBA and an MS in Human Resource Management, reflecting her dedication to organizational excellence and transformative leadership.
EILEEN WHITE JAHN, M.B.A.,
PH.D. Executive Dean
ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Eileen White Jahn, M.B.A., Ph.D., is the Executive Dean of St. Joseph’s University, New York’s Long Island Campus. Dr. Jahn has been a member of the St. Joseph’s faculty since 1998, serving as a professor of business and chair of the Department of Business Administration and Marketing. She has published several scholarly works on business practices and organizational management, and has published many articles in the popular press.
Over the years, she has helped develop several new programs for the university, including the successful Graduate Management Studies program, as well as the undergraduate Marketing, Human Resources, and Hospitality and Tourism majors. Prior to working at SJNY, Eileen held various positions in corporate management and management consulting. Her work has earned her numerous accolades, including the PEACE Award for Providing Exceptional Avenues for Cultural Exchange from the American Institute of Foreign Studies.
MARIA CONZATTI, PH.D Chief Adminstrator Officer
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dr. Maria P. Conzatti took office on May 3, 2022 as the first female and alumna to assume executive leadership of Nassau Community College one of the state’s largest single-campus community colleges, established in 1959 and situated on 225 acres on historic Mitchell Field naval complex in Nassau County.
Maria’s work has accelerated NCC’s mission to transform lives and to provide all learners with high-quality, affordable, and equitable educational opportunities. Reinforcing Nassau’s commitment to support the promotion of economic growth, local development and a vibrantly diverse culture of respect, she has overseen the launch of technology rich and academic programs in cybersecurity, healthcare data analytics, community mental health, medical assistant, chemical technology, English, and online paralegal studies, as well as of an innovative MWBE (Minority/Women Business Enterprise) Center for Excellence in Entrepreneurship and $90 million in construction and renovations.
Formerly Vice President of Academic Student Services at NCC, she has served as an adjunct professor for more than 30 years. Her many honors include Herald Premier Business Women of LI, Schneps Media Power Women, and Long Island Business News’ Top 50 Women in Business and 60 Most Powerful Influencers on Long Island. She earned an Associate of Science from NCC, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and an MBA from Adelphi University, and an Ed.D. in Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University established in 1959 and situated on 225 acres on historic Mitchell Field naval complex. A strong believer in student-centered concepts, Maria’s work has accelerated NCC’s mission to transform lives and to provide all learners with high-quality, affordable, and equitable educational opportunities.
2026 AWARD WINNERS
HONOREES
JANELLE HILL
Associate Vice President for Student Life ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Janelle Hill serves as the Associate Vice President for Student Life at St. Joseph’s University. In this role, she oversees Campus Ministry, Counseling and Wellness, and Student Involvement, Leadership and Intercultural Engagement. With over 15 years of experience in student affairs, Janelle collaborates with students, helping them make connections while fostering a nurturing, student-centered environment. Committed to student success, she works to develop innovative programs and initiatives that not only foster retention and completion but also enrich the collegiate experience. She earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Nazareth College and a Master of Public Administration at the University of New Haven. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. at the University of Illinois in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a specialization in Diversity and Equity in Education.
MARION
KOWALSKI, CPA, M.S.
Interim Chief Financial Officer and Controller ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Marion Kowalski, CPA, M.S., serves as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Controller at St. Joseph’s University, where she oversees financial operations, reporting and strategic fiscal planning. She joined the university in 2018 as Controller and brings more than 30 years of experience in financial leadership across higher education, nonprofit organizations and public accounting.
Prior to St. Joseph’s, Marion served as Chief Financial Officer at Bank Street College of Education and Chief Financial Officer/Deputy Chief Financial Officer at The Doe Fund, Inc. She also spent more than a decade in public accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant in New York State and holds an M.S. in Accounting from Long Island University and a B.S. in Mathematics from New York University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, NACUBO and EACUBO.
JESSICA MCALEER DECATUR
Vice President for Marketing and Communication ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Jessica McAleer Decatur serves as Vice President for Marketing and Communications at St. Joseph’s University with campuses located in Patchogue and Brooklyn.
With more than 25 years of industry experience, Jess is responsible for maintaining a consistent institutional brand while enhancing the university’s overall reputation and visibility on the local, regional and national levels.
She oversees all efforts and initiatives related to the university’s marketing and advertising, internal and external communications, print and digital publications, photography and video production, media relations, social media, community relations, public, government and legislative affairs, and the university’s website. Jess sits on the Board of Directors for the Rose Brucia Educational Foundation, a national not-for-profit organization that teaches the importance of stranger safety awareness to school-aged children, and the Fair Media Council, one of the oldest and most respected media watchdogs in the United States.
CHRISTINE MURPHY Vice President for Enrollment Management ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
Christine Murphy is the Vice President for Enrollment Management at St. Joseph’s University. With more than 25 years of experience in undergraduate and graduate recruitment in local, national and international markets, Christine oversees enrollment processes for the university. She has implemented new technology to enhance and streamline the enrollment process, and designed enrollment events to meet the needs of prospective students. She makes frequent appearances as a speaker and panelist at higher education conferences, and has held external leadership positions at the regional, state and national levels with organizations. These include the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), New York State Association for Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) and Nassau Counselors' Association (NCA). She served as the chairperson for the National Admission Practices Committee, focusing on ethical practices in college admission. Christine holds a B.A. in English from Fordham University and an M.A. in Adolescent Education from Adelphi University.
CONGRATULATIONS DR. CARMINE PEÑA
The Peña Family proudly congratulates Dr. Carmine Peña on being recognized as one of the Herald Premier Business Women of Long Island
We are incredibly proud of your dedication, perseverance, and passion for excellence. Your vision, hard wo rk, and commitment to your patients have led to the successful opening of your endodontics practice, a remarkable achievement that reflects your talent and determination.
We thank JesusChrist for guiding your journey and blessing the work of your hands. May He continue to lead you as you grow, serve your community, and inspire others.
Your success fills us with pride, and we celebrate this well-deserved honor.
With love and admiration, The Peña Family
DR. MARIA P. CONZATTI Congratulations
On being named to LI Herald
PREMIER BUSINESS WOMEN
With deep appreciation for your outstanding dedication to Nassau Community College, congratulations!
Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., and the St. Joseph’s University, New York community, congratulate
Dr. Heather Barry
Janelle Hill
Marion Kowalski
Jessica McAleer Decatur
Christine Murphy
Michelle Papajohn
Rory Shaffer Walsh
Dr. Eileen White Jahn
Your recognition as Long Island’s premier businesswomen is well deserved. We applaud you and the positive impacts you are making in our communities. We’re proud of your work preparing generations of future leaders like you for personal and professional success.
Congratulations to all of those honored at this year’s Long Island Herald Premier Business Women of Long Island awards. Your hard work and dedication continue to shape a brighter future for Long Island and beyond.
