Women of Distinction 2012 Edition

Brooklyn ’s Women of Distinction 2012 Edition

Honoring women who have shaped the borough 2 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 inDeX oF PRoFiLes Matti BErkowitz ��9 9 11 13 15 17 sandra chEryl chapMan ��11 cEcilia clarkE ��13 christinE M. colEy ��15 susan doBan ��17 GEnEva Farrow ��19 19 21 23 25 27 yonnEttE FlEMinG��21 dorEEn Garson ��23 cathiE GEarity ��25 GalE stEvEns haynEs ��27 29 31 33 34 35 “QuEEn” MarlEnE hochMan ��29 cathErinE hodEs ��31 aida lEon ��33 sharon MyriE �� 34 37 39 41 42 43 MErcEdEs narcissE ��35 ijana nathaniEl ��37 EilEEn o’connor ��39 doris lopEz-palazzo ��41 45 47 49 51 53 susan j. pulaski ��42 EllEn F. salpEtEr ��43 A message from the editors josEphinE sanFilippo ��45

elcome back to our annual tribute to the women of Brooklyn Mary sansonE ��47 who truly make a difference. The Community Newspaper Group and Courier Life Pub- pat sinGEr �� 49 lications are proud to salute 25 of the borough’s most pre- Monica swEEnEy ��51 eminentW women, who were nominated by their peers and selected by an elite panel for distinguishing themselves in their chosen fields. irEna yuryEva ��53 Their attention to work, duty, and community has transcended their abilities to inspire, educate, and uplift untold numbers of people. We feel their contributions have helped to raise our borough’s stature as a unique place, where female workers prove every day that selfless acts and Brooklyn’s talent go hand-in-hand with success and accomplishment. Gratitude also goes to our keynote speaker Dr. Una S. T. Clarke, who will of help to officiate the June ceremony at the New York Aquarium. Dr. Clarke Women Distinction has distinguished herself as an exceptional Brooklynite by being the first Publisher: clifford luster Caribbean-born woman elected to the City Council in the 1990s, sponsor- Editor: Vince Dimiceli ing more than 300 pieces of legislation in the 10 years she held office. Associate Editors: shavana Abruzzo & courtney Donahue We hope that you enjoy reading this publication as much as we did com- Art Director: leah mitch Page Designer: charlotte carter piling it — and come away with the distinct knowledge that Brooklyn would be a lot less distinctive without these Women of Distinction! CouriEr-LifE PubLiCAtions one metrotech north, 10th floor, Brooklyn, ny 11201 Vince DiMiceli, Shavana Abruzzo, and Courtney Donahue (718) 260-2500

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 3 the power of giving

We salute Courier Life’s Brooklyn Women of Distinction and congratulate its 2012 honorees.

Con Edison. ON IT. conEd.com/partnerships

4 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012

T HE C ITY OF N EW Y ORK O FFICE OF THE M AYOR N EW Y ORK, NY 10007

June 20, 2012

Dear Friends:

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone to Courier Life’s Brooklyn Women of Distinction Gala.

New York is proud to be known as a City of opportunity, and we are committed to empowering women and helping them achieve the success they deserve. All of tonight’s honorees are recognized leaders in their fields and in their communities. These women are dedicated to improving the lives of others, and through their many contributions and accomplishments, they have shaped the borough of Brooklyn, building a brighter future for all our residents.

I commend those being honored tonight for their spirit of service and community, which is an inspiration to us all. On behalf of our great City, best wishes for an enjoyable gala and a terrific evening.

Sincerely,

Michael R. Bloomberg Mayor

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 5

In honor of Pat Singer Your devotion and work for the Brighton Beach Community is truly inspiring

May you and your family be blessed with many years of good health and prosperity

Allen Pilevsky

Interstate Management Corp.

6 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 June 20, 2012

Les Goodstein Courier Life Publications CNG Community Newspaper Group 1 Metro Tech North Brooklyn, NY 11201

Dear Friends,

Brooklyn has a long and illustrious tradition in journalism and the arts and offers a rich array of exhibitions, musical venues, museums, restaurants and galleries for the enjoyment of its visitors and residents. I extend my greetings and congratulations to CEO Les Goodstein, Publisher Cliff Luster, Courier Life Publications and the CNG team as you are joined by staff, supporters and special guests as you host the Second Annual Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction.

Brooklyn is a borough of minorities. The only real majority is the women of Brooklyn. It is not a stretch to say that all of Brooklyn benefits from those special women who have given us life, or who inspire us to great heights by their extraordinary example. Courier Life Publications pays tribute to twenty-five amazing women whose commitment, dedication and excellence in their fields has earned them our respect and gratitude. It is with great pleasure that I join with those who honor these twenty-five dynamic, compassionate and selfless women who epitomize what Brooklyn is all about.

On behalf of all 2.6 million Brooklynites, I salute and commend Courier Life Publications and the CNG team for working so hard to make this extraordinary evening possible. I congratulate all of the honorees and wish them continued success in all of their endeavors. And I thank them for all that they do to make Brooklyn a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Sincerely,

Marty Markowitz

MM/gdmw

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 7 We are delighted that Courier Life has chosen to honor

Matti Berkowitz

among its Brooklyn Women of Distinction this year. We can think of no one more deserving. Matti’s tireless devotion and abounding energy in the service of others is a shining example of how the voluntary contributions of one person can positively affect the lives of so many.

Matti, we are so proud of your many accomplishments at Maimonides and with N’Shei C.A.R.E.S. We speak not only for ourselves, but on behalf of the countless number of patients and families who have been helped by you, when we extend our very warmest congratulations and best wishes for every future success.

www. maimonidesmed.org Martin D. Payson Pamela Brier 888.MMC.DOCS Chair, Board of Trustees President & CEO

Ofﬁcial hospital & team physicians of the Brookyn Nets

8 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyN ’s WoM e N of DisT i NCTioN Matti Berkowitz Raising consciousness through education and service

By Alex Rush atti Berkowitz’s ground- Bio file breaking childbirth program at Maimonides Med- NeiGhBoRhooD: Midwood. ical Center started with an oCCuPATioN: Real estate Moff-the-cuff suggestion. broker; co-chairwoman of N’shei She was already a community leader C.A.R.E.S.; vice president of for the Jewish organization, Agudah Agudah Women of America; co- Women of America, when an acquain- director of Maimonides Doula tance informed her that women giv- Program; founder of Mothers of ing birth at the Borough Park hospital Multiples; volunteer doula. would benefit from doulas, or female la- CoMPANy: Friendly Realty. bor coaches, a profession dating back to ClAiM To fAMe: “Volunteering ancient Greece. Before long, Berkowitz as a doula and founding Mothers and a group of members were in the ofof Multiples.” fice of Dr. Howard Minkoff, chairman of Obstetrics and Gynecology, telling him fAVoRiTe BRooKlyN PlACe: that they knew a whole cadre of women Maimonides Birthing Center. who would love to volunteer as doulas. WoMAN i ADMiRe: “Pamela “He thought it was a great idea!” Brier, president of Maimonides Berkowitz says. “And somehow, we Medical Center, she’s a role model pulled it off.” in that she doesn’t just sit on the Berkowitz helped to set up the Mai- sidelines when a community is monides Doula Program, a network in need, she gets up and does something about it.” of Orthodox, hospital-certified doulas who lend their time to the secular Mai- MoTTo: “Whatever G-d does is monides Birthing Center, helping wom- good. He’s leading us in the right en of all ethnicities relax during labor. way and there’s no reason for me The doulas suggest special breathing to worry.” techniques, give massages, play music, and utilize other forms of pain management. This year, about 100 women are Berkowitz, she also founded and runs volunteering as doulas at Maimonides, Mothers of Multiples, a support group whose obstetrics unit is the busiest in for parents of twins, triplets, and other the state, delivering about 7,000 babies multiple children. She has twin boys, each year. so she knows firsthand how stressful The doula service is a labor of love raising multiples can be. That’s why for Berkowitz, who works as a real es- the group holds regular meetings for its tate broker and has seven children of 700 members, dispensing tips, such as her own. She became passionate about encouraging independence and indi- community service as a member of an viduality in the kids, creating personal Agudah-sponsored youth group, for downtime, and establishing routine. It which she organized dances, field trips, also loans out baby equipment and rec- Photo by Steve Solomonson and holiday parties, eventually becom- ommends caregivers. ing the organization’s vice president. “I still get a call almost every week “We’ve had phenomenal doctors When Berkowitz was growing up, One of her most significant moments from a pregnant woman asking for ad- speak at these events, which have saved she merely wanted to belong to a com- as an Agudah leader took place in early vice,” she states. “And I try to help all of lives,” Berkowitz says. munity service organization. Now she’s 2000 when she helped to successfully them.” Many of the seminars encourage in charge of two, and doing admirably, lobby for a state law mandating that The Doula Program at Maimonides is early detection. Berkowitz loves to tell according to Agudah Co-Vice President insurance companies pay for infertil- an offshoot of Agudah Women of Amer- one story about a mother and daughter Leah Gerlernter, who has worked with ity pills. With that act, she solidified her ica’s N’shei C.A.R.E.S., where Berkow- of Ashkenazi descent — a group geneti- her for 20 years. commitment to advocating for women’s itz is also co-chairwoman. The group cally predisposed to breast cancer — “When Matti had twins, she realized issues. stands for community, awareness, re- who were inspired to get mammograms how difficult it could be for mothers Berkowitz also volunteers hands-on, sponsibility, education, and support. after attending a lecture. Turns out they raising multiples to cope, so she wanted though a foot injury forced her to put It’s best known for hosting educational both had tumors, but caught the cancer to reach out and help others,” Gerlernter her doula work on hold for a while — but seminars on diseases, such as arthritis, early enough to recover. says. “She’s a very community-minded that’s of no consequence to her fans. diabetes, and breast cancer. As if saving lives wasn’t enough for person with a huge heart.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 9 The YMCA of Greater New York wishes to congratulate Eileen O’Connor ANd The dodge YMCA wishes to congratulate doris Palazzo for being individually acknowledged as two of 2012’s Brooklyn Women of Distinction The Brooklyn community continues to be enriched by the contributions and tireless efforts of these exceptional women.

10 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyn’s WoM en of DisT inCTion Sandra Cheryl Chapman Ensuring Brooklynites get the services they deserve

By Jon Reiss andra Chapman is Brooklyn’s Bio file deputy borough president — the “Joe Biden” to Borough President neiGHBoRHooD: Canarsie. Markowitz. The two of them oCCUPATion: Deputy borough Shave come to represent for Brooklyn a president. kind of change similar to that which the CoMPAny: Office of the Brooklyn Obama presidency has meant for Wash- Borough President. ington. Chapman’s loyalty and dedication as ClAiM To fAMe: “I discovered Markowitz’s right hand is undeniable. the pending sale of 112 community gardens, and led a She sees it as her mission to make sure successful effort to save them his vision for Brooklyn is carried out from being auctioned off and into the next administration. Prior to destroyed.” her appointment as deputy borough president, Chapman served as director fAVoRiTe BRooKlyn PlACe: of the borough president’s Commu- Coney Island. nity Service Center, helping residents WoMAn i ADMiRe: “My mother throughout Brooklyn access city ser- Ivonne Waldron for unselfishly vices. She shares instances — such as putting everything aside upon helping residents get streetlights put moving to this country to give my in at intersections or getting pot holes brother and I a better life.” filled — as common and easy examples MoTTo: “We shall never know all of the kind of help she has offered to the good that a simple smile can boroughites. On the more difficult end do.” — Mother Teresa. of the spectrum, Chapman describes the struggle to help residents with such necessities as benefits and hous- was a surprise and an honor. Her expe- ing. The need for more available low- rience in helping New Yorkers get the income housing is one of the biggest resources they need runs deep. She has issues currently facing the borough, served in the borough president’s office according to her. since 1996, and before that at the De- Her office under the administration of partment of Housing Preservation and then-Borough President Howard Gold- Development. Yet Chapman still con- en was referred to as the Action Services siders dealing with people, one-on-one Office, and she served there under both with a focus on preservation, the best Golden and then Markowitz before be- part of her gig. She recently mounted a ing appointed to her current position successful campaign to save more than last year. Married with two children and 100 community gardens from being a home in Canarsie, Chapman original- auctioned off and destroyed. ly hails from Guyana, and came to the “My job gives me the opportunity to United States with her family, follow- go out and talk to Brooklyn residents,” ing her high school graduation. As the Photo by Stefano Giovannini she says. “That’s something I love, it’s second top official in a borough where her father, who was big on education. “To have such good writers and people my favorite part of the job.” nearly half a million Brooklynites are “I think that’s a major part of what from around the world come to this fes- Mary Anne Cino, Markowitz’s former of Caribbean descent — Guyana being pushed me to get to this point,” she says. tival is a testament of something we’re deputy chief of staff, feels Chapman is one of the countries leading the group Reading, Chapman reveals, was of the doing right,” she says. “I’m hoping the well up to the task. — she has the chance to be an inspira- utmost importance in her house grow- younger kids will take this event as some- “Sandra brings the best of herself tion, the official states. ing up, and it quickly became one of her thing they can look to and learn from.” to all that she does,” she states. “If she “I am a portrait of what all immi- passions. She recalls her father making She adds that she can’t fix the econo- doesn’t have the answers, she searches grants, old or young, come to this coun- sure she always had something to read. my, but she can get students to under- for them.” try seeking — a better opportunity,” Literacy, subsequently, is an issue she stand that if they come out of school Sandra Chapman may be new to the says Chapman. considers critical, and one that she will with a 12th-grade education they can go job, but she’s already proved that she’s She proceeded to attend college in the try to push in the coming months. She on to college, or at least get a job. no rookie when it comes to enhancing U.S. and receive her master’s degree in mentions the Brooklyn Book Festival — Chapman says she wasn’t looking for Brooklyn’s international reputation as public administration from Long Island a magnet for international scribes — as the job of deputy borough president, a proud home to everyone from every- University — much to the pleasure of a sign of our vibrant literary climate. and when Markowitz appointed her, it where.

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12 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion CeCilia Clarke Empowering young women to be critical leaders

By Shavana aBruzzo ecilia Clarke comes from hard- boiled stock. Her great-grandmother Vir- ginia “Sadie” Nash Cartan Cwas a society doyenne from Nebraska who made national headlines in Dec. 1902 when she spied a baby shivering on a crowded trolley car, stood up, lifted up her skirt, removed her silk slip, and wrapped it around the restless infant. People were shocked by the gratuitous act of kindness, and the New York Times, in a report headlined “Wrapped Child in Petticoat,” heralded Sadie as “the talk of the city.” Generations of kin have been inspired by the altruistic aristocrat. “She did the right thing in the moment,” states Clarke, a Fort Greene resident who herself rose to action a century later to diffuse the social pressures facing her 16-year-old daughter. “I didn’t like the messages she was getting from the culture,” she says. “I didn’t feel she was being empowered.” Photo by Stefano Giovannini Clarke utilized her background in F.E.G.S., who were interested in forming ever would be most helpful to us,” says non-profits, the visual arts, and social Bio file partnerships. the Stanford Law School graduate. “She work to form a leadership program in “They approached us and said they made sure we felt empowered to speak, 2001 for young women ages 14–22, fo- neiGhBorhooD: Fort Greene. needed leadership programming for to question, and to be critical.” cusing on creating change where it mat- oCCuPaTion: Founder and young women,” says Clarke. The vote of confidence, adds Watson, tered most — at home, in schools, and executive director. Today, her organization serves hun- helped her to revive her school’s fading in communities. She named it the Sa- dreds of students in New York and Black Students’ League, and become CoMPany: Sadie Nash die Nash Leadership Project, solicited New Jersey, but its tentacles have gone its president. Leadership Project. private funds, and fortified it with free far beyond: It won the New York Times “I realized that I didn’t have to change programs, stipends, and a trailblazing ClaiM To faMe: “Founded an Management Excellence Award, Bank to become a leader, that being dedi- gender recruitment policy. award-winning non-profit while of America hailed Clarke as a “Local cated to a cause while being myself was First, however, Clarke, the product raising three children.” Hero,” Nashers were invited to be guests enough,” she says. of an upper-middle-class family from favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: on the “Tyra Banks Show,” and interna- Clarke’s successes have even in- New York, had some obstacles to over- Brooklyn Botanic Garden. tional clothing designer Eileen Fisher spired distant bureaucracies to review come: “I had to reconsider what privi- WoMan i aDMire: “Sadie Nash, — among its big-hearted benefactors — themselves. North Carolina Project lege is,” she says. “The anachronistic, for doing the right thing in the raised $32,000 for the group through a Manager Anton Shaw was so impressed charity model, ‘I’m here to help you,’ moment.” blockbuster shopping event. with the Sadie model that he worked to was instantly abandoned for, ‘We are The achievements are documented have it adopted by the Charlotte Hous- MoTTo: “Sharks die when they going to work together towards a vision stop swimming.” proudly in a collective of short films for ing Authority. we agree on.’ ” the group’s 10th anniversary this year, “It holds the girls accountable for their Her bold initiatives took shape in profiling Sadie Nash alumnae from 2002 own development, and it exposes them thought-provoking workshops, exercis- er. Later, she instituted a community to 2011 — among them, Shanai Watson. to social responsibility,” he says. “This es, and seminars that offered her young action placement program offering The legal fellow recalls Clarke’s enthu- dynamic was missing in other programs “Nashers” a lens into social injustices, students internships at local organiza- siasm during that first summer institute in Charlotte.” women’s rights, and theories of pow- tions, plus a leadership action project in 2002, held in a donated, bright purple Clarke’s vision to promote a better er and leadership. Clarke regaled her to train them on community organiz- Manhattan office space where her first world for young women continues to young charges with compelling guest ing and activism. Her core leadership assignment was making a full-sized work its magic on grateful beneficiaries speakers, including Rep. Nydia Ve- institute prepared the girls for college, tracing of herself. such as Watson. lázquez (D–Williamsburg), 2011 Nobel and fostered self-awareness and self-as- “Cecilia was very concerned with “I took all the lessons of Sadie Nash Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee, surance, drawing the attention of social making sure we knew that the program to heart and keep them with me to this and late Cherokee chief Wilma Mankill- service giants such as C.A.S.E.S. and was ours, and was meant to be what- day,” she says.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 13 is pleased to congratulate Christine Coley a leader in her field and a true Woman of Distinction

14 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion Christine M. Coley An award-winning realtor who shelters us by keeping it real

By Shavana aBruzzo apid Realty trainee David Ad- Bio file ams was observing a workday at the firm’s Flatbush franchise neiGhBorhooD: Flatbush. when he noticed a new realtor oCCuPaTion: Broker, franchisee, Rhaving teething troubles with a jittery advisory council member, and client. columnist. The flustered rookie, recalls Adams, CoMPany: Rapid Realty, NYC, sought help from co-owner Christine and Caribbean Life. Coley, who rushed to the rescue. “I don’t know what Christine said, but ClaiM To faMe: “Invigorating Bedford-Stuyvesant through within five minutes everything seemed commercial and residential to work out,” he says. enterprise.” Coley’s managerial moxie didn’t surprise Adams, a landlord from Bedford- favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: Stuyvesant who met the senior broker Brooklyn Heights Promenade. last fall after listing an apartment with WoMan i aDMire: “My mother her office. He remembers being im- Iris S. Coley for being my pressed when she called almost imme- strongest example of what being diately to inform him that a professional a strong woman of distinction is couple was interested in the dwelling. about through her actions — she “She closed the deal in one day!” states set the bar very high.” Adams, who credits Coley with helping MoTTo: “You can if you think to raise his neighborhood’s star as a de- you can. As you think, so shall it sirable place to live and work for all peo- be. Then think you can and you ple — plus introducing him to the real can, indeed.” — Norman Vincent estate business after he lost his job. Peale. The double-duty was all in a day’s work for the Woman of Distinction, a multiple award-winning broker and didn’t go unnoticed by the firm’s found- member of Rapid Realty’s Advisory er, Anthony Lolli. Council who has fanned her entrepre- The broker says Coley has contributed neurial skills into a parallel career as an to his company’s boom as one of the na- international event planner. tion’s largest and fastest-growing real “I’ve always felt like there’s nothing I estate conglomerates, with more than can’t do,” says Coley, who has organized 52 franchises throughout the tri-state rockfests in Europe and Jamaica, party and New England area, by introduc- promotions in Washington, and nation- ing cutting-edge measures such as a al conferences for the Department of separate closing division for which she Photo by Steve Solomonson Defense, and NASA, in addition to par- recruited, trained, and mentored fresh ticipating in more than 1,200 successful terprise that Rapid heralded as a top-10 her instincts like a surgeon’s scalpel, al- talent — typically on her own time and real estate deals. producing franchise in its first year of lowing clients to survey the space while dime. That adventure began on a whim in business. she retreated into a corner and dis- “I’ve seen Christine come in at 9 in the 2005 when the single parent from Ja- Coley’s agile ascension in a shrink- creetly observed their body language to morning and leave at 2 in the morning,” maica interviewed with Rapid after en- ing, competitive market has been due gauge their interest level. says Lolli, adding that her leadership countering difficulties while apartment to a simple strategy she now employs to “If they were just standing there, they has increased the overall closing per- hunting, herself. train new realtors. wanted to be led around, but if they centage, crowned her a top Rapid closer, “The bad experiences I had made me “I take clients to exactly where they started opening the cabinets and envi- and created career positions for people want to help people, instead of just fo- want to go,” she states, adding that she sioning their stuff there, then they were within the organization. cusing on what my commission would became a fly on the office wall in those seriously interested,” she says. Christine Coley’s achievements are be,” says Coley, who gained her license early days, memorizing Rapid’s inven- One of her first clients — a “Top Chef” amplified by her people-friendly ap- and immersed herself in the industry tory, listening intently to agents con- contestant — was immediately sold proach in an industry known more for with an intensity that earned her rookie ducting phone transactions, and asking on the duplex with two kitchens and a cutthroat deals than compassionate ne- of the year honors, ranked her in the top to tag along when they left for appoint- spiral staircase in Park Slope that she gotiations. one percent of the firm’s most active ments. showed him. “I put myself in the consumer’s shoes,” agents, and enabled her to establish her At her own showings, Coley exercised “He was like a kid in a candy store,” she says. “Because everyone needs a own franchise with a partner — an en- patience over presumption and wielded states Coley, whose talent for her job place to live.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 15 American Airlines congratulates the 2012 Women of Distinction! Offering 214 daily flights from Greater New York airports to 60 destinations worldwide.

16 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyN’S WomeN of DiSTi NCTioN SuSan Doban She makes Brooklyn a beautiful place to live and work

By Camille Sperrazza rees grow in Brooklyn, and so Bio file do businesses. Just ask Susan Doban, an architect with a NeiGHBorHooD: Park Slope. green thumb. oCCUpaTioN: Architect. TThe Massachusetts native came to New CompaNy: Doban Architecture; York City to attend Columbia Univer- Think Fabricate. sity Graduate School of Architecture. But when she had to decide where to plant her Claim To fame: “Making business and where her children would Brooklyn a beautiful place to be raised, she chose Park Slope. live.” “I wanted a backyard,” she says. “I faVoriTe BrooKlyN love gardening, and I wanted my kids to plaCe: “My house — a place have a yard to play in.” of experimentation, where I am Her budding business venture — always testing out new ideas and Doban Architecture — blossomed, so new products.” she started a second one, Think Fabri- WomaN i aDmire: “Gae Aulenti, cate, with partner Jason Gorsline. Both an European architect who Brooklyn-based companies design so- created the Musee D’Orsay in lutions for better living, and as a result, Paris. She created it in a new way make the borough a better place to live. — a blend of new and old things.” It was Doban who helped design Red moTTo: “Collaboration is key to Hook’s Fairway supermarket, contrib- success.” uting to the economical development of the area. She is involved in restoring facades, bamboo, plywood, and Richlite, a com- and preserving historical buildings, all posite of paper and stone. These prod- over Brooklyn. But most of all, Doban ucts are more environmentally friendly, believes in the spirit of collaboration, she says. She often tests these ideas in an ebb and flow that works together to her own home, experimenting with create something unique and special, radiator covers and furnishings to see she says. how they hold up in her household that It’s about being open to ideas, shar- includes her husband, also an architect, ing viewpoints, and learning from each and their two children, ages 12 and 18. other, according to her. It’s something It can all be quite challenging at times, she discovered about 17 years ago, she admits, but it helps when you are when she joined the Brooklyn Cham- passionate about what you do. ber of Commerce, shortly after starting “Vision and spirit help you get over Doban Architecture. It was there that these challenges,” she says. Doban heard the views of people from There have been many good things, other small businesses. too, including awards such as the Photo by Stefano Giovannini “I learned to see things from different Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Build- perspectives,” she says, adding that she “Susan’s desire for exploration and “Our designs evolve from a thorough ing Brooklyn Award in 2007, and the found it beneficial to hear from business openness to new ideas is what has made understanding of the function, user, United States Environmental Protec- owners who were not architects. “I was Doban Architecture an award-winning and constraints of the project, rather tion Agency Energy Efficiency Award for able to step back and look at things in a architectural firm,” he says. than from any preconceived notions,” Red Hook Green Power in 2008. Think broader context.” Doban’s innovative hands are in- says Doban. Fabricate was also recently recognized She’s also coined a word for it: “We be- volved with the public schools, too, It is this attention to detail that is so for creating a unique line of china lieve openness to ideas, viewpoints, and where she has designed classrooms and important to her. plates that feature a map of 19th-cen- background defines ‘Brooklynness,’ and made improvements to structure. When “We tailor the project, including the tury Brooklyn, including designs of the is at the heart of our collaborative zeal,” she was recently called upon to renovate process of developing and delivering Brooklyn Bridge, the Navy Yard, and the she states. the library at PS 32 in Carroll Gardens, the project, to fit the specific situation,” waterfront. It is now a permanent part Gorsline is amazed by Doban’s ability she spoke at length with the librarian she adds. of the Brooklyn Museum. to draw on the historical references of a about the type of decor that would work Think Fabricate expands on the con- When Doban started her architecture project in order to develop contempo- in the community. Now, there’s a huge cepts she believes, taking design to an- company, it was a one-person business. rary designs that are both fresh yet re- ceiling mural of a train station, a theme other level. It is involved in sustainable There are now 10 employees. Green spectful to their surroundings. that appeals to children and adults. home furnishings, made from natural thumbs don’t only apply to gardens.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 17 Congratulations to Here’s to Congratulations to Josephine Sanfilippo AIDA LEON Mercedes and

The grandmother of swing… AMETHYST on the golf course! WOMEN’S PROJECT Narcisse A wonderful woman!

Heidi From the team at Goodyear Your Friends at Granbee’s Sandra Chapman Saluting Susan Pulaski Brooklyn’s Deputy Borough President! Yonette Fleming Your leadership, achievements, and Congratulations dedication make such a wonderful and the on this award, difference in the lives of all those you touch. Hattie Carthan Market and many more in the future Congratulations on this special recognition! With Best Wishes, Best, Marty Mary Anne Cino Matt andrews

Congratulations to Petri Plumbing Congr atulations to these honor able women Doris Palazzo-Lopez

The woman who makes Congratulates Who “light up” handling emergencies look easy All of the 2012 Brooklyn! Best wishes from Brooklyn Rehab Partners Women of Distinction r bdella lighting

Ripe Juice Bar Sandra Congratulations Chapman to our dear friend Salutes all of Congratulations Doris Palazzo on this honor May you continue to be an inspiration to us all! Love, the Honorees Best, Steve Simon, Lisa Ganzenmuller and Shelly Rosen Stephanie Koutsares (Your Friday Night Team)

18 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyN ’s WoM e N of DisT i NCTioN Geneva Farrow She’s a young mother’s D.R.E.A.M.

By Alex Rush eneva Farrow was a Bio file 19-year-old sophomore at Temple University when NeiGhBoRhooD: Crown Heights her life changed forever: oCCuPATioN: Executive director. Gshe became pregnant with her son. CoMPANy: A Young Mother’s “This is not a part of my plan!” Farrow D.R.E.A.M. thought, an honor student who was earning her bachelor’s degree in mar- ClAiM To fAMe: “Founder of A keting and administration. Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. and Farrow wasn’t prepared to raise a creator of the mantra, ‘I defy the odds!’ ” child, but she also wasn’t prepared to abandon one. Her teenage mother left fAVoRiTe BRooKlyN PlACe: Farrow and her sister to live with their Prospect Park. grandparents; she didn’t want to re- WoMAN i ADMiRe: “First Lady peat the cycle. Michelle Obama for the work “My grandmother offered to take the she has done with her Get Fit baby so I could finish college without initiatives, and because she worrying about raising a child,” says remains extremely poised in very Farrow, who was born in Crown Heights. difficult situations.” “But I didn’t want my child to feel like MoTTo: “We cannot solve our I left him, calling me by my first name problems with the same thinking when I saw him on the weekends.” we used when we created them.” Farrow’s son Deion Anthony was — Albert Einstein. born in July 2000, six weeks early, right when her fall semester was starting. She barely took any time off, bringing guard up at first and kept complain- Deion to the lecture halls with her as ing about the dress we had given her she attended class. She graduated two to wear,” Farrow says. “But when we years later — the date she had origi- asked her what she learned at the end nally planned on — and scored a job of the day, she said that she learned to in pharmaceutical sales. Now, Farrow believe in herself and that she’s beauti- is using her experiences as a teenage, ful on the outside and inside — it was single mom to empower young women so touching.” facing similar predicaments. You don’t have to be a member of the In 2007 she founded the non-prof- organization to be inspired by Far- it organization A Young Mother’s row. She hosts a weekly radio show D.R.E.A.M., which pairs young moth- on WHCR 90.3 FM called “No Girl Left ers with mentors, and distributes Behind,” which features teenage girls scholarship money to help with the talking about preventing teen preg- costs of school and daycare. A Young nancy and other pressing issues. The Mother’s D.R.E.A.M., an acronym for show may be co-hosted by teenagers, determination, resilience, excellence, but adults tune in, too. achievement, and motivation, cur- “It opens their eyes about teens’ opin- rently works with more than 50 moth- ions on various topics,” Farrow says. ers, ages 16 to 23, from around the city, She also wrote a book entitled “A

says Farrow. Photo by Stefano Giovannini Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. … I a m NOT Most teen mothers don’t graduate a Statistic,” a collaborative effort with from high school, states the advocacy dorms reserved for students with chil- closer to achieving my dream.” five other mothers from around the organization, the National Campaign dren. The trips are meant to encourage A Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M. also country. Farrow and her co-authors to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, but Farrow the young mothers to pursue higher makes sure that young mothers have detail the struggles and the triumphs and her group are working to buck the education, despite the odds against a little fun, taking them to a salon for they experienced finishing their edu- statistics: they host regular workshops them, Farrow adds. a glamorous makeover each year. It’s cation while raising their unplanned in Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhat- “Geneva inspires me to not take no during extracurricular activities that babies. Their project took about a year, tan on how to balance family life with for an answer,” says Oneka Bady, a mentors and mentees often forge the though Farrow says they have even educational pursuits, and also take group member. “She taught me to do strongest bonds, Farrow comments. more stories to tell. the mentees on tours of colleges with one hard thing a day, and that’ll get me “I remember one young lady had her “Look out for a volume two,” she says.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 19 Congrats To

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By Shavana aBruzzo ood food sparkplug Yonnette Bio file Fleming made the unthink- able happen when she turned neiGhBorhooD: Bedford- a deadly dumping ground in Stuyvesant. GBedford-Stuyvesant into a flourishing oCCuPaTion: Urban farmer and farmer’s market, complete with educa- agro-ecology educator. tional, recreational, and spiritual pro- CoMPany: Hattie Carthan grams for neighbors who once feared to Community Garden-Farm School walk by the disaster site. New York City. The community organizer wanted to ClaiM To faMe: “Cultivating cultivate healthy and sustainable food community from the ground up.” choices in her neighborhood, having been raised in a farm-friendly Guyanese favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: family that grew its own food. Hattie Carthan Community Garden. But she faced an uphill battle after WoMan i aDMire: “My gaining permission from the city in 2009 grandmother Geraldine King, an to begin work on the eyesore at Clifton eternal ally whose active, lively Place and Marcy Avenue, next to the Hat- hands brought beauty to all tie Carthan Community Garden where things she touched.” the foodie was a member and vice presi- MoTTo: “Who can afford to live dent. without beauty? It graces us Drug paraphernalia, mattresses, old with joy and lights the path to a boilers, stray bullets — even dead dogs — meaningful existence.” littered the abandoned lot, out of which Fleming and garden volunteers lugged out seven containers of trash with a force tions, and international food festivals, in which remains a mystery to her. addition to such welcome initiatives as “I don’t know what was driving me to fresh food delivery to home-bound se- do it, all I know was that it needed to be niors, fitness classes, a woman’s confer- done,” she says. ences, and a youth corps. The bustling They called the plot the Hattie Carthan green spaces provide area children with Community Farmer’s Market after the a healthy outlet, according to Boys and late environmentalist who planted more Girls High School student Deanna King, than 1,500 trees in the area. Then, Flem- 16, who has grown pumpkins and rad- ing began to sow the seeds of her vision ishes there, become a fan of sorrel juice, to unite residents on their common need and tuned her mom on to sage potatoes. for sustenance. “Ms. Fleming has shown kids that “We wanted a food market that told the there’s a way out of the violence hap- legitimate story of food, not lily-white pening around them, and that this is the food in fancy packages,” she says. “But place to relax, have fun, and know that food recently harvested, possibly with Photo by Stefano Giovannini somebody will always be there for them,” some dirt.” food desert by the government — much greenhouses, an elaborate composting says the budding gastronome. The back-breaking work has reaped of it grown in the adjacent garden. system, and chicken coops — in addition Word of blossoming Bedford-Stuyve- sweet rewards: kids, who once spent That delightful sanctuary of fig, sour to creating an urban farm and a second sant has even reached the United Na- their food stamps on junk food at the cherry, and other fruit trees, is splashed farmer’s market! Another popular Flem- tions. Delegates from 20 countries once local bodega now buy fresh produce at with dozens of verdant plots blooming ing project, he adds, is the new herb gar- stopped by the garden to learn about the market, and even help out — though with eggplants, melons, Egyptian onions, den where Russian sage, lavender and urban agriculture, prompting Rokhaya sometimes with mixed feelings! turnips, and amaranth grain, all of them rosemary rise lushly alongside organic Deba Fall of Senegal to marvel, “New York “One boy helper hid whenever his lovingly nurtured by green-thumbed elephant garlic, rue, and 70 other flavor- has a different face than the tall buildings school friends walked by because he members, such as Leon Simmons. ful varieties. — it’s the face of many engaged people.” thought it wasn’t cool to be gardening,” The retired forklift operator donates “Yonnette is helping out the neighbor- Gratitude for that bill of health goes in remembers Fleming. The child, she says, his surplus beans, corn, tomatoes, pota- hood a lot,” says Simmons. “She’s an asset large part to good-food gladiators such as ended up being an outreach liaison for toes, and peanuts to local senior centers, because she takes care of everything.” Yonnette Fleming, who accepts the honor the market, a vital resource that has and credits Fleming with uplifting the Folks are also harvesting benefits with a pinch of salt: “I am a small speck in distributed more than 40,000 pounds of green spaces with rainwater harvesting through Fleming’s gardening and nu- this whole chain,” she says. “It’s not about produce to a community dubbed a fresh capabilities, a children’s learning garden, trition workshops, cooking demonstra- me, it’s about all of us.”

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22 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction Doreen Garson Volunteer Bravest to the rescue!

By AnDreW linDermAn oreen Garson was at her Bio file home in Gerritsen Beach one Sunday in the mid-1980s neiGHBorHooD: Gerritsen when her young daugh- Beach. Dter accidentally hit her head. Garson occUPAtion: Real estate broker, needed to take her daughter to the hos- and assistant fire chief. pital, but got a rude surprise when she comPAny: Doreen Greenwood picked up the phone. Realty, Gerritsen Beach Fire “I called the volunteer fire depart- Department. ment and there was no response,” she clAim to fAme: “I’m happy with explains. “I had to get my neighbor to what I have. I have everything drive us to the hospital — I was furi- that I need. I have everything that ous.” I want.” The next day, Garson stopped by the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department to fAVorite Brooklyn speak with the staff about the incident. PlAce: “White Island near the Before long, someone at the volunteer environmental center.” firehouse approached Garson and told WomAn i ADmire: “My mother her the department was understaffed, Winifred McCann, she was the and handed her an application. She best mom, she had 35 foster took it and within a year, Garson was children in our home over the running dispatch for the single-engine years, she loved children and firehouse. Twenty-six years later, she’s always had a good attitude, she was my best friend.” the assistant fire chief there. Garson is used to taking charge in motto: “If it ain’t broke, don’t difficult situations. As a paramedic, a fix it.” business owner, and a mother of five, she has plenty of practice as a leader. When the economy crashed in 2008, Just don’t expect her to talk much for example, a number of Garson’s about her accomplishments. Her low- clients were facing foreclosure. But key attitude comes from her modest, in her typical life-saving fashion, she middle-class upbringing. When she stepped up to help her clients and was a girl, her family lived in one of neighbors. Through her efforts, she the bungalows in the older section of estimates that at least 10 or 15 people town. were able to save themselves from “The streets weren’t even paved foreclosure. because there were no sewers at the Then there were other kinds of di- time,” Garson recalls. sasters. During Hurricane Irene last But as Gerritsen Beach grew from summer, Garson rescued a woman as a collection of small bungalows to a her house was flooding. The previous community of around 5,000 people, winter, in the midst of one of the city’s she became the face of change in the worst snowstorms in history, Garson neighborhood. Since 1982, Garson has was out running a volunteer ambu- owned her own real estate business, lance when the city was considering and has single-handedly helped to suspending emergency services. preserve the family-oriented nature of “When everyone wants to go inside, the area. Doreen’s the person who doesn’t,” “When I’m showing houses, I tell Quaglioni adds. “She has no fear.” people that they have to like kids and So where does Garson, an anchor for dogs,” she states. This family-friendly the Gerritsen Beach community, get approach has helped her get to know all of her strength? Photo by Steve Solomonson the concerns of the local community. “I have a wonderful family,” she says. Her passion for effecting change work caught the eye of state Sen. Mar- “Doreen has a civic mindedness,” “Every Sunday, everyone meets at my also led her to politics. Garson ran tin Golden (R–Bay Ridge). Golden was says John Quaglione, Golden’s deputy house, I cook spaghetti and meatballs, for the City Council in 2001 and lost. looking for someone who knew Ger- chief of staff. “If you call and you get and everyone runs around — who’s It was a tough race, she says, but her ritsen Beach, and Garson fit the bill. her, she’s going to help you.” got it better than that?”

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24 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction Cathie Gearity A Florence Nightingale for the terminally ill

By camille sperrazza athie Gearity, a nurse for 33 Bio file years, spent most of her career helping the sick get better. But neiGHBorHooD: Bay Ridge. for the last year and a half, she occUpation: Hospice nurse. Chas helped the terminally ill prepare to company: Calvary Hospital die. Hospice. As a Calvary Hospice nurse, it’s Gear- ity’s job to make the inevitable less trau- claim to fame: “Helping the matic. sick and dying.” “We need to say our good-byes and get faVorite Brooklyn place: our plans in order,” she says. The Shore Road Bike Path. Gearity performs many of the tasks Woman i aDmire: “My mother, that all nurses do: she administers who did everything she could to medication, helps manage pain, treats make the world a better place for wounds, and makes patients comfort- her family — and everyone else’s able. But she also provides comfort to families.” families of the sick, who are often dev- motto: “Be faithful in small astated by the reality they face. things because it is in them that Emotionally, it’s very demanding your strength lies.” — Mother work, she admits. Theresa. She stepped up to this huge challenge because she saw there was a need for it. Over the years, as she performed her Corps, who brought the institute to duties at Sloan-Kettering and at Catho- her attention. He described the horror lic Home Care, she witnessed far too of seeing soldiers with arms and legs many people become traumatized by torn off of their bodies. The emotions the death of loved ones. Eventually, she they endure are something Gearity can came to realize that a good part of the identify with, so she was motivated to stress was because they were so unpre- help. pared for what they faced, and, as a re- The Bay Ridge event was so successful sult, they were afraid. that she planned another one. Money “Death and dying are things we don’t raised provides medical care, housing, talk about,” she says. and support to the Marines and their But this is starting to change. families. “The medical system is moving to- Gearity credits her mother, Jeanne wards teaching end-of-life care,” says Toolan, for her roots in activism. Gearity. The reason for this change is “She was a woman of faith, and lived tough to accept. her life by doing many acts of kindness “Younger people are becoming in- for anyone who needed help,” she says. flicted with disease, such as cancer and Her mom, too, was active in the Alzheimer’s,” she says. “These chal- Brooklyn community. She ran for dis- lenging events mean we need to be trict Leader of the Democratic Party, prepared emotionally, physically, and and once ran for the City Council. Al- financially.” though her mom lost both elections, she Dealing with these emotions is some- remained involved in numerous organi- thing Gearity does on a regular basis. zations, including the Bay Ridge Com- Recently, she took care of a woman Photo by Stefano Giovannini munity Council. Gearity eventually be- who was at the end stage of pancreatic sult, the patient was able to able to pass bike along Shore Road. This path, too, came a caregiver to her mom, assisting cancer. The patient’s daughter wanted away peacefully, says Gearity. served as an inspiration to help others. her when she fell ill to heart disease. medical treatment to continue, but the Making peace, accepting reality, and Last May, Gearity organized the first Like her mom, Gearity has deep faith patient had had enough. It is Gearity’s dying with dignity, are what we all want annual Bay Ridge race for Semper Fi 5K, in religion, and this helps her cope with job to be an advocate for the patient, at the end of our lives, she says. Helping an organization that raises funds for in- the many deaths she sees on a regular and she takes this responsibility very patients achieve these goals is part of jured Marines. The Bay Ridge run, held basis. seriously. So it was left up to her to help the job of a hospice nurse. along the Shore Road Bike Path, raised “Faith brings illumination to the the daughter comes to terms with her To help relieve her own stress, Gear- $6,000 for the group. It was Gearity’s darkness of fear, doubt, and uncertain- mother’s wishes. She did, and as a re- ity, a Bay Ridge native, likes to ride her brother, a major general in the Marine ties,” she says. “It makes us strong.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 25 FINDFIND OUTOUT HOWHOW GOODGOOD YOUYOU REALLYREALLY ARE.ARE.

At LIU Brooklyn we’re helping our students do just that. Join me in celebrating two of my fellow alumni and Women of Distinction, Sandra Chapman and Alexandra Gratereaux. We all found out how good we really are—and so can you! - Gale Stevens Haynes ’72, ’76 Provost, LIU Brooklyn

liu.edu/brooklyn

26 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion Gale StevenS HayneS A scholar with a heart who makes it happen

By Shavana aBruzzo our years ago, Alexandra Gra- Bio file tereaux was a journalism student at Long Island University’s neiGhBorhooD: Downtown. Brooklyn Campus, juggling oCCuPaTion: Provost. Fseveral jobs to put herself through col- CoMPany: Long Island lege and burning the midnight oil to University, Brooklyn Campus. maintain a near-perfect 3.8 grade point average. One day, consumed by mount- ClaiM To faMe: “I’m a lifetime ing financial troubles, she broke down learner, and continue to be a by the elevator in despair. student of new works.” “I didn’t have any money for anything, favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: and I was literally ready to transfer out,” The New York Aquarium in Coney says Gratereaux, who tried to hide her Island. tears from Provost Gale Stevens Haynes, WoMan i aDMire: “My who was walking by. grandmother Annie Luiz Stevens She knew the senior academic ad- because she introduced me to ministrator was a canny, no-nonsense books, new adventures, discipline, official with a maternal touch, but music, and so much more.” she says nothing prepared her for the MoTTo: “We all have to be forthcoming flood of kindness: the ex- willing to roll up our sleeves and ecutive led her into her office, stuffed tidy the house.” a box of tissues into her hand, listened to her story, and within days emerged with a financial plan that allowed the moments,” says Haynes, a trustee of aspiring journalist to breeze through the Brooklyn Hospital Center, and ex- her studies. chairwoman of the Board of Education “Provost Haynes made it happen for for the Roosevelt Union Free School Dis- me!” says Gratereaux, today an enter- trict. “We had a campus that can best be tainment editor at Fox News Latino. described as cracked cement, it was not Gratereaux’s uplifting academic ex- a pretty place.” perience has been matched by the hun- She took charge by instituting a new dreds of thousands of scholars — most financial policy. of them financially-strapped, first-gen- “We decided that for every dollar re- eration collegians with high needs — ceived, 50 cents would be reinvested whose destinies have been shaped by into the campus,” states this Woman of Haynes on one of the most diverse col- Distinction. lege campuses in the world, with a stu- The returns have been remarkable. dent body hailing from 75 nations and Today, the college’s green space has tri- Photo by Stefano Giovannini fluent in 35 languages. pled, student enrollment has doubled, The provost embraces her tall task. ket, Provost Haynes would cheer — she three daughters — an attorney, a car- there’s a $45 million Wellness, Recre- “I’m the only person I know with wasn’t a provost then, but a passionate, diologist and a social worker — studied ation, and Athletic Center supporting 11,000 adopted children!” says Haynes, New York sports fan!” says the teacher there. She began its revival in 1989 when 18 Division I athletic teams, in addition who has attended their weddings, cele- who was raised by a single parent and she was appointed provost, quickly forg- to a Cyber Cafe and a community per- brated the births of their offspring, and completed his post-graduate studies ing alliances with schools, hospitals, forming arts center. rooted for them at sporting events. with Haynes’s support. arts groups, and other local agencies and Haynes has returned glory days to her When the men’s team headed to the Students who work hard — running organizations. She implemented inno- learning institute, which admitted stu- Midwest this spring for the college bas- from class to work, and working week- vative initiatives that prepped budding dents based on merit and promise when ketball championship tournament, you ends to make ends meet — are always Einsteins for prestigious Westinghouse it was established in 1929 as the original can be sure the self-professed hoop on the provost’s radar. competitions, offered wannabe accoun- arm of LIU. The policy, progressive in an “nut” was in the bleachers exercising “They don’t necessarily have some- tants residential internships, and insti- age defined by quotas and discrimina- her vocal chords. one home, so we provide the substitute tuted ground-breaking curricula, such tion, continues to place the campus in “I was in Ohio making a lot of noise!” parental support for them,” she says. as the first state-approved Physician As- a class by itself — thanks to the simple says Haynes. Haynes’s roots run deep at the campus: sistant program. philosophy of its provost. Jason Aubin, a graduate who attended she’s an alumna, its former legal counsel The accomplishments are a far cry from “We don’t deal with privileged stu- the game, remembers her vim and vigor. and ex-director of the Higher Education her early days as a top college official. dents,” she says. “We are privileged to “Every time our team made a bas- Opportunity Program, and two of her “I came back at one of its darkest deal with them.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 27 The Brooklyn Chapter Best Wishes To of The Links, Incorporated Geneva Farrow Congratulates And our very own Monica Sweeney, MD and Sharon A. Myrie A Young Mother’s D.R.E.A.M on their well-deserved recognition as A Very Deserving Woman and Organization Brooklyn Women of Distinction Eleanor

Congratulations to All the best to Heart of Brooklyn On being named a and Brooklyn Woman of Distinction Ellen Salpeter Interboro SecurIty KAti

Sadie Nash was a woman with a heart. The family of Catherine Hodes Cecilia Clarke follows is so proud of her many extraordinary and deeply generous accomplishments, in her footsteps. in Brooklyn and beyond. All our love, Martha, Tal, Matt, Linda, Congratulations on your award, and Stuart, Steve, Kevin, Bruce, & Quinn. Thank you for all the good work you do.

Cheers to St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church with the Clergy, Vestry & Parishioners Doreen Garson Congratulates

Our Distinguished Parishioner Sandra Chapman Gerritsen Beach honored as would be nowhere without you! A 2012 Brooklyn Woman of Distinction

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28 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyN’S WomeN of DiSTi NCTioN ‘queen’ Marlene HocHMan Sweet memories of childhood preserved by a real doll

By Camille Sperrazza oyland! Toyland! Little Bio file girl and boy land.” Oh, how we sang the NeiGHBorHooD: Carroll lyrics to this song each Gardens. “TThanksgiving when the movie, “March oCCUpaTioN: Founder of the of the Wooden Soldiers” would air. We’d Toy Museum. dream, wonderful Brooklyn dreams, of CompaNy: Queen Marlene’s Toy apartments filled with toys — dancing, Theatre. singing, and keeping us company. It was a world filled with imagination. Claim To fame: “Bringing the magical world of toys back into It’s these magical feelings that our hearts.” “Queen” Marlene Hochman had in mind when she founded the Toy Muse- faVoriTe BrooKlyN plaCe: um. Of course, only a queen would be The Toy Museum. able to recreate the magic of dreams, WomaN i aDmire: “Margaret so the title is fitting. She also happens Mead [1901–1978] because she to be the star of “Queen Marlene’s Toy was a pioneer in the field of Theatre,” and seeing shows at this the- anthropology.” ater is the only way Brooklynites can moTTo: “Never give up.” experience the enchantment of the Toy Museum. That’s because the collection serves as the background to the “All our revenues are generated the performances. old-fashioned way — one happy cus- So far, more than 7,000 school children tomer at a time,” says Hochman. “Ne- from all five boroughs have been to the cessity is the mother of invention.” Toy Museum, located inside St. Ann’s In the midst of this undertaking, she Church in Brooklyn Heights. These are received horrifying personal news — she kids who grew up with video games and had been diagnosed with colon cancer. the Internet. They now get to learn about “Luckily, I am still here working, and I the toys of their parents, grandparents, have fully recovered,” she says. and great-grandparents — some dating Hochman brings “The Queen” to life back to the 1880s — including Shirley on the stage about eight times a week, Temple dolls, Howdy Doody dolls, and and is having a blast. Her three grown Cabbage Patch Kids. children and her husband were very “The purpose of the museum is so supportive throughout these difficult children can learn history, language times. They like to call her, “The Q.” arts, and social studies, using toys to Catherine Gasta, one of the first teach these subjects,” says Hochman. professional actors to join the theater “I love to look at very old toys, and shows, credits Hochman with instilling try to imagine what it was like for the creativity in youngsters and adults. child who played with them back in the “Marlene is wonderfully inventive, a day.” great collaborator, and strives to offer Creating the museum was a labor of something truly special to children and love, and Hochman had to overcome a families,” says Gasta. number of obstacles, including funding. Hochman, for her part, is grateful to “Just because we are a museum, does her toy donors. Photo by Stefano Giovannini not mean our space is free,” she says. “I have been working on the collec- “Can you imagine Mayor Bloomberg Brooklyn,” says Hochman. “We move economy tanked and grants were no tion for 13 years, and we are really chock calling Arnold Lehman, director at the because the landlord needs the space longer available, Hochman, who has al- full,” she says. “Really, we are bursting Brooklyn Museum, to say you have to for other purposes.” ways loved the theater, came up with the at the seams.” move the museum next year because It’s not easy packing each special idea to create the “Queen Marlene’s Toy But the toy collector would like one the city needs the space for something piece, she adds, and it’s expensive, too, Theatre.” Charging patrons for tickets to more item to complete the collection: a else?” especially as the museum anticipates see the show is what funds the museum, Pensy Pinky ball. The Toy Museum has no such secu- moving again in September. in addition to support by, among others, “If anyone has a Pensy Pinky in good rity, and has had to move several times. Generating revenue has been another Independence Community Foundation condition, let us know, and we will add “We are just like other businesses in challenge. A few years ago, when the and Con Edison. it to our collection,” she promises.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 29 Union Temple Congratulations to the Brooklyn Women of Distinction congratulates our Honorees esteemed member for 2012 Ellen Salpeter and Same day Chocolate all the fabulous delivery and pickup Indulgence available Women of Distinction Gifts For All Occasions Birthday • Just Because • Get Well • Sympathy • Anniversary Congratulations • Wedding • Good Luck • I’m Sorry • Love Union Temple Thank You • New Baby • Graduation Reform • Egalitarian • Inclusive 17 Eastern Parkway 1557 Ralph Ave. 158-18 B Cross Bay Blvd. Across from the Brooklyn Public Library at Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn, New York 11236 Howard Beach, Queens 11414 718-638-7600 718-451-3344 718-848-3344 www.uniontemple.org © 2011 Edible Arrangements, LLC MILLIE R. FELL, MD, FACS Founder - Brighton Eye Dr. Millie Fell, founding ophthalmologist at Brighton Eye, personifies the type of doctor you want caring for your eyes. Dr. Fell has been a fixture in Brooklyn since 1987, and a presence in Brighton Beach for more than 20 years. She is now fulfilling a lifetime dream with the opening of her new eye facility. The new eye center, on the corner of Kings Highway and 21st Street, is equipped with the latest advanced diagnostic equipment. It has been a “project of love” for the doctor who was involved in every aspect of the facility’s design. Dr. Fell is a highly-trained cataract surgeon with expertise in the field of medical retina. This compassionate doctor also shares her expertise globally. Just recently, Dr. Fell again volunteered her time and skills at an eye mission in the Dominican Republic. There she examined and treated patients who had no other access to healthcare. Her group of 50 volunteers consisted of physicians, nurses, and other para-professionals and lay people. “We treated 1300 patients during the week.” Dr. Fell’s passion is cataract surgery. “There is nothing more thrilling than giving someone back their sight.” She says. Dr. Fell and her associate, Andrew Brookner, MD who has also treated Brooklyn patients for many years and who recently joined the Practice, also treat patients with wet macular degeneration with intravitreal injections . Years ago, people who suffered with this condition became blind and unable to read. Now, we’re keeping these patients functioning normally. Patients are living longer and these treatments are providing them with better quality of life. Call to make an appointment at 718-339-6868. Our courteous staff will be happy to help you.

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30 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction Catherine hodes Helping survivors of violence soar to success

By Jon reiss young woman looks aston- Bio file ished and very pleased after breaking a board at the con- neiGHBorHooD: Park Slope clusion of her self-defense “and beyond.” course.A The class, taught part-time by occUPAtion: Social worker and Catherine Hodes, dovetails perfectly program director. into Hodes’s full-time job as a social comPAny: Good Shepherd worker, and her unyielding passion for Services, Safe Homes Project. helping empower survivors of violence. For the past 17 years, Hodes has been clAim to fAme: “I listen, then I listen some more.” director of the Safe Homes Project of Good Shepherd Services, working to fAVorite Brooklyn PlAce: create and hone advocacy for a broad “A Brooklyn garden.” range of survivors, including those who Women i ADmire: “2011 Nobel are undocumented, young, lacking re- Peace Prize winners Leymah sources, and part of marginalized soci- Gwobee, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, eties, such as the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and Tawakkol Karman.” and transgender community. motto: “You cannot change Hodes and the Safe Homes Project society unless you see yourself as work to provide counseling, support, belonging to it and responsible safety planning, and resources for sur- for changing it.” — Grace Lee Boggs. vivors of domestic and intimate partner abuse. The Safe Homes Project also or- ganizes peer support groups, helping The tough work has met its match in survivors connect with one another and Hodes, states Good Shepherd Executive develop support networks while ma- Director Sr. Paulette LoMonaco. neuvering the legal system. “Catherine continues to bring an “The past few years has seen the ex- amazing level of energy, conviction, pansion of the definition of family in and commitment to very challenging New York’s Family Courts,” she says. work,” she says. Non-married partners, elders, young The group’s community outreach and people, and same-sex partners, she education include the annual Domes- adds, now have the ability to get orders tic Violence Remembrance Vigil during of protection in family court. Yet, they Domestic Violence Awareness Month often don’t come forward. in October. It also provides a series of “We must continue to do vigorous out- workshops every year about healthy Photo by Stefano Giovannini reach and education so that people can relationships and abuse prevention to create greater safety using all the tools “We must consider interventions that safe communities, we will begin to see Higher Education Opportunity Pro- available to them,” Hodes states. help victims of lower-level abuse, as more meaningful change,” she says. gram students at Long Island Univer- Meanwhile, there’s been an increase well as those who might be reluctant Social change, Hodes says, is a neces- sity, as well as other abuse prevention in the number of available shelter beds or afraid to use the criminal justice sary aspect of dealing with this prob- activities in high schools and colleges for victims of violence and their chil- system, such as undocumented or traf- lem: “Centralizing the voices of survi- across Brooklyn. It also strives to edu- dren over the years, but a concurrent ficked victims,” she comments. vors, involving communities, raising cate survivors on how they can impact decrease in safe, affordable, permanent Hodes is a warrior who empowers awareness, and promoting prevention policy and social change because unity housing options. Hodes cites advocacy women, according to her supporters. activities are important aspects of the is strength, notes Hodes. for a realistic housing subsidy, a top pri- “Catherine has dedicated her life to work,” she adds. We are all part of families, neigh- ority for herself and fellow advocates for ending relationship violence and help- The staff at Safe Homes works in borhoods, communities, and nations, survivors in the coming years. ing women find their own strength,” conjunction with the Coalition of Resi- Hodes states, working to improve the “There has been a drop in crime rates says Tracy Hobson, director of the Cen- dential Domestic Violence Service Pro- options and lives of survivors of vio- and homicides across the board in our ter for Anti-Violence Education. viders, the Committee on Domestic lence includes working against system- city, but domestic and partner abuse Hodes also works with younger indi- Violence and Economic Justice, the New ic oppressions, such as racism, sexism, has not decreased,” she says. viduals in underserved communities to York State L.G.B.T.Q. Domestic Violence classism, and homophobia. Hodes explains that many incidents of halt problems early on. Network, and the New York State Coali- “The goal is not only to help one vic- abuse do not rise to the level of a crime, “By talking with young people about tion Against Domestic Violence, all of tim, or a thousand, but to build a more but occur over long periods, becoming healthy relationships, and involving whom advocate for survivors at the lo- peaceful and just world for all of us,” she chronic. them as active participants in creating cal and state levels. says.

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32 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction AidA Leon A trailblazer who promotes a better life for others

By camille sperrazza ida Leon grew up in Coney Is- Bio file land, where, she says, “I saw the socio-economic deterio- neiGHBorHooD: Coney Island. ration and rampant poverty of occUpation: Founder and theA community.” Executive Director of Amethyst She left Coney Island in the early Women’s Project. 1980s, and returned in 1987 to find the company: Amethyst Women’s area blighted. Project. “I was astounded with how, in a very short time, the area had become claim to fame: “Improving the quality of life for the residents of plagued by drug use, and was horrified Coney Island.” by how the community was devastated by the AIDS epidemic,” she says. faVorite Brooklyn place: It would become a growing concern, The Coney Island Boardwalk. one she was committed to doing some- Woman i aDmire: “My mother thing about. In 1999, she established Virginia Sanchez because, the Amethyst Women’s Project to com- despite poverty and hardship, bat these issues. Among the challenges she persevered and was the glue the organization hoped to address were that kept our family of 14 children the lack of services available for those together.” afflicted with AIDS. Substance abuse motto: “If you stumble, make it treatment for women was another pri- part of the dance.” ority. “Many of them were sex workers, ad- dicts, and victims of domestic violence,” “What impresses me most about Aida says Leon. “When a woman is impacted is her spirit of generosity and her con- by addiction, her whole family suffers, cern for the well-being of others,” he often resulting in fragmentation and says. “Where others shy away from dif- family dysfunction.” ficult challenges, Aida embraces them.” Those troubles increase the risk of Leon is also committed to improving HIV infection due to misinformation the quality of life for women, children, and lack of services, she adds, and are and families in Coney Island, and has complicated by alcohol and drug abuse, been recognized for her work by vari- contributing to child abuse and loss of ous organizations and individuals, in- productivity. cluding Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D–Coney “In the early ’80s, it became clear Island) and state Sen. Diane Savino to me that the devastating impact of (D–S.I.). In 2007, she was awarded the addiction, crime, and sex work activ- Photo by Steve Solomonson “Spirit of Woman” Award from SUNY ity was not limited to these women, but Downstate Medical Center University passed on to their children,” Leon says, was very much needed.” apparent,” she says. Hospital. In 2005, the New York City De- adding that many of them ended up in By helping others, her life has been Early support came from organiza- partment of Health Bureau of Sexually foster care, victims of violence, abuse, altered in profound ways as well, she tions such as the New York Foundation, Transmitted Disease Control presented and neglect, predisposing them to drug claims: she is more passionate, commit- the New York Community Trust, and her with a “Making the World Safe for and alcohol abuse, and perpetuating ted, driven, and generous. the Daphne Foundation. The latter was Sex” Award for HIV and sexually trans- the vicious cycle of addiction. “I now realize that one committed one of the first supporters, and remains mitted disease prevention. Her educa- The Amethyst Women’s Project pro- person can change the trajectory of his- so today. Other supporters included tion includes certifications as an alco- vides outreach and educational servic- tory,” she says. the Sister Fund, the New York Women’s holic and substance abuse counselor, es so that these issues can be addressed. She also understands that there is Foundation, and the United Way. Fund- an acupuncture detoxification special- Literature is distributed, assessment is hope for everyone. ing shifts, she says, often due to political ist, and an HIV counselor. provided, and HIV testing is facilitated. “Every life is worth saving,” she com- changes. But through it all, “we contin- Aida Leon has made helping others It makes referrals, and offers education- ments. “But I cannot do it alone.” ue to provide comprehensive services her life’s work. al presentations on topics such as safer Incredibly, when the Amethyst Wom- and care,” she assures. “We all have something to contrib- sex practices and teen violence. en’s Project first began, Leon paid for Manuel Dominguez, a management ute, the opportunities to help others The community’s response to the everything out of her own pocket. consultant with SeaTree Associates who abound,” she says. “Volunteer to help, program has been overwhelming, Leon “Of course, this was unsustainable, has worked closely with Leon, marvels and you will receive much more than says: “It was obvious that this support and a need to reach out for help was at her work ethic. you ever imagined.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 33 BR ooK lyN ’s WoM e N of DisT i NCTioN Sharon Myrie City exec turns challenges into thriving community partnerships

By Alex Rush haron Myrie can navigate Bio file through the bureaucracies like a G.P.S. — a government position- NeiGhBoRhooD: Flatbush. ing system — when it comes to oCCuPATioN: Executive Scity agencies. vice president for community Throughout her nearly 30 years work- programs and development. ing in city government and the non-profit CoMPANy: New York City sector, Myrie has sped through what can Housing Authority. be a daunting system to achieve tangible results, such as creating a public high ClAiM To fAMe: “Being able to think outside the box, and being school that specializes in environmen- able to push the envelope.” tal studies and strengthening community outreach programs at the Brooklyn fAVoRiTe BRooKlyN PlACe: Botanic Garden. Currently in charge of Brooklyn Botanic Garden. the city Housing Authority’s community WoMAN i ADMiRe: “My mother, centers in all five boroughs, the British- Deloris Gabbidon, because of the born, Brooklyn-raised Myrie enjoys the sacrifices she made for our family opportunities to get out of the office and and the educational values she visit the housing developments. She vis- instilled in us.” its with resident leaders to find out what MoTTo: “The things you learn in kinds of programming residents need life that you don’t like help you to most, whether it’s new computers at a understand better who you really senior center or S.A.T. prep classes at an are.” after-school program. Myrie taps the large and challenging New York City Housing Authority to help a public high school — the Brooklyn build greater community partnerships. Academy of Science and the Environ- “I try to create the right mix of pro- ment — in 2003. For nine months My- grams primarily focused on education, rie worked almost every weekend with health and economic opportunities for a team of more than 20 people, includ- the residents,” she says. ing staff from Prospect Park Alliance, Myrie relocated at 9 years old with her to plan the school, based in Prospect family from the outskirts of London, Heights directly across the street from England, to Brooklyn, and coming of the Garden, making it easier to host age here was made easier by her mother, classes at both Prospect Park and the who inspired her, she says, to try to make Brooklyn Botanic Garden. things better for others by encouraging “We wanted to reach young people them to pursue new opportunities. who have an interest in science and

Myrie earned her psychology degree Photo by Stefano Giovannini the environment, but wouldn’t nor- at Ithaca College, but soon realized that mally have access to those specialized she wanted to work in the public sector. under Dinkins from 1990 to 1992, dur- hood House, a settlement home provid- programs,” Myrie claims. After a stint at Sponsors for Education- ing which she often faced challenges ing an array of social service programs She hopes to continue to expose al Opportunity, which works to pre- when trying to address the increasing for all ages, from youths to seniors. youth to many different activities, pare underserved high school students number of families coming through Marjorie Cadogan, who met Myrie including environmental studies, for college, she went on to law school the shelter system. when they were both first-year litiga- through her work with the Housing in Washington, immersing herself in “It was so troubling to see the lack tors for the city’s law department, is in Authority, which for 50 years has run educational policy issues by working of affordable housing options for low- awe of the legal eagle. the Garden and Greening Program, for the Children’s Defense Fund and income New Yorkers,” Myrie said. “The “Sharon’s had an amazing career working with residents to plant flow- the United States Department of Edu- issues weren’t easy, there were a lot of and really had an impact on the city,” ers, trees, and vegetables in their de- cation. But Myrie couldn’t stay away competing policy issues.” says Cadogan. velopments. from New York for too long. She was Myrie recognized the importance of In addition to her work within city “The work I do now feels like a cul- soon back in her adopted home town, protecting the safety net before fami- government, Myrie counts her 11-year mination of everything I’ve done over first as a civil litigator for the city, then lies entered shelters, and decided to tenure as the vice president of educa- the years — education, youth develop- as an advisor to mayors Ed Koch and move into the not-for-profit sector, tion for Brooklyn Botanic Garden as ment, urban gardening, and commu- David Dinkins. She served as the Dep- serving as associate executive director her most rewarding experience. Her nity organizing,” Myrie said. “It has uty General Counsel of Homelessness of programs for Lenox Hill Neighbor- time there inspired her to help open been wonderful.”

34 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion Mercedes Narcisse Turning Canarsie into a multicultural family of neighbors

By Shavana aBruzzo ercedes Narcisse was Bio file fast asleep when she was roused by a phone call neiGhBorhooD: Canarsie. from Karen Cherry, an oCCuPaTion: CEO and Maide to Rep. Ed Towns, alerting her to entrepreneur. an emergency: a stroke patient needed a CoMPany: Statewide Medical walker, a cane, and some adult diapers and Surgical Supplies. — ASAP. Narcisse’s swift response impressed ClaiM To faMe: “Contributing in the director of community relations. a positive way to my community.” “Mercedes didn’t huff, she didn’t puff, favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: she just said, ‘Let me know what I can Avenue L. do for you,’ ” recalls Cherry, adding that WoMan i aDMire: “My Narcisse — a registered nurse from Ca- grandmother Elizabeth Theodule, narsie, the president of the Avenue L who went above and beyond for Merchants Association, and the owner everybody, and would give you of a medical supply shop — rushed to the clothes off her back — people open her store, locate the items, and say that, but she would do it.” deliver them personally to her with a re- MoTTo: “To whom much is given quest not to charge the man. much is expected.” The call was business as usual for Narcisse. “A lot of people think about dollars stores. The area’s quality of life has also first, I think of people first,” says the Hai- improved, thanks to the honoree who tian immigrant and mother of five who has worked to have potholes paved, gar- has worked for more than 20 years to bage pickups accelerated, and traffic help transform once-depressed Canar- lights installed at dangerous intersec- sie into a multicultural community of tions. In between, she’s honed enough civic-minded neighbors eager to rebuild political chops as past president of the the neighborhood after demograph- 41st Assembly District Democratic Club ics changed there in the 1990s — when to run for City Council. years of vandalism and comatose com- Winifred Bartholomew, who has mercial corridors became the norm as known Narcisse since 1998, is astounded immigrant homeowners struggled to fill by her gumption. When PS 272 needed a void created when longtime residents a new air conditioner, Narcisse rushed moved out. to the rescue, she says, securing funds “Avenue L was like a ghost town, most from local politicians, with enough left of the stores closed, and graffiti be- over for an after-school program. came the vogue,” says Narcisse, who “If there’s a need, Mercedes is willing began a brisk campaign to jump-start to help,” says Bartholomew. Photo by Steve Solomonson new growth and diffuse racial tensions Disaster victims, too, can look to this sparked by the firebombing of a local Statewide Medical and Surgical Sup- — complete with toys for the kids and Woman of Dictinction to ease their or- realty office for selling homes to immi- plies on E. 96th Street, the first medi- a visit from Santa — earned her a repu- deals. grants. Nefarious realtors triggering the cal supply store in the area. She soon tation as a devoted civic activist, and As a medical missionary with the Na- turnover of white-owned properties to became a regular face at community when she formed Canarsie By Choice in tional Organization for the Advance- African Americans — a policy known as events, forming close ties with her local 1994, nearly 500 people attended its first ment of Haitians, Narcisse has provided blockbusting — also found their match precinct, community board, firehouse, meeting. Narcisse met their anxieties emergency care in earthquake zones, in Narcisse, who supplied homeowners and other local authorities. and bigotries, head-on. where the horrors endured by amputees with “This home is not for sale” signs to “I attended every single meeting in “I told them, you stay here by choice, and children dying of dehydration still post in their yards. the area, and advocated for Canarsie so just understand your neighbor, say hi haunt her. Glimmers of hope sparkled when 150 everywhere I went,” says Narcisse, who and be friendly,” she recalls. “I wanted “Seeing that brought me home to who marchers showed up for a harmony rally cleaned up the avenue with teens from to show that people can live together we really are as human beings,” says led by two 10-year-old girls — one white, the precinct Explorers Club, funding without fighting.” this community leader whose work has one black — holding hands. some of the beautification efforts herself Today, Avenue L bustles with 80 new been so far reaching that it has helped The renaissance had begun, and and rewarding her helpers with pizza businesses — from beauty salons and to rescue an entire community from the Narcisse steered its course by opening parties. Her popular Christmas revels restaurants to mini-marts and 99-cent brink of destruction.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 35 Congratulates the 2012 BROOKLYN WOMEN OF DISTINCTION! EXCELLENCE… DEDICATION… COMMITMENT… These special words are reserved for these women who have devoted their time, energy, and hearts to improve the lives of others throughout Brooklyn. PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR GALA EVENT AT THE JUNE 20, 2012 5:30-9:00 PM IN CONEY ISLAND

For Information Call: CAROL MAGLUILO Ofﬁ ce: (718) 260-8319 • [email protected]

36 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion Ijana nathanIel She dares to make young dreams a reality

By Shavana aBruzzo hen Ijana Nathaniel as- signed after-school students at Andries Hudde Junior High School a cre- ativeW writing project to promote her new youth organization, she was astonished to discover that one girl — a youngster so shy that she seemed to fade into the wall — handed in a poignant play she had written in a matter of hours about a bully who was actually the tragic victim of homelessness. “It was a deep plot,” says Nathaniel, who knew then that her vision for empowering youngsters in East Flatbush could become a reality. The presentation was so successful that Hudde offered her a regular gig for Dare 2 Dream Leaders, a group she created in 2010 to provide inner-city youngsters, ages 11 to 18, with skills to conquer the challenges they faced daily on the tough streets they called home. Nathaniel was all too familiar with their gloomy lot — her brother died in a shooting, and some of her friends were killed by random gunfire. She sought a new path by volunteering at her lo- Photo by Steve Solomonson cal Y, and then working there while she studied for a degree in human services old Jasmine Hoff to dream bigger and dreams in her enrollees. at the New York City College of Tech- Bio file better. “Etiquette is everything because you nology. After graduating, the vivacious “I didn’t want to win a Grammy be- might get invited to the White House one mother of one pounded the pavement, neiGhBorhooD: East Flatbush. fore, now I want become someone fa- day!” claims this “Miss Manners,” whose networked, and accessed a small city CoMPany: Dare 2 Dream mous!” says the starry-eyed tween. presentations are thumbnails on human grant while establishing her mostly vol- Leaders. Fellow Hudde student Xalika Craw- behavior, from how to sail through a job unteer-led organization with creative ford, 11, has made super strides, too, interview to dressing appropriately for ClaiM To faMe: “Starting Dare programming that informed young- 2 Dream.” since enrolling in Nathaniel’s group. all occasions — no saggy pants, please! sters how to graduate from school, “I was afraid to talk to people, but The boys were in for a rude awakening prepare for college, become financially favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: now I have no problem getting up on from the girls during a recent dialogue independent, and comport themselves Brooklyn Heights Promenade. stage and acting in a play,” says the sixth about the floppy fashion fad, she says: in all situations. WoMan i aDMire: “My mother grader, who put her newly acquired peo- “The girls told the boys they didn’t like She flung open the floodgates with a Charlene Renee Nathaniel ple skills to good use recently by partici- boys who sag!” simple question. was a women of strength and pating in a clean-up project at Prospect Students are also eager to practice “I asked my students, ‘What would determination, and she instilled Park with the Parks Department. for future “etiquette teas” she plans to you do if you knew you could not fail?’ ” that in me.” “We swept up, picked up trash, and hold for Black History and Women’s says Nathaniel, who held special events MoTTo: “What would you do if looked at bugs and plants,” Xalika says. History months, she shares, learning to engage them. you knew you could not fail?” “It was an opportunity to meet new how to fete guests like ambassadors of Her first entrepreneurship seminar friends and have new experiences.” hospitality by escorting them to their sparked instant results: one girl formed Key to those new interactions, states seats, chatting politely with them, and a dog-walking business, another stu- with the joys of community-building Nathaniel, is making a good first im- serving them dinner at a formally set dent began selling her home-baked cup- through spoken word, music, and in- pression. table. cakes, and yet another young entrepre- teractive workshops, with seven-time “This is your one big shot and you “It’s good to see because it’s a test of neur invented an electrical device that Grammy Award-winning producer and need to get it right,” she says. their value system,” says Nathaniel, rivaled an iPhone. Then, a youth em- engineer Gordon Williams as a guest Tips for that and other correct codes whose young charges are passing all of powerment summit she held in March speaker. of conduct are included in her cool her tests with flying colors — because contrasted the perils of social media The kickin’ symposium dared 11-year- decorum classes, meant to inspire big she dares to make their dreams a reality.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 37 Congregation Beth Elohim CONGRATULATIONS congratulates Mary C. Sansone Susan Doban Founder of CIAO, CURE, and as The Ralph J. Sansone Foundation

a Brooklyn Someone that has given her life for Woman of Distinction Others - Working for Human Rights, Civil Rights, and Women’s Rights

With All Our Love & Admiration 274 Garfield Place • Brooklyn, NY 11215 Members of CIAO T: 718-768-3814 x204 | F: 718-768-7414 www.congregationbethelohim.org

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We are delighted to recognize the achievements of Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction. Your creativity, energy and imagination inspire us all and are helping to make this great borough an even better place to live and work.

Thank you for your leadership and for your efforts.

38 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction EilEEn O’COnnOr Creating community through shared opportunities

By Jon reiss he beginning of Eileen Bio file O’Connor’s 30-year career at the YMCA of Greater New York neiGHBorHooD: Downtown sounds like a reality show. Brooklyn. TWhen the Brooklyn Central Y closed occUPAtion: Vice president of its doors, passenger vans dubbed “youth operations. mobiles” were used for street outreach. comPAny: YMCA of Greater They would drive around Brooklyn, New York closing down streets and turning them into “play streets,” engaging kids, fami- clAim to fAme: “Building and opening the Dodge YMCA.” lies and neighbors in fun outdoor activities. This being back in the 1970s — fAVorite Brooklyn PlAce: when roller-skates and rainbows were The Brooklyn Bridge. all the rage — differs from what she WomAn i ADmire: “First Lady does now as vice president of Opera- Michelle Obama for undertaking tions of New York’s YMCA, but accord- major issues, such as youth ing to O’Connor, the mission is still the obesity prevention, and the same. sacrifices and hardships of O’Connor started at the Y when she military families, and helping us was still in college and had an interest realize that working together in social work. She began with a part- we can — and must — make a time job for a Y office in upper Manhat- difference.” tan, doing outreach with kids — mostly motto: “Don’t judge each day teen girls who were new Americans. She by the harvest you reap, but by focused on teen pregnancy and child the seeds you plant.” sexual abuse, until she realized that those things were very crisis-oriented. Her focus shifted when she realized the lyn, until O’Connor undertook the proj- need for families, schools, and social ect — from brick and mortar to mem- agencies to make an impact in a child’s bership — coordinating it into a facility life. She decided to shift the focus of her that today serves more than 27,000 cli- work toward intervention to help young ents, according to Y Chairwoman Me- people avoid crisis situations. lissa Glass. “I wanted to provide education and “Eileen built the Y into a place where support for better decision making, a young and old can come to better feeling of belonging and options early themselves in so many ways regardless on,” says O’Connor. “The Y was a safe of financial ability,” says Glass. “Under place that people came to naturally, Eileen’s direction, it grew from a dream where I could really work with people to a reality.” early on and make an impact, before kids There are three areas of focus that made choices they were going to regret.” make up the Y’s mission, says O’Connor: O’Connor wants people to know that youth development to help young peo- the Y is more than just a place to go to ple learn values and positive behaviors,

gym or swim. The Y is a place where kids Photo by Stefano Giovannini while exploring their talents and in- and adults can come to feel safe, and terests so they can realize their poten- also a place where they can learn, grow, healthier and more self-confident. After These are the types of stories that tial; healthy living to create balance in and feel included, she says. several months, Kennedy was able to have kept O’Connor inspired. one’s life through learning how to stay It provides a safe haven for teens, such lose 43 pounds through diet and exer- In addition to heading up the Strong active and have fun, while eating right as 13-year-old Kennedy, who was taken in cise all because of the support that she Kids Card program, one now adopted and connecting to others; and social by her aunt when her mother died. The received at the Y. Kennedy, O’Connor by every YMCA in New York giving free responsibility to give back to the neigh- girl was introduced to the Y and the says, also participates in other Y pro- membership to all kids who want to borhood by working with others. numerous programs that could help grams, such as Leader’s Club and Teen join, O’Connor identifies the opening The result is shared experiences and her to fulfill her mother’s wishes for her Tech Crew, and feels like she is on top of the Dodge YMCA in Boerum Hill as opportunities that create a sense of — good health and a good education. of the world. She says that the Y is like a a highlight in her career. At the time, community — a work in progress that Kennedy was able to build new rela- second home to her and that she knows in 2005, it had been more than 30 years inspires O’Connor today, she says, as tionships, which allowed her to become that her mother is very proud of her. since a new Y had been built in Brook- much as it did 30 years ago.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 39 OurOur BestBest WishesWishes ToTo AllAll ofof thethe HonoreesHonorees

We salute these 2012 Women if Distinction Who have made Brooklyn better for us all. Thank you! All Seasons

Congratulations Josephine Sanfilippo

On behalf of American Golf Corporation & Dyker Beach Golf Course,

For forming the Brookridge Women’s Golf Club & golfing with us for the past

Recipient of the 57 years! 2012 Women of Distinction Award

Dyker Beach Golf Course | 86th Street and 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY | 718.836.9722 | www.nycteetimes.com

40 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction Doris Lopez-paLazzo A compassionate crusader for the ailing

By AnDreW linDermAn everal years ago, Doris Lopez- Bio file Palazzo was at a Ronald McDon- ald House charity softball game neiGHBorHooD: Carroll in Central Park when she spot- Gardens. Sted a 4-year-old British boy named Jack occUPAtion: Administrator Brown. of emergency medicine, and “Jack hit the ball and started running adjunct professor of healthcare with the bat, when he got to first base, management. he slid into the bag,” Lopez-Palazzo re- comPAny: Long Island College members. “He came back to the dugout Hospital; and the Milano later, looked at me and said ‘I’m a natu- School of International Affairs, ral at this.’ ” Management, and Urban Policy. It was then, Lopez-Palazzo con- clAim to fAme: “I am a teacher tends, that she fell in love with Jack. and a mentor, and through my After the game, Lopez-Palazzo chatted actions I have helped those in with Jack’s parents, who informed her need, regardless of their ability to that Jack was suffering from a terminal pay in our healthcare system.” form of cancer called neuroblastoma. fAVorite Brooklyn PlAce: Lopez-Palazzo, who was a junior vol- Brooklyn Heights Promenade. unteer, wanted to do everything in her power to help Jack. Over the next few WomAn i ADmire: “My mother years, she assisted Jack and his fam- Ana Maria Lopez — we didn’t ily in every way she could. When Jack have a lot growing up, but we never knew we didn’t have a lot.” returned to New York for treatment at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospi- motto: “Be true to yourself — tal, Lopez-Palazzo visited him. Then, above all, love yourself.” when the family sought experimental treatments at the University of Ver- mont, she flew up to Burlington. Avery was between jobs. These efforts After a painful five-year struggle with helped the woman on a path that ulti- cancer, Jack unfortunately passed away mately led her to high-level positions in 2009, leaving Lopez-Palazzo wanting with several distinguished healthcare to honor his memory. With the help of centers all over New York City. a few friends, she organized a memo- Still, Avery is quick to dispel any rial at Jack’s favorite baseball diamond hints of favoritism. in Central Park — the very place where “Doris would do this for anyone,” she she’d met him years before. says. “It’s not just for select people.” For people who know Lopez-Palazzo, All of her work in the community an executive hospital administrator at would be too much for someone with

Long Island College Hospital in Brook- Photo by Stefano Giovannini less stamina or focus, but Lopez- lyn Heights, her work with Jack Brown is Palazzo credits her boundless energy just one case study in her decades-long ing the Emergency Department Busi- vance their careers and have an im- to her family. She remains close with goal of bringing compassion back into ness Center, she makes sure to visit the pact in the world of healthcare. her daughters, now 25 and 29, and with the healthcare field. emergency room each day to chat with Lopez-Palazzo loves teaching be- her mother, an immigrant from Mexi- She is an asset to the healthcare in- patients and their families. cause it gives her the chance to show co who spent her life helping people. dustry, according to her mentor, Robert “People come in feeling sick, they her students that making a difference “My mom is 88 and is still active and Schiller, a senior vice president of the need a friendly face,” she explains. “I is all about the small things, she says. bringing people meals, she’s like 4-foot- Institute for Family Health. tell my staff: ‘Think of the patients as Latasha Avery, a healthcare market- 11 and she runs around the subways,” “Doris will do everything she can to your brother or your mother.’ ” ing professional, met Lopez-Palazzo Lopez-Palazzo chuckles. “I finally con- make a difference with her personal Her warmth and intelligence extends in graduate school and immediately vinced her to get a cellphone.” touch,” he says. “She’s an extraordi- far beyond the emergency room. She is knew she was a special lady. Through it all, she remains commit- nary leader, she has this infectious an adjunct lecturer at Lehmann Col- “Doris is someone who cares, she takes ted to giving the people around her — smile and energy.” lege in the Bronx, and in the Milano an interest in her students,” Avery says. both students and patients — the best Even though Lopez-Palazzo spends School of Health Care and Policy at the Lopez-Palazzo introduced Avery to care possible. much of her time managing the hos- New School. During the last 10 years, recruiters and helped place her in a po- “If you help one person today,” Lopez- pital’s $5-million budget and operat- she’s helped hundreds of students ad- sition as a marketing consultant when Palazzo adds, “you make a difference.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 41 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion SuSan J. PulaSki Bottling Bay Ridge’s past for future generations

By Shavana aBruzzo isitation Academy was an ine- Bio file briates’ home where General Ulysses S. Grant — overly fond neiGhBorhooD: Bay Ridge. of the bottle — came to dry oCCuPaTion: Court assistant, outV after the Civil War. A yacht club and and real estate salesperson. polo grounds stood on the site now oc- CoMPany: Kings County Family cupied by Fort Hamilton High School. Court, and Re-Max Metro. And Fontbonne Hall Academy, according to local legend, is the former home ClaiM To faMe: “Duty, loyalty, of American actress and singer Lillian doing everything with grace and charm, and living in joy, peace, Russell, bought for her by her compan- beauty, love, and inspiration.” ion, Diamond Jim Brady. Bay Ridge, first developed as a sum- favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: mer resort in the late 1800s, was once “Sailing in New York Harbor and the playground of the privileged who looking back at the Brooklyn reveled in its pavilions and rode a two- skyline.” mile electric trolley that wound along WoMan i aDMire: “My mother the river and lake shores. But its pictur- Dorothy Salzmann Pulaski, who esque legacy may have ground to a halt if was passionate about the land, not for guardians such as Susan Pulaski, beauty, nature and family.” president emeritus of the Bay Ridge His- MoTTo: “To strive, to seek, to torical Society, who has worked to pre- find and not to yield.” — Lord serve its lore. Tennyson. “Bay Ridge is absolutely beautiful!” says Pulaski. “It’s right on the water, it’s still like a small town with beautiful she worked with Councilman Vincent flowering trees and a small community Gentile (D–Bay Ridge) to help reclassify feel.” 369 Bay Ridge blocks in Brooklyn’s larg- Her early memories of the area once est rezoning project at the time. called “Yellow Hook” for its lemony hued Victoria Hofmo, who worked with Pu- soil are snuggled in the delightful strolls laski on the project, is struck by her pan- she took as a child with her mother, who oramic vision. would point out the stately homes. “Susan looks at the world in a spiritual In 1977, Pulaski attended a slideshow way, so when it comes to beauty and na- by the newly formed society to cel- ture she has a real sensitivity to that,” ebrate the nation’s bicentennial. At the she says. next meeting, she joined its landmark- Rita Unz, a longtime group member, ing committee, and faced a daunting credits Pulaski for providing Ridgeo-

agenda of convincing the New York Photo by Steve Solomonson philes with an outstanding trip down Landmarks Conservancy to declare the memory lane. Bennett-Farrell-Feldmann House at 119 18th century Barkaloo Cemetery on stretch bound by 50th to 101st streets, “Bay Ridge has become more histori- 95th St. between Shore Road and Ma- Mackay Place and Narrows Avenue — and Shore Road to Fourth Avenue, once cally-conscious because of Susan,” says rine Avenue a historical site. the final resting place of Revolutionary known as “New York’s Newport” whose Unz. The home’s owner had other ideas. War soldiers. dirt roads, horse and buggies, and trees Even Pulaski’s failures are success “He threw us off the steps,” recalls Pu- “I played there as a child,” says Pu- had been replaced by concrete jungles. stories. She was unable to save the laski, who helped to persuade the Con- laski, who helped to landscape the “You would look at the photographs Green Church on Ovington and Fourth servancy to put a demolition halt on the graveyard, festoon it with the Stars and and think, ‘Omigod! It used to be beau- avenues from the wrecking ball, but she 19th century Greek Revival-style villa, a Stripes, add a headstone, and institute a tiful, and now look at how ugly it is!’ ” tracked down its famous stained glass rare survivor of the fashionable summer Memorial Day parade. she says. window. It will be prominently installed chateaux that once lined Shore Road, Word also spread about her roundtable The urban warrior looked at the big- in the forthcoming Green School there. until the new owner agreed to having it lectures and absorbing presentations, ger picture, too. As chair of Commu- “People will walk by and remember landmarked. including her popular annual Santa Lu- nity Board 10’s Police and Public Safety that window,” envisions the conserva- Later, as group president, Pulaski held cia shows at the Shore Hill Community Committee, Pulaski helped to introduce tionist, whose hard work has earned her show-and-tells and organized bus tours Room. She documented oral histories new stipulations in State Liquor Author- a distinguished place in Bay Ridge his- to historic sites while restoring Ridge of Ridge residents, and compiled then- ity applications to streamline noise and tory for keeping its past in the present, remnants of bygone eras, including the and-now photographic exhibits of the other local quality of life issues. In 2003, for future generations to enjoy.

42 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyn’s WoM en of DisT inCTion EllEn F. SalpEtEr Arts-smart champion promotes culture in Brooklyn

By Jon Reiss ou can go to the Grand Army Bio file Plaza area of Brooklyn, sit in a botanic garden, see a fine art neiGHBoRHooD: Prospect exhibit, watch exotic animals, Heights. andY go for a run in the park — all in the oCCUPATion: Deputy director span of a few hours, thanks in part to for external affairs; former Ellen Salpeter, former director of Heart director of Heart of Brooklyn, A of Brooklyn. Cultural Partnership. Salpeter has been at the helm of the CoMPAny: The Jewish Museum. conglomeration, a cultural partnership ClAiM To fAMe: “Co-founder of between a network of cultural agencies Heart of Brooklyn.” in and around Grand Army Plaza in central Brooklyn, for more than a decade. fAVoRiTe BRooKlyn PlACe: The organization is comprised of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn WoMAn i ADMiRe: “My Museum, the Brooklyn Children’s Mu- grandmother Bernice seum, the Brooklyn Public Library, Pros- Tannenbaum, founder of pect Park, and the Prospect Park Zoo — Hadassah International, for being and they are right next to each other. able to see into — and also shape Salpeter wishes for Heart of Brooklyn — the future.” to become truly dear to Brooklynites. MoTTo: “Forgive early, kiss “In a world where everything moves slowly, love wholeheartedly, laugh at lightning speed with the Internet loudly.” and technology, it’s amazing to know that there are these incredible physical spaces and intellectual-physical proj- her parents. When she attended school ects that belong to you as a Brooklynite, at Georgetown, Salpeter did her work- and we want you to use it,” she says. study at the Smithsonian. She says she’s Salpeter’s success in combining the always loved the arts, but realized in efforts and identities of these cultural college that she’s not an artist, but an institutions has been such that cities arts worker. She believes strongly that throughout the country have taken no- cultural and creative solutions should tice, and now they look to follow suit. As be a major aspect of treatment for cul- a result, Heart of Brooklyn has devel- tural problems, such as obesity or dia- oped a national task force to research betes, rather than being haphazardly how cultural partnerships can help woven into the solution. forecast community needs in order to Though the Jewish Museum may be help other major cities follow their lead. far different from Heart of Brooklyn, “These types of institutions are great, Salpeter sees it as a natural step for her, but only if they work for the community having been brought up with — and ed- they serve,” she says. ucated in — the core values of Judaism. Another priority for Heart of Brooklyn She cites Tikkun Olam, the Jewish value has been to pass its cultural resources of repairing the world, as a major value. onto the next generation through its “There’s nothing more satisfying Photo by Stefano Giovannini award-wining Brooklyn Cultural Ad- than helping with and working for your ventures Program, which seeks to con- she is embarking on the next chapter of partnerships to help enrich the Jewish community,” she says. “I’m really look- nect young people through games, proj- her career in culture as deputy director Museum so that New Yorkers can expect ing forward to doing that at the Jewish ects, and educational tours. of external affairs for the Jewish Muse- new things for the 108-year-old archive. Museum.” “Ultimately they’re going to be the um in Manhattan — but her heart is still “I think it’s very exciting to take an Brooklyn’s loss is Manhattan’s gain, next generation of stewards, artists and in Brooklyn! institution and help it into its next itera- according to Sarah Shannon, acting di- horticulturists,” says Salpeter. “I could have stayed there forever, but tion while still maintaining all the won- rector of Heart of Brooklyn. Her dream for the institutions of life begins outside your comfort zone,” derful things that make it the Jewish “I’ve never met someone with more Heart of Brooklyn is for locals to have she says. Museum,” she says. dedication to an organization or to a a sense of pride in them, to feel like the Salpeter hopes to use her knowledge Raised in New York, Salpeter grew community at large than Ellen,” she Botanic Garden is their garden, or the about community, economic develop- up on Manhattan culture, regularly at- says. “She is a visionary for the role of museum is their museum, but for now, ment through tourism, and cultural tending museums and the theater with arts and culture in a community.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 43 Cosmo FenCing Salutes all of the honorees For a job well done Women’s Project 718.333.2067 • F: 718.996.1756 Dr. Monica Sweeney www.awp-ci.org Ijana Nathaniel Aida Leon Doris Palazzo-Lopez You rightfully deserve this honor. Not only have you impacted the lives of many hundreds of people but you have done so selflessly and as a result Mercedes Narcisse contributed to making this a better world. Your love, compassion, strength, wisdom, and generous nature Sandra Chapman are just a few of the qualities we admire most in you. You always take time to go above and beyond so that others can realize their full potential. Irina Yuryeva Rising above your own circumstances, you have always opted to be of help to others first. Susan Pulaski Today we join with many others to say thanks and congratulations to you and your fellow honorees. Aida, you are an inspiration to all of us. Ellen Salpeter May God continue to enlarge your heart and share your love with others.

Doreen Garson Much love and respect: Cathie Gearity The Entire Amethyst Women’s Project Family Susan Doban Eileen O’Connor Cecilia Clarke Geneva Farrow The Brookridge Women’s Golf Club Josephine Sanfilippo Catherine Hodes Congratulates Yonette Fleming Aida Leon Josephine Sanfilippo Gale Stevens Haynes You founded our club in 1955; you inspire us all with Mary Ann Sansone Your dedication and commitment to the game of golf. You will always be our Marlene Hochman Sharon Myrie “Woman of Distinction”

Pat Singer Play Gold this Summer Matti Berkowitz Visit our website: www.brookridgewomensgolfclub.com Christine Coley

44 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyN’S WomeN of DiSTi NCTioN Josephine sanfilippo A good sport with a pioneering spirit

By Camille Sperrazza en have played golf at the Bio file Dyker Beach Golf Course since 1897. But there was NeiGHBorHooD: Bath Beach. no formal women’s golf oCCUpaTioN: Founder of the Mclub there until Josephine Sanfilippo Brookridge Women’s Golf Club. decided to trade tea time for tee time, CompaNy: Dyker Beach Golf and established the Brookridge Wom- Course. en’s Golf Club in 1955. She would go on to become a local golf champ and, today, Claim To fame: “Forming a is still involved with the organization. women’s golf club in 1955.” Actually, Sanfilippo was never the faVoriTe BrooKlyN plaCe: type of woman to sit around drink- Dyker Beach Golf Course. ing tea. Before she was a golfer, she WomaN i aDmire: “Karen was a competitive tennis player. She Bannister, a tennis instructor who was so good at the game, that a boys’ encouraged me to compete — team wanted her to join, but the coach and all my sporting endeavors wouldn’t allow a woman player, she after that, I owe to her kindness.” says. Instead, she honed her skills at the tennis courts on Bay 19th Street, moTTo: “Ignore gossip.” and was sponsored in tournaments that took place in New York City, Long them surprised Sanfilippo with a 90th Island, and New Jersey, she says. birthday party, presenting her with a “I went to New Utrecht High School, cake shaped like a golf course. and was active in all the school programs,” she says. Sanfilippo’s longtime pal Patti Me- Besides playing tennis, she enjoyed lina says Sanfilippo is a living legend bowling, and earned an award for — a view, she says, that is shared by playing basketball. Then, a friend in- golfers, both male and female. troduced her to Helen Mikrut, who “Jo was club champ many times, happened to like to play golf. Sanfilip- and she won all the majors for the po, always interested in learning a new Brookridge Women’s Club,” says Me- game, took up the sport. Living in Bath lina. “She won the last club champion- Beach at the time — where she still ship when she was well into her 60s.” lives, in the same home in which she Schaefer Breweries sponsored golf was delivered by a midwife — it made tournaments back then, says Melina, sense that she engage in her new hobby and Sanfilippo won more than once. at the local Dyker Beach Golf Course. When she wasn’t playing golf, San- The men there already had their own filippo worked, supporting herself, her club — Shoreview Men’s Golf Club — parents, five sisters, and two brothers. which had been in existence since Her jobs included working at the St. 1930. But there was no organization for Finbar’s Rectory for 21 years, keeping women who wanted to play. Not until the books at the Strand Bowling Alley, Sanfilippo formed one. and later working for the New York City One might imagine that in 1955 there Housing Authority. would be objections to such a propos- She prides herself on being a good al. After all, there are still women who are banned from golf clubs today. But sport, and admires those who are hon- Sanfilippo says there were no hurdles est and show good sportsmanship. to overcome. Photo by Steve Solomonson “I would like to see more people car- “Females were accepted into the The ladies at the golf club supported together, they figured out what to do, ing for each other,” she says. game of golf at Dyker Beach,” she says. each other, too, she says, helping each with Sanfilippo yelling, “Hit the ball!” Today, Sanfilippo spends her days “There were no objections.” other to learn the game. They con- and “Keep your head down!” shopping with her sister, Joan, who is She credits Brooklyn with being a tacted the U.S. Golf Association for ad- In the process, the ladies developed 83 years old. And, yes, she still visits great place for women to play sports. vice about rules and regulations, and lifelong friendships. Last July, some of the Dyker Beach Golf Club!

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 45 To Matti Berkowitz Keep up the good work! Congratulates TLC Daycare

Dr. Monica Sweeney Queen Marlene’s Birthday Party and A funny and entertaining play about toys in an enchanted museum! See hundreds of old toys on display. For ages 3 years and up. Doris Palazzo-Lopez Now showing at The Toy Museum of NY 157 Montague St, Brooklyn Heights For their outstanding work in Brooklyn Buy tickets now online at www.toymuseumny.org or call 718-243-0820 Congratulations to an incredible wife and mom for all you do to touch and enrich the lives of others Sharon a. Myrie and all of Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction. Love Jose & Alejandro

46 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooKLyn’s w omen of d isT inCTion Mary SanSone Organizing the rights of human beings

By Andrew LindermAn ary Sansone still remembers the look on Henry Ford’s face when she met him in 1947. Sansone, then Man executive director of American Med- ical Aid to Italy, was in Detroit to raise funds for the Italian relief effort. “I asked Mr. Ford, ‘Why don’t you hire Jewish workers? You only have Chris- tians,’ ” Sansone remembers. “He was kind of embarrassed. He couldn’t even look at me.” After the meeting, Ford, a well-known anti-Semite, handed Sansone a check for $25,000. “He knew I was right,” she says. “No- body frightens me.” For Mary Sansone, standing up to authority is part of her daily routine. She’s been fighting for equal rights since she was 12 years old when her father, a union leader with the International Workers of the World, would take her to Union Square. “He used to sit me on a box and I’d watch him speak,” Sansone remembers.

“That was when I decided that I would Photo by Stefano Giovannini become a labor leader when I grew up.” She started organizing on her own at African Americans, Latinos and Italian advice was difficult for her rivals to age 18. It was dangerous work. Americans in New York. stomach. In the mid-1970s, political boss Bio fiLe “The people in the garment factories “My name is on the Wall of Tolerance Meade Esposito reached out to Sansone neiGHBorHood: Borough Park. were treated terribly, and the employers in Montgomery, Alabama,” Sansone to try to get her to support mafia leader sexually abused the women,” she says. states, adding that Rosa Parks recom- Joe Colombo’s Italian-American orga- oCCUPATion: Human rights When World War II broke out, San- mended it be placed there. nization. Sansone refused to work with organizer. sone began working for the Red Cross. Her work also caught the attention Colombo, and the two men responded ComPAny: Congress of Italian She excelled and, after the war, she was of political leaders around the country, with threats of physical violence. Americans Organization, and picked to be the executive director of a and soon her house in Borough Park be- “Meade Esposito told me, ‘Don’t for- Community Understanding for new program administering medical came a popular meeting spot. Lyndon get I’m the boss,’ ” Sansone remembers. Racial and Ethnic Equality. aid to Italy. Through her work with Ital- Johnson ate at her table, as did former “And I said, ‘Don’t forget I don’t give a CLAim To fAme: “My work ian refugees on the Brooklyn waterfront, Mayor John Lindsay. She claims that she damn.’ ” with Sacco and Vanzetti, she met Zachary Sansone, a like-mind- came up with a community outreach Sansone has remained a force for anarchists convicted of murder ed lawyer from Naples. The pair was group called the Congress of Italian- change in Brooklyn. In 1988, she found- during a 1920 armed robbery in married in 1949 and raised two children Americans Organization — or C.I.A.O ed the Community Understanding For Massachusetts. We got Congress together. “My husband was my favorite — during a meeting with Lindsay in the Racial and Ethnic Equality, or C.U.R.E., to review the case. They gave person,” Sansone explains. “Whatever early 1960s. to reduce ethnic and racial tension me a proclamation declaring he thought up, I would implement.” Sansone estimates that the group, while promoting mutual respect and that discrimination was used in As organizers for the civil rights which she founded in 1964 with her understanding. The group has helped deciding the verdict.” movement in the 1950s and 1960s, the husband, helps 150 people a month do bring people together during difficult fAVoriTe BrooKLyn PLACe: Sansones came into contact with every everything from getting food stamps to times, Sansone asserts. My bedroom. influential person in the movement. processing Medicaid. In some cases, it Through it all, she’s remained a source They marched with Martin Luther even helps people pay their bills. of strength for people who are strug- womAn i Admire: “Eleanor King, Jr. in Washington. Mary was also “When something went wrong, you gling — and an inspiration to her fans. Roosevelt — I met her once friendly with Bayard Rustin, the civil went to Mary,” recalls Linda Pullara, “Working for Mary is an honor,” says briefly, she was quite something.” rights organizer responsible for many Sansone’s assistant there for 26 years. Lisa Bova, Sansone’s longtime friend moTTo: “Where there is love, of the freedom rides. The two later col- “She would give the best advice.” and assistant. “You learn to care about nothing is missing.” laborated to form the first coalition of At certain times, though, Sansone’s the things she fought for all her life.”

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 47 Congratulations to the 2012 “Women of DistinCtion”

We are thrilled to be able to share this special night with you. The Board, Staff and Volunteers Of Marlene Hochman Amethyst Women’s Project & wish to congratulate The Board and Staff The Toy Museum of NY Aida Leon Founder and Executive Director; A true “Woman of Distinction” The Center for Anti-Violence Education for her tireless efforts to is proud to congratulate improve the quality of life for all the honorees and especially women, children and their families. Catherine Hodes, for her tireless service helping survivors build skills “Serving the needs of Women and Children” to prevent, counter and heal 1907 MERMAID AVENUE • BROOKLYN, NY 11224 from violence. T: 718.333.2067 • F: 718.996.1756 WWW.AWP-CI.ORG Thank you for your work.

ATTEND THE GALA! $75 per person Includes Access to Parking, Aquarium, Cocktail Reception, Desserts/Coffee, Awards

For Information Call Coney Island on June 20, 2012, 5:30–9:00pm Carol Magluilo Will feature and celebrate some of the 718.260.8319 borough’s outstanding women. Email: [email protected]

Name ______Address ______Tel. ______Email ______Check Enclosed ______Card # ______Master Card VISA AMEX EXP. ______Fax to (718) 260-2579 ______Sec. Code ______Mail: One MetroTech Center North 10th Floor Brooklyn, NY 11201

48 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyn’s WoM en of DisT inCTion Pat Singer Brighton Beach booster bolsters an entire community

By Jon Reiss hey say that New York is the city of a million stories, and if that’s so, at least half of them must belong to Brighton Beach Tactivist Pat Singer. Her numerous duties across the board include overseeing dances for the U.S.O., writing a song about the Penguin for the “Batman” TV series, and working as an advertising agency executive at Ogilvy and Mather. Singer has also served on the Brooklyn Board of Boy Scouts of America, and been a member of Community Board 13 since 1979. Singer says community service was something impressed upon her from childhood — as busy as her parents were raising six children, they always offered to help a neighbor in need. “As a child we put on a stage show in the backyard to raise toys for one of the local hospitals,” she says. “I grew up in a home that taught me great values.” Singer’s mother met her father, a visiting Australian sea captain, in Brighton Beach, and one thing that’s clear about Pat Singer from the get-go is her unbri- dled love for that neighborhood. Inex- Photo by Steve Solomonson tricably linked to that love is her desire “I had all the tenants stand in the with only four part-time staff people. to protect it. So a career as a neighbor- Bio file lobby because we had no heat, and “People come to me with all kinds hood activist was only natural. the landlord showed up with two cops of problems,” Singer says, recounting Brighton Beach was becoming a com- neiGHBoRHooD: Brighton Beach. and said ‘arrest her!’ ” she says. “My the man who came to her because his munity in decline during the late 1970s oCCUPATion: Founder and 7-year-old daughter started crying, so I wife’s tombstone fell over and he want- and, after a rash of muggings, Singer, a executive director. brought all the people outside in front ed it restored, and the Spanish family young mother in the neighborhood at of the building so they couldn’t touch who suffered a fire in their Brighton CoMPAny: Brighton the time, decided to step in. She began us.” Neighborhood Association. Beach apartment, for whom the group papering the area with flyers for a fo- Afterwards, Singer went to then-state raised $14,000 in a week. All of them rum to discuss ways to take the area ClAiM To fAMe: “Spearheaded Senators Chuck Schumer and Donald were non-contracted, essentially pro back. After two planning meetings, the rallies to encourage residents Halpern, insisting there be a law allow- bono, projects. group coalesced, numbering near 500 of Brighton Beach to fight back ing tenants to organize in a public area Singer says her daughter, currently a against the deterioration of their in a demonstration at the intersection of their building to address building- legislative aid for Assemblyman Steven community.” of Brighton Beach and Coney Island wide problems. That became one of Cymbrowitz (D–Sheepshead Bay) calls avenues. The group, consisting mainly fAVoRiTe BRooKlyn PlACe: two laws regarding tenants’ rights that her “Mary Sunshine,” because she’s al- of senior citizens with wheelchairs and Coney Island Boardwalk. Singer is responsible for getting on the ways happy. walkers, held traffic up for more than WoMAn i ADMiRe: “My daughter books. “It’s been a roller coaster — I raised four hours, successfully expressing Laura who lost her dad at 10 “I’m very proud of that!“ she says. two kids without any money, then I the need for more police protection in years old, but managed to be the Singer has since become the go-to raised an organization, and then a Brighton Beach. Out of this protest, the first grandchild to finish college local person for advice on matters of community!” she says. “And I think I Brighton Beach Neighborhood Asso- and evolve into the beautiful tenants’ rights, helping the large immi- did a damn good job of it.” ciation was born. intelligent woman she is today.” grant population of Brighton Beach to Brooklyn’s top official agrees. In describing one of her greatest MoTTo: “We are given one understand their rights and responsi- “When future generations read about achievements as a local activist, Singer journey on this earth, leave a bilities as tenants. The Brighton Neigh- the history of Brooklyn, Pat Singer and recounts the time she was nearly ar- visible footprint that others can borhood Association, now operating Brighton Beach will be synonymous,” rested trying to get heat for her build- follow.” out of a bank after the flooding of its said Borough President Markowitz. ing. former storefront, is still going strong, “Her legacy will be that enduring.”

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50 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BR ooK lyn’s WoM en of DisT inCTion Monica Sweeney A city gladiator on a mission to eradicate AIDS

By Jon Reiss here’s no such thing as a nor- Bio file mal day at work, according to Dr. Monica Sweeney, assistant neiGHBoRHooD: Park Slope. commissioner of the New York oCCUPATion: Physician, THealth Department’s Bureau of HIV- assistant commissioner. Aids Prevention. CoMPAny: New York City Health “Everyday is a new experience, if I get Department. home at 7 pm on a weeknight, it’s practi- cally a half day!” she says. ClAiM To fAMe: “I do all that I Sweeney is a physician whose mission can, for everyone that I can, and I will for as long as I can.” is public health. Her aim? Prevention. Part of the problem, she adds, is that fAVoRiTe BRooKlyn PlACe: the public and the healthcare world is My home, and Prospect Park. fixated on the technology to treat ill- WoMAn i ADMiRe: “City Council nesses instead of stopping them before Speaker Christine Quinn because they happen. Clean air, safe foods, reg- she has managed to achieve ular check ups, and physical activity are at the highest level without at the top of her list of musts for healthy compromising what she stands living and disease prevention. for — she keeps it real.” “The public healthcare system is all MoTTo: “Do random acts about too much too late,” she says. of kindness to everyone you For instance, Sweeney points out meet whenever you have the that the life expectancy of New Yorkers opportunity.” is above that of the rest of the country — evidence of the power of its healthy lifestyle. work hard in school because educa- “If you see older people who live in the tion was the great equalizer. Sweeney city, they walk up and down those sub- continues to work tirelessly in the fight way steps,” she says. “Plus, we have all to prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS, and this healthy food and there are so many a big part of that is speaking to people exciting places to go and people to see, it throughout the city about getting test- keeps you engaged, and that is wonder- ed. In doing so, Sweeney never puts her- ful for your health.” self on a pedestal, always sharing her Sweeney worked for many years as a own experiences with HIV testing dur- physician before being asked in 2007 ing her talks. to take over the helm of the New York Speaking with Sweeney, it’s clear that Health Department’s fight against she is always willing to do whatever it AIDS. She was seen as a perfect fit, hav- takes to help people find the courage ing written a book in 2004 about con- to get tested. She describes one of her dom use and safe sex called “Condom recent talks at Borough Hall, where she Sense,” as well as having been active in informed visitors how to overcome their the fight against HIV-AIDS since before fears, and even offered to accompany the epidemic. The first time the job was them to get tested. offered to her, she declined, stating that “I told them, ‘If you don’t have some- she was more interested in prevention one you trust to go with you, then call Photo by Stefano Giovannini on a broader scale. However, when Dr. me, and I’ll go with you because you Tom Frieden, now head of the Centers “We went from 500 babies being born from the needs of patients and applies shouldn’t have to face this on your for Disease Control, called her person- HIV positive to three last year,” she says. those lessons, using them for the benefit own,’ ” she says, adding that a woman ally to ask her to take the job, she ac- The assistant commissioner is a life- of the whole population.” approached her after the talk and told cepted. Five years later, Sweeney says long student when it comes to address- Growing up in Virginia, Sweeney went her that she’d been scared to get tested, she’s glad she decided to take this dif- ing the needs of others, states Dr. Linda to segregated schools until the seventh but after hearing her speak, she finally ficult, but rewarding, job. Fried, dean of The Mailman School of grade. Of her family she says, “We were found the courage to do it. Her greatest achievement, though, Public Health at Columbia University. poor, but I didn’t know that until I was It’s clear from her intensity in telling happened in the form of the HIV-AIDS “Dr. Sweeney is a superb doctor and an adult, because we always had plenty this story that Dr. Monica Sweeney will legislation that she worked on, known public health leader exemplifying the of food, clothing, and love.” do all that she can, for everyone she can, as the Baby AIDS Bill. best of both,” she comments. “She learns She says her parents pushed her to for as long as she can.

Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 51 A Special Congratulations to Aida Leon Irena Yuryeva Words cannot express how proud of you that I am, for your selfless acts, your thoughtful Thank for all that you do for our community. and generous qualities you provide too others. We are very proud of you. You are an inspiration to all of humanity. You are such an Incredible and Beautiful Woman who deserves this honor. Love Always Tom

Congratulations to the World’s Greatest Mom Aida Leon I am so proud of what you have accomplished We Salute Our through out your life. You have been an incredible role model, for myself and 25 Fabulous Honorees I am honored to call you my mother. This is an award you deserve so much for your countless hours of service to the unprivileged communities, so I want to say I love you Very Much. Love Carlos and Cinz

Congratulations to Dr. Monica Sweeney

From the 4 Ms Mike, Monica, Mikel Sergio and

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52 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 BrooK lyn’S WoM en of DiSTinCTion Irena YurYeva An administrator who goes the extra mile

By Shavana aBruzzo stroke patient with dimin- Bio file ished speech and motor skills was taking longer than usual neiGhBorhooD: Sheepshead in the bathroom of his Sheep- Bay. sheadA Bay rehabilitation facility, raising oCCuPaTion: General manager. a red flag with general manager Irena CoMPany: Aqua Health Yuryeva, who marched to the restroom Rehabilitation Center. with a group of staffers, and found it locked. ClaiM To faMe: “To help people She banged on the door — again and and make them feel that they are not alone.” again. “We couldn’t hear him, we became favoriTe BrooKlyn PlaCe: worried,” says the administrator of Prospect Park. Aqua Health Rehabilitation Center, who WoMan i aDMire: “Raisa rushed to get the key. Chernina because she’s a bright Yuryeva says nothing prepared her for person with so much energy — the horror unfolding before her as she and if she could, she would help opened the door: the man, whose wife the whole world.” had left him, was sitting on the toilet MoTTo: “Be positive all the time.” slitting his wrists with a razor blade he had brought from home. “There was blood everywhere,” “His mother was so poor,” she says. she says. “My heart was crying, but I “We decided to help.” couldn’t show him that.” The dividends which followed were Yuryeva consoled the patient as best glowing. she could, and accompanied him in an “He wrote us a beautiful letter telling ambulance to Coney Island Hospital us that we were the most beautiful peo- where she kept an overnight vigil by his ple in the world,” she says. bedside. Later, she secured his release Other people have also found a hu- by putting him in touch with a private manitarian in Yuryeva: She has raised psychiatrist. money for the FDNY and the Staten Is- “I felt like we can’t lose this man, he’s land University Hospital Burn Center, so young and smart,” she adds. donated hundreds of gifts to the U.S. Her rallying didn’t stop there — Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, Yuryeva found a way for the patient to cheered lonely seniors by decorating continue his physical therapy after his Aqua with their artwork, and held Pass- insurance ran out. over food distributions at her facility “We brought him in for free in the eve- with the Be Proud Foundation. nings,” she says. “We gave him hope.” Fifty wheelchair-bound observers These days, the formerly suicidal man who couldn’t make it to the last one has come to terms with his limitations, were pleasantly surprised when Yurye- and even overcome some of them, ac- va showed up on their doorsteps bear- Photo by Steve Solomonson cording to her. ing kosher food parcels, says Be Proud “Now when he comes in, he says, “And I still had a year and a half to go.” seven years and is quick to champion founder Raisa Chernina. ‘Good morning my dear’ to me,” she The woman says Yuryeva came to her families in distress. “She packaged the food, put it in her states. rescue by allowing her to continue her One woman, she recalls, became dis- car, and drove around for hours after Aqua’s physical therapy patients, therapy with complimentary sessions heartened about the future after her work making personal deliveries,” says many of them with critical issues, have while she worked out an alternate inson suffered a traumatic brain injury Chernina. “Irena really cares about come to rely on the Russian immigrant’s surance plan with the company. in an automobile accident — a trag- people, it’s in her blood.” Midas touch for sorting out paperwork “I am very grateful to her,” says Perez. edy compounded when the young man Her unfailing dedication to her com- problems on their road to recovery. “Not a lot of office managers would have was turned away by nursing homes be- munity has proved to be the best ther- Migdalia Perez, a hip replacement cli- taken the time to do this for a patient, cause Medicaid wouldn’t insure him apy of all for Irena Yuryeva, who treats ent from Sheepshead Bay, was shocked but Irena did.” for therapy. Yuryeva arranged 20 free, her clients as if they were family. when her insurance carrier bailed out on Those happy endings are rewards in after-hour sessions for him, enabling “I feel like I’m the happiest person in her after just two months of treatment. themselves, according to this Woman of the man to regain some of his walking the world when I see their positive re- “I was in a lot of pain,” she comments. Distinction, who has worked at Aqua for and writing skills. sults,” she says.

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54 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction 2012 Brooklyn’s Women of Distinction thank you to our selection committee

renee Victoria mcclure antonia yuille-Williams National Grid ConEdison A native New Yorker, Renee Victoria McClure In her position of director of Public Affairs has used her strong managerial, people, and for Brooklyn and Queens, Williams is involved technological skills to help many organizations with community outreach, corporate commu- and associations initiate and promote their nity relations, media relations, volunteerism, goals throughout her career. McClure is the and the Renaissance Housing Program. She is Manager of Community and Customer Man- also the host and executive producer of Brook- agement for National Grid, covering Brooklyn and the Rockaways. lyn Savvy, a public access television show that She has garnered numerous awards, including airs bi-weekly and explores issues related to US Black and Hispanic Engineering Information women. She sits on the boards of several Brook- Technology Women’s Awards in 2001, Rockaway lyn institutions, is extremely involved with Development Revitalization Corporation Com- many community organizations and events, munity Builders Award in 2000, and United Way and is the recipient of numerous awards. of New York City’s Women United in Philanthro- py — Women of Excellence Award in 2011. Johari Jenkins ConEdison nicole roBinson-etienne Jenkins manages corporate contributions, Wildlife Conservation Society government relations, community outreach A Brooklynite born and bred, Nicole Rob- and special events. Prior to joining Con Edi- inson-Etienne graduated from Sheephead son, she was Marketing Manager at the NYC Bay HS before earning a political science BA Department of Environmental Protection, from Fordham University and a law degree and did project management, event market- from Northeastern. ing and corporate sales for Clear Channel Now at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Communications, Comcast, and Sports Radio beloved Coney Island aquarium, Robinson- WFAN. She is a proud graduate of Rutgers Uni- Etienne does outreach to the community versity. and local government as the center’s assistant director of city and state affairs. rachel amar Waste Management of New York Photo by Stefano Giovannini Inspired by Al Gore’s vision of an environ- kate fitzgeralD mentally healthy country, Amar has become Wildlife Conservation Society well known for her efforts as a community The multi-dimensional Kate Fitz gerald has advocate on environmental and public health enjoyed a diverse career thus far due to her issues in New York and across the country. artistic talents and willingness to serve the Previously, Amar worked for the Prospect Park public. Fitzgerald has acted, produced, di- Alliance and the Department of Education be- rected, and written in various entertainment fore becoming Community and Government media. Relations Manager for Waste Management of She has also worked for various human- New York, one of the city’s foremost sanitation and kids-rights groups, including the Nathan companies.

Cummings Foundation, Stockings with Care, Photo by Stefano Giovannini and Rosie O’Donnell’s For All Kids Founda- tion — all while serving as a community affairs manager at the Aquarium. Photo by Stefano Giovannini elizaBeth toleDo Dodge YMCA Elizabeth Toledo’s position as executive director of the Dodge YMCA is just her latest job in a career chock-full of experiences with children and youth. Before earning her current post in Down- town Brooklyn, Toledo was the executive director of the Bronx YMCA, and a child-care consultant for Dignity of Children. Photo by Tom Callan Our in-house judges were (from left) Jeanne Eisenhardt, Carol Magluilo, Stephanie Stellaccio, Celia Weintrob, and Jennifer Stern.

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