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Presenting sponsor Four Leaf Federal Credit Union team. Photo by Ramy Mahmoud<\/p>\n
They celebrated and talked about ways to face challenges, at Russo\u2019s on the Bay, amid a number of big projects in Queens, including huge airport revamps, Queens rail freight expansion, credit union expansion and a potential casino.<\/p>\n
They united at an unusual time, talking about how to help as the region faced impending cuts to SNAP benefits, a federal government shutdown and elections.\n<\/p>\n
A diverse group celebrated each other, diversity, community, their organizations, cooperation and the way leadership and organizations can work together to make a better borough.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event raised money for Zone 126 through a raffle and a silent auction.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are the Power List,\u201d said Schneps Media President Vicki Schneps, who has a long personal connection to Queens, where she has lived as she launched and grew her company. \u201cYou generate power. We\u2019ve got the A-team here.\u201d<\/p>\n
She called Queens \u201cthe most diverse place on planet earth\u201d with this evening as a chance for people of different backgrounds and businesses and causes to connect.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the ultimate networking event, your chance to meet people you wanted to meet. This is our chance to get to know each other and see how we can help each other,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019ve got to help each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
Some talked about their involvement in getting people to vote, such as Tanbir Chowdhury, president of They See Blue New York, a political action committee.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get South Asian voters, whether Democrat, independent or Republican, more actively involved,\u201d Chowdhury said. \u201cSo they have a stronger voice in government.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr. Anju J. Rupchandani is executive director of Zone 126, the beneficiary of a raffle at the event, focusing on supporting children in public housing and shelters, after-school programs, mental health, college and career readiness and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are going to be affected by the SNAP cuts,\u201d she said. \u201cWe\u2019re going to have to double our school pantry efforts.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
The event raised money for Zone 126 through a silent auction of things such as JetBlue flights, an autographed Karl-Anthony Towns jersey, Larry Byrd\/Magic Johnson and Taylor Swift autographed photographs.<\/p>\n
Role models and results<\/p>\n
While winners focused on their organizations, many also talked about generations that went before.\n<\/p>\n
Tunisia Morrison, co-founder of nonprofit Voyce Inc., a youth group that also does a large Juneteenth festival, cited her grandmother as a role model for creating an early private school in New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s my grandfather,\u201d Ira Goldstein, executive director of the Black Car Funds, added. \u201cHe put a lot of faith in me growing up. Unfortunately, he wasn\u2019t around to see where I got to with my career.\u201d The integrity he had, his loving nature and how important family was to him.\u201d<\/p>\n
Others talked about generations, with less education, working hard, but laying the groundwork and ethics for future success.\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cMost people saw her as the fruit and vegetable lady,\u201d Dr. Rupchandani said of her grandmother. \u201cShe was an entrepreneur.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Connection and community were also themes for the event that was the backdrop as Schneps launched Schneps Connects Breakfasts, a series of morning networking events with a discussion with a successful business leader. \u201cThese are intimate networking breakfasts. Our first is on November 12 at the Garden City Hotel with Jim McCann, founder of 1-800 Flowers as our inaugural guest,\u201d Elizabeth Schneps Aloni, SVP NYC Community Media and Events at Schneps Media, said. \u201cMcCann will talk about scaling a business and implementing AI strategically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banking on Queens<\/p>\n
As banks continued to expand to serve Queens, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union Central Islip Branch Manager Ellie Gomez, Latin Impact winner, talked about the importance of the borough\u2019s Hispanic population.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love working with the Hispanic community, educating them in finance, especially coming from a Hispanic family,\u201d Gomez said. \u201cWe\u2019ve been opening more branches in Queens.\u201d<\/p>\n
FourLeaf just opened in Bayside, after opening in Sunnyside, as it grows its presence in the borough, including a big Hispanic population.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a credit union branch means a lot of potential member base in the Hispanic community,\u201d she said. \u201cResidents and small business owners.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Flights of fancy<\/p>\n
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Deputy Chief of Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Hersh Parekh, said the PA has been particularly active in Queens.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a recognition of the fact of what we have been doing,\u201d he said of his presence on the list. \u201cWe have been committed to giving back to the larger Queens community, making sure that work I do can elevate my neighbors and community.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said in addition to rebuilding JFK and LaGuardia, they are trying to \u201ccreate opportunities and benefits for those who live, work and go to school around us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been able to create incredible workforce development programs, business capacity programs, educational programs that really have helped a wide swathe of people,\u201d Parekh said.<\/p>\n
They completed the new LaGuardia airport, are in the midst of rebuilding JFK and are going to be doing more major projects in Manhattan.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s spectacular,\u201d Suzette Noble, CEO of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, redeveloper of LaGuardia Terminal B, said. \u201cIt\u2019s pretty much done.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Akshar Patel, JFK International Redevelopment Program\u2019s co-manager of external affairs and community outreach, said the $20 billion revamp is meant to be done in conjunction with the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe try to give back to the community through a community benefits agreement,\u201d Patel said of two new terminals slated to open next year, with additional work slated to finish in 2028. \u201cWe want to not just redevelop, but redevelop as good neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Port Authority is continuing to revamp the city\u2019s transportation infrastructure with the ort Authority bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan next.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just started construction a few months ago. That is our next big project,\u201d Parekh said of the bus terminal. \u201cWe\u2019re really ensuring these projects are done in a way that improves the customer experience, benefits the users of these facilities and brings opportunities to the local community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Betting on Queens<\/p>\n
Resorts World New York City Senior Vice President of Community Development and Public Affairs Michelle Stoddart spoke after their casino won approval from its local community advisory council.<\/p>\n
Two other projects, including Hard Rock at Citifield and Bally\u2019s at Whitestone Bridge, made it through that process. Up to three casinos can be selected as the siting panel recommends to the New York State Gaming Commission.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in the running,\u201d Stoddard said. \u201cWe hope to be successful. . It would be an expansion of the property that we have.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
She said approval would allow them at the site of the former Aqueduct Racetrack to hire over 4,000 additional staff as they expand their gaming facilities and a Hyatt Regency hotel at JFK from 400 rooms to 2,000, while adding more than 30 restaurants and an arena holding 7,500 people.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was an advantage of the selection years ago,\u201d she said of its ability to handle traffic. \u201cThe space is already earmarked for gaming.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Health care\u00a0<\/p>\n
Queens has a wide range of healthcare providers. Honoree Dr. Cameron Hernandez, Mt. Sinai Queens President and Chief Operating Officer, grew up in Southern California. He gradually mixed medicine and management, providing access to nearly 500 physicians representing close to 40 medical and surgical specialties and subspecialties<\/p>\n
And more care is coming to the borough. Bruce Planz, president and CEO of MediSys Health Network, talked about a huge healthcare project in the works.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working on bringing world-class cancer services to the people of Queens,\u201d Planz said. \u201cWe\u2019re partnering with Memorial Sloan Kettering with a $188 million grant from the governor. We\u2019re going to be developing a comprehensive cancer center right here in Queens.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re a state formed not for profit,\u201d Goldstein said. \u201cWe provide workers compensation and a whole other bunch of benefits for independent drivers who ordinarily wouldn\u2019t have those benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carlos Morena, founder and managing principal at PLUS Accounting Services, with offices in New York City and India, specializes in nonprofits. \u201cNonprofits for me are not just my business,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re my passion. It\u2019s not just the mission. It\u2019s the spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Freight is great\n<\/p>\n
If airports are finding their future, rail is also amid a revolution, but not only for passengers. New York & Atlantic Railway President Marlon Taylor said his company is seeking to make more people aware of the growing presence and benefit of rail freight.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest issue is letting people know that a freight railroad does exist in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island,\u201d Taylor said. \u201cWe\u2019re bringing to market a lot of construction materials, food-grade products, and taking out a lot of scrap materials.\u201d<\/p>\n
They formed in 1997 when the Long Island Rail Road and MTA wanted to bifurcate freight and passenger service, focusing on passenger. New York & Atlantic Railway has since grown its freight business from 10,000 cars a year to about 30,000, carrying new products and taking some from trucks to trains that pollute less and don\u2019t clog the roads.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about those named to the Queens Power List presented by Four Leaf Federal Credit Union at QueensPowerList.com\n<\/p>\n
\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
2025 Queens Power List:<\/p>\n
Elizabeth Bian, Manager, Community & Public Affairs, LiveOnNY\n<\/p>\n
Stacy Bliagos, Esq., Executive Director, HANAC, Inc.\n<\/p>\n
Tanbir Chowdhury, President, They See Blue New York ICON\n<\/p>\n
Sylvia Cothia, President\/Founder, Positive Women United ICON\n<\/p>\n
Beth Covelli, LCSW-R, Executive Director, New York Counseling for Change, LLC; Queens Counseling for Change, LCSW, LLP\n<\/p>\n
Robert J. DeSalvio, President, Genting America\u2019s East ICON\n<\/p>\n
Yvette Dennis, Executive Vice President of Program Management, Crescent Consulting ICON\n<\/p>\n
Kevin Donohue, Environment, Health & Safety Manager, Alstom\n<\/p>\n
Saeeda Dunston, Chief Executive Officer, Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities\n<\/p>\n
Monique Edwards, Interim Director, Alstom ICON\n<\/p>\n
Sylvia Fairclough-Leslie, Founding Member\/Principal, Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School\n<\/p>\n
Bruce Flanz, President and CEO, MediSys Health Network ICON\n<\/p>\n
Vanessa Freeman, Mistress of Ceremonies, PIX11\n<\/p>\n
Ellie Gomez, Branch Manager of the Central Islip Branch, FourLeaf Federal Credit Union LATIN IMPACT AWARD\n<\/p>\n
Ira Goldstein, Executive Director, The Black Car Fund ICON\n<\/p>\n
Mikal Haddad, Managing Director\/Partner, Oxford Harriman & Co.\/Haddad & Co. ICON\n<\/p>\n
Christopher Herman, Head of School, Garden School\n<\/p>\n
Cameron R. Hernandez, MD, FACHE, President & Chief Operating Officer, Mount Sinai Queens\n<\/p>\n
Jose Iglesias, Facilities Manager, Alstom LATIN IMPACT AWARD\n<\/p>\n
Sasskia Jara, Manager of Procurement & Purchasing, MetroPlusHealth LATIN IMPACT AWARD\n<\/p>\n
Leonard Jacobs, Executive Director, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning\n<\/p>\n
Rosemary Lopez, Executive Director, AIDS Center of Queens County LATIN IMPACT AWARD\n<\/p>\n
Christine Mangino, President, Queensborough Community College, CUNY ICON\n<\/p>\n
Tunisia Morrison, Co-Founder, VOYCE, Inc. ICON\n<\/p>\n
Tariqua J. Morrison-Mensah, Esq., Deputy General Counsel and Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Queens Borough President\n<\/p>\n
Akira Nesfield, Associate Project Director, R. F. Wilkins Consultants, Inc. ICON\n<\/p>\n
Suzette Noble, Chief Executive Officer, LaGuardia Gateway Partners ICON\n<\/p>\n
Carlos Norena, Founder and Managing Principal, PLUS Accounting Services\n<\/p>\n
Tamar E. Ogburn, Community Relations Manager, Healthfirst ICON\n<\/p>\n
Patricia Ornst, Managing Director, New York State and Local Government Affairs for Delta Air Lines\n<\/p>\n
Angela Pennyfeather, Chief Operating Officer, Empire Security & Protection POWER COUPLE\n<\/p>\n
JP Pennyfeather, Founder and CEO, Empire Security & Protection POWER COUPLE\n<\/p>\n
Jean Woods Powell, Principal, Information Technology High School\n<\/p>\n
Donovan Richards, Borough President of Queens ICON\n<\/p>\n
Tyquana Rivers, President, Connective Strategies ICON\n<\/p>\n
Justin K. Rodgers, President & CEO, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation ICON\n<\/p>\n
Steven C. Rowland, Executive Director, Terminal One Group Association\n<\/p>\n
Anju J. Rupchandani, Executive Director, Zone 126 ICON\n<\/p>\n
Kelly Sexton, Political Director, IUOE Local 30 ICON\n<\/p>\n
Michelle Stoddart, Senior Vice President of Community Development and Public Affairs, Resorts World New York City ICON\n<\/p>\n
Marlon Taylor, President, New York & Atlantic Railway ICON\n<\/p>\n
Vernon M. Taylor, Director of People Operations, JFK International Air Terminal ICON\n<\/p>\n
David P. Tanis, Vice President, Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates\n<\/p>\n
Josue Vicente, Operations Center Supervisor, Alstom LATIN IMPACT AWARD\n<\/p>\n
Jamal Wilkerson, Manager of Communications & Public Affairs, New York Transco\n<\/p>\n
Frank Wu, President, Queens College ICON\n<\/p>\n
Jean Woods Powell, Principal, Information Technology High School\n<\/p>\n
Jameela Yusuff, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Episcopal Health Services<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Queens had a big night. More than 400 united under one roof to celebrate those named to this…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24378,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[9,24,63,122,124,123,15717,5221],"class_list":["post-24377","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-queens","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc","tag-queens","tag-queens-headlines","tag-queens-news","tag-queens-power-list","tag-schneps-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24377","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24377"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24377\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24378"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24377"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24377"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24377"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}