2018
Infl uential
BronxTimes INDEX OF PROFILES Page Honoree 2018 4...... Dr. Patricia A. Broderick O.P. Infl uential 6...... Varahn Chamblee
8...... Crystal Y. Collins
10...... Gerri Colon
12...... Luz Elenia Correa
12...... Viviana DeCohen
14...... Michelle A. Daniels
14...... Samantha Diliberti
16...... Saraciea Fennell
20...... Jane Fox
20...... Rosa Garcia
24...... Dr. Esther D. Henry 24...... Maria N. Herrera BronxTimes 30...... Maria M. Khury
30...... Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland 34...... Yvette Martinez MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER 34...... Vera Mjeku Welcome to the Bronx Times’ 9th annual salute to 25 Bronx Influential Women. 38...... Lisa Ortega T h i s y e a r ’ s h o n o r e e s h a v e e n e r g i z e d s o m a n y a s p e c t s o f B r o n x l i f e . T h i s y e a r ’ s s e l e c t i o n process was just as daunting as the previous year. 38...... Ilaine Perez-Palau The 2018 awardees encompass women with far-reaching impact in their lifetime 44...... Amanda Parsons MD, MBA passions. Each has made the Bronx a better place to live.
44...... Jascelyn Parson We congratulate our honorees and the countless other women who contribute to our borough’s well being. 50...... Jeanette Puryear N e x t y e a r ’ s g r o u p i s a l r e a d y i n f o r m a t i o n . W e i n v i t e o u r f a m i l y o f r e a d e r s t o s u g - 50...... Beverly Roberts gest the individuals they feel are worthy of this recognition.
54...... Michelle A. Sajous Beyond this publication, the 25 Bronx Influential Women will be honored on Tuesday, May 22 at Maestro’s Caterers. Keep an eye out for the announcement. You’re 54...... Sandy Elphand Wolstein more than welcome to attend this exciting event.
PROFILES OF BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN - 2018 EDITION 3604 E. Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465 • 718-260-4593 CEO ...... Les Goodstein President & Publisher ...... Jennifer Goodstein Bronx Times Reporter Publisher...... Laura Guerriero Designer...... Mauro DeLuca Edited by...... John Collazzi Sales Team...... Lenny Vigliotti, Donna Marzi
2 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR Salutes the BRONX TIMES
and Congratulates LUZ ELENIA CORREA
and all the BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF 2018
and Celebrates their Commitment and Dedication to improving the lives of others.
260 EAST 188TH STREET • 2021 GRAND CONCOURSE • 470 EAST FORDHAM ROAD 4487 THIRD AVENUE • 2101 QUARRY ROAD • 2016 BRONXDALE AVENUE
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 3 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN DR. PATRICIA A. BRODERICK O.P. Known for her outgoing personality and approachability r. Patricia A. Broderick, and for any length of time and Dr. Broderick is the founder O.P. is a real New York- have been found to not result in and CEO of Eazysense Nano- er and a real Bronxite. producing scar tissue or infec- technologies Inc., a medical She is very well known tion from bacterial growth. professor in Molecular, Cellular Dfor her outgoing personality and and Biomedical Sciences at the ability to relate to people as an CUNY Schoolof Medicine and approachable, educated and CUNY Graduate School and ad- giving person. Dr. Broderick is junct professor in Neurology at She was born in the south known worldwide for New York University Langone Bronx and educated at the Al- Medical Center and Compre- bert Einstein College of Medi- her invention of the hensive Epilepsy Center. cine and attended Cornell Uni- Both of her parents are from versity Medical School. Broderick Probe, a Ireland and came to New York Dr. Broderick is known world- biosensor, smaller than through Ellis Island. wide for her invention of the Dr. Broderick is known for Broderick Probe, a biosensor, a human hair. her novel way of teaching stu- smaller than a human hair, that dents and doctors at all levels, helps people with Parkinson’s, She is highly respected world- from physician to doctorate. circuits. Alzheimer’s Disease, Epilepsy, wide for her work and ingenuity The students who have studied As a teenager she appeared stroke and obsessive compul- as she was the fi rst to succes- in the doctor’s laboratory are all on Dick Clark’s American Band- sive disorder. sively produce a cutting edge well known. stand. The medical device is unique device like the biosensor. Her leadership in the nano- Patricia is involved in com- from other electrochemical Patricia can see inside the technology fi eld leads the way munity service as well. She is electrodes in that it can image brain of a patient with the Brod- in all markets. currently the vice president signals in vitro within sub-sec- erick Probe and holds patents She has received many awards of the American Turner Asso- onds in real time. The nanobio- and trademarks in the United for the biosensor and its related ciation on Clarence Avenue in sensors can be used anywhere States and worldwide. nanotechnologies and electrical Throggs Neck.
Congratulations 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2018 A special shout out too
Varahn Chamblee, an advocate and leader for the Allerton Merchants and Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Gerri Colon, an institution of the Throggs Neck community who dedicates herself to making the community better place to work and live
Maria Herrera, a leader and mentor to the students and staff of the Lehman High School Campus
Vera Mjeku, a passionate voice for the community and women not only in the Bronx but Citywide
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT THE WESTCHESTER SQUARE BID WSBID.ORG
4 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 5 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN VARAHN CHAMBLEE Passion for civic engagement and community service
hough she was born She worked as a hair stylist Varahn’s community re- and raised in Brooklyn, on the set of the Spike Lee-di- sume includes being a mem- Varahn has called the rected movie, ‘Malcolm X’ , and bership recruiter for the Bronx TBronx ‘home’ since her ‘Crooklyn’. Chamber of Commerce, vice parents moved to Grace Avenue chair of the Bronx 11 Neighbor- in 1999. hood Advisory Board, the par- Varahn, a licensed cosmetol- n the issue of liamentarian of the National ogist by trade, attended the Na- O Council of Negro Women and tional Institute of Cosmetology starting a Business works closely with state Sena- in Washington, DC. tor Andrea Stewart-Cousins at She developed a passion for Improvement District the National Women’s Political civic engagement while forming in Allerton, Chamblee Caucus, to name a few. community ties with her hair She joined the recently the possibility of re-purposing stylist clients. said, “I think its formed Allerton International vacant store fronts as pop up Varahn started her career time has come. It Merchants Association and is stores to allow potential busi- working in high-end Manhattan currently its president after the ness entrepeneurs to test the department store salons that ca- would improve the founder stepped down to seek waters on a product they’re con- tered to singers and actresses, commercial zone.” political offi ce. sidering for the Allerton busi- located in Franklin Simon, B. She is planning many changes ness corridor. Altman’s and Bergdorf Good- as the new merchant leader, in- She is interested in initiating man’s Charles of the Ritz. When she was honored by the cluding the introduction of art- a Business Improvement Dis- She is now affi liated with Bronx Chamber of Commerce at work on Allerton Avenue by trict for the commercial strip. three Bronx salons: Luigi’s on their Black History Month cele- Bronx-based artists and help- “I have to gauge the inter- Allerton Avenue; Tatiana, Hutch bration a few years ago, her pas- ing the local merchants improve est fi rst, but I think its time has Metro Center; and Ebersha on sion for community service was advertising strategies. come. It would improve the Boston Road. awakened. Varahn also wants to explore commercial zone”, she said.
Congratulations
We are proud of you and we love you. Jane Fox Your Children: Michelle, Tracey, Jakki and Pjay Your Grandchildren: Rebecca, Erik, Chris, Skylar, Joey, Spencer, Jake, Ryan and Mason Your Great Grandchildren: Gianna and Arielah
6 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR Congratulations To The Bronx Times 25 Influential Women of 2018 Thank You For All Your Hard Work And Dedication To The Bronx
Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
PAID FOR BY NYC DIAZ
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 7 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN CRYSTAL Y. COLLINS Bringing positive change in and around her community rystal Collins is totally School Book Bag giveaway and secondary education on hold committed to doing the fi rst Annual Senior Dinner, even though she was a good and giving her best with and introduced initiatives that student. each and every project served more than 1,000 youth When her mom died, her di- Cshe undertakes. and 200 seniors, changing the rection changed. “I went on Her mantra states, “You have face of policing by bridging the to complete high school and to be the change you want to see gap between the community earned a degree in Accounting and you have to be involved to and the police. at Audrey Cohen College.” make a difference”. In her work with the YCOP After obtaining a business de- As a community activist and youth program she assisted in gree she ended up in the health organizer Crystal has spent the developing the after-school pro- care fi eld, eventually managing past two decades bringing posi- gram and helped double en- the 320-bed Bronxwood Home tive change in and around her rollment within its fi rst three for the Aged. community, months. The program is now “I personally didn’t have Crystal was a former PTA maxed out. a role model when my mom president at Middle School 370, She furthered her work with passed. I was only 17. But the She was the campaign man- a past vice president of the 217th the 47th Precinct’s Clergy Coali- administrator, Betty Bonita at ager for Senator Jamal Bailey’s Street Condominiums, a former tion and the faith-based com- Bronxwood, took me under her successful election. Youth Church director, co-spon- munity to help address the resi- wing”, she said. Today Crystal serves as an sor of the 47th Precinct’s fi rst An- dent’s safety concerns. Another woman, Nfon Akpan, assistant to the newly elected nual Toy Drive, which success- Born and raised in the Eden- the executive director of Able Westchester County Executive, fully assisted over 1,000 families wald Houses, she was one of Healthcare Service in White George Latimer. by collecting more than 5,000 eleven children. Plains provided her with more She is the single mother to Christmas gifts in 2016, orga- When her mom was diag- encouragement as she climbed four energetic boys ages nine to nized the fi rst Annual Back-to- nosed with cancer, she put her the organization’s ladder. 22.
2018 Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees
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8 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR Congratulations to all the Bronx Influential Women Honorees
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 9 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN GERRI COLON Charitable fundraising through community volunteerism erri Colon started on Neck Merchants Association to street fair are well attended and the path to volunteer- help organize its annual street promoted. ism while attending fair. Her favorite merchant func- Iona College. As she tion is the annual thematic din- Gremembers it, her class assign- ner dance. Gerri is everywhere ment was to run a project for a s a college student, during the event: fi rst checking charitable organization. A the dinner guests in, then mak- “I choose a group that was lo- Gerri ran a benefi t that ing sure all the raffl e gifts are cated on Zerega Avenue called properly displayed and fi nally Children Are Precious”, she raised over $3,500 you’ll see her going table to ta- said. for a Bronx pro child- ble hawking the raffl e tickets, The youth advocacy group all this while she is dressed ‘to received $3,500 from the benefi t safety organization. the nines’ as the ‘queen of the music show Gerri organized in ball’. blyman Michael Benedetto’s the St. Raymond School Audito- Now she is the face of the or- Gerri has now added a new Golf Outing, the Throggs Neck rium. ganization. The merchant group fundraising component to her Christmas Tree Lighting and From there she took a break, has changed presidents a couple list of duties: she and her hus- Toy Giveaway, Salvation Army giving birth to a daughter, Jen- of times since she fi rst volun- band Rocky are organizing the and many other events. nifer-Lynn in 2001, while work- teered to ‘help’, and each one of merchant association’s fi rst She has received an award ing at two different securities them will tell you how invalu- Bowling Night, at Van Nest from the Throggs Neck Mer- fi rms on Wall Street. able she is to them. Lanes. chants Association in 2013 When the bank that employed Gerri organizes the monthly Besides the merchant group for ‘Community Service’, and her merged, she found herself meetings, notifying the busi- Gerri helps with the annual awards from the Throggs Neck out of a job. Unable to fi nd work nesses where and when the Villa Maria Academy card party, Girls Softball team for helping in her fi eld, she seized on an op- meeting are being held, col- the Throggs Neck Girls Softball them raise $6,000 to purchase portunity that was offered to her laborates with her team to en- Team card party, the Throggs equipment and Children Are by the president of the Throggs sure the annual golf outing and Neck Halloween Parade, Assem- Precious.
2018
Infl uential
To My Outstanding Mother, and Our Loving Grandmother, Beverly Roberts
To say we are proud is an understatement. There truly are not enough words to express our admiration for you, but we will try. It has been an honor to watch you become one of the most selfl ess, motivational, infl uential people we know. Your exceptional acts of kindness have left a signifi cant impact on all of the community and the world. From volunteering endless hours of your time to organizations and receiving endless awards and honors for all of your achievements; you do so with grace and gratitude. There is a saying “No man left behind” but you leave nothing and no one behind. It is with pure dedication you devote your heart in all that you do and not even a simple task can go uncompleted. What you have taught us all, no teacher can. Cheers to more years of applying your wisdom, profes- sionalism and superb demeanor to our everyday lives in the hope that we can become half the human being you are. Congratulations! We love you! Your Son Rob, and Grandchildren Paige and Myles
10 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR 2 2018 BRONX5 INFLUENTIALkiajInfl uential S 2013
Paid for and authorized by Crowley for Congress
11 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LUZ ELENIA CORREA Helping Hurricane victims recover from devastation he after effects of Hurri- UCHC to cultivate and enhance porary housing and do not know cane Maria are still very meaningful relationships with how to navigate the borough to evident, not only to the targeted, external audiences, in- get to their doctors. Sometimes Puerto Ricans living on cluding media, key infl uences it’s a language issue, while other Tthe devastated island, but for and community stakeholders. times the diffi culty is associated those that have been displaced Luz plays a lead role in iden- with navigating our transporta- as well. To that end, Luz Elenia tifying challenges and emerging tion. Correa founded The Bronx Co- issues faced by the center, while Because many of the dis- alition Supporting Hurricane spearheading all advocacy ef- placed islanders have a limited building and cultivating rela- Maria Evacuees. forts and maintaining positive knowledge of English the orga- tionships with National, non- The working group’s mission relationships with city, state and nization offers an ESL option. profi t and Hispanic organiza- is to create and sustain a Bronx- federal offi cials. The children are having tions. based safety net that serves in- The center’s focus is to offer problems adjusting as well. One She managed the philan- dividuals and families who have a health option to the under- young man that was about to thropic efforts and co-marketing migrated to the Bronx due to the served in 25 Bronx zip codes. graduate from his high school campaigns with the Latino Bill- impact of Hurricane Maria and UCHC has six sites: Fordham in Puerto Rico was pushed back board Awards, Macy’s, El Museo Puerto Rico’s growing economic Road, 188th Street and Valen- two grades in his new school. del Barrio, Teach For America and humanitarian crisis. tine Avenue, Burnside Avenue, Luz explained he’s eager to and VH1 Save the Music. Luz is the director of Gov- Bronxdale Avenue and on the St. graduate so that he can start Luz was raised in the Bronx ernment, Community & Public Barnabas Medical Center cam- earning an income to help his on East 188th Street, between Relations for Union Commu- pus as well as two mobile offi ces family. Her organization is as- Ryer and Anthony avenues. nity Health Center, as part of and a dental clinic on Third Av- sisting the student’s efforts to Years after she earned her the executive leadership team. enue. get a GED. GED diploma, she went back As the organization’s commu- According to Luz, a number of Prior to UCHC she served as to school at 36 and received nications leader, she conceptu- the displaced Hurricane Maria a National Public Affairs Spe- her Bachelor’s degree in Lib- alizes marketing and public re- population has special medical cialist for State Farm Insurance, eral Arts/Communications at lations strategies, which allows needs. Many are living in tem- where she was responsible for 40-years-old.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN VIVIANA DECOHEN Encourages and supports veterans to finish college iviana DeCohen, a lower index has improved al- ans to go on to graduate school. veteran USMC mem- most one grade through the Not only has the program mo- ber helps encourage pairing, tivated our vets to apply for returning military to Since that award, Viviana has graduate school, but there are completeV their college educa- currently close to a dozen in tion. the Mercy College program in While a student at Mercy the MBA, Organizational Lead- College, she and a handful of Members of the ership and Human Resource other veterans were instrumen- Military Veterans programs with 3.5 GPAs or bet- tal in starting the fi rst Military/ ter. Veterans Center at the college’s Center on Mercy Some of the undergraduate Bronx campus. College’s Bronx Campus class veterans were accepted The group made a video and to Columbia, Fordham and Ye- entered it into the Student Vet- entered a video in the shiva universities for a Master’s erans of America $10,000 Home degree in Social Work. Depot Gift Card contest. Student Veterans of Without this program many When they won they used America $10,000 Home veterans would gave dropped their winnings to make the Cen- out of college, Viviana said. arships.” ter resemble a USO and started Depot Gift Card contest One veteran enrolled in Mer- Viviana has a Bachelor’s of ‘Operation Buddy Up’. cy’s graduate program already Science in Behavioral Science Viviana offi cially came on and won. The winnings has her sights set on a PhD., and from Mercy College and is cur- board to work as the counselor were used to start has completed two summer rently completing her Master’s teaming up pairs up a veteran classes at Harvard University. of Science in Health Services with a 3.5 to 4.0 index with an- ‘Operation Buddy Up.’ She said, “I’ve been able to Management. other vet who is below the 3.0 assist our veterans, who are no The Bronx Chamber of Com- line.The results have been as- created’Operation Push’ which longer eligible for Veteran edu- merce honored her last year at tounding as the vet with the encourages and supports veter- cational benefi ts towards schol- their Veterans Day Luncheon.
12 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 13 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN MICHELLE A. DANIELS Encouraging all to make a difference in their community
hen Michelle Dan- formed The Bronx Rox to build cials to problems before they get iels left her piano- pride in the borough by work- out of control and erasing nega- teaching life in her ing directly with local residents, tive stereotypes, while building native Australia for businesses and organizations a sense of pride, her grass-roots theW hustle and bustle of New to inspire, empower, encourage organization will show the York City, she never imagined world that The Bronx Rox! she would one day be calling The events that Michelle has herself a Bronxite, nor a civically promoted recently, such as the engaged one at that! Michelle is a strong Bronx Earth Day Clean Up, Free Escalating rents in Washing- proponent of the Haircut and Paint Down events ton Heights directed her to a real are getting more and more par- Walton Avenue, across from the estate broker that introduced her ‘Broken Window ticipants each year. Bronx County Courthouse, to to the only borough attached to Michelle is a strong propo- accommodate the area’s grow- the mainland. Theory’ when it comes nent of the ‘Broken Window ing Jewish population. “I had never been to the Bronx to graffi ti and dog Theory’, when it comes to graf- They are presently running before. I was tired of throwing fi ti and dog poop. their programming from several my money away in Manhattan. poop. On The Bronx Rox website locations on a rotational basis. When I saw Grand Concourse I she points out the difference The fi rst Passover Seder was fell in love with it, so I purchased and acknowledge residents to between a graffi ti artist and a held in this neighborhood in a co-op a block away on Wal- make a difference in their com- ‘tagger’. “One has permission to over 20 years. ton Avenue facing Franz Siegel munity. create and paint, while taggers The area around East 161st Park,” she said. She said by highlighting, es- do not”, she explains, warning Street is improving. During the Now a dozen years later she’s pecially through social media, her members not to shrug their last fi ve years new buildings are still here and playing a domi- all the positive things happen- shoulders and accept, “That’s going up everywhere and The nant role in the area’s resur- ing in the Bronx, encouraging just the way things are”. Bronx Rox will be there to de- gence. participation in neighborhood The group is trying to reopen liver a cleaner and a more en- The massage therapist clean ups, by alerting city offi - the shuttered synagogue on gaged community.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN SAMANTHA DILIBERTI Making it easier for residents to connect and affect change
samantha Diliberti, the tions strategies. OrangeUGoing? makes it creator of the civic en- She is currently a director easier for New Yorkers, organi- gagement platform Oran- at Statewide Public Affairs, a zations, and elected offi cials to geUGoing?, is a passion- New York City and Albany gov- connect and affect change, she Sate, action-oriented New Yorker. ernment relations fi rm, where said. She has extensive and diverse “When there’s a situation, experience in government, pol- people want to know how they itics, media business develop- can get involved,” she said of the ment enabling her to strategize When there’s a web platform. and execute campaigns to reach situation, people want The site’s name pays homage targeted audiences. to the popular ‘Knock-Knock” Samantha was featured on As an avid writer, Samantha to know how they can jokes she said. “Those jokes are a Good Day New York segment has been published in Crain’s always playful. Activism can get with Borough President Ruben New York Business, City & State get involved. emotional so I invoked a phrase Diaz, Jr. to announce the Or- and New York Nonprofi t Media that promotes a breathe of fresh angeUGoing? ‘Hour New York on the topics of food and bever- she advocates on behalf of the air”, Samantha explained. Challenge’ which encourages age, diversity and nonprofi ts. homeless, small business own- She has shared the podium residents to get civically engaged Samantha previously served ers, construction profession- with Public Advocate Leti-for one hour each month. as associate publisher for City als and some of the largest food cia James at a Government Af- Samantha graduated Cum & State magazine where she and beverage companies in the fairs Professionals-sponsored Laude from Wake Forest Uni- launched four new business di- United States. Women Empowerment Summit versity, majoring in Political Sci- visions and executed the ac- Prior to her work in the pri- at Lehman College where she ence and English. Despite grad- quisition of New York Nonprifi t vate sector, Samantha was the discussed the importance of fi - uating a year early she was able Media for which she served as face of the Governor Andrew nancial literacy. to study abroad in Argentina interim managing editor. Cuomo and U.S. Senator Kirsten She recently moderated As- where she devoted her time to a She oversaw the company’s Gillibrand administrations in sociation for a Better New York human rights nonprofi t in Bue- marketing and communica- the lower Hudson Valley. ‘Working with Press’ event. nos Aires.
14 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 15 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN SARACIEA FENNELL Fostering literacy in adults and children alike araciea Fennell, a book are eager to engage with Bronx tered Barnes & Noble at Bay publicist, who grew up readers. The festival featured Plaza, she had never set foot in in the Webster Houses a program of authors called a bookstore before, she said. in Morrisania, founded The Bronx Is Reading, that in- As a youth she relied heavily Sthe Bronx Book Festival so that cluded a panel discussion with on the local library branch for children and adults would have the authors about their works: her reading pleasure. access to books and fi rst-hand Elizabeth Acevedo, author of “The only way I could pur- experiences with authors, il- chase books was from street lustrators and publishing in- vendors at Fordham Plaza,” dustry professionals. The festival featured she said. She launched her fi rst fes- When she took a publish- tival on Saturday, May 19 at a program of authors ing certifi cation program in Fordham Plaza. college she was inspired by “The festival got people in- called The Bronx Is the authors’ vast ethnic back- terested in reading or made Reading, that included grounds. them at least curious,” she said, “It was the fi rst time that I The festival included three adding that she believes many a panel discussion encountered African American adult panels, three for children adults in the borough are read- with the authors about professors working in publish- and young adults, a picture ing at the eighth-grade level, ing,” she said, adding that her book tent featuring a dozen making it vital to foster literacy their works. love of books drew her to her authors and illustrators and a in adults and children alike. profession. publishing information tent. Saraciea earned Bachelor’s The Poet X; Sayantani Das- To raise funds to buy the 150 Saraciea said a total of 36 au- degrees in English and Busi- Gupta, The Serpent’s Secret; to 200 copies of the authors’ thors attended the event. ness from City College after a and Tracey Baptistery, The books for the festival she used Bronx Native created T- 3-year fl irtation with Account- Jumbies. a Kickstarter.com fundrais- shirts for the fundraiser and ing at Iona College. Before she attended P.S. 89, ing campaign that reached her Bronxer fi lmed the video used She feels that many authors and frequented the now shut- $30,000 goal. on Kickstarter.com.
Congratulations Samantha Diliberti and all of tonight’s honorees!
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16 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 17 2018
Infl uential Congratulations The Dominican Day Parade will like to congratulate all honorees and our Chair Maria M. Khury for being one of the 25 most infl uential women of the Bronx 2018.
El Desfi le del Día Dominicano felicita a todos los homena- jeados y a nuestra Presidenta Maria M. Khury por ser una de las 25 mujeres más infl uyentes del Bronx 2018.
18 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR
Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez & Senator Jeff Klein
Congratulate this Year’s 25 Bronx Influential Women
Gerri Colon, Michelle A. Daniels, Amanda Parsons MD, MBA, Varahn Chamblee, Rosa Garcia, Maria N. Herrera, Beverly Roberts, Dr. Patricia A. Broderick O.P, Crystal Y. Collins, Michelle A. Sajous, Viviana DeCohen, Ilaine Perez-Palau, Jascelyn Parson, Lisa Ortega, Sandy Elphand Wolstein, Dr. Esther D. Henry, Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland, Saraciea Fennell, Vera Mjeku, Samantha Diliberti, Jeanette Ouryear, Jane Fox, Luz Elaine Correa, Maria M. Khury, Yvette Martinez
*** Paid for by Fernandez for New York and Jeff Klein Excelsior***
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 19 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN JANE FOX Giving back to the community through music and song ane Fox, one half of the out crowds. the man asked.” Louise, with- popular Twin Gold oldies They perform shows all out hesitation, convincingly group, feels blessed, truly over the east and west coast responded, ‘Twin Gold’. Jblessed of Florida. They do shows at After that, they were intro- “I am blessed to have a twin the Villagers and other simi- duced to the king of Golden sister, a sister that I love, a sis- lar communities. They’ve also Oldies, Don K Reed and an- ter who I share a singing voice performed at the Garden and other show promoter Richard that we can share with others,” at the Meadowlands. Nader. she said. Jane and Louise and their Johnny Maestro liked their The Bronx native grew up in 5-piece band belts out every- act so much that Twin Gold Clason Point and has resided in thing from oldies from the 40s was invited to all his Brooklyn Locust Point the last 20 years. to the Top 40s. Bridge shows in Atlantic City. “Music was always playing Twin Gold came up with “Johnny used to call us the asked them to perform with in my house when I was grow- their name on the spur of the female Everly Brothers,” Jane her several times. ing up, my father loved Perry moment. said. They believe in giving back Como and my mother enjoyed They were invited to hear a That’s how it all started, Jane and have done charity work Frank Sinatra,” she recalled. friend perform at a benefi t show said, adding, “We’ve had a tre- for Jane’s alma mater, Preston Jane and her other half, her at a restaurant in Westchester. mendous career, and we never High School, the Throggs Neck identical twin Louise, who are The friend invited the twins to had an agent, manager or a hit Volunteer Ambulance Corps both retired, have been doing perform a few songs, not real- song.” and a fundraiser for a sick child all the CBS-FM oldies shows izing that Dion’s back up sing- Twin Gold has been invited who lives in Locust Point. for over 17 years. ers, the Del Satins, were in the to host the Johnny Maestro One of their greatest hopes Unfortunately there aren’t audience. After the show, the Tribute at the Patchoque The- is to play in the Bronx once too many Bronx venues to play. impressed celebrities invited ater in Long Island in 2019. again. When they play the local casi- them to perform at a benefi t Nashville singing great “We are a Bronx success nos, Empire City Casino and they were planning. Brenda Lee has taken the duo story. I love the Bronx. I’m a Mohegan Sun, they draw sold- “What do you call yourselves under her wing too. She has Bronx girl!” Jane said.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN ROSA GARCIA Feeding the hungry in her south Bronx community hen Hurricane self over and over again. She Rather than waste time in court Sandy hit in 2012 recently introduced her latest she agreed to change the name it severly damaged project Mott Haven on the Go, a and the menu. the popular, trendy food truck service that services After spending thousands of southW Bronx eatery at 1 Bruck- dollars on rebuilding the res- ner Boulevard. taurant, Rosa reopened it 13 While the owners of the months later as the Mott Haven Bruckner Bar & Grill became She presented the Bar & Grill. embroiled in a their own legal landlord, who she had She frequently hosts women’s dispute, the severly damaged empowerment and information restaurant, that was without once worked for as sessions in the restaurant’s back power for over three months, sat the building’s property room. empty. The new menu offers a Har- Rosa Garcia, the restaurant’s manager, a plan to lem chicken and waffl e classic, a former manager, seized the mo- Cuban sandwich served on cia- of the South Bronx Alliance and ment when the building’s owner renovate the restaurant batta bread, pulled pork wraps the only woman mentor for the offered her the lease. She pre- and make it her own. and a quinoa black bean burger. local Boy Scout troop. sented the landlord, who she Rosa’s has won an American While she raises her two had once worked for as the Enrepereurship Award and ev- young girls three and 12, she is the The Hub at East 149th Street building’s property manager, a ery year she distributes 500 tur- pursuing another profession - and Third Avenue with healthy plan to renovate the restaurant keys to needy families at the nursing! She said, in one inter- food options like salads in a cup and make it her own. Knowing holidays. She has solicitated view, “ It’s always good to have and whole wheat wraps. both sides of the business gave large donations from the local a Plan.” Bruckner Bar & Grill’s for- her the confi dence to rebuild developers as part of her mis- As if her schedule was not mer co-owner Alex Abeles fi led the restaurant. sion to feed and take care of her hectic enough, Rosa enjoys run- a trademark infringement Now in the fi fth year of a 10- neighbors. ning and is often seen preparing suit against her in December year lease she has proven her- She is also an active member for the NYC marathon. 2013 for using the brand name.
20 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 21 2018
Infl uential
Congratulationsand best wishes to Beverly Roberts
As one of the 2018 Bronx Infl uential Women Honorees
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 23 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN DR. ESTHER D. HENRY Advocating for the families of gun violence r. Esther D. Henry, a ers and fathers and families tion Inc. is comprised of close Bronx resident, has who have lost a loved one due friends, who serve in a volun- advocated for the less to gun violence. tary capacity. fortunate as a social “I continue to be a mouth- Though the organization Dworker for a VIP Community piece for those that no longer has garnered accolades from Services’ facility at 2031 Hughes so many, including a Volun- Avenue for the past ten years. teer Lifetime Achievement The 48-year-old building con- Service Award from President tains 48 SRO apartments, all Esther has put up her Barack Obama in 2014 and has set aside for low income single own money, $5,000 produced several inspiring men, including about a dozen events, the group still hopes who were formerly homeless. to be exact, on two one day to receive some fund- Her devotion to getting oth- occasions, to run an ing to expand its reach. er’s lives together however Esther put up her own didn’t prepare her for her own event to get her very money, $5,000 to be exact, tragedy. on two occasions, to run an In February 2012, the day be- important message to event to get her very impor- vilian Police Academy, and has fore her birthday, her 32-year- the neighborhood. tant message to the neighbor- served on Community Board 5 old son was gunned down hood. “Hopefully someone will for four years. in Melrose Houses during a step forward to sponsor future She helps local youngsters senseless argument. have a voice”, she said while events”, she said. through her House of Worship For the last fi ve years Esther, explaining her organization, Ether has received over 25 Ministry. with her 90-year-old mom of- Inner City Gun Violence Pre- awards for her anti-gun advo- Inner City Gun Violence Pre- ten at her side, who doesn’t vention Inc., counsels and sup- cacy, including one from the vention has a GoFundMe page look a day over 70, is heavily ports families. NYC Council for her work with that sells a variety of items, in- involved with other organiza- The board of directors of In- the police department. cluding the group’s offi cial T- tions to bring healing to moth- ner City Gun Violence Preven- She is a graduate of the Ci- shirt.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN MARIA N. HERRERA Involved with her students & passionate about their success aria M. Herrera has my students,” said Maria. sensation T. J. Rivera came been a high school The former students con- back to his alma mater and de- administrator for nect with the students, sharing livered a strong, positive mes- 25 years, the last 11 how their lives have changed sage. Mas principal of the Renaissance Another successful Renais- High School, on the Lehman sance student, a rap artist Campus. Her NYC Department that is presently enjoying un- of Education career began as a Renaissance High believable popularity has not school counselor at Brandeis School has established shown any interest in return- High School. Two years later ing. “Carly B was a very bright she advanced to her fi rst assis- and maintained its student, a hard worker, I knew tant principal’s position at the she was going to be some- George Washington Campus standards, and is in thing,” Maria said. in Washington Heights. a good place as it She said the school is in a “The Lehman Campus has good place, having just passed been my home. I’m involved recently passed its 10- its ten-year mark. with the students and passion- year mark. “We’ve established and ate about its success,” she said. maintained our standards. details to the 45th Precinct and The school, with a popula- Renaissance accepts students the Westchester Square Busi- tion of 470 students, has an ac- since graduation. “We recently that are interested in the pro- ness Improvement District. ademic track that prepares its had a Human Relations direc- gram we’re offering,” she said. Maria loves curling up with students for a Liberal Arts col- tor, a teacher and a nurse relate As the campus’ veteran prin- a book and spending time with lege degree. the importance of their high cipal she monitors the school’s her 87-year-old mom. She is “My favorite professional school years in preparing them safety and security along with married with two daughters moments are when former stu- for their futures,” Maria said. her colleague Melissa Ramos, Jennifer, a third year nursing dents return to the campus and She always looks for success- of the Schuylerville Prepara- college student and Catherine, share their experiences with ful graduates to share their sto- tory School, relaying dismissal who is a high school senior. ries. The New York Mets rookie
24 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 25 CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF TONIGHT’S HONOREES, PARTICULARLY SAMANTHA DILIBERTI
“Samantha you are the hardest working person I know and you inspire so many, particularly me. It is my life’s honor to be your friend, mentor, partner in crime, and above all, your mom. Always reach for the moon my dear, for you will surely land among the stars.” —MY HEART FOREVER, MOM
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26 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR 2018
Infl uential Congratulations Gerri Colon And all her fellow honorees for being named one of the 2018 Bronx Infl uential Women From the Colon and Aprea Families
Nicholas & Lence Communications congratulates
Samantha Diliberti Founder, OrangeU Going?
As an acclaimed honoree of the 25 Bronx Influential Women of 2018
Thank you Samantha for your constant dedication, commitment and enthusiasm which continues to make New York a better place.
Congratulations to all of the ladies recognized by the Bronx Times who have devoted themselves to improving the lives of others.
www.nicholaslence.com
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 27 28 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 29 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN MARIA M. KHURY Continues to make countless contributions to her community aria M. Khury, a Do- Parade, Inc. in NYC. to the Interfaith Caregivers of minican American Maria has served as a mem- the Northwest Bronx, treasurer of Lebanese ances- ber of the city’s Small Business of the Kingsbridge Business try, is an entrepre- Advisory Board under mayors Improvement District, board Mneur and community leader. Ed Koch and David Dinkins. member of the Audubon Part- She is the CEO and president nership and the president and of Khury Tours and Travel, Inc. co-founder of the Manhattan as well as the principal partner College Latino Alumni Council. of Elite Solutions, an M/WBE She is the fi rst woman Maria was selected ‘Busi- company. and Dominican ever ness Woman of the Year’ by Maria graduated Magna Cum the NYS Hispanic Chamber of Laude from Manhattan College, elected president to Commerce, honored by the Do- with a B.S. in Business Admin- minican Women Caucus, the istration in 1977 where she was the Association of Bronx Hispanic Chamber of awarded the De La Salle Excel- Latin-American Travel Commerce, Councilman Peter lence Medal in Management. F. Vallone, The Society of His- Destacadas’ in 2006 from El She is the fi rst woman and Agents. panic Professional Engineers Diario/La Prensa and was rec- Dominican ever elected presi- and was the fi rst woman recog- ognized by Somos El Futuro in dent to the Association of Latin- nized and given the Leadership 2007. American Travel Agents (ALTA) Her countless contributions Citizen Award from the Inter- She was born in Puerto Plata, in 1990 and re-elected in 1991, to her community include sit- faith Organization of Schervier/ Dominican Republic and re- representing 1,480 agents in ting on the boards of Friends of Bon Secours New York Health sides and works in Riverdale. New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Lead Free Children, Schervier/ System. Her family consists of three Washington, DC and Florida. Bon Secours Nursing Home and Dominican Sunday and Do- children, twins Carlos Man- She was elected again in 2017. a past member of Community minican Women Center, Inc. uel and Lark-Marie and Mayrin Presently she is the chair of Board 8. also recognized her. Maria Anton, as well as three the Board of the Dominican Day She has been a Board Advisor Maria received the ‘Mujeres grandchildren.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN BISHOP DR. EBONY G. KIRKLAND Conducts training programs to inspire female entrepreneurs ishop Dr. Ebony G. Kirk- programs to inspire female en- entrepeneurship and church land is the founder, pres- trepreneurs in Russia, Poland, leadership. ident and CEO of Ebony China, South Africa and other Her most recent publication Marketing Research, Inc countries. was ‘Association of Storefront Bone of the nation’s foremost mar- Her lecture portfolio ‘Starting Churches, a Trianglulation Re- keting research fi rms specializ- and Managing Your Own Busi- search Methodology.’ ing in multicultural research for ness - A Primer for Budding En- Dr. Kirkland was drawn to business, government agencies God’s ministry and in 2003 she and non-profi t organizations founded the Church of the Liv- within the United States and ing God, International, which ex- Central America. Bishop Kirkland uses panded to Costa Rica, Panama, The fi rm has garnered an ar- her broad businesses Guatemala, Brazil and Egypt. lege of Bishops of the Council of ray of Fortune 500 companies She uses her her broad busi- International Charismatic Bish- such as Proctor & Gamble, Coca skills to work on ness skills to work on build- ops to serve as the Presiding Cola, Verizon, Hallmark and Mc- building God’s Kingdom ing God’s Kingdom on Earth. Bishop of the Church of the Liv- Donalds’s with offi ces in New Dr. Kirkland has formed the ing God, and Worldwide Associa- York, New Jersey, Washington, on Earth. worldwide Association of Small tion of Small Churches. DC and Costa Rica. Churches to provide mentorship She received her Bachelor’s de- Prior to forming Ebony, Dr. and training for small church gree in Psychology from Queens trepreneurs’ was presented and Kirkland taught and lectured pastors. College and an MBA in Adminis- published in China and ‘Changes at New York Technical College She is president of the Bronx tration from New York University. and Opportunity’ in Taiwan. where she served as director and Hispanic Chamber of Com- She also earned a degree in busi- She has been featured as a chairperson of the Women’s Pro- merce, and advisory board mem- ness management from Harvard guest on a number of TV and ra- gram. ber of Women’s President Orga- Business School and completed dio talk shows and has contrib- She travelled under the spon- nization. her Doctorate of Divinity degree. uted her expertise to numerous sorship of the Atlantic Coun- She was consecrated into the She is the mother of two adult magazines and publications on cil of U.S., conducting training offi ce of the Bishop by the Col- daughters. the challenges and rewards of
30 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR 2018
Infl uential Congratulations GerriTo all the honorees Colon including our own For Being Recognized As One Of The 2018 Bronx Most Infl uential Women...
Gerri is a pillar in the community and invaluable to the Executive Board of the Throggs Neck Merchants Association for the past 8 years..
Whether it is planning our annual Merchants Dinner, organizing our Annual Street Fair and Golf Outing or helping out with our Throggs Neck Bid effort, Gerri never says no to pitching in.
Gerri is a tireless advocate for our community and is most deserving of such a distinction.
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 31 The NAACP Parkchester Branch would like to congratulate Beverly Roberts One of the 25 most Infl uential Women of the Bronx
We salute you for your passion, commitment and unparalleled service to the NAACP and the Bronx community as President of the NAACP Parkchester Branch.
Continue to inspire, motivate, educate and encourage. We commend you for your 14 years of service as Branch President
The Members, Offi cers, and Executive Committee
32 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR Congratulations to all the 2018 Honorees
BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 33 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN YVETTE MARTINEZ Brings to light the importance of dance in various cultures vette Martinez is cele- concerts and special presenta- an assistant dental offi ce man- brating the 37th year of tions to theaters, schools, col- ager and dance was a hobby. !Retumba! (Resound!), leges, universities, community Her career took a detour a multi-ethnic music and senior centers. when she became a young andY dance ensemble founded mom. It was during this time in 1981. that she had an opportunity By interweaving traditional to train and learn from dance rhythms, beautiful ancient mel- She performs and professionals. odies, with their own unique instructs dance, as She then received an im- interpretation, !Retumba! pres- portant grant from the Bronx ents the music and dance of well as provides Council of the Arts that Africa, Europe, South America launched her dream. & Friends in New York City. and the Caribbean, including professional Yvette was an arts admin- She has performed at various Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Do- development to various istrator from 1886 to 1995 for senior centers such as Kips Bay minican Republic and Mexico. the ArtsConnection Program, Castle Hill, Glebe Avenue, Bain- !Retumba! brings to light the arts-in-education a comprehensive arts-in-edu- bridge and Mosholu Montefi ore importance of people from var- cation program that brings mu- and has provided movement ious cultures working together, organizations. sic, dance, theater and visual workshops. demonstrating the similarities arts to NYC public schools. Yvette’s work has received One World Arts, Inc. offers and links of our shared tradi- She performs and instructs the Guaitiao/Friendship Taino Arts-in-Education programs to tions. dance, as well as provides pro- Award for Community, Latina New York City public and pri- Yvette is also the president fessional development to vari- 50 Plus Arts Award, Lifetime vate schools. and co-founder of One World ous arts-in-education organiza- Achievement Award, El Dia- It provides cultural presen- Arts, Inc., a non-profi t organiza- tions such as ArtsConnection, rio/La Prensa ‘Oustanding tations and entertainment for tion that offers a variety of ser- Center for Traditional Music Achievement Award’ and the corporate functions and other vices to the community, bring- and Dance, TheatreWorks USA, Bronx Council on the Arts BRIO social events. ing cultural performances, CommunityWorks and Midori Award. Yvette went to school to be
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN VERA MJEKU Albanian American Success Stories n experienced com- Out of the all the projects munications and mar- she has worked, Vera cherishes keting professional, and takes pride especially on Vera Mjeku is a gradu- the Albanian American Suc- ateA of New York University with cess Stories, a multimedia a degree in Public Relations project to highlight and show- and Marketing. Her expertise case the success and inspi- spans over a period of twenty rational stories of Albanian years, in the area of commu- Americans in all walks of life. nications, consulting and out- She is a fi rm believer that a reach in ethnic markets. community is not just about Originally from Tirana, Al- being geographically or ethi- bania, Vera and her husband cally close, a community is Ismer Mjeku, an attorney from about feeling connected, pre- Prishtina, Kosova, spearheaded serving cultural and ethnic and built in 1999, the Albanian diversity, giving back and add- Media Group, a communica- ing every footprint to the big- tions and consulting company ger fabric of what makes this in the Belmont section of the great country. Bronx. Albanian Media Group She has dedicated all her Vera Mjeku was named Mjeku has been involved with is the parent company of Alba- work and efforts to this ongo- Woman of the Year 2015, by the communications, outreach nian Yellow and White Pages, a ing project to her two children Albanian American Women’s and event planning for than staple directory online and in Rina and Kron, as a legacy for Organization and was honored Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. print in the Albanian Ameri- them and others to connect with the Community Service Since he took offi ce in Janu- can community as well as Al- and be proud of their Albanian Award by the Albanian Ameri- ary 2018, she proudly serves banian.com, Albanian Deals heritage and follow the path to can National Organization. as Councilman Mark Gjonaj’s etc. success. Over the past two years Vera Deputy Chief of Staff..
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 35 2018
Infl uential
Congratulations Maria Herrera
Love always Eric, Liz, Jonathan, Justin. Katie Kohlmeier
WELLS FARGO ADVISORS
36 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 37 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN LISA ORTEGA Fighting the rapid spread of gentrification in the Bronx isa Ortega is a street or- Eventually she moved on to Bock and No Cop Zone. ganizer addressing the work with Rights for Impris- “Gentrifi cation is violent injustice of gentrifi ca- oned People with Psychiatric and spreads quickly like a tion, police brutality and Disabilities. cancer,” she warned, pointing Lhousing repair issues in the She is currently involved out the new breed of market- 40th and the 41st precincts. with a group called Take Back rate developments rising on or The Brooklyn transplant the Bronx, an outgrowth of near East 138th Street and the found her way to the Bronx the Occupy Wall Street move- increasing number of $2,500 via the shelter system and has ment. The radical people-sup- rental apartments popping up called the south Bronx ‘home’ ported organization does not everywhere. for over 24 years. accept funding and targets po- Lisa helped launch TBTB’s The former addict who has lice brutality, housing neglect, fi rst radical social center in been clean for 27 years, fi rst got gentrifi cation, low wages, and a basement on Prospect Av- Lisa believes her political involved in organizing when a the stigmatism of youth living enue in Longwood. It features beliefs have grown since she case worker handed her a list of in street families. a backyard with murals, picnic fi rst started organizing. resources in the community. TBTB is alarmed by the tables and raised fl ower beds. “I believe in Power to the “I reached out to Moth- rapid spread of gentrifi cation The volunteers will organize People, not in politicians or ers on the Move and became throughout the south Bronx. yoga and martial arts classes, the police. I organize along- immersed in their education Some TBTB-sponsored poetry workshops and encour- side others who are fi ghting campaign, and helped get par- events have addressed gentri- age the creation of women’s the same issues. I am an anar- ents from my children’s school fi cation concerns: South Bronx groups. chist and believe we are fully involved. This organization re- Rezoning Teach In, Southern The TBTB feels the city is capable of fi guring out what it ally opened my eyes to a lot of Boulevard Anti-Gentrifi ca- part of the problem, spending is we need to survive and sus- other injustices, and I began to tion March; and The Bronx Is $50 million for a new 40th Pre- tain ourselves without the gov- do work in tenant organizing Not for Sale, Defend Southern cinct, while the neighborhood ernment or outside sources and environmental housing,” Boulevard and police abuse at housing around it is crum- trying to control or make those she said. its Stop Killer Cops, Unite our bling. decisions for us,” Lisa said.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN ILAINE PEREZ-PALAU Continually strives to do great things for her community Ilaine Perez-Palau, a gradu- friend’s autistic daughter was my #1 supporter”, and is with ate of Theodore Roosevelt bullied in her school. her everywhere. High School and Lehman Ilaine also collaborates on Together they are raising fi ve College, is the director of several toy drives for The Bet- daughters, ranging in age from Ioperations for Creativity Cre- 19 to 27. ates Productivity Unlimited and At Stadium Soundz Enter- a member of Stadium Soundz tainment she provides mod- Entertainment LLC. Ilaine is proud of els, singers, emcees, actors and Ilaine is responsible for creat- the path she has dancers the resources, guid- ing and implementing seasonal ance and development for suc- special events, sponsorships, re- chosen - a path where salguerocess. ad cruiting, parades, festival orga- It’s top talent, R&B performer nization, contacting artists and she is driven to do Juancy, La Differencia, has re- assisting the CEOs. great things for her leased fi ve titles already: Destr- Veterans ‘Certifi cate of Appre- For the past several years she ezas, Una Noche Mas, Chica Vi- ciation’ award, Newark NJ Her- has been a board member of the community. ral, Caliente and Maluco. itage Parade Award for Out- Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade, She currently works for Nos standing Support, Certifi cate of organizing the event’s logistics Quedamos/We Stay as a social Recognition from Love For Iris, and the various Royal Court ter Angels of Our Human Nature service coordinator after sev- Generosity Award from I Am beauty contests. and victims of domestic vio- eral years at Einstein College of Sam, Award of Excellence from She helps with the annual I lence, a social sickness that she Medicine for a grant-funded re- the Carrion Movement and the Am Sam Walk, which supports knows fi rst hand. search program. She will be re- Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Autism research. The event on Her fi rst husband physically turning to Einstein shortly. Beauty Pageants. 163rd Street and Simpson Street and verbally abused her and She has received the following Ilaine is proud of the path she attracted over 300 participants their three children. When she recognitions: ‘Award of Excel- has chosen - a path where she is last year. She was inspired to left him she got her life together lence’ from the Hispanic Com- driven to do great things for her help after she learned that a and eventually met her current munity Health Study, American community. husband, Jose, who she says, “Is
38 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR MID-BRONX SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL, INC. 900 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451 Tel: 718 588-8200 Fax: 718 681-3824 [email protected] www.midbronx.org
CONGRATULATIONS TO BRONX TIMES 25 “2018 Bronx Influential Women Award” & AWARDEES And to Jeanette Puryear Executive Director MBSCC
Jeanette Puryear Raymond Jones Executive Director Board Chairperson
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 41 2018
Infl uential
Congratulations Crystal!
We wish much continued success In the coming year.
From everyone on the Mark Boyland Team
42 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 BTR Pelham Parkway Nursing Care & Rehabilitation Facility, LLC would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to our exemplary staff for their hard work and their dedication. It takes special people to care for the needs of others and Pelham Parkway has special staff. Positions available: RN SUPERVISORS HOUSEKEEPING full time /part time/ per diem weekends/ on call 1199 SEIU POSITIONS DIETARY LPN weekends/ on call full time / part time / per diem CNA Apply via email: weekends/on call [email protected] MAINTENANCE fax: 718-881-4025 full time (experienced ) Attn: Administrator
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2018 43 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN AMANDA PARSONS MD, MBA Working to improve the health and wellness of the boro manda Parsons, M.D. ect, Correctional Health Ser- ners can be tapped, resourced is passionate about vices, Primary Care Access and and /or fi nancially supported improving the health Planning as well as IT, Finance, to have the greatest impact. and health care quality, Admin and Legal bureaus. She said Montefi ore works correctionalA health and reduc- She earned her MD and MBA with Bronx bodegas in areas ing disparities for vulnerable degrees from Colombia Univer- with high rates of obesity to help populations. sity. them offer healthier options for Since 2014 she is the vice Amanda lived in Japan from residents, providing them with president of Community & Pop- 4- to 11-years-old. Her father, technical assistance, display ulation Health at Montefi ore who had a degree in Corsetry, baskets and signs, to better pro- Medical Center and Assistant sold women’s under garments. mote healthier food choices. Professor of Family & Social Her passion for Biology was By partnering with the food Medicine, Albert Einstein Col- instilled in her by eighth grade, stores and a warehouse sup- lege of Medicine. while dissecting a frog. Then she plier, Amanda is seeing early She oversees patient edu- became a candy stripper at a lo- success. cation, employee wellness cal hospital and as Amanda puts “At the end of the day this is Council of the New York Resto- and community interventions it, “It snowballed from there”. not a profi t-making initiative. ration Project. aimed at improving health and At Montefi ore she has led the Montefi ore is willing to invest She was recently selected as wellness. creation of initiatives aimed in its community to achieve a one of Crain’s 40 Under 40 Class Under Mayor Michael at improving access to health- healthier population”, she said. of 2015. Bloomberg she was Deputy ier food choices in the Bronx. Amanda also serves on the Amanda also serves as co- Commissioner of the Division Through its Healthy Store Initia- board of directors of the Vera In- leader of the Mayor’s Task Force of Health Care Access and Im- tive, the hospital uses data map- stitute of Justice, VIP Commu- on Criminal Justice Re-entry provement at the NYC Depart- ping to pinpoint areas in need of nity Services and the New York Workgroup. ment of Health & Mental Hy- health interventions, and lever- eHealth Collaborative which She is married and has two giene where she oversaw the aging community relationships challengers immoral drug pat- children, Jackson 10 and Hunter Primary Care Information Proj- to determine which local part- ents, and is on the Chairman’s 6.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN JASCELYN PARSON Passionate for community health and advocacy
ascelyn Parsons was born Avenue, a school Alicia Keys munity Center and cheerlead- in the Bronx and since 1986 also attended. ing. has lived in Wakefi eld. During her college years she J Her passion for com- was a First Year Advisor for the munity health and advocacy er mom, a civilian freshman club and afterwards led her to further her educa- H a two-year Resident Assistant. tion, earning a Master’s degree working for the NYPD, She served on the school’s in Community Health from alumnae board as a trustee for Hofstra University in 2011 af- always encouraged her two and a half years. ter receiving a Bachelor of children to pursue their Internships and employ- Arts degree in Biology with a ment opportunities provided concentration in Community interests. She attended Jascelyn with experience and and Allied Health and Dance promise: Bronx Westchester from Pine Manor College in the Teens In Motion Area Health Education Center, 2009, graduating Magna Cum modeling and dance 1199 Summer Youth Program, Laude. Harlem Hospital, Planned She attended local public school on Simpson Parenthood and an intern- schools, P.S. 103, M.S. 180 and ship with Assemblyman Carl the High School for Teaching Avenue, a school Alicia Heastie. and the Professions, where she Keys also attended. She was active with the took on leadership roles. Bronx National Council of Her mom, a civilian working Negro Women, a community munity outreach and partici- for the NYPD, always encour- Activities that fused her de- advocate and an active mem- pating in the church’s General aged her children to pursue velopment include Patty Ann’s ber at Butler United Method- matters. their interests. She attended Dance School in Riverdale, the ist Church, choreographing Jascelyn is currently the the Teens In Motion modeling M.S. 113 Beacon program, the praise Ministry and cotillion special event coordinator for and dance school on Simpson Girl Scouts, Baychester Com- dances, to coordinating com- Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2016 49 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN JEANETTE PURYEAR Addressing and meeting the needs of her community eanette Puryear, M.S.W., Home and the operation of mul- What began as an effort to is executive director of tiple senior housing buildings. gather the community for the Mid-Bronx Senior Citizens She expanded the vision, di- development of senior centers, JCouncil, Inc., a not-for- rection and orientation of MB- has evolved into a community- profi t, community-based orga- SCC to address and meet the based institution in the south nization founded in 1970. As a comprehensive needs of the Bronx with a staff of over 300, a founding member of MBSCC, community. $35 million dollar budget serv- Jeanette initiated her career as a She charted a community ing over 10,000 south Bronx res- case worker for the NYC Depart- development and revitalization idents. ment of Social Services. course for the organization that The presentation of MBSCC’s As a key member of the lead- would include the development work on revitalization before a ership team, she provided pro- and management of 1,300 units national panel led to the des- fessional expertise and devel- of age-integrated housing; con- ignation of the Bronx as an All vice president and member of opment support for the creation vened and sustained commu- American City. the boards of several city wide of a network of seven indepen- nity organizing initiatives that Jeanette has been called organizations; including the SIP dently operated senior centers have impacted the development upon to make major national Coalition of Housing Providers, in the west Bronx. MBSCC be- of the Bronx Supreme Court, the presentations, most notably in the Council of Senior Center and came a major voice for elderly new Yankee stadium, the 161st response to a request from for- Services of New York City, the residents of the Bronx. Street Business Improvement mer President Jimmy Carter to Local Initiative Support Corpo- In 1981, Jeanette assumed the District and the Gateway Mall. present at the Carter Center’s ration Community Board and executive leadership of the orga- She also initiated the Family Conference on Comprehensive the Chase Manhattan Commu- nization. With the purchase and Preservation Center, a one-stop Community Revitalization. She nity Advisory Board. conversion of the Concourse center providing family sup- served as the Bronx delegate to Jeanette, a committed Chris- Plaza Hotel to housing for the el- port services, workforce devel- the White House Conference on tian and Jamaican by birth, is derly, she positioned the organi- opment and training including the Aging. married to Rev. Laurence Mc- zation toward a path that would ESL, ABE, GED classes, youth She has received numerous Farland, the mother of three lead to the acquisition of the programming, WIC, Head Start, community leadership awards children and grandmother of landmark Andrew Freedman Day Care and Universal Pre-K and has served as chairperson, three.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN BEVERLY ROBERTS Strives not to be a success, but rather to be of value everly Roberts is the to over 15 organization. agenda most recently addressed leading advocate for the Under her leadership the voter empowerment for the for- Parkchester Branch of Parkchester NAACP has tripled merly incarcerated, public ed- the NAACP and a propo- its membership and developed ucation funding, health care, Bnent for childhood literacy. outstanding programmatic ac- criminal justice and teaching She lives by the creed “Strive tivity and reactivated the Youth children about ‘civic engage- not to be a success, but rather to Council. ment’. be of value.” The chapter has collaborated Beverly’s sense of commu- As a woman of great strength with its elected offi cials to fi ll nity is far reaching. A Gulf and character, Beverly, a resi- the void and help people thrive. Coast family, impacted by Hur- dent of Parkchester for over four Her efforts on behalf of child- ricane Katrina, was relocated to decades, has devoted her life to hood literacy include sponsoring Parkchester by the Parkchester advocate for human and civil art, reading and nutrition pro- NAACP and was provided free rights of all people. grams for children in schools, lodging for one year. On an- She became active in the local shelters and the Parkchester other occasion they contrib- NAACP chapter about 20 years community. Beverly founded uted to the education of Gam- ago and has revolutionized the ‘Let’s Read - It’s Story Time’ and bian students. organization by moving it into ‘Read To Me, Please’ to encour- Beverly, a former cosmetics Award’, NAACP ‘Woman of the the 21st century. age reading. entrepreneur, founded an orga- Year’ award, NYS Assembly Cita- “I believe in community ser- Some of her other contribu- nization for women called ‘Feel- tion, NYS Senate Proclamation, vice - giving back. Each of us has tions include community-build- ing Good’, that offers makeovers NAACP National ‘Thalheimer the responsibility to take our ing events such as health fairs, to women going through cancer Award’, United Federation of skills and talents and use them Get Out The Vote campaigns, treatment. Teachers, NYS NAACP ‘Effi e to prepare the next generation,” candidates forums and child- Her leadership has brought Gordon Award’, and many oth- she said. hood obesity workshops. her many accolades and hon- ers. Beverly volunteers as a board The NAACP’s annual Albany ors. Beverly received the NYS Beverly is the mother of one member or committee member Mobilization Legislative Day’s Senate ‘Women of Distinction son and has two grandchildren.
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2016 51 Congratulations Samantha Diliberti and all of tonights honorees “Congratulations, Samantha, on this very deserving award. Your efforts to get more New Yorkers civically engaged are setting the stage to shape a better New York for all. Thank you for going the extra mile in everything you do. We’re proud to have you on our team.” - James Quent, Partner
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52 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2016 BTR Congratulations To all of this year’s honorees of the Bronx Times 25 Bronx Infl uential Women
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Infl uential
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BTR 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN 2016 53 25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN MICHELLE A. SAJOUS Oversees activities that enhance Co-op ity’s quality of life ichell Sajous lives addition, discretionary money ministrator/fundraiser for sev- and works in the from Councilman Andy King eral other organizations before world’s largest co- and a donation this year from forming Sajous & Associates in op complex. 1996. She consulted for the Har- MAs the director of Community lem Directors Group, New York Relations for Riverbay Corpora- t Riverbay, Michelle AIDS Coalition, National Mi- tion she oversees relationships A nority AIDS Council, National with the local elected offi cials has expanded the Black Leadership Commission that represent Co-op City, and on AIDS, Offi ce of Community manages the use of the many original six events in Services and the Center for Dis- community spaces, including 2008 into over thirty, ease Control Prevention. Sa- the three auditoriums. jous & Associates maintained She has also initiated weekly In addition to those duties adding fi ve to six new and managed budgets up to $5 free outdoor concerts on Tues- she is also the director of the million; raised up to $10.2 mil- days and Wednesdays, Splash non-profi t Riverbay Fund, a job activities each year lion, designed direct mail cam- Day for the kids, sectional block that never ends. paigns and coordinated over parties, a community garden, The Riverbay Fund coordi- Prestige Properties, the owner 200 events. Black History and Hispanic nates and supplies funding for of Bay Plaza, supplemented the At Riverbay, she’s grown the Heritage celebrations, an Inter- all the events held around the available monies. The fund also original six events in 2008 into faith breakfast, egg hunts and a housing complex, she said. picks up a few dollars from the over thirty, adding fi ve to six haunted house during Hallow- “The Fund is in charge of all clothing collection bins scat- new activities each year. een. the fun stuff, from the annual tered throughout the property. Michelle served as the past In 2016 alone she hosted or 4th of July fi reworks to the nu- Michelle started as a grant ad- treasurer of the 45th Precinct co-hosted over 60 events at- merous greenway events,” said ministrator for the Bronx Coun- Community Council and con- tended by 25,000 people. Sajous. cil of the Arts after graduating tinues to plan the largest Na- In her spare time she is a Girl Each year the Riverbay Board from Tuffs University in 1984. tional Night Out in the Bronx, Scout leader to the Ambassadors allocates $135,000 to the fund. In She worked as a grant ad- that attracts over 2,000 folks. in Co-op City.
25 BRONX INFLUENTIAL WOMEN SANDY ELPHAND WOLSTEIN Devotes herself to the Bronx through charitable activities andy Wolstein has deep dent’s Gala Committee and was and forth to the weekly meet- Bronx roots. Even though chair of the club’s Centennial ings. It was during this period she resides a short dis- Gala Committee. The Rotary that Sandy was exposed to the tance away in New Ro- Club of the Bronx celebrated its club’s extensive generosity to Schelle, she has devoted herself those in need. to her birthplace through her Sandy has served on numer- Rotary Club of Bronx activities. Sandy was exposed ous boards including The Chil- Sandy is very busy with her dren’s Center @ SUNY Purchase Rotary duties. As the current to Rotary while driving and presently sits on the Bronx president she oversees the many her aged father-in-law, Advisory Board of VISIONS, a projects the fraternal organiza- not-for-profi t providing free tion undertakes each year. Dr. Arthur Wolstein, services for the blind and visu- She has recently been ap- ally impaired. pointed to serve as District Reg- a Rotarian icon, back She also volunteers her time istrar for the upcoming 2018- and forth to the weekly helping seniors by serving on 2019 term, after completing the Medicare Rights Commit- earlier terms in 2015-2016 and meetings. tee of the Westchester Library Property/Casualty, a Real Estate 2016-2017. Services. Salesperson license and Notary She is a Rotary Global Re- 100th anniversary a few weeks After teaching for many years, Public license. wards Chair 2016-2019 and is a ago. Sandy decided to enter the busi- She is the president of Medi- member of the District Foun- Her father-in-law, Dr. Arthur ness world. She earned her Bach- care 4U, a senior services con- dation Grants Committee since Wolstein, a Podiatrist with of- elor’s of Science degree at SUNY sulting fi rm, and Vice President 2016, in addition to her position fi ces in Parkchester and Co-op Purchase and her teaching cer- of Advanced Business Concepts, with the Bronx club as its Club City, and a Bronx’ Rotarian icon, tifi cate in Reading from the Col- a printing brokerage. Rotary Foundation Committee was instrumental in shaping her lege of New Rochelle. Sandy is the mother of a son, chairperson. respect for Rotary. As his health She holds a NYS brokers li- Scott, whose along with his wife Sandy is chair of the Presi- declined Sandy drove him back cense in Life, Accident, Health, is Vanessa have two children.
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