Publisher's Section
The 2023 Responsible 100
A selection of selfless New Yorkers serving the common good.
City & State presents the 2023 Responsible 100. Submitted; Jeremy Rich Morris; Alphonse Telymonde
A former city government official who’s still tackling the desperate need for more affordable housing. A financial executive who’s focused on uplifting underserved neighborhoods and at the same time combating climate change. A high-powered attorney who spends hours outside of work advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities.
These selfless leaders are among the countless New Yorkers who are quietly toiling to create a better world for others, and each year City & State identifies 100 of these leaders whose efforts merit a moment of well-deserved recognition. As the year comes to a close and we reflect on what’s most important in life, we put a spotlight on a select group of individuals who exemplify what it means to be socially responsible.
Hundreds of honorees were nominated by family, friends and colleagues for this list. For those selected, we posed a few questions: What is your job and why do you enjoy your work? What does social responsibility mean to you – and how do you achieve it in your work? What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? We excerpted portions of the responses, edited for length and style, to paint a portrait of each honoree, in their own words.
This year’s Responsible 100 – who will be honored at a midday reception in Manhattan on Dec. 14 – is truly inspiring. We’re pleased to introduce the outstanding individuals of the 2023 Responsible 100.
Ronald Rosado Abad
Job description
Chief executive officer of CHI, a nonprofit that provides housing and services to thousands of families and individuals in the New York region. I believe safe and affordable housing is a fundamental need and right for all. I am passionate and blessed to lead an organization whose vision is to break the cycle of poverty by ensuring that all families and individuals live in quality housing, have a home of their own and a job to support them.
Defining social responsibility
Personal and collective responsibility to make decisions and actions that not only benefit yourself or your organization but the community or society as well.
Best advice
1. Thank and praise God every day.
2. Work hard and give everything you do your best.
3. Serve and help others.
Jake Adler
Job description
In my role at LinkNYC, I oversee PR and communications campaigns in partnership with a diverse array of local government agencies, community-led organizations, labor unions, nonprofits, business improvement districts and others. One of the greatest joys of my work is collaborating with New Yorkers from every walk of life to democratize the LinkNYC platform – to provide my neighbors with an exciting 21st century avenue to amplify their voices, directly engage their communities, and cultivate a more interconnected, supportive, and informed city.
Defining social responsibility
Too many of our neighbors face systemic barriers to broadband access, health care, nutrition, housing, education, employment and more. At LinkNYC, I work closely with compassionate, talented colleagues to forge meaningful relationships with small business owners, nonprofit executives, community and union leaders, elected officials, and government representatives. Together, we proactively identify how and when we can leverage LinkNYC’s resources and expertise – including our network of 2,100-plus Links – to amplify and accelerate local businesses, organizations and programs that drive equity, resilience and sustainability across the five boroughs. It takes a village – or in our case, a sprawling metropolis.
Best advice
Slow is fast. As a professional who cut my teeth working on crisis communications in City Hall, I’m accustomed to feeling like everything should have been completed yesterday; that each project could make the difference for a fellow New Yorker in need of health care or a safe place to sleep. Communications teams citywide endure a tremendous amount of pressure to meet deadlines with the shortest of runways. Whenever I remind myself to slow down – to look away from something I've written for even ten minutes and then return to it – I always produce something more impactful.
Adam Akmal-Gonzalez
Job description
The majority of my day to day is focused on advocating for small, diverse IT businesses who are looking to partner with CDW. I help serve our customers in the city, state, higher education, health care and commercial segments who have commitments to working with underserved and underrepresented communities in the IT space. What I enjoy most about my work is having the ability to make a difference for the hundreds of businesses struggling to compete in the market. A single opportunity to partner with CDW, and all the organizational resources we offer, can be life-changing for the families and employees at a small, diverse-owned company. That is what drives me to continue to hold our program up to the highest standards and provide mentorship to small businesses eager to succeed.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the desire to be the change you want to see in the world. As an individual, it’s recognizing that each of us plays a part of a larger whole. It’s taking deliberate action to address inequities that crop up both intentionally, or as a byproduct of systemic barriers. By aligning our diverse supplier network with our customer needs, I am offering a path of upward social mobility to businesses and their employees who are made up of my neighbors and citizens within my own community, and in communities like mine.
Best advice
“Be a helper” is a mantra that our global director of business diversity, Kristin Malek, has lived and breathed in her personal life and through her leadership at CDW. This simple phrase resonates within me when I approach my work – and has even trickled into my personal life. We are often in tunnel vision, particularly during challenging moments, and often lose sight of what is at stake in the bigger picture. Centering on the idea that I have the capacity to help to the best of my ability in any given situation reorients and reframes how to overcome adversity with integrity and positivity.
Dwayne Andrews
Job description
As our firm’s chief legal officer, I wear several hats – chief compliance officer, chief operating officer and head of human resources. I am also responsible for ensuring that our clients in the education sector receive the top-notch service they deserve. I enjoy my work because our firm is like a big family, and we approach the work that we do on behalf of our clients with a family mindset. Helping our education clients achieve their regulatory and legislative goals to better serve their students also brings me tremendous joy, as a well-rounded education is key to a successful future.
Defining social responsibility
Each of us has a responsibility to care for each other and set an example for future generations. As a senior executive for one of the largest, if not the largest, African American-owned government relations firms in the state, I approach each day with the understanding that aside from handling my day-to-day duties, I have a moral imperative to serve as a mentor to younger colleagues who are seeking to be successful in the government relations or legal fields. I wouldn't have made it without those that mentored me, now it’s my turn to pay it forward.
Best advice
Work hard. Play hard. Live each day as if it were your last.
Roger G. Arrieux Jr.
Job description
As managing partner of Deloitte’s New York City offices, Deloitte’s U.S. headquarters and largest office, and the East Region Marketplace leader, I drive client and business growth and build relationships with community organizations and business and civic leaders. I have more than three decades of professional services experience with alternative investment vehicles. At this point in my career, I derive tremendous satisfaction from my work to develop talent, serve clients, lead corporate citizenship strategy and to create and model a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture. Shaping a better future for others is the ultimate impact that matters.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility entails a personal investment in our community. We create a sense of community by making each other feel supported, ensuring that we all share a sense of belonging and connection. I work to extend that sense of community throughout our local offices and beyond, and do so by supporting the culture and systems to empower everyone to thrive and reach their full potential. This includes elevating voices and building leadership pathways. My work goes beyond our office walls; it begins with supporting academic acceleration for underresourced youth right through to helping organizations cast a wider net for board roles.
Best advice
The best advice that I’ve received came as I was making a lifelong career decision; it was realistic advice about making a thoughtful choice that would stand the test of time.
What I would share from that is to ensure that you have a solid foundation with skills such as problem solving, excellent communication and a continued zeal for learning. And some bonus advice I would add: Realize the value of networking and collaborating. Seek out ways to team with others; don't hesitate to help others. We go much further together than we do alone.
Mark Bini
Job description
By day, I’m a partner at Reed Smith LLP, specializing in white-collar and criminal matters. It is a privilege to seek to help individuals and corporations in some of their most difficult times. By night, I serve on the board of directors for AHRC-NYC, an advocacy and provider organization for neurodiverse individuals like my brother Michael. AHRC-NYC is an amazing organization that helps give developmentally disabled and other neurodiverse individuals the chance to live their lives to their fullest.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility to me means getting your hands dirty making your community a better place. It’s fantastic to donate your money to the causes in which you believe. But it’s even better, and more fulfilling, to devote your time and efforts to contribute to those causes.
Best advice
I clerked for a fantastic judge at the beginning of my legal career, the late Judge Peter K. Leisure. He said the key to being a great trial lawyer was preparation. I think his advice applies to all endeavors.
Rida Bint Fozi
Job description
As the president of The TASC Group, I lead a team of PR professionals and shape high-level PR campaigns for major nonprofits and social advocacy client strategies. I enjoy working alongside our exceptional team, drawing inspiration from their innovative thinking, and I’m moved by the impactful work that our clients undertake each day.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility involves leveraging my influence to drive positive change, promote ethical business practices, support young people in the PR space and amplify perspectives that normally go unheard. Over 15 years in PR, and a decade with The TASC Group, I’ve been lucky enough to counsel numerous social movements, nonprofits and thought leaders. Through it all, our team at The TASC Group has always prioritized representation, human-centered storytelling and DEI in every aspect of our work.
Best advice
Embrace a learning mindset. A learning mindset is the prerequisite to adaptability, and adaptability is the foundation to success in most industries, especially PR. Recognize that new skills take time to develop and ultimately, doing your best in every situation is what matters most. Additionally, I’d say focus on your team. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution, and different processes work for different people. Whether you’re leading, supporting or supervising a team, recognize peoples’ different strengths and meet them where they are to address areas for growth.
Stacy Bliagos
Job description
As HANAC’s executive director, I oversee all of HANAC’s operations. HANAC’s work is multifaceted, so I work with community partners, government officials and housing developers, among others. HANAC’s staff and I work tirelessly to identify community needs, develop new programs, coordinate property development and management, and find the necessary funding to keep that invaluable work going. I enjoy this work because I can see the difference that HANAC makes, especially for the older adults in our community. My favorite days are the ones where I find time to visit our older adult centers or youth programs, say hello, and see our work up close.
Defining social responsibility
Everyone has a social responsibility to their community, a duty to support those around us who are in need. Whether talking about new immigrants pursuing a new life, young adults building their careers or older adults whose personal histories built the communities around them, HANAC finds unique ways to support each group. This type of community support is especially important when residents are entering the senior stage in life. Embracing social responsibility and caring for people you don’t know, and may never meet, also builds foundations for a better world for yourself and your loved ones too.
Best advice
First and foremost, work hard and stay optimistic. When people take a chance on you, work extra hard to make them proud. Your intention rules your life, so enter all situations with the best of intentions, people notice authenticity. Lastly, be kind.
Kathy Boockvar
Job description
I advise and collaborate with organizations, government officials and other stakeholders to strengthen election security and democracy, and amplify understanding and civil discourse about elections in the United States. I am dedicated to ensuring that every eligible voter can securely cast their ballot and have confidence that it will be accurately counted. I am also passionately committed to supporting and protecting election officials, who are the guardians of our democracy and work tirelessly to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a drive to continually improve and support the world that we live in, and the people who live in our communities. I feel very fortunate to have always had the opportunity to work in positions where I felt good about the positive impact I could have on our community. Every day, I get to work to provide support and resources to election workers and voters, to strengthen our democracy for all of us.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was that we should be both aspirational and practical – it is important to shoot for the stars, but only if we also identify concrete plans on how to get there. I apply this all the time in my work on election security. We can have ambitious ideas and goals, but if we don’t allocate the funds necessary, or don’t have the staff to fulfill them, the space to operate or the time or resources to train and implement, we can never achieve those goals.
David Bronston
Job description
I co-lead the team that works on all types of transactions involving “digital infrastructure,” i.e. antennas, fiber optic cable and data centers. The results of our work are very tangible. I’ve helped many clients in deals involving placing telecom facilities, including antennas on New York City light poles, fiber in the public rights of way for subway connectivity and similar authorizations across the country. It’s actually fun to be able to look at spray paint on a city sidewalk and know that “ECS” means Empire City Subway. It’s fun to walk onto a subway platform and recognize the fiber attaching to the small cell nodes is cable I helped bring there. It’s rewarding to drive around the city and see facilities on buildings (and the fiber in the buildings) as an installation that I worked on.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is extremely important to me. I serve on the boards of three environmental organizations, all focused on some aspect of the New York state environment. I am a trustee of a small foundation that provides grants to (mostly) local arts groups. I am pro bono counsel to the Historic House Trust of New York City, a small but amazingly effective team that is preserving important properties from New York City’s diverse history. I serve (or have served) in leadership positions for several professional and trade organizations. I find all my “extracurricular” service extremely rewarding and worthwhile. I like to think the organizations I work with find it valuable as well.
Best advice
I once read that one of FDNY Chief William Feehan’s favorite aphorisms was: “If you’re the can man, be the can man.” It means do your job, handle the task assigned to you with all that job entails. The can man brings the water can into the fire and is a relatively low-level job. I later learned that Feehan was a legendary leader at the FDNY who died in service on 9/11, doing his job.
Denise Brown-Allen
Job description
I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the TEAK Fellowship and for ensuring our programming supports our students and fulfills our mission and strategic objectives. We meet our bright, motivated students as sixth graders and assist them through middle school, high school, college and as they launch their careers. Every day I have the opportunity to learn something new, work with a talented staff and faculty who are passionate about education equity, and partner with families, schools and donors who understand access to an excellent education is a game changer in a young person’s life.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means living a life that reflects the belief that every human being is your kin and your success is connected to the success of others. At TEAK, we provide students educational and cultural enrichment opportunities as well as the academic and social emotional support to be successful graduates who live productive, prosperous lives and embody our core values of scholarship, leadership, fellowship and good citizenship.
Best advice
You don’t have to be good at everything. Just be the best you can be.
Thanh Bui
Job description
Leading and supporting staff so that they can lead impactful youth programs throughout the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. I get to work with an excellent team of staff who are so passionate about their communities and the kids they serve. It’s so amazing to see the personal and professional growth that staff goes through over the years at Grand St. Settlement. And of course, seeing the impact GSS programs have on the youths and their families. We have former participants who are back working with us because they want to create impact in their communities. We see young people who we worked with and who are now college graduates and successful in their careers.
Defining social responsibility
I like to see myself as an active agent of my community. I am a first-generation college graduate, and I am blessed to live and work in the same area throughout my professional career. I get to contribute to community change both through work as well as personal. This past year, I joined Community Board 3 to make a deeper impact in my community.
Best advice
Just do it. Oftentimes, we are in our heads with self doubts and indecisiveness and what it comes down to is – just do it. You never lose when you take on that job or ask that burning question. What you gain is always more (than) what you knew before.
Chantel Burnash
Job description
Whether it’s managing schedules, coordinating events or handling projects, I find fulfillment working behind the scenes to ensure the efficiency of our operations. I thrive on organization and giving attention to the details. I am so grateful for the variety of opportunities I have been given at our firm and am proud of the crucial role I play in maintaining the smooth operations at Ostroff Associates.
Defining social responsibility
I believe in giving back to the community. This could be through volunteering time, charitable contributions or aligning with organizations dedicated to causes that I have a connection with. It’s about being an active and responsible member of the larger societal fabric. I am thankful to work for an organization that values and actively participates in community involvement. It not only aligns personal values with professional endeavors but also creates an impactful collective effort.
Best advice
You have to do much more than believe if you want to see the world change. Let’s not just believe in change, let’s actively pursue it. Whether through small everyday actions or larger initiatives, we have the power to shape the world around us. Every small action ripples out, creating a collective impact that can transform the world.
Susan Burns
Job description
I have the joy of ensuring that we serve and lead with our students and mission in mind. In partnership with the Board of Trustees and colleagues, I set the path for strategic opportunities and success. Ultimately, I enjoy seeing our learners benefit from the transformational effect of higher education. I find joy in spending time with students and colleagues – supporting their work – and enthusiastically sharing with others how Mount Saint Vincent excels at meeting learners when, where and how they need us while keeping our excellent education affordable and accessible.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility calls for a commitment to the common good – that which benefits all. I am fortunate to lead an institution that, by our mission and values, prioritizes social responsibility through commitment to our common humanity, human dignity and obligations to each other while holistically educating and serving a diverse population of learners. We achieve this commitment through the programs offered, policies set, procedures employed and decisions made on a daily basis. Our commitment is achieved through our meaningful partnerships and service within and beyond our community in Riverdale, the Bronx, throughout New York City, Westchester County and beyond.
Best advice
I have been blessed with incredible personal and professional mentors throughout my life and career who have offered meaningful advice and guidance. The advice that has best served me throughout my career and life is to “be authentically yourself.” By being authentically myself, I am able to bring passion and compassion to my work and interactions with others. Authenticity also allows me to see and support others in the way that I would hope others see who I am and aspire to be.
Elyse Buxbaum
Job description
I ensure the day-to-day operations of the Museum of Jewish Heritage run smoothly, enhancing the institution’s status as New York’s Holocaust museum, the third largest in the world. It is this strategic planning, administration and ambitious fundraising that allows the museum to embark on new initiatives. Professionally, I have always sought out mission-driven organizations where I can make a difference. And now, given this moment in time, my work is particularly vital as we see the past become the present. I proudly help fight antisemitism by educating the next generation.
Defining social responsibility
Thinking beyond ourselves and making an impact on society at large. I wholeheartedly believe that as parents, community members and New Yorkers we must do all we can to make our world a better place – for today and the future. The work that I, my dedicated board and colleagues do at the museum is rooted in the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, to repair and improve the world. By educating about the past, we can ensure a hopeful future. This is what drives me every day.
Best advice
Make a decision and move forward. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand gave me this advice about wedding planning, and it quickly translated to my professional life. Don’t overanalyze. I trust the talented people around me, review the data and rely on my instincts.
Al Cardillo
Job description
I’m the president of HCA, a statewide association of home and community-based health care organizations (including home health, hospice, health plans, consumer directed services and allied supports) serving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers. Our mission is to promote the quality and accessibility of health care and support at home. HCA provides extensive assistance, education and advocacy support to providers and health plans for the delivery, management and innovation of in-home services. Home and community are the settings where life is most lived and health most experienced. HCA and HCA organizations are the heart of where home health is provided.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is living and taking action toward individual, fellow and societal goals that include: the fundamental belief in, and actions affirming, the value and lives of fellow human beings, with consideration of one another as unique individuals and in each’s life context (health, social, environmental); a functioning society upholding these values and rights to life, liberty, justice, the pursuit of happiness and other unalienable rights; committing to mutual respect, aid of individuals in need and applying one’s gifts, skills, time, efforts, comfort and other supports for the well-being of all.
Best advice
Vince Lombardi: “I believe in God, and I believe in human decency. But I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour … is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”
Charles Dickens (from “A Christmas Carol”): “Business? … The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were all my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”
Turn! Turn! Turn! (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)
As recorded by The Byrds: “Love one another.”
Louise Carroll
Job description
I advise developers on regulation and policy and affordable housing finance. There are many housing programs, and as a result, many complex rules and regulations need to be harmonized to get housing built. The combination of helping to provide a home for those who need it most and the challenge of puzzling through the rules and regulations with the best and the brightest in the city to get it done is engaging and fun.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means to act in a way that benefits one’s community in general and the world at large or at least act in ways that do not cause harm to one’s community or the world at large so that one’s actions helps create an environment where others can thrive. To build housing requires many stakeholders with many interests. My job is to help reconcile this interest so that all parties benefit and are protected before, during and after the transaction including the developer, the resident, the community and the city and state.
Best advice
I’m sure I’ve been given a lot of good advice, but what sticks now is to avoid presumption, as it prevents one from hearing and seeing others clearly. By listening and looking at people and things with curiosity and an open mind, one is able to take in the right information and react appropriately.
Preetha Chakrabarti
Job description
I love creative, interdisciplinary problem-solving, and that’s what my job allows me to do. As a member of Crowell & Moring’s Intellectual Property Department, a co-leader of the firm’s ESG Advisory Group and a co-leader of the firm’s Metaverse working group, I seek to offer holistic and integrated counsel to our clients, and my law practice cuts across all areas of intellectual property. Basically, I advise clients on how best to manage risks when using and developing and promoting intellectual property – what could be more fun? I also have a deep pro bono practice, including cases involving appellate, immigration, family and employment law, as well as IP counseling for nonprofit entities. It’s an honor to use my legal skills to help those who could not afford legal representation otherwise.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility means using my skills, talents and access to help those around me.
Best advice
Careers are long, but life is short.
Reputation, reputation, reputation.
Don’t follow a narrative – create one as you look back.
Rosy Chhabra
Job description
I lead the largest hospital-sponsored school health program in the country that provides comprehensive medical, dental, mental health, vision and community-based services to students and their families in about 100 elementary, middle and high schools throughout the Bronx, with a catchment population of more than 38,000 children and adolescents. This work is rewarding as we get to see the positive impact of our work on a daily basis. Providing health care to children on demand encourages trust building in the health system and increases health literacy in the new generation as they become stewards of their health.
Defining social responsibility
To me, it means to be a part of and contribute individually and organizationally in a meaningful sustainable way to the community. As part of the bigger health system, our school-based health program has a true commitment to creating access to high-quality comprehensive health care for children in public schools in the Bronx community. We are accountable to the community and serve our children and families in an environmentally justified way.
Best advice
All good thoughts and ideas mean nothing without action.
Anthony Crowell
Job description
I oversee an institution with a storied 132-year legacy of delivering lawyers and leaders into the key sectors of New York’s economy. Working hand in hand with our extraordinary faculty, board and staff, we have created an accountable, innovative and intellectually stimulating environment where our students are prepared for their responsibilities as lawyers in a historic and transformative time for our nation and society. In my 12th year as dean, I have been proud of how NYLS serves as an engine of social mobility, and the immensely positive impact our graduates have in making our society more just and fair.
Defining social responsibility
Inspiring a third of graduates each year to enter public service and public interest careers drives social responsibility. In 2015, the Joe Plumeri Center for Social Justice and Economic Opportunity was established and houses two dozen clinics enabling students to make a direct impact, including by helping immigrants and small businesses and seeking justice for historically disadvantaged communities. The work of our faculty, and our diverse array of centers and institutes, centers on driving discussions on key issues facing New York, the nation and the globe, and partnering with all levels of government.
Best advice
Do the most and best you can in the time you have.
Christina Daigneault
Job description
I am the executive director at F.Y. Eye, a nonprofit working at the intersection of information access, media and design to amplify essential community messages. In my role, I have the privilege of helping fellow nonprofits get their vital messages into the public square via our fast-growing PSA Network (the only free advertising network for nonprofits) and bespoke advertising campaigns. The work we do is not just about building awareness, it’s about amplifying silenced voices and driving action. I enjoy my job because of the positive impact we make across New York and how we are reshaping media for good.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility, to me, means doing your part to improve society. It is about being part of a solution and thinking about the welfare of the entire community, especially those who are underserved. At F.Y. Eye, social responsibility drives every aspect of our mission. It is the force behind our innovative PSA Network showcasing nonprofit PSAs so organizations with vital services and programs can reach the people who need them most. Social responsibility is also a core principle embedded in our Nonprofit Co-Lab, Impact Artist Network, and Creative, Strategy, and Media Planning – all designed to help democratize advertising.
Best advice
Always speak from a place of kindness and dedicate your career to the work you love.
Samara Daly
Job description
My job entails providing government and community relations to our diverse range of clients ranging from affordable housing developers to cultural and educational clients. My work includes ongoing advocacy and lobbying to support funding, public-private partnerships and community engagement to help our clients realize their projects and programs. This work ranges from rezoning and capital projects to community programming.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means supporting socially driven organizations in private and nonprofit sectors to fulfill their mission and mandate in serving their diverse communities. I achieve this by participating in a variety of boards that include GrowNYC, Let’s Talk Menopause and Ulster Strong to help for sustainable impact both locally and nationally on issues centered on food access, economic development and access to health care for women in midlife. This work entails philanthropy, strategic engagement and partnerships.
In addition, my long-term clients are impact driven and, day in day out, are invested in community impact from developing more affordable housing units to inclusive arts programming, and I am honored to be able to support this work in New York.
Best advice
Actions and relationships are the sum of the parts; that is not one singular action or thing that leads to something succeeding or failing. This advice from years back has led me to live a life of caring deeply about partnerships, people and nurturing relationships.
Therese Daly
Job description
As interim executive director, my job has been and is to lead and oversee the operations, functioning and production of all things NYATEP. We went through a devastating loss of our executive director, and guiding the organization and staff through such a loss took time, thoughtfulness and care. As deputy director, I was responsible for all our legislative initiatives and equity work. Both roles, though the interim role I took on with a heavy heart, have allowed me to wake up and be energized and excited to go to work. I truly believe in what we do, who we represent and what we advocate for. Everyone deserves a good job regardless of their background.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is so important to me! Especially since we are a 180-plus member-based organization and fight for workforce advocacy for all of New York! NYATEP is the mouthpiece for workforce advocacy and we take that role very seriously in every action we take. I am very thoughtful when making decisions, making statements and advocating behind the NYATEP name/organization. We want to make sure we are advocating and making the right decisions for our members and we do this by listening and learning – constantly. I also practice careful thoughtfulness with most decisions I make, especially when they affect my staff. Leaders must be held accountable to their staff, just as much as the staff is held accountable to their leadership.
Best advice
I have received pretty amazing advice from a lot of people: my parents, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Laura Manno, Jan Feuerstadt, Suzy Ballantyne, Katie Hohman, Melinda Mack, Greg McCulloch and my best friends, to name the top advice-givers!
Each of these people gave incredible advice that I have used as a guiding light throughout my career. If I have to pick one – it would be the advice from Greg McCulloch, my boss when I was commodity trading. He said, “Never let anyone take away your smile and to keep smiling – always. No matter how hard it gets.” I think of that every day, and especially on the hard days, it is so important to still smile.
Jon Del Giorno
Job description
As founding member of Pitta Bishop & Del Giorno, I help lead our NYC metro area practice, where we provide effective, client-centered advocacy before all New York state and New York City government agencies and regulators for our 120-plus clients. I enjoy the work that I do because whether I am in roles in government or outside of it, I have always been called – and have enjoyed – seeing complex, multifaceted issues and finding collaborative solutions. I’ve never hesitated to ask someone to help someone else.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is at the core of my being. Coming from humble beginnings, my family and my experiences have always shown me the importance of giving back. One of my most valued functions is the role I play with several charitable and advocacy organizations. (These include) the Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, the League of Conservation Voters and the Daytop Village Foundation. But I also work tirelessly to encourage others to join boards and take part in charitable efforts as well.
Best advice
Live life to its fullest and don’t let any obstacles stop you. It’s advice I’ve received from many mentors throughout my career and life journey.
Robert DeSalvio
Job description
I serve as president of Genting Americas East, which operates in New York, Massachusetts, Miami and Bimini in the Bahamas. My passion is to deliver a best-in-class entertainment, gaming and dining experience to New Yorkers and visitors. Seeing the positive experiences of people who come through our doors is one of the most enjoyable parts of the job, but equally important is the work we do in the community.
Defining social responsibility
Resorts World is committed to being a good corporate neighbor to every community we serve. That translates to guaranteeing residents, civic organizations and local businesses all feel and share in our success. RW Gives has invested more than $5 million into hundreds of organizations from Queens to Sullivan County for over a decade to accomplish this goal. We have also sought to donate our time. Just one example is senior staff’s volunteer work with pediatric patients at Jamaica Hospital.
Best advice
You’re only successful if you’re helping those around you. All of us have a civic duty to invest in our neighbors, support them in times of need, and empower them to be successful on their own. It’s what I’ve sought to do at every Resorts World property to respect the community and give them the support when they need it most.
Kercena Dozier
Job description
I serve as the New York state director for Children’s Defense Fund. Prior to joining CDF, it was my favorite social justice organization. I am honored, humbled and ecstatic to lead CDF’s New York state office, which is a policy and direct service organization committed to ending child poverty and fighting for youth justice, education justice, economic mobility, child welfare, and youth leadership and advocacy development. I enjoy being a servant leader and working to manifest a bold, audacious and necessary vision of creating a city, state and nation where all marginalized children, young people and their families and communities have what they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Defining social responsibility
I believe that we are all called and created to be in service to one another. As such, social responsibility to me means being human, or walking in the fullness of our humanity in community with one another. Social responsibility, or service, is the engine that not only makes others, our communities and the world better, but it also makes us better and enables us to reach our full potential. It is in service to our communities that we become our highest and greatest selves.
Best advice
The best advice that I have ever received is to reject the impostor syndrome feeling and belief and to instead choose to have faith in my authentic self and to believe in my power and greatness and that I am enough. And a piece of advice that I live by is to not negate small beginnings. It is in small beginnings that great dreams are given life and are born.
Monica Edwards
Job description
My work is about facilitating intergenerational wealth creation in low-income communities by investing in the underserved entrepreneurs and real estate developers in these communities. Recently, TruFund Financial Services began fundraising for our Community Climate Fund, which will allow us to go even further to ensure the health, wealth and sustainability of buildings and people in the communities we serve. I love creating wealth and funding people's dreams!
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about finding ways to make the planet better, and that is not optional for me. I have done that in my career and through my board service by focusing on increasing access for underserved communities and populations – that is, access to capital, networks and information.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was to build my own personal board of advisers. The African proverb is, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In my career, I believe my relationships have been as important as my technical skill sets in going far, and I have been fortunate to meet extraordinary folks in all walks of life. These relationships helped me to go further than I ever dreamed. I built community for myself because I believe it takes a village to live a joyful life, but I didn’t realize that village would also be key to my professional success.
Camille Emeagwali
Job description
I am a thought partner, strategist and amplifier of community-led solutions for racial, gender and economic justice for women and gender-expansive people. I lead a talented team to invest in solutions that ignite action and catalyze partnerships to promote economic security, safety and healing, and reproductive justice in New York City and beyond. What I enjoy most about my work is connecting with smart and talented women and supporting them in manifesting their vision to make equity and justice a reality. Their work inspires me to do more.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that people who are often unseen and unheard in our communities – including women and gender-expansive people of color – are centered in visioning and building a future that ensures safety, freedom and joy for all. I achieve this in my work by listening and learning from grantee partners. I then support their vision for a just and equitable future through grantmaking, resource sharing and influencing philanthropy. I support the leadership of women rooted in community and support the sustainability of the organizations and movements they lead.
Best advice
“If you have some power, then your job is to empower someone else.” – Toni Morrison
Luke Falk
Job description
As chief operating officer of Clean Path NY for energyRe, I lead the development of renewable generation and transmission for one of the largest clean energy infrastructure projects in New York. Upon completion, Clean Path NY will bring New Yorkers nearly 8 million megawatt-hours of clean energy annually. energyRe, a partner on Clean Path NY, is focused on decarbonizing cities – our nation’s highest energy load centers and the largest consumers of fossil fuels. In New York, that means adding capacity and resiliency to the state’s aging, fragmented electric grid so that our abundant renewable resources can plug in and power our communities.
Defining social responsibility
In my work, social responsibility means advancing a just and swift transition to clean power that delivers environmental, health and social equity and enhances quality of life in our communities. We are building the renewable energy needed to sustainably power our future – while investing in frontline and historically marginalized communities to ensure that the energy transition delivers robust economic opportunities for all.
Best advice
Seek out people and experiences that challenge you.
Daniel Farrell
Job description
I love being in a role as part of a tremendous team that works tirelessly to ensure that people at risk for homelessness do not become homeless, people who are experiencing homelessness are placed into permanent housing as quickly as possible, people who live in supportive housing receive the best trauma-informed services available and people who are experiencing domestic violence receive the best residential and nonresidential care available. I am very lucky to work with such great and dedicated people each day.
Defining social responsibility
Ensuring that you do everything in your power and ability to consider all factors in decision-making. As a (white man), I always need to be mindful of how my decisions may affect others, especially others who do not have the privilege and power that I have.
Best advice
Do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
Nathaniel Fields
Job description
Working with URI allows me to lead more than 700 employees as we further the mission to empower individuals, families and communities – particularly communities of color and other disenfranchised populations. Using a comprehensive approach, our goal is to end cycles of violence, homelessness, poverty and trauma by increasing safety and resiliency. I enjoy what I do because we help to create new pathways for survivors to heal from their traumatic pasts and move forward to a restorative future.
Defining social responsibility
I grew up in the East New York section of Brooklyn, within a community that was quite cohesive, and in which my family was very active. I learned early that there’s value in coming together to improve conditions. That early foundational experience of wanting to improve the community at-large played a major role in guiding me toward the work that I currently do now. The same passion has come into play via what we do today around violence, housing insecurity and other areas. For me, social responsibility within the work at URI begins by centering the needs of the survivor, identifying the necessary resources and partners, and building solutions from there.
Best advice
I had the good fortune to be surrounded by a community of elders that taught me that hope needs to be at the cornerstone of everything that we do. They inspired me to not lose hope and to continue to lean into purpose to pursue goals. That belief has guided my life and my career because while hard work is essential, you don’t achieve big things without hope.
Lisa Flanagan
Job description
I am currently the senior vice president and controller of Ponce Bank located in the Bronx. Along with the chief financial officer, I manage the accounting department and am responsible for the preparation of the bank’s regulatory and public financial statements.
Defining social responsibility
It is important to me that I am working for a company whose mission is to help the local community. To be able to see the end result of a business deal, such as the construction of a local boys and girls club, shows that the company is vested in the community and wants to make it a better place. That is very important to me and gratifying to see.
Best advice
Make sure that whatever you do makes an impact on others. You want to be remembered for your work and what your efforts achieved.
Debbian Fletcher-Blake
Job description
I am responsible for the overall operations of my organization, ensuring high-quality business strategies to align with short- and long-term objectives. I constantly communicate, advocate, organize and solve problems to raise the stature and rankings of health care inside and outside my organization. I connect stakeholders to improve outcomes for the communities we serve. I fiercely advocate for underresourced communities nationally through my position at VIP and other voluntary services. I enjoy my job because it provides me with the platform to ensure quality health care and to advocate for health equity for people in underresourced communities.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is our moral and ethical obligation to actively engage in activities that protect and empower each other, the communities where we live and work, and the broader society. It is our responsibility to safeguard our environment. It is our steadfast obligation to be unselfish and to promote honesty, justice, equity and inclusion to everyone and in everything we do.
Best advice
Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. Many mistakes result in great innovations and stimulate deep reflection and personal and professional growth. Mistakes provide the opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and why, leading to a deeper understanding of the issue. Mistakes can lead to improved processes, better decision-making and a greater awareness of potential pitfalls in the future. Mistakes better equip us to handle setbacks and change course when needed, ultimately contributing to personal and professional development.
William Flynn
Job description
After over 17 years of public service, I created and now lead Harris Beach’s statewide Energy Industry Team. We regularly work with clients in all aspects of state energy regulatory law, from generation and transmission owners to utilities and energy service companies. It brings us great satisfaction to help our clients solve their problems. My team and I rely on our experience to provide strategic advice that helps our clients navigate and be successful in the regulatory and business aspects of New York's energy business.
Defining social responsibility
I am fortunate to be working at a time when the energy industry continues to go through a major transition to a much cleaner energy future. From my days leading NYSERDA and the state Public Service Commission to now, we have steadily worked toward that future, never losing sight of the need for a reliable and sustainable energy grid in New York state. This transition is necessary for New York and its future generations – that’s being responsible to ourselves and society.
Best advice
I was taught from a young age that there is no better satisfaction than achieving a goal through teamwork. I grew up in a small town and it was emphasized by my parents, my coaches and my teachers. Whether it was sports, government and now law, I’ve always enjoyed working with others to achieve greater things than any one of us can achieve on our own.
Bart Franey
Job description
New York has established some of the most ambitious economywide decarbonization goals in the nation, which will require the generation of greater amounts of renewable electricity and electrification of transportation. National Grid is committed to achieving these goals by upgrading our transmission infrastructure to connect renewable generation and electric vehicle charging hubs to the grid. I’m proud to lead the team spearheading these important grid improvements. It is incredibly gratifying to work on projects that are making a difference in the way we think about and use energy, making our systems stronger, smarter and cleaner.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is at the core of what we do at National Grid. We live, work and raise our families in the communities we serve, and take our commitment to providing safe, reliable service incredibly seriously. For my team, that means working with communities as we upgrade our system to minimize the impacts on the landscape and our neighbors. At the company level, National Grid has granted more than $7 million to local businesses and organizations through our Project C community commitment program, and our energy affordability programs provide more than $90 million in annual financial support.
Bess Freedman
Job description
At Brown Harris Stevens, one of the largest and oldest privately held real estate brokerages in the United States, I oversee 45-plus offices and more than 2,300 agents across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida. My day-to-day responsibilities include building the best management and creative teams to support the agents’ business through technology, brand awareness and communication. I am also a passionate advocate for the industry and take any opportunity to defend the role of real estate agents in a climate that has become very adversarial and challenging.
Defining social responsibility
I am a big believer in tikkun olam, so for me social responsibility means actively striving to make the world a better place. In my work, I always try to reach out to my staff and agents when something unsettling is going on in the world, just to let them know that I hear them and they are valued. Most recently, with the Hamas-Israel war, I put out several communications to my company including suggested humanitarian relief organizations accepting donations to help the victims. I also wrote an op-ed which was published in the New York Daily News about standing up to antisemitism. I use my platform and my voice to stand up for what is right, and to hopefully let others know that they are not alone in their pain. I am also involved in several organizations fighting homelessness and false incarceration and advocating for mental health and mentorship.
Best advice
One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from my parents: Believe in yourself. My parents instilled so much power in me because they believed in me. Even as a little kid I felt empowered and confident to try different things. Belief in oneself is always an inside job; you cannot pull on external things to be happy or make progress.
Jeff Garte
Job description
As the Northeast president for Boldyn Networks’ U.S. business, I am responsible for leading a customer-focused strategy and collaborating with mobile network operators and enterprise customers to develop and expand neutral host infrastructure and fiber networks. Working for Boldyn Networks has given me and my team the opportunity to help create new possibilities in the way people live, work and play. Our work changes lives and our impact will last for generations to come.
Defining social responsibility
Before we can connect communities with digital infrastructure, we have to connect with the community. That is why partnering with local organizations across New York City’s five boroughs to provide free Wi-Fi for all New Yorkers is critical. More than 1.5 million New Yorkers lack proper home and mobile connectivity. With our partnership with CityBridge, we were able launch the LinkNYC program, the largest free outdoor public Wi-Fi network in the U.S. Our shared infrastructure enables mobile network operators the ability to connect most 5G customers citywide.
Best advice
The best advice I have ever received is “embrace change.” Change is inevitable and adapting to it is one of the critical keys to navigating our complex business environment. Things moved fast when I transitioned roles from my former company to Boldyn Networks following a series of acquisitions between 2021 and 2023. Six companies came together, creating one of the largest global neutral host providers. If I did not embrace the change, I would have not been able to be part of this transformational journey. Here at Boldyn, my team and I are delivering advanced connectivity that is shaping smart communities in the Northeast and globally … because we continue to adapt.
Lindsay Goldman
Job description
I am the leader of Grantmakers In Aging, a community of funders mobilizing money and ideas to strengthen policies, programs and resources for all of us as we age. In this role, I’m privileged to bring together people from across the country to connect, collaborate and co-fund, and to elevate aging as a priority in policy and funding decisions.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means creating a more age-integrated society where people feel fully valued, recognized and engaged at every stage of life. This requires changing antiquated and sometimes oppressive systems and structures that separate people of different ages and abilities, that exclude people in later life, and that devalue people who give and receive care. At GIA, we also work to promote more equitable philanthropic practice that recognizes and seeks to address power imbalances between funders and nonprofits, and by doing that, maximize our collective impact.
Best advice
My father taught me to drive in an empty mall parking lot. We pretended the parking spaces were lanes of a highway, and he told me to pick a lane and stay in that lane, while always being mindful of where my lane crosses other lanes. I’ve taken that advice to heart in my work. At GIA, we have a very intentional focus on aging. But we also help funders identify the intersections of aging and every other funding priority, because where our lanes cross, there are huge opportunities to make progress together.
Rebecca Gray
Job description
I’m responsible for Boingo’s military business unit, which provides high-speed connectivity to more than 85 Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Homeland Security Training Center locations worldwide. As we navigate the evolving landscape of global threats and challenges, cutting-edge wireless networks are indispensable for U.S. military bases. Wireless connectivity establishes installation resilience and enhances the lives of those who serve our great nation. I am immensely proud of the work we do and the critical role we play in supporting U.S. military bases around the world.
Defining social responsibility
In the military we follow a guiding principle – “Mission First, People Always.” One doesn’t work without the other. At Boingo we practice this philosophy, as we have an important role to play for our customers, our team members and the communities we serve. Starting with our people, many Boingoites are veterans. We are a four-time recipient of the Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award – the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention and professional development. Boingo also continually strives to minimize our impact on the environment. Working toward a sustainable future is a win for everyone and we’re proud to do our part. Boingo is a certified green business, and we continue to roll out sustainability initiatives to protect our planet.
Best advice
When you step up to the plate, swing to hit a home run every time. As a recruited college athlete, I love the sports analogy. It’s about having the guts to step up to the plate, give it your all and make a difference. It’s about putting in the dedication, preparation and practice to succeed. Always swing to hit a home run and secure a win for your team.
Christopher Graziano
Job description
Water is the essence of life and the most important resource on earth. Running a water utility that provides clean potable water to over 500,000 people is not only a job, it is a privilege. Veolia is at the forefront of the ecological transformation, and I am honored to be a part of it.
Defining social responsibility
Being an integral part of the community, not just in words, but also in actions – from watershed cleanups to opening our reservoir safely to residents to kayak and fish to working with local nonprofits to support the environment and those less fortunate. That is what social responsibility is all about.
Best advice
It might be faster to take a shortcut, but being a good human being and doing the right thing is much more rewarding. Be yourself, be humble in victory and gracious in defeat, and never let anyone take that from you.
Ashley Greenspan
Job description
At Crown Castle, the largest provider of shared communications infrastructure in the United States, I work with communities and government to expand access to the wireless broadband we rely on in our daily lives to stay connected with loved ones, access vital information and so much more. I also lead the Crown Castle’s Connected by Good efforts in my region, which is the company’s philanthropic program to improve spaces where people connect, promote public safety, and advance access to education and technology.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means connecting work to the public good. At Crown Castle, I enjoy working in an industry that is building the mobile revolution to expand connectivity to underserved communities who are more likely to rely on a smartphone to get online.
Best advice
Find your people and you will find an organization where you want to build your career. Crown Castle has amazing talent that pushes me to do my best work and is fun to be around. That’s why even on the hard days, it's easy to commit myself to our common goals.
Jaclyn Grodin
Job description
I focus on complex litigations and government investigations, primarily in the financial services industry. My work is challenging and involves creative problem-solving. Because my clients tend to be highly sophisticated and very savvy, I appreciate working side by side with them to learn the details of their businesses and put together solutions that achieve their short- and long-term goals. It’s satisfying and no two issues are the same, keeping me on my toes and constantly allowing me to explore new industries and legal issues that I likely wouldn’t experience in many other firms.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility varies depending on the context. At work, I try to mentor junior attorneys and engage with them on career development while working on enhancing the firm’s efforts in the area of gender equity. Outside of work, I focus on my service on the board of directors of NADAP Inc., a nonprofit serving underserved populations in New York in the areas of health care coordination, employment placement and substance abuse recovery. I also dedicate time to the New York City Bar Association’s Judiciary Committee, where I evaluate candidates and appointees for judicial office in the state.
Best advice
I’ve received this advice in various forms from a number of mentors over the years: Always say yes. We can frequently feel overwhelmed at our jobs and find it difficult to imagine taking on more. But the “more” is oftentimes where the best opportunities come from, personally and professionally. There are, of course, limitations to this advice and context is key, but overall I think that taking on additional responsibilities and exploring new areas in which I’m relatively new or inexperienced has paid dividends and led to jobs and connections I would not have otherwise been exposed to.
Sean Grubert
Job description
Overseeing the health and safety for the Haugland Organization. The job entails: Managing a staff of 30 safety professionals who interact with 1,000-plus union workers, pre-bid meetings, review of contracts, overall implementing health and safety plans and programs to ensure the workers go home to their loved ones daily. I enjoy my work because you interact with all aspects of life in terms of people – highly educated, blue and white collar, no education, diversity and overall there is something new daily in terms of challenges, opportunities and being able to make change/a difference.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility to me means leading by example daily – not just speaking on it or preaching to others, but by every day morally and ethically looking to do the next right thing. At work I look to achieve this by honing in on the workforce not as a number, but as a person regarding their mental and physical well being. Mental health programs, leadership training programs, human performance and behavior based programs are all a part of what we have put into place to help with this. Employee retention is important to an organization, and that is not achieved by just paying wages, but by going above and beyond so the workforce sees the organization’s investment in them.
Best advice
Refuse daily to become complacent. Every day is a gift, so treat it as one, and by not allowing yourself to become complacent you will continue to grow, develop and ultimately flourish.
George Guillaume
Job description
I oversee the design, construction and project management efforts required to deliver the $1.5 billion expansion of JFK Terminal 4. I get to work with and lead a diverse team of engineers and construction professionals through the various stages of this project. I enjoy interacting with and learning from these individuals as well as watching young professionals grow and become more confident as they gain experience.
Defining social responsibility
Leaving a positive and lasting impact in the places we live and work as well as the relationships we form along the way. As a leader, it is important for me to care for my team and project stakeholders as well as lead with my heart. It is also important to act with integrity and be authentic. Operating as a servant leader who is authentic and has integrity will always lead to a successful outcome.
Best advice
Work hard, expect nothing and appreciate everything.
Kevin Hansen
Job description
My job is to help the global clean energy leader Ørsted to partner with New York state and local governments and communities to build renewable energy projects. I enjoy my work because it allows me to work directly with community groups, partners and government officials to advance projects that can provide environmental and public health benefits, improve energy security, create jobs and fight climate change.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is leaving the world a better place than you found it, and making sure that the people who are most impacted by your work get to define what “better” means. When you’re doing it right, you should wake up in the morning eager to go to work, and you go to bed at night feeling good about your impact.
Best advice
I have always appreciated this quote from former President Barack Obama: “Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. And it will leave you unfulfilled.”
Judith Harrison
Job description
My focus is on building an environment of inclusion, equity and belonging in which people from a diverse range of backgrounds can bring their authentic selves to the workplace and come together to create innovative communications solutions for clients and an extraordinarily open, collaborative culture. I love working to level the playing field through impactful initiatives, including business resource groups closely aligned with the business and sponsorship programs that connect BIPOC talent with the firm’s most senior executives. I particularly love that the value of my open forums for employees in North America and beyond, Time to Connect, that bring people together for transparent conversations about sensitive cultural issues, including racism, antisemitism and violence was recognized by Harvard Business Review as a roadmap for the evolving employer/employee relationship.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about working with like-minded people to change the face of power. It’s about doing everything possible to ensure that the voices, perspectives and talents of underrepresented people are seen and valued. It’s about encouraging people who were not blessed with power at birth to believe in themselves and be the best they can be. Social responsibility is about leaving the world a better place than it was when I got here.
Best advice
I value two pieces of advice above all: The first, which came from an icon in my business, was to be myself. It sounds simple, even simplistic but for a woman of color in my industry at that time, it was positively revolutionary. Bringing my authentic experiences and perspectives to bear professionally took courage, given the traditional centering of white, male voices. The upside is that it enabled me to carve out a deeply meaningful career as a DEI leader, creating the function and bringing much-needed attention to its importance. The second was to give myself grace – to treat myself with the kindness, understanding and forgiveness with which I treat others under various circumstances. As someone to whom that had been a foreign concept, it was life-changing in the best way.
Anthony Hayes
Job description
As the president of an award-winning LGBTQ-owned public affairs firm, I lead my team at the crossroads of communications, government relations and stakeholder management. With decades of experience in communications, crisis management, politics, event strategy and business development, THI has rapidly grown with a simple idea – build a nimble communications firm that brings top-tier, white-glove service to every client. By nature, I am a storyteller, and my team helps organizations communicate in our current complicated environment so their message resonates authentically.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means holding yourself accountable to helping others. At my firm, we achieve this by supporting underrepresented communities and working with pro bono clients. My team represents the Latino community in various ways, serving as advisers to the state Democratic Party on Latino strategy and outreach. We’ve helped pro bono clients Rabbi Josh Stanton and Marissa Lee, author of “Grief is Love,” tell their stories, and we supported several nonprofits and New York City restaurants through the pandemic.
Best advice
The best advice I’ve received is to know the difference between what you can actually control and the things that you cannot; keep in mind that most things are out of your control. Life is very, very short, so always try to find the humor in every situation.
Marc Herbst
Job description
As executive director of the Long Island Contractors’ Association, where I act as the voice of Long Island’s infrastructure professionals, I am responsible for the industry’s public and government advocacy, labor relations and safety training. Using my past experience as the director of transportation planning and environmental services for the New York Thruway Authority and serving five terms in the Assembly, I thoughtfully harness my integrity, willingness to engage in thoughtful debate and commitment to public service into the work I do every day for the working men and women on Long Island.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that we are each a part of the larger community and have a responsibility to our fellow man to serve, care for and elevate each other. As an ordained reverend in the Lutheran church, it has been my life’s honor to serve local community members. As a board member for the United Way of Long Island, I find profound joy in being able to support their vital mission to ensure every child has a quality education, every family has a stable income, and all Long Islanders enjoy good health.
Best advice
My father was a very quiet man who exuded humility and grace. His quiet strength instilled in me an attitude of service and doing the right thing, simply because it is the right thing to do. My favorite quote is by George Steinbrenner, who said, “If you do something good for someone, and more than two people know about it, you didn’t do it for the right reason.”
David Hirschler
Job description
My title is senior director of sustainability and legislative compliance, but I have many different roles at ERI (the largest recycler of e-waste in the U.S.) – managing our collection programs, partnering with global brands, working on circularity projects, tracking and promoting our internal waste reduction and sustainability initiative … and more. I enjoy the work for many reasons. Perhaps most of all, I get to see the real-world impact of what I do, from improving collection options to individuals in all walks of life, to starting to see real changes in the transition from a linear to a circular economy.
Defining social responsibility
In the recycling business, there’s a general feeling that just because of the nature of what we do, we are automatically socially responsible. The reality is, everyone has an impact, and to be socially responsible is to constantly try to analyze, review and improve. I get to do this in many ways, such as working with organizations to create inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities, ensuring that our e-waste collections don’t just serve the easy-to-serve areas, improving our own internal carbon footprint, and more. I’m also involved in helping our customers to achieve their own ESG goals.
Best advice
Always look for common ground in negotiations, because starting off as adversaries makes everything harder.
Kara Hughes
Job description
I love working in the space between government and the private sector to create bespoke solutions to the challenges New Yorkers face every day.
Defining social responsibility
Ensuring that the work we do to create partnerships between government and the private sector benefits New Yorkers – especially the most vulnerable New Yorkers.
Best advice
The only way through is through. To me this means you must face things and walk through them in order to achieve your goals and get to the other side.
Wes Jacobs
Job description
My work is focused on the successful development of one of the earliest offshore wind projects in the country. Projects like Leading Light Wind will help advance a just transition along the East Coast, shifting the U.S. towards a clean energy economy. Once operational, the project will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of over 1 million homes per year. I love this job because every day I get to work with an amazing group of people to deliver tangible benefits to the region, including cleaner air, energy independence and thousands of local job opportunities.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is ensuring that the impact of any infrastructure project, from offshore turbines to onshore transmission lines, is wholly positive. For Leading Light Wind, this is achieved by increasing the availability of good-paying jobs, improving public health, mitigating environmental impacts and engaging all stakeholders throughout the process. Social responsibility is not about maximizing profit; it’s about developing, building and operating in a way that prioritizes equity and maximizes benefits for the communities it serves for generations to come. Leading Light Wind is implementing a thoughtful approach to planned activities and outreach that increases awareness and participation from each group.
Best advice
“You should really think about offshore wind.” This sound advice was shared with me by my good friend Chris Hart back in 2015 when I was working on oil and gas development for ExxonMobil. Offshore wind sits at the intersection of many disciplines and is necessary to meet future energy demand and achieve our clean energy targets. Pursuing a career in offshore wind has been an extremely rewarding experience, and I encourage other energy and infrastructure professionals to think about the potential of offshore wind in their own careers as well.
Jonelle Johnson
Job description
I lead all community strategy and events in New York City and Connecticut in addition to promoting initiatives that expand digital access. During my five years at Charter, we have been able to support thousands through our digital equity and philanthropic programs. As someone who has spent much of her career advocating for some of the most vulnerable populations in the tri-state area in both nonprofit and private sector roles, it brings me immense joy to have the ability to use my platform to continue to invest and support those in need.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is continuously working towards advancement, growth and progress. From our Spectrum Learning Labs that provide internet and technology in communities throughout New York City to our partnership with the city to launch Big Apple Connect where we deliver free internet to over 150,000 NYCHA residents, my work is rooted in ensuring that the populations that we serve as a company have and are aware of the digital resources that we provide and as a result are in a better position to succeed. Physically being in the community allows me to witness not only the real need for equity and parity but the importance of the work we do here at Charter to ensure that access to technology is the standard.
Best advice
The advice that has been top of mind for me lately was recently shared with me and that is to never feel as though you cannot take up space. In other words, be fearless in representing who you are and what you bring to every room you enter.
Anaita Kasad
Job description
As a management consultant for state and local governments, including my own home state and city of New York, I pride myself on providing an outside perspective to government leaders who want to make their organizations work better. From organizational efficiency to designing and effectively implementing strategic initiatives, my team and I help analyze policies, provide recommendations and facilitate positive change within government agencies. The satisfaction in my job stems from two things: First, we are able to make public services more effective and accessible, helping our communities thrive, and second, I work in a collaborative, respectful and fun environment where teams work together to create these positive changes.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility involves recognizing the impact of my individual and my team’s actions on society and actively striving to contribute in a positive way. In our work, achieving social responsibility means considering the broader consequences of our decisions, promoting ethical practices and fostering a culture of inclusivity and sustainability.
Best advice
The best advice I’ve ever received is to hold yourself accountable for your actions and your decisions; it not only empowers you to take control of your life, but builds trust and integrity in both your personal and professional relationships.
Michael Kohlhagen
Job description
My team and I work to ensure every child receives a quality education. With a focus on equity and innovation, we work directly with school leaders, teachers, students and families to create high-performing schools in underresourced communities to help children succeed. Through our signature program, Project BOOST (Building Options and Opportunities for Students), CEI provides student enrichment programs before, during and after-school. Robotics, coding, e-sports and art education are just some of the ways we improve academic performance for our nation’s public school students.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means committing CEI to serving all students, regardless of socioeconomic status. Ultimately, the goal of our programs is to improve our students’ academic outcomes and provide opportunities for careers which align with their values and interests. It’s not just about the next exam or school year, but engaging students so that they will search for meaningful careers and improve their economic status. CEI is socially responsible because we contribute to our city, state and country by empowering individuals through education, fostering equity and promoting lifelong learning.
Best advice
Do not become a lawyer. While this advice is half in jest, the point is you should search for a purpose, not a paycheck. As a lifelong educator, I can tell you that making a difference in the lives of students is a wonderful experience that cannot be explained in any material sense nor quantified in dollars. The work is never done, but for the students you have impacted, your legacy will live on in countless lives for generations to come.
Khary Lazarre-White
Job description
Leading a social justice focused nonprofit is a constant challenge. Being a social entrepreneur means that one is always learning, always deeply invested in developing one’s new skills, always seeking new and innovative approaches. We as nonprofits are expected to seek solutions to societal inequities – responding to poverty and inequality, inadequate housing, poor schooling, a lack of investment in low-income communities, lack of access to employment. These are massive and complex challenges – solutions take multiple generations, staying power and deep commitment. BroSis is an organization that is focused on educating, organizing for social change and training the field.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means being involved in the struggles of one’s time. We help young people to form and hone a moral and ethical code – to commit to personal oaths of dedication that detail what is important to them and what they will aspire to and live for. We are a justice organization that works on issues of racial, gender, economic, carceral and environmental justice. We are a fiercely political organization that wants our young people to understand the conditions they face – as they are Black and brown and overwhelmingly low income – and then to become social changemakers.
Best advice
To become involved. The issues we face are many. They are deep and far-ranging. We need more people committed to an equitable and just world. We need more comrades in the struggle. A life of advocacy and of service, one committed to working towards equity and justice – making such ideals closer to being achieved, to a lived reality for more people, that is a life well lived. This is the lesson from my family and from those who have mentored me: to do the necessary work of being engaged, as activists, organizers, artists.
Jason Little
Job description
I am an advocate for my clients and our community. In my general practice, I get involved with litigation and transactional work, as well as advising closely held businesses. In my cannabis practice, I am helping startups and entrepreneurs navigate a labyrinth of regulations and challenges. While serving clients, pro bono work and supporting the community is truly meaningful to me.
Defining social responsibility
Helping clients connect their business to social purpose is really important to me. Whether it is helping justice-involved individuals launch their cannabis business in New York or helping the local sports teams in the community with pro bono service, we are making an impact each and every day. We are so fortunate in our lives, paying it forward through CSR is crucial to our existence as lawyers.
Best advice
Stay humble, stay hungry, stay patient. As lawyers we are trained to pursue an outcome that is favorable to our client. While doing this, we have to remain grounded, keep our clients informed and maintain a positive outlook. I’ve also always liked the term “doing well by doing good.”
Maria Lizardo
Job description
As the executive director of a settlement house, my role is deeply rooted in the well-being of our community, touching the lives of over 14,000 individuals annually. Facilitating programs, fostering connections and addressing diverse needs define my daily commitment. My passion lies in the profound impact we make collectively. It’s not just a job; it’s a heartfelt journey working within and for the community, where every success and challenge strengthen our shared bonds. Serving as a bridge for positive change, I find purpose and fulfillment in the transformative power of genuine community engagement.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means catalyzing positive change within an interconnected ecosystem. I prioritize community needs, implement sustainable programs and foster inclusivity. Recognizing that no industry acts alone, we emphasize collaborative efforts and creative, sustainable practices. By centering those most in need through active listening and equitable opportunities, we contribute to a holistic approach. Balancing fiscal responsibility with social impact, our initiatives aim to empower and uplift, acknowledging that the well-being of one is intricately tied to the well-being of all.
Best advice
The most impactful advice I received stressed the resilience ingrained in my upbringing, viewing challenges as stepping stones. It emphasized the value of bringing others along on your journey and recognizing the importance of collaboration – success is a collective effort. Embrace your cultural heritage, derive strength from your roots and foster collaboration. In unity, strength prevails. Your journey, characterized by resilience and collaboration, not only shapes your path but also empowers you to lead with a rich tapestry of experiences and shared endeavors, creating a more profound and inclusive impact.
Stuart Lubow
Job description
My job as the president and CEO of Dime is being the responsible party for the health, well-being, growth and strategic direction of the company as a whole. By surrounding myself with highly capable leaders, I can concentrate on Dime’s growth, understanding and anticipating the market and how we contribute to it. As well as acting as the chief customer officer, ultimately responsible for the experience every customer has with Dime.
Defining social responsibility
When Dime started in 1864, it was created as a need to provide accessibility to banking for immigrants, which wasn’t offered by other banks at the time. This has been the cornerstone of our social responsibility as a pillar of our community ever since we opened our doors, and it’s my continued commitment today. By maintaining the priority of social responsibility and community support, I carry the Dime legacy forward, as only the 17th president and CEO for the past 159 years providing banking and financial services to everyone, regardless of economic status, within New York City.
Best advice
Work hard and be thoughtful in your decision making and analytical in your processes.
Akash Mahajan
Job description
I am responsible for executing and project managing multiple citizenship efforts including grant making, internal and external stakeholder management, communications and colleague engagement for TD’s Metro New York market. This work is driven by the TD Ready Commitment, focused on – the environment, access to health care, financial and economic inclusion, and social cohesion through the arts, leading to an equitable and sustainable future for all. And this is the piece I love the most. I get to work with truly dedicated and passionate changemakers both internally and externally and learning from them each day is immensely gratifying.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means having a moral compass – consistently choosing to act in ways that serve the greater good. TD’s purpose is to enrich the lives of our customers, colleagues and communities, and when this is the value that guides your work, it’s easy to achieve it while working with community partners that share those values.
Best advice
Change is the only constant. Embrace it.
Enzo Manzano
Job description
My job entails building relationships with communities and stakeholders across the five boroughs. Our activities include holiday distributions, community projects, career and job fairs, and educational events and outreach, all on behalf of union carpenters and contractors in New York City. The role allows me to make a direct impact in the communities that are most in need, whether it’s through the resources we distribute or the union careers that are available to them. It is also a beautiful thing to witness how communities come together to uplift one another.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means accepting the duty of making a positive impact in communities through our personal and professional capacities. Good-paying union jobs have transformed the lives of New Yorkers for generations. Because of CCA Metro’s work, we are able to give back to the same communities that lifted us up and bring on the next generation of union carpenters with lifelong careers.
Best advice
Context is key. You go into work blindly if you do not take into consideration the people, relationships and stories, whether past, present or future, that surround your work.
Crystal McQueen-Taylor
Job description
I oversee and coordinate all of our education issue advocacy, legislative advocacy and political campaigns. I work with thousands of parents across district and charter schools, school leaders and advocates across the city and state to advocate for student-centered education reforms. I enjoy the work that I do because we are creating an ecosystem that elevates parent voices in education policy so that particularly Black and brown parents get a seat at the table in regards to the policies and regulations that affect public school quality and choice in their communities. It is critically important that the legislators who represent them in the halls of power in New York City and Albany hear from and listen to their parent constituents.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means using your talents and resources to serve the community and leave it better than you found it. Our community and society will only be as good and strong as we make it, and that does not mean that you have to have all the answers or fix everything yourself. Rather, it means harnessing the collective power of the community who are closest to the issues in education that we are trying to solve and helping them to come up with solutions, and build power and influence together.
Best advice
Mistakes are not a bad thing as long as you learn from them. Doing social justice and equity work is slow and hard work, and things will inevitably go wrong, or at least not according to your plan. The best thing you can do is cull the lessons learned, dust yourself off and keep at it.
Jim Miller
Job description
I lead a PR agency dedicated exclusively to nonprofit clients. I spend my days with my team figuring out how to help organizations do good in the world by bringing their voices and solutions forward in areas like education, health, social justice, sustainability and philanthropy. I love words and stories, so using them persuasively to advance social progress is deeply satisfying.
Defining social responsibility
I founded Momentum to bring positivity and hope into the negative news cycle. It’s not about ignoring problems. When all people see is bad news, they lose hope and give up. By making people aware of what’s working, where progress is being made and how they can support it, I hope to inspire empathy, courage and action.
Best advice
Those who lack humor are without judgment and should be trusted with nothing.
Zach Miller
Job description
TANY is the voice of trucking in the state: creating jobs, supporting the economy, driving safety and delivering a sustainable future for our members. I have the privilege of applying our mission to New York City. I am in constant communication with industry, relaying their concerns to various city agencies, the council and administration. We build out partnerships with community stakeholders, environmental groups, safety advocates and more to ensure our members are fully informed and presented with solutions that fit their needs. That is why I enjoy the work – trucks deliver 90% of the freight in New York City and it is an honor to be their advocate.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is at the core of advocacy. It is our responsibility to do right by the communities we serve in all aspects, from employment and labor to safety, sustainability and long-term planning. Being forward thinking, building partnerships, listening first and talking second is at the heart of social responsibility. Working with the community first and foremost, then consulting with various city agencies and members of the City Council is what finally spurred action on overnight truck parking solutions. This is a major win for neighborhoods and truck drivers alike.
Best advice
Look a person directly in the eyes when you shake their hand, smile and say pleased to meet you. (Fun fact: A current or former leader in the state Senate gave me this advice.)
Sandra Moody
Job description
I have the honor of leading the corporate compliance department at AHRC NYC, a New York City nonprofit that advocates for people who are neurodiverse to lead full and equitable lives. Corporate compliance supports the organization to create and sustain policies and practices that ensure we are compliant with all applicable regulatory bodies. Furthermore, a primary goal is to assist and support all organizational stakeholders (staff, families, people supported, community partners), understand the value of sound compliance practices and how to optimally integrate “doing the right thing” into day-to-day practices.
Defining social responsibility
Being aware that we are all part of something greater. How we act, react, what we do and don’t do can either contribute to and improve life for those around us or not. Recognizing and seizing opportunities to choose actions that can both meet our practical needs yet also bolster what is best for society is important to me.
Best advice
That on which you focus grows! If one focuses on framing things positively that grows larger, if one sees it negatively the negative aspects of it become bigger.
Krissy Moore
Job description
I lead a team of community relations professionals and oversee Wells Fargo’s philanthropic giving and community development activities across a 10-state region. My role involves helping the company utilize its resources to drive impact and create positive outcomes in the areas of housing access and affordability, small-business growth, financial health and sustainability. My team and I work to achieve this through cultivating and forging relationships and partnerships with community leaders, nonprofits and key stakeholders. I enjoy this work and the opportunity to collaborate with incredibly talented people both internally and externally who are all committed to improving communities and neighborhoods.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about contributing to the betterment of society and treating it as a priority, not as an option. As a company, Wells Fargo is committed to doing what’s right for its customers and addressing the systemic barriers to inclusion and opportunity. This commitment fuels my work and allows me to play a role in strengthening and empowering communities while addressing complex societal issues and local challenges.
Best advice
Always be willing to take a stand and be on the side of what’s right.
Gregory J. Morris
Job description
Leading the largest city-based workforce development association in the country makes me responsible for connecting/convening New York’s job training/career readiness providers, advancing collective action and promising practice, and supporting efforts to put New Yorkers – no matter the starting point – on paths to quality jobs and a living wage. We don’t get there unless all of that is aligned with New York City’s economic development. The joy associated with this work – any work I’ve done really – is being present on the journey when someone is reaching their potential, bouncing back or thriving after having been given a first, second, third, fourth chance.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is how we see success as shared and inextricably linked. How we sacrifice not because it makes us feel good but because it makes us whole. The way forward, the true north, the #goodtrouble comes when you find yourself working alongside those who don’t get caught up in what isn’t or hasn’t been. They’re the ones who are always punching above their weight.
Best advice
I’ve been lucky enough to hear wisdoms/reflections that have been inspiring or soothing or curious enough to be distracting – from “close your loops” to “tell your secrets to your dog” to “everything is either over or next.” What I always find my way back to is something I read about Muhammad Ali. When Ali was asked how many sit-ups he did to stay in shape, he said, “I don’t know. I don’t start counting until it hurts.” Whether he said that or not, I’ll never know, but it’s the greatest of all time way of thinking about capacity and will.
Melanie Mortimer
Job description
At the SIFMA Foundation, we champion financial capability for youth through our innovative programs such as The Stock Market Game, a curriculum-based capital markets simulation that has engaged 22 million youth in investing and personal finance, positioning them for upward economic mobility. Witnessing the positive impact on their test scores (including math), their increased financial awareness for themselves and their families, and their teachers’ increased confidence with financial topics and decision-making is truly rewarding. Our programs prove our commitment to creating access for youth of all backgrounds to flourish, ensuring a brighter future and better financial life outcomes for them.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means empowering the next generation with essential life skills that set them up for success in adulthood. At the SIFMA Foundation, we fulfill this commitment by meeting students where they are to teach them about capital markets. We strive to bridge educational gaps, positively influencing academic performance, fostering mentor relationships, and nurturing crucial teamwork and career-readiness skills. Our dedication lies in creating an inclusive space for young minds to thrive, embodying our belief in the transformative power of education for a brighter and more equitable future.
Best advice
I recall a headhunter once talked me out of an exciting job in advertising. The position involved travel and creative writing – two of my favorite things then. “You can do better,” she said. She barely knew me, but I took a leap of faith and followed her advice. She helped me see the benefits of enduring uncomfortable amounts of risk and uncertainty to achieve a better outcome and, fortunately, she was correct. I found my dream job in grantmaking within days and wound up on the path to where I am today.
Monica Munn
Job description
I have the pleasure of working alongside an amazing team and external partners to advance economic, educational and social inclusion with and for immigrants, refugees and international students. We use the tools of programs, policy and philanthropy to help ensure immigrants, refugees and international students can thrive and achieve their goals, as well as invest in organizations and leaders who are most proximate to these issues. No one day is the same, which is one of the many things I enjoy!
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the calling for all organizations and people to find ways in which they can contribute to a more equitable and just world. We all have a role to play. For example, WES is a social enterprise, meaning that all our activities – both commercial and non-commercial - connect to and advance our mission. It’s a fun puzzle to be part of an organization that is integrating its mission into its revenue-generating products and services, using those resources to reinvest in communities through programs, policy advocacy and philanthropy, and ensuring its investments are aligned with our mission and impact goals.
Best advice
Always stay curious! The ways in which organizations, communities and individuals can contribute to social impact and change are myriad and often evolving. There’s so much we can learn from each other and bring back into our own work. So stay connected to your network, ask more questions and connect the dots – all in the service of driving greater collective impact.
Niall Murray
Job description
At Rockabill we are involved in the development, construction and financing of affordable, supportive and transitional housing throughout New York City and New York state. We work extensively with not-for-profits assembling the numerous professionals it takes to build housing and navigating the complex world of public/private financing that is affordable housing. The affordable housing world is both challenging to our patience yet intellectually stimulating at the same time, the need for all types of housing at various income levels is huge and our work directly impacts peoples lives in a positive way.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that we all have an obligation to give back to the society/community that has provided each of us with the opportunity to succeed. At Rockabill we embody that responsibility by virtue of the number of affordable apartments we have built, renovated and financed over the years and we measure that impact in terms of the lives we have impacted as a result of our work. It drives us forward to achieve more because of the direct impact we have.
Best advice
Until you leave the room, you will suck all the air from it. Meaning you need to step away to allow others to find their voice and grow.
Sid Nathan
Job description
My job of building coalitions of support and fostering transparent and trust-based relationships with New York public officials, stakeholders, media and local community is critical to the historic clean energy transformation of New York City’s largest fossil generator – the Ravenswood Generation Station. At Rise Light & Power, a regional clean energy developer and energy asset manager and wholly owned subsidiary of LS Power, I oversee all our government and legislative affairs as well as media and brand marketing. Our iconic red and white stacks at Ravenswood are located in the heart of a densely populated urban environment and neighbors a disadvantaged community. Leading the external affairs for this historic project that will deliver unmatched economic benefits, lower emissions, deliver environmental justice for the community and a just transition for our workforce are among the many reasons I am so thrilled to be a part of a real climate saving solution.
Defining social responsibility
Rise Light & Power is spearheading a project aimed at delivering environmental justice to a disadvantaged community and achieving social responsibility is paramount. By actively engaging with the community, understanding their unique needs and involving them in the decision-making process, we are ensuring our transformational climate project addresses concerns and aligns with community values. We are investing millions in workforce development initiatives, prioritizing local employment opportunities for our neighboring environmental justice community, and working with community-based organizations and local community colleges to develop a community to clean energy career pipeline. This holistic approach not only promotes environmental justice but also upholds the principles of social responsibility, creating a lasting positive impact and reinforcing the project’s contribution to the broader goals of sustainability and equity.
Best advice
Growing up in an Indian household, among the most cherished pieces of advice passed down from my parents is the emphasis on respecting elders and embracing a strong sense of family values. The advice centers around the belief that familial bonds form the cornerstone of one’s identity and strength. I found this advice not only promotes harmony within the household but also extends to the broader social fabric in the work that I do. The wisdom of respecting elders and nurturing close-knit familial ties will always be a guiding principle in my personal and professional life.
Eric Olsen
Job description
I work with T-Mobile’s sales teams to ensure that we provide the highest quality solutions and service to public safety agencies. After a 30-year career in law enforcement, I enjoy my role with T-Mobile because it allows me to stay connected with public safety and continue to support the amazing work of our first responders.
Defining social responsibility
The meaning of social responsibility is to help those who need it and give a voice to those who don’t have one. It’s the responsibility of everyone who is in a position to help another person to reach back and help pull them up. At various times in my life and career, I’ve been fortunate enough that someone was there to help me overcome roadblocks, and I enjoy doing the same for people.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was simple: Treat everyone you meet with respect, the energy you put out into the universe will come back to you 10 times greater. It was great advice then, and it’s held true throughout my life.
Yomaris Peña
Job description
As a chief medical officer in a corporation with more than 1 million patients in New York City, I am extremely excited to always find ways to educate the population in terms of preventive health and how to achieve a better quality of life through changing the dynamics of health care in underserved communities where social determinants of health impose challenges.
Defining social responsibility
From seeing a patient in the office to meeting with health care providers that bring solutions to the patient’s needs, not only in terms of health but in their environments, such as transportation, education, food inequity, nutrition, how to avoid chronic illnesses or how to take care of them in a compassionate, culturally sensitive way, to create mental health awareness in populations where their is so much stigma. The promotion of health in a constantly changing system so the relationship between health care provider and patient could always grow and remain stronger.
Best advice
No matter what you do, if you feel that time is a limit, always remember that time will pass whether you do it or not. This was in reference to me applying to medical school and thinking that it will take a long time to achieve my goals. A great piece of advice by my greatest mentor, my late father, as he continued to say there is not such a thing as impossibles, only limitations of the mind.
Lee Perlman
Job description
As a four-decade executive and leader at the Greater New York Hospital Association, I have worked to promote the importance and everyday miracles of hospitals. They are among New York’s most precious resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I’ve been incredibly blessed to devote my professional career to that goal.
Defining social responsibility
I have always felt the need to show volunteer leadership beyond my “day job.” I am honored to be a very active volunteer in a variety of areas, serving as chair of the Javits Center, treasurer of the Entertainment Community Fund, vice chair of the American Theatre Wing, and treasurer of Commonpoint Queens. My board service reminds me every day of how impactful volunteering can be. I’m so grateful to be able to give back.
Best advice
Only serve on boards where your presence is missed when you are absent from a meeting.
Errol Pierre
Job description
I work for the largest nonprofit health plan in New York, humbly leading a team of over 550 individuals building trust in the diverse communities we serve, while educating and enrolling them into health plans that provide access to high-quality health care regardless of race, creed, color or gender. I also work with top health care institutions developing programs that decrease health care disparities, like maternity mortality, where Black mothers are four times more likely to die giving birth than all other women. I love the work that I do. It fulfills me and I get to help the same community that raised me.
Defining social responsibility
Muhammad Ali once said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Social responsibility is giving more than you receive by using your time, treasure and talents to make the world a better place. I achieve this in many ways: through teaching health care at three different colleges (NYU, Columbia University and Baruch College), mentoring young professionals with 100 Black Men and Fordham University, and through a book I wrote entitled “The Way Up – Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color” that helps more people of color climb the ranks of corporate America.
Best advice
The best advice I have ever received was, “Have the courage to make 1 million mistakes, but the wisdom to not make the same mistake 1 million times.” This has taught me to take chances in trying new things and to expose myself to new experiences. By getting out of my comfort zone, I put myself in a position to learn and stretch myself. Conversely, it is just as important to learn from your mistakes as well. By doing so, you'll be a smarter, more seasoned professional.
Zenaida Rodriguez
Job description
I have dedicated my career to promoting the growth and success of small businesses, particularly those owned by minorities and women. As executive director of the Regional Alliance for Small Contractors and chair of the Competitive Edge conference, I am a leading authority in connecting diverse small-business talent to city and state agencies. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about bridging the gap when it comes to access – access to information, access to opportunities and access to resources. It is important to me to help level the playing field for underrepresented communities, particularly in the small business sector and workforce.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means I am dedicated to empowering the community economically and through societal efforts. My mission is to reimagine RASC with additional programs that contribute and reflect the changing minority business community and economy. I believe that everyone has a social responsibility in this community, whether it is through business ventures, their respective religious beliefs and/or education. Through my work I have been able to make a tangible impact in connecting diverse small-business talent to city and state agencies. I am committed to continuing this work because at the end of the day we should always look to pay forward.
Best advice
Success doesn’t come overnight unless you’re really lucky. You’ll need to work hard, work smart and be efficient with your time!
Simone Rodriguez
Job description
My role aligns education with industry needs. I design and implement programs that empower students with relevant skills, foster community partnerships and contribute to regional economic growth. I find immense satisfaction in experiencing the tangible impact of education on both individuals and our community. Guiding lifelong learning, fostering innovation and building bridges between academia and industry fuel my passion for this role. It is rewarding to play a pivotal part in shaping the future workforce and promoting continuous learning in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means coordinating our educational initiatives with the population we serve to meet their needs and foster inclusivity. I achieve this by facilitating and ensuring program accessibility and forming strategic partnerships with local businesses and organizations. I see my role as creating a positive impact while enhancing the college’s role as a catalyst for contributing to the well-being of the individuals we serve.
Best advice
The best advice I received was to “embrace change as a constant and view challenges as opportunities for growth.” It emphasized the importance of adaptability and a positive mindset. This advice encouraged me to remain open to new perspectives as I cultivate a proactive approach to change. It has been a guiding principle in my professional and personal life, enabling me to navigate complexities with optimism and confidence.
Mark Romano
Job description
My job consists of building long-term relationships with our clients and our partners. As a nonprofit technology advisory company created by New York state, our responsibility lies in driving economic growth in the regions in which we serve. We do this by engaging in our communities to advance small businesses and by assisting government agencies in becoming more efficient in the delivery of constituent services through the adoption of technology. My role enables me to spend time meeting with our clients and partners who share this vision.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means always acting with integrity and with behaviors that allow for greater inclusion within our company, with our clients, and in our communities. By doing so, we’re able to lift those around us by enabling technology to drive government efficiency outcomes.
Best advice
I was taught that a person’s status or role doesn’t matter in life. Treat all people with the dignity and respect you would demand for yourself.
Brenda Rosen
Job description
I am responsible for the fiscal and programmatic integrity of our nonprofit – to assure the broadest possible sustained impact of our purpose to address homelessness. I maintain a leadership role in partnership with my direct reports for deliverables in the areas of street outreach and housing operations; new real property development; and for significant ongoing government/donor relations. I enjoy this work because of the results that we see in thousands of improved lives annually for some of the most vulnerable fellow New Yorkers and my good fortune to partner with a universally compassionate group of colleagues.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is caring for the collective whole of humanity. Everyone is born with the same fundamental innate qualities and basic human needs. But too many have the misfortune of circumstances to suffer from greatly diminished opportunities and resulting poor quality of life. Society can only be healthy if sufficient numbers of its members who have good fortune actively engage in affecting improved lives for our fellow humans who have the greatest disadvantages. Because Breaking Ground works with those who suffer from chronic homelessness – to aid them in permanently overcoming that condition – we are fulfilling a most essential social responsibility.
Best advice
I have had many excellent mentors and colleagues who have imparted invaluable professional advice, but the best examples in this regard have been from my parents. They were always willing to give someone the space and freedom to err without assuming an underlying motive for an action or to be rashly punitive for an ill-advised action. This measured approach to personal relations has been pivotal for me to building collegiality, productive problem-solving and lasting, reliable, trusting and productive comradery among my staff at Breaking Ground in our shared challenge to affect lasting stability for homeless New Yorkers.
Nichelle Santos
Job description
The emerging legal cannabis industry is projected to reach $50 billion in sales by 2025, with an additional 400,000 workers. The industry is at risk with most new cannabusiness owners being grossly underinsured and without effective risk management strategies, leaving the industry exposed to high probability of business failure. My vision is to contribute to the success of a safe, legal and sustainable cannabis industry with compliance, risk mitigation and insurance services. In addition, we’ll help cannabusinesses attract and retain a strong workforce with employee benefits that include medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids and other prescription drugs.
Defining social responsibility
I take corporate social responsibility very seriously to be considerate of society and the environment at large, to put CSR at the core of what we do and put it into action. We have incorporated social equity, social justice, health equity, education and policy into our risk management practices. I serve as the New Jersey state director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana to actively advocate and promote community engagement for a diverse, equitable and inclusive industry. We utilize a multimodal approach to achieve CSR by providing resources to protect people, their investments and their businesses. We promote resilience and sustainability through our comprehensive consultative services.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was to find a problem, solve it, and build a business providing those solutions with great expertise and superior services.
Ann Serieux
Job description
I lead a team that plays a pivotal role in spearheading EmblemHealth’s commitment to social and sustainable practices, driving initiatives that benefit not only the mission of the organization, but also the communities which we serve. We forge strategic partnerships, engage with stakeholders and craft socially responsible programs that address health inequities, diversity, health accessibility and more. By aligning corporate values with societal needs, I ensure EmblemHealth remains a responsible and respected global citizen, promoting enduring success across a variety of challenges through positive contributions. Why I enjoy the work I do? My job allows me to gain a broad perspective of the disproportionate impact of poor health among racial and ethnic minorities and other underserved populations and gives me the opportunity to help change that paradigm. Equity is at all times a through line across my work and that perspective is what drives me to wake up every day with the determination to provide communities with the information, tools and health care access they need to lead healthy and productive lives.
Defining social responsibility
To be socially responsible, the business of health care marketing goes beyond financial returns to include practices that improve the health outcomes and well-being of patients, communities and the environment. It must ensure that projects are locally and culturally relevant, holistic, effective in mobilizing and strengthening community supports, and effective in building partnerships across agencies to ensure better access to services. Ultimately, employing an approach and strategies that contribute to social development and upward mobility for all. How do I achieve social responsibility in my work? Working with the enterprise to attract, train and retain a cadre of compassionate and motivated individuals to champion the mission of the enterprise and achieve sustainable results. Ensuring that members of my team have a shared vision of the mission and strategies of the enterprise, and that they incorporate those values in their everyday practice. Developing and executing initiatives that engage and encourage participation of families and communities, which reflect the diversity and culture of the communities being served. Finding strategies that link the enterprise’s core product to its socially responsible endeavors. Supporting activities that build the capacity of local organizations to promote sustainability.
Best advice
A mentor once told me that my skills and talents should never be limited to my job description because as the industry evolves, so should my opportunity and flexibility. I draw on this advice every day but more so during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought changes in the health care terrain requiring great flexibility in adapting to change, providing learning opportunities for all of us to work and access communities differently.
Milly Silva
Job description
I was elected by the membership of 1199SEIU to oversee the finances and develop unionwide strategy for the largest health care union in the United States. I am passionate about the labor movement because unions are the most effective tool that workers have for building power to raise wages, fight poverty and advance economic and social justice. Empowering health care workers to stand up for themselves, their families, patients and communities and to become leaders in their own right is the most rewarding aspect of my work.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means recognizing that we live in an interconnected world and act based on the interests of our broader communities – not simply on narrow personal or organizational goals. For our union, this means seeking to advance the interests of all working people, regardless of industry, place of work or whether they are even members of a union. We put our resources towards and pursue racial justice, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, quality education and housing, and environmental justice just as we fight for bread and butter workplace issues.
Best advice
Be true to yourself. Show up as your best self with the knowledge that it may look different each day. But, show up.
Rob Simmelkjaer
Job description
I am the CEO of one of one of the greatest institutions in New York City: New York Road Runners. NYRR is the organizer of about 40 adult and over 50 kids races per year, including the iconic TCS New York City Marathon. In my role I manage an organization with a $100 million annual budget and staff of almost 250 full-time staff and thousands of volunteers.
I feel this is one of the best jobs in New York because of the impact we have through our mission to “Help and Inspire People Through Running.”
Defining social responsibility
I took this job because it was a chance to combine my passion for sports with my desire to make people’s lives better. NYRR positively impacts people from all walks of life, from New York City public school students who participate in our Rising NYRR program to adults of all ages and abilities who run in our free Open Run program. And this year, 51,402 people had the life-changing experience of crossing the finish line of the TCS NYC Marathon. I’m very fortunate to have a job that makes such a positive difference in so many people’s lives.
Best advice
Mr grandmother once told me that the best form of speech is a question. I’ve spent a lot of my career asking questions as an attorney and a journalist, and I’ve tried to make questions a key part of my management style. The only way to learn about someone is to ask them a question. And so I say, “When in doubt, ask a question.”
Edwin Simpser
Job description
St. Mary’s is a unique pediatric post-acute health care provider. I have the honor of leading an amazing team dedicated to our mission of improving the health and quality of life of some of New York’s sickest children. I not only help set the direction of our organization, but I speak out and advocate on behalf of these special children and families, at times effecting positive policy change. Being surrounded by like-minded, mission-driven individuals and seeing the positive outcomes of our efforts is most rewarding. Knowing that the life of a medically complex child and their family has been improved in some measure by our work is most gratifying.
Defining social responsibility
I see social responsibility as a moral obligation to make decisions or take actions that are positive for society. At St. Mary’s, we serve all children and families wherever they live and without any consideration of their socioeconomic status. Every child we serve deserves an optimal life despite their medical, developmental and social challenges. It is our responsibility to ensure that every child and family gets the highest level of care and service. When we recognize that there are gaps in our ability to serve them, then we either start a new program to meet the need or advocate for those services to be made available.
Best advice
Some of the best advice I have received is to always be inquisitive and always be learning. You can always learn from others, no matter where you are in your career. Also, that leadership is really about serving your teams so they can be successful – be a servant leader. Make sure your listening skills are as honed as your speaking skills.
Cate Singer
Job description
I focus on helping clients deliver their capital programs and solve their most complex and challenging infrastructure needs. I love what I do because it enables me to bring a combination of strategic, financial and commercial expertise to tangible project opportunities that impact the daily lives of each of us as residents and citizens.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means looking both ahead of and behind you. It is about recognizing that our contributions in this world are just a small part of a much bigger picture and that we must embrace the opportunity to help shape the future in a way that is consistent with our values. Importantly, it involves volunteering your time on things that may not promise any financial return to you and on people to pay it forward.
Best advice
A career is a long game … figure out what you love to do and enjoy the ride!
Shontell Smith
Job description
Tusk Strategies is a national public affairs firm that helps companies and organizations challenge the status quo. I lead campaigns for companies that want to tackle the toughest political and regulatory challenges across the country. I enjoy this work because every day is a new challenge.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is using your platform and skill set to help communities that may not have the resources and platforms that you have. I achieve at work by working with companies/organizations that have good social causes. In addition, I try to volunteer on issues that impact underrepresented communities such as migrants, poverty issues and solving hunger.
Best advice
Know what you don’t know. In order to truly learn and be good at your job, you have to know when you are not the expert on an issue. Knowing when to ask for help is crucial in the learning process.
Chandra Smith Thomas
Job description
I oversee a citywide youth workforce initiative that supports New York City public high school students advancing their postsecondary education and career aspirations through valuable work-based learning activities. I address the academic achievement of our youth through advocacy, education and training. My current role has afforded me an opportunity to contribute to the future workforce of New York City in a meaningful way by connecting youth to opportunities that enable economic mobility, personal development and goal attainment through career connected learning.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the use of self. The opportunity to use my personal talents, connections and experience to create lasting change through impact for New York City youth. I’ve done this through intentionality and building my acumen on the structures and systems that support youth.
Best advice
Be a lifelong learner.
Marti Speranza Wong
Job description
As founder and executive director of Amplify Her Foundation and executive director of Amplify Her, I wear a variety of hats. Across both organizations we are driven to support women and girls from underserved communities to become transformative changemakers, and have had the privilege of partnering with women and organizations across the five boroughs who are dedicated to advancing gender equity. I’m most fulfilled when witnessing women unlock their leadership potential – from running for office to running a business. When women ascend to positions of power, we see them uplift other women, their communities and the city as a whole.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means working to build a more just world where everyone has the voice, power and agency to drive systemic change. My unwavering belief is that when women succeed, we all succeed. Our mission is empowering women at every stage of their leadership journey. Amplify Her was created to address women’s underrepresentation in elected offices by advising women candidates, recruiting committed campaign volunteers and registering new voters. At Amplify Her Foundation, we partner with community-led organizations that build the economic and social power of women and girls through leadership programs, educational opportunities, career training and development, mentorship and more.
Best advice
The more perspectives in the room, the better the decisions. I’ve seen this proven throughout my career, and it’s now well-established that greater diversity in organizations improves performance, which is why we’re committed to ensuring women have a seat at the table. In our work, we center the voices of those who are closest to both the challenges and solutions. Our foundation’s grantmaking strategy was informed by research that over 1,000 New York City women participated in and we created a participatory grantmaking body composed of women who have diverse lived and professional experiences, to determine our grantee partners.
Anne Sperling
Job description
I have the privilege of working with all of the hospital’s local communities – in Brooklyn, Queens, the Upper East Side, Northern Manhattan, lower Manhattan and Westchester – to help ensure that we are really listening to what New Yorkers are saying and responding in a way that makes people’s lives better. A major piece of this work is collaborating with our incredible nonprofit partners to make sure those organizations have the resources they need to help address critical issues like housing, economic recovery and employment.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility goes beyond just “giving back.” It is making certain that you engage with people and find out what they need, and then try to deliver on that in a way that is equitable and fair. That means convening community advisory boards, talking to community members (one on one), and finding all possible venues to listen. I’m incredibly fortunate to work at an organization and with a team that truly wants feedback from our communities and then responds with support that is responsive to it.
Best advice
That I should move to New York!
Shanny Spraus-Reinhardt
Job description
My primary responsibilities include spearheading strategic investments that create and preserve quality industrial jobs for New Yorkers and leveraging Brooklyn Navy Yard’s resources to support the economic, educational and cultural needs of our surrounding communities. I love my job because not only can I help to ensure BNYDC is fulfilling its broader mission, but I get to work with an incredible group of people – a dedicated and dynamic staff, innovative tenant businesses, and impactful local community members – with a common purpose, towards a shared goal.
Defining social responsibility
Intentional participation in a shared effort to impact positive change in the broader community. From the outset, the Navy Yard has had this mandate in its mission. For years, it has provided local communities and small businesses with the opportunities, space and tools needed to catalyze growth, innovation and entrepreneurship and to build generational wealth.
Best advice
My grandparents, immigrants from the Dominican Republic, were factory workers here in Brooklyn. Through their tireless example, they taught me that no matter your job, you do your very best at it and take pride in the work.
Doug Spring
Job description
I advocate for cultural institutions and social service organizations delivering critical services to New Yorkers every day. Without the support of the government, these groups cannot survive. As the internship coordinator, I teach our cohort of 10 students the fundamentals of New York City government and its interconnectivity to everyday life, all while mentoring them throughout their time in our program as their political careers begin.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is striving to leave as positive an impact on as many lives as one can throughout their day. We each have to play a consistent role in making our city a thriving community for all its residents. I am heartened each day by the work our nonprofits do, providing meals for our older homebound neighbors, providing shelter for the unhoused, mentoring young people and delivering world-class cultural performances. My role in maintaining their positive relationships across government is critical in furthering their missions to deliver services for a growing number of our neighbors. In mentoring students early in their political careers, I strive to make a lasting impact on their views of how advocacy can make positive change.
Best advice
The best advice I’ve received is the importance of maintaining your network of connections. I’ve been told that the making of a career is, in large part, networking. Keeping relationships alive with current and former colleagues, classmates, clients, you name it, can provide a wealth of opportunity for you and those in your circle. The New York political universe is tight-knit, and you never know when you will cross paths with someone in the future.
Donna Stelling Gurnett
Job description
The Association of Private Colleges supports 12 degree-granting, family-founded institutions in New York state. APC advocates at the state and federal level for policies that promote transparency, universal accountability and higher education affordability. I have always believed that education and lifelong learning are keys to an active and fulfilling life. Since I began my work with APC 10 years ago, I have seen firsthand the impact that education can have on people’s lives. I have found advocating for financial aid programs like Pell and TAP to be so rewarding because our work is having a direct impact on first-generation students and other underrepresented groups.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means lifting up those who are struggling or creating a more equal playing field for everyone who wishes to pursue a higher education. A lot of the work APC does involves advocating for increased financial aid for minority and low-income students. In New York state, we have a wonderful Tuition Assistance Program. Working with the legislature, APC advocates to expand and improve the TAP program with the goal of increasing access to an affordable college education for all students! We are fortunate to have a diverse and well-regulated education system in New York that is really an example for the entire country. Our state has a rich history of treating all colleges equally, from public universities to private and proprietary colleges. New York lawmakers have established an environment where all institutions can partner with the state to ensure strong student outcomes across all sectors.
Best advice
No matter how insurmountable or difficult things seem right now, just breathe and know you will find a way through.
Julie Tighe
Job description
We are the only nonpartisan, statewide environmental organization in New York that fights for clean water, clean air, renewable energy and open space through political action. We hold politicians accountable to their environmental commitments and we educate, engage and empower New Yorkers to be effective advocates. The climate crisis grows more urgent by the day, but voters understand this and are more engaged than ever on these issues. It’s exciting to be at the nexus of advocacy, policy and politics – and to actually see progress towards our transition to a clean energy economy.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means taking actions to improve society as a whole, and that is at the very heart of our mission and the work we do every day. That work includes educating and activating voters as well working with policymakers to combat climate change, improve public health, invest in clean water infrastructure, and tackle transportation challenges – all with the aim to protect our environment and ensure a healthier, more sustainable New York for generations to come.
Best advice
Take the win. Don’t make the perfect the enemy of the good. There will always need to be compromises but don’t forgo a win today so you can get an incrementally bigger win tomorrow. You don’t stop fighting to get to the end zone when you get the first down. But it’s a lot easier to score the touchdown when you keep moving the chains down the field.92
Dennis Trainor
Job description
My primary role is fighting for the interests of our 150,000 members who are telephone workers, health care workers, public sector workers and workers in many other occupations. I find immense satisfaction in championing workers’ rights, making real tangible improvements in our members’ lives, and making sure that workers build power in the workplace. I am so proud of the many victories we have achieved under my leadership, be it countless strong contracts or several successful strikes at Verizon or at Mercy Hospital. I enjoy the dynamic challenges that leading a diverse and large union brings and in this big year for the labor movement, I’m excited to be a part of it.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means prioritizing economic equity, workplace democracy and social justice. Unions are the great equalizer in this country. We ensure that corporate greed is kept at bay, we are the biggest force that fights against economic inequality, which destroys the social fabric in our country, and union contracts are the only tools that effectively prevent discrimination based on race, gender, age and other factors. I take this responsibility seriously and I think that, now more than ever, unions are needed to achieve true social justice.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was to not give up and stay committed to the principles of solidarity, democracy and justice. Throughout my union career, this guidance has been my compass, steering big fights, important negotiations and organizing campaigns. When workers stick together, anything is possible.
Stephanie Van Damm
Job description
I serve as the U.S. – East corporate responsibility leader for EY, a region with over 20,000 employees in 18 locations. With over 17 years at EY, I have expertise in leading strategy focused on empowering our internal teams to become purpose-driven leaders, increasing brand value and deepening client relationships. The most rewarding part of the role is engaging with our people, clients and other external stakeholders to connect passion with purpose and create waves of change.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about building relationships, leveraging your unique skills and experience and giving your time to building a better working world. At EY, we achieve this by focusing on three main social areas: supporting the next generation, working with impact entrepreneurs and accelerating environmental sustainability. By working with our clients, like-minded organizations and nonprofits, we drive impact by mobilizing our workforce to bring positive change to the communities where we live and work.
Best advice
Don’t be afraid to fail – you cannot have progress and innovation without failure, it doesn’t exist. Instead, consider them “falls.” So fall and fall often and judge the quality of innovation not necessarily by if you fell, but how quickly you pick yourself up and try again.
Matthew Walsh
Job description
I am responsible for leading our state policy and regulatory efforts throughout the Eastern U.S. That involves engaging with stakeholders such as governors, legislators and other stakeholders including advocacy and community groups. My ultimate objective is to work with these individuals and groups to bring the life-saving benefits of autonomous vehicle technology to as many states and cities as possible.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is advocating for policies that promote safety and equity. In the case of Waymo, I am able to achieve both. Over the past several years, we have driven millions of miles on public roadways as well as another billion in simulation and have proven that this technology can make our streets safer for all road users. This technology can also bridge the gap in our public transportation networks and allow individuals who have traditionally been left behind on technological advancements in transportation to also benefit.
Best advice
Respect people’s time if you want your time to be respected.
Michael Warrington
Job description
As a community lender, I work closely with minority businesses to ensure they have the right banking services, products and capital that helps them grow their businesses. For me, there is nothing more gratifying than working with our minority business owners and helping them take their businesses to the next level!
Defining social responsibility
We know that as a small business, you might feel overlooked by banks – especially if you’re a minority-owned business. But your size and current financial status don’t speak for your history, your story or your impacts on the community. Working with minority businesses allows me to share with them knowledge and experiences I’ve learned over 35-plus years in banking that have helped businesses be successful.
Best advice
Believe in yourself and never be afraid of change!
Morgan White
Job description
I develop and maintain programming and initiatives related to the attraction and retention of young professionals, diverse talent, and bringing recognition to our minority-, women- and/or veteran-owned businesses. I enjoy my work because it allows me to help businesses and organizations to better connect with all members of our community through inclusive practices that are welcoming, supportive and empowering.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means dedicating time and energy to better your community. I am able to achieve this in my work through connecting members of businesses that are typically overshadowed. I uplift them through empowerment and give them a space at the table. I also focus on advocating for the diverse talent in our community to be recognized for their amazing contributions and for being their authentic selves. I am also able to lead and organize staff efforts to volunteer for community organizations throughout the year.
Best advice
Do not give up when you feel like the crowd who is listening is small. Even if your work is only helping a small group of people to make a difference, that is one more group of people making a difference than there was before, and the work of making people matter, matters.
Alice Wong
Job description
I have the honor of representing New York City public service employees as an advocate for labor and civil rights in my role as executive director of New York City Managerial Employees Association. We are catalysts for promoting public and agency policies that effect positive economic and social change for managerial employees. Working together with elected officials and appointed representatives, we strive to enhance equality, protect benefits and to be the voice representing nonunionized employees in New York City.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means serving my community. I was appointed as a board member representing Manhattan Community Board District 4. This volunteer board represents the district’s residents, institutions, nonprofit and businesses’ common interests to city agencies and brings solutions to our district. I have learned so much in working together with my neighbors, who are equally committed, in creating positive direct impact for change to enhance the community we live in.
Best advice
Remember to be kind to yourself, love yourself and be true to yourself – because the longest relationship you will ever have – is the one you have with yourself.
Manuela Zamora
Job description
I provide the direction and leadership of our organization including the development and growth of our business model. I oversee the work of my area directors and work directly with some staff members in specific projects. I manage the overall operations and resources of our organization. I also focus on our expansion. I enjoy the work I do because I am able to bring innovation and systems design to my everyday work with the purpose of developing programs that are efficient, sustainable and scalable.
Defining social responsibility
To me, responsibility means to prepare our youth today for the environmental challenges they will confront tomorrow. That is, making sure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code, has access to quality science education, access to healthy and nutritious food, and access to opportunities. I achieve this by developing programs that provide students the tools they need to become the next generation of scientists, innovators and decision-makers of a globalized world that will face the challenges of climate change.
Best advice
Always assume that others are motivated by good reasons and intentions.
Mike Zarcone
Job description
As head of corporate affairs, I oversee functions related to MetLife’s engagement with internal and external audiences across more than 40 markets where MetLife has a presence. This includes global communications, government relations, sustainability and real estate and corporate services. I also serve as chair of MetLife Foundation, which is part of corporate affairs. In this position, I have the opportunity to shape the role MetLife plays in people’s lives and our communities and share with our employees and other stakeholders why the world is a better place with MetLife in it.
Defining social responsibility
Living up to our promises – now and into the future – and providing value to our stakeholders and the broader environment. The essence of what we do at MetLife is to be there for people throughout the arc of their lives, whether it’s through providing protection products that offer stability during difficult times, employee benefits or a stream of income when people retire. We do this through our investments in things like infrastructure and agriculture. These investments help us live up to our promises and, along with our philanthropy, build strong communities.
Best advice
The best advice I’ve received is that a good question is just as important as a good answer. You can often know more from understanding why someone is asking the question, for example, the need or fear underneath the question. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the same questions.
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