STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are photos from the Staten Island Business Outreach Center’s event, the 2025 Empowerment Breakfast on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Held at LiGreci’s Staaten, West Brighton, the event brought together community members, business owners, and partners for a morning of celebration, networking, and inspiration.
This year’s event recognized outstanding community leaders whose contributions continue to strengthen Staten Island through service, leadership, and entrepreneurial excellence, inspiring others through their leadership and service.
For their contributions to the community, the organization honored this year’s recipients: Robert Fitzsimmons, Jr. and Laura Volsario of Gateway Arms Realty Corp, Shawn Stradford of Stradford Funeral Home, Hala Maroc of Build a Dream Incubator, and Stephen Molloy of Molloy Electric.
Pictured are Dr. Janet Leslie, Barnie Keller, Yonne Stradford, Hala Maroc, Elaine Messi,Kim Avilez, Shawn Stradford. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
“Each of our honorees and sponsors truly reflect the mission and values of SIBOC—to uplift, empower, and grow our local business community,” said Nina Flores, Executive Director of SIBOC.
“We are proud to celebrate these leaders who continue to invest in Staten Island’s success and create meaningful opportunities for our neighbors,” she added
The community leaders were lauded for their significant impact through their dedication, community advocacy, and support of small businesses.
The success of the 2025 Empowerment Breakfast was made possible by the generous support of SIBOC’s sponsors, including Lead Sponsor Valley Bank, Networking Sponsor Rucci Oil, Community Sponsors Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, Bridge Preparatory Charter School.
Also: Tekie Geek, Gateway Arms Realty, Molloy Electric, and Forest Avenue BID, Friend Sponsors Snappy Solutions, Wicked Stitches, Stop & Stor, and CMB Group NY, and Event Décor Sponsor Craft Chic Boutique.
Pictured are Valley Bank sponsors: Rita Pirrone, left, Gail Castellano, and Narmada Tissera. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
ABOUT SIBOC
SIBOC remains dedicated to supporting Staten Island’s entrepreneurs and business community and looks forward to hosting future events that highlight local leadership, economic development, and community impact.
The Staten Island Business Outreach Center provides technical assistance, business training, support services, and advocacy for local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, fostering sustainable economic development across Staten Island.
Scroll below for a glimpse into the networking event.
To be considered for future installments of this column, please send high-resolution photos with a brief description of the event and names of everyone pictured to gsantos@siadvance.com.
Ayesha Rivera, Teresa Cirelli, Maureen Higgins. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
SIBOC Empowerment 2025: From left, Frank Wilkinson, Elaine Messi, Hala Maroc, Kim Avilez. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)
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SIBOC Empowerment 2025: From left, Tony Fiore, Stephen Molloy, Narmada Tissera. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
SIBOC Empowerment 2025: From left, David Braisted, Esq., Carole Kokell, and Delia Awus. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
From left: Rosanna Gottlieb, Gabriela Velazquez, Nina Flores, Delia Awusi, Linda Rodriguez.
(Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
Honoree Shawn Stradford is pictured with his family at the awards breakfast. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
Honoree Shawn Stradford is flanked by Teresa Cirelli, left, and Nina Flores. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
Staten Island Business Outreach Center staff and members of the board of directors pose for a photo: From left to right: Gabby Velasquez, Rosanna Gottlieb, Linda Rodriguez, Rachael Fundaro, Narmada Tissera, Nina Flores, Teresa Cirelli, Laura Volsario, Karalyn Buono, Tim Castanza, and Joseph Cuozzo. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
Tiresea Cirelli, far left, and Nina Flores, far right, flank honorees: Stephen Molloy of Molloy Electric; Hala Maroc of Build a Dream Incubator; Laura Volsario and Robert Fitzsimmons, Jr., of Gateway Arms Realty Corp; Shawn Stradford of Stradford Funeral Home.
(Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC
Stephen Malloy is flanked by Teresa Cirelli, left, and Nina Flores. (Courtesy Catilin Spinelli/CSPINPHOTOGRAPHY)SIBOC