Publisher's Section
The 2021 Responsible 100
The New Yorkers who are making the world a better place.
City & State presents the Responsible 100. Mihai_Andritoiu/Shutterstock
As each year winds down, City & State turns its focus to honoring a select group of New Yorkers who exemplify what it means to be a socially responsible citizen. Unlike the many power lists we publish recognizing the most influential individuals in city and state politics, this feature instead highlights those who are dedicated to helping others. These leaders – in business, government, nonprofits and advocacy – exemplify the optimism and idealism that make New York a national leader, especially as partisan gridlock hinders the nation’s ability to contend with an unending pandemic, heightened racial tensions and a rising climate crisis.
City & State received hundreds of nominations for this year’s list. Once we narrowed it down to 100 individuals, we asked each honoree to respond to some questions: What does your job entail and why do you enjoy the work you do? What does social responsibility mean to you – and how do you achieve it in your work? What's the best advice you ever received? We took the most compelling excerpts, edited for length and style, to paint a portrait of each honoree’s endeavors to make the world a better place – and insights into how we can follow their lead.
City & State is pleased to announce the 2021 edition of The Responsible 100.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: J. Phillip Thompson
Job description
I oversee a number of New York City agencies and initiatives, including the Department of Small Business Services; the Department of Youth and Community Development; the city’s M/WBE program; the Young Men’s Initiative; the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection; the Commission on Human Rights; the Department of Veterans’ Services; the Civic Engagement Commission; DemocracyNYC; the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities; the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development; the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; and the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit. Since 2020, I've also co-chaired the city's Taskforce on Racial Inclusion & Equity, which is helping build a fair and equitable recovery. I enjoy the work because a) we have a great team with a can-do spirit, and b) we've had the support of the mayor and City Hall colleagues in innovating new ideas that we've been able to implement.
Defining social responsibility
Being socially responsible to me means being accountable to ordinary New Yorkers. Listening to them, being honest about what we can and cannot do and delivering on our promises.
Best advice
To be thankful for the opportunity to live, work and serve and to make every day count. And second, to remember that “your word is all you’ve got,” so choose them carefully and live up to them.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Kathryn Wylde
Job description
My job is to ensure that major employers and business leaders are working closely with government, labor and the civic sector to make the city stronger, more equitable and more livable. What I enjoy most is building bridges across sectors and developing programs that apply private sector expertise and resources to addressing the challenges facing the city.
Defining social responsibility
David Rockefeller, who founded the Partnership in 1980, was a model for good corporate citizenship long before it was in vogue. He argued that global business is dependent on the infrastructure, the talent pool and the livability of great world cities. He argued that business has both an obligation and a vested interest in partnering with government to ensure the health of communities, of the educational system and expansion of economic opportunities to the residents of the cities where they are located. Today, this is called corporate social responsibility, but David just saw it as the necessary and right thing to do for the communities where businesses operate and their employees live. Examples of recent Partnership CSR efforts include a Small Business Resource Network set up with the New York City Economic Development Corp. to help thousands of struggling entrepreneurs survive the pandemic and a career discovery experience where 6,000 10th-graders spent a day learning about opportunities available for them in finance, media, technology, retail and other key industries.
Best advice
Focus on the end goal of what you are trying to achieve and do not get distracted, diverted or discouraged in pursuit of that objective. Usually, one cannot achieve something important alone, so success requires creating allies, building alliances and bringing diverse interests together around common interests and goals.
Nakia Alston-Hendrickson
Job description
I oversee development and communications for Community Voices Heard, the largest Black-led, multiracial grassroots organizing institution in New York state. CVH builds power among Black and Brown, low-income individuals and communities, something especially meaningful to me as a product of Harlem. Our work and mission align with my passion – building a participatory democracy as a means of securing a just social safety net, family sustaining jobs, truly affordable housing and thriving communities.
Best advice
This work can feel daunting or far-reaching, but in these times, I am reminded of Audre Lorde’s words: “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”
Denise Arboleda
Job description
I am vice president of sales at Compulink Technologies. I have been working here for over 25 years supporting New York City government agencies and New York state agencies.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means giving back to our community, setting positive examples for our future generation and committing to following compliance set by our government. I also participate in programs like the Boys and Girls Club to bring youth to our workplace and provide internships. These internships are designed to give our youth a firsthand experience of what it means to be not only in IT, but also what it means to build a foundation for their work ethic.
Best advice
“No” is not an answer. You must always have tenacity to be a strong leader.
Jeffrey Barker
Job description
I lead our local market presidents across the state to bring together a cohesive approach that ultimately drives responsible growth for our company and within the communities we serve.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility not only means doing the right thing but also understanding that each of us as individuals, as well as the companies we work for and patronize, can have a positive impact on the community around us. In my work, I have the ability to influence our efforts and help turn these concepts into reality, whether through fostering an inclusive work environment, advocating for policy changes, providing advice and counsel on grants and sponsorships or just doing what I love – leading a group of volunteers.
Melynda Barnes
Job description
I am responsible for infusing clinical and scientific rigor and expertise into the physical and digital products that we create at Ro as well as ensuring that we create a platform that allows high quality, affordable and safe care to be delivered to patients. I love my job. I work hard on the behalf of people who want to radically improve their lives, and I get to help build something magical that helps people in all 50 states and D.C.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility means doing my part to help make my community better. At work, I achieve this by being a fierce patient, provider and pharmacist advocate. Because if people are living healthier lives, and if providers and pharmacists are happy at work, their communities benefit.
Barbara Brown
Job description
As chairperson of the Eastern Queens Alliance Inc., keeping the organization focused on that which impacts our sustainability, environmental health and high quality of life in Southeast Queens communities. This is accomplished through environmental education, preservation and awareness, environmental stewardship and heightening community involvement as well as awareness and advocacy for environmental justice, racism and equity issues that impact our communities. It takes the whole village to care for the village.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is caring for, staying aware of, participating in and advocating for that which makes our society robust, enjoyable and healthy.
Best advice
Aim high! Follow your dream! Be the best that you can be!
Jeffrey Buller
Job description
I oversee the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund, a Charter Communications impact fund focused on lending to small businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in underserved communities within Charter’s 41-state operating footprint. The mission of the Loan Fund is to make long-term investments to positively impact local economies resulting in growth capital, new job creation and stronger businesses.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the understanding and recognition that no one person or business exists in a vacuum. In order for any one element of our community to thrive, the whole community must be strong.
Best advice
My mentors in life have consistently proven that the saying, “Do what is right, not what is easy” is always the correct approach.
Corinne Carey
Job description
I’ve always worked to promote bold new public health initiatives backed by sound evidence and a deep respect for civil and human rights. In my current role, I work to improve the care that people receive at life’s end, including advocating for New York's Medical Aid in Dying Act. This compassionate legislation would allow mentally capable, terminally ill adults with six months or less to live to request medication to peacefully end intolerable suffering.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means advocating for solutions to human problems by committing to listening to the perspectives of a broad array of community members and stakeholders; balancing what you’ve heard with what the evidence shows is the right thing to do; and making the case for changing laws and policies with those two sometimes competing factors in mind.
Mayra Castillo
Job description
My role is to support and promote small business and help a diverse community of entrepreneurs and innovators grow in New York City, and Brooklyn specifically. This means amplifying the message of our nonprofit organization, supporting local manufacturing and job growth in Brooklyn and highlighting the 450 companies that anchor themselves at the Yard. As a Latina and a former entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, I find it immensely gratifying to support these entrepreneurs and the mission of the Yard.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about building community and supporting the people in the places that we live. The hyperlocal approach of the Navy Yard – in both supporting small businesses and manufacturing, creating opportunities for minority-owned companies and hiring within our local community – is very aligned with my definition and mission of social responsibility.
Andrew Cavaluzzi
Job description
I oversee HVPG’s construction and operations, which means my work focuses on the physical product being delivered to the residents and resident experience across our portfolio.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means being a good corporate citizen, understanding the role your company and its dealings have in the communities they work in and utilizing that role to make a positive and lasting impact. HVPG incorporates social responsibility into the very purpose of our business – providing affordable, high-quality housing. Each of our projects must achieve the threshold of affirmatively answering, “Would we let our own family live there?”
Best advice
I received advice from my dad when I was young: “Never be afraid to walk outside of my shadow. You will never grow up and be the real you if you don’t.”
Vanessa Cifuentes
Job description
I make sure our employee experience aligns with our vision and mission. This is an experience that I am committed to delivering from the applicant stage all the way through retirement.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means behaving and conducting business ethically and being aware of social, cultural, economic and environmental issues. Striving for social responsibility helps individuals and organizations have a positive impact on development, business and ultimately society. I keep these ideals in mind whenever I make a decision and whenever I am an individual contributor on a team. I believe that we can all make a huge impact when we work together striving towards social responsibility.
Best advice
To tell my story and share my lived experience so that I can help others that may not have the same platform that I do.
Anna Mercado Clark
Job description
I lead the firm's data security and privacy and e-discovery and digital forensics practice teams.
Defining social responsibility
I view social responsibility as being mindful of how one's actions can impact the community, and making every effort not only to avoid doing harm or causing hurt, but also affirmatively taking steps to be engaged in meaningful dialogue about important issues, especially when it is difficult, to be inclusive, empathetic and help others. As a woman, a wife, a mom, and an immigrant from the Philippines who is the first lawyer in my family, I try to share my experiences, struggles and coping mechanisms with those who may be facing similar challenges or who are new lawyers just finding their place in the profession and the community.
Lucius Clay
Job description
I work with CRE lenders to provide data and analytics, enhancing their credit risk metrics, bolstering underwriting processes and ensuring regulatory compliance. I enjoy the work because it requires a thoughtful diagnostic approach.
Defining social responsibility
It means never thinking, “Well, that’s not really in our purview.” When you look at the enormity of systemic injustice, it is easy to convince yourself that trying to fix things is beyond the scope of your role or your company’s mission. However, by sponsoring difficult conversations and promoting small incremental changes, we can start to make a difference. One of the most important things to do to enact change is to listen and ask questions, so it is important that the workplace be an environment where people are comfortable voicing their opinions.
Jennifer Cohen-Smith
Job description
I lead the Medicare Advantage Business at Healthfirst. In this role, I have the honor of ensuring that we offer the best portfolio of products and services for the seniors in our 10-county service area in downstate New York. Ensuring that this important senior population has access to the health care and lifestyle benefits they need to live their happiest and healthiest life is a fulfilling and important responsibility!
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about working with purpose to improve the world we live in. At Healthfirst, I am part of an organization focused on meeting the individual needs of some of New York’s most vulnerable seniors. We take an active role, in collaboration with our local health systems, to measurably improve health equity and access in our communities.
Alex Dagg
Job description
My team and I work with elected officials in numerous cities and states to advocate for residents’ ability to share their homes and to ensure that short-term rentals continue to benefit cities.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means working to better the communities in which we operate and it’s important to my work specifically and Airbnb’s mission overall. Economic empowerment is key to building vibrant, healthy communities. We know home sharing directly benefits communities of all sizes through supporting jobs in small businesses via guest spending, through important tax revenue for cities hard-hit by the pandemic and most importantly by allowing everyday people, many hard-hit by pandemic pay cuts and job losses, to earn additional income that can help allow them to stay in their homes.
Samara Daly
Job description
My job entails lobbying, community engagement and building and supporting partnerships with our diverse range of clients that include nonprofits, tech companies and mix-used real estate developers.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means giving back to the communities that I work and live in. These days, that includes both New York City and the Hudson Valley. I achieve this both by working with clients who are deeply committed to the communities they are serving or developing in. In addition, I serve on several charitable boards that are working on important issues around access to healthy food/food insecurity, to women's health and local industrial and manufacturing initiatives. The intersection of both the work our companies do and the philanthropic activities I take part in helps to make a difference.
Vijay Dandapani
Job description
The primary goal is to enhance the footprint of the hotel industry as a principal stakeholder in New York City.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the ability to be a part of an ecosystem that fosters and engenders social equity. I achieve it by enabling the growth of the industry, an industry that is singularly responsible for the most middle-class jobs in New York City’s private sector where there is not only continuity of employment, barring the extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic, but also an opportunity for the next generation of employees to advance up the socioeconomic ladder due to its emphasis on work ethics and initiatives without necessitating a college degree.
Best advice
Rudyard Kipling’s saying about success and failure: to treat them both as impostors.
Jess Dannhauser
Job description
After nearly 12 years at Graham Windham, I recently transitioned leadership to my friend and colleague, Kimberly “Kym” Watson. Sharing leadership of Graham with Kym was a great privilege and learning opportunity. Together, we led this community with respect for every member – kids, parents of all kinds, staff, board, volunteers, partners and supporters – and for one another. As I explore my next steps, I carry what I learned in my 12 years and most especially in this most recent one with me always.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means providing the help and opportunity that those you intend to serve tell you is best.
Best advice
Have a “fire in your belly” about what’s right.
Alissa Deakin
Job description
I am responsible for ensuring the delivery of the highest quality programs and services for Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and its affiliate, St. John’s Residence for Boys.
Defining social responsibility
All employees at Little Flower are tasked with “transforming caring into action.” Social responsibility means going beyond caring to taking purposeful action to better serve the community. It means methodically acting to dismantle the systems and institutions that perpetuate social and racial injustice.
Best advice
Almost everything is temporary. Enjoy the good situations, learn from the bad and remember that most problems have a solution.
Tuhina De O’Connor
Job description
We are committed to promoting health equity for the marginalized communities PAGNY clinicians serve in the New York public hospital system. Specifically, we support clinician research efforts to study underrepresented populations to better understand their specific needs and incorporate those findings into providing the best health care to all.
Defining social responsibility
Life offers no guarantees to any of us, but each of us has something to share, or something we can do, to contribute to benefit others. Often, we find ourselves as the recipients of someone's kindness, generosity or selflessness and it can make all the difference in our lives. And sometimes we are given the opportunity to do that for others. The work I do can help people receive the medical treatments best suited for their needs. We all deserve that.
Carolina Dominguez-Pasaoglu
Job description
I empower EY people to bring their experience and expertise directly into classrooms, encouraging young people to elevate their aspirations, explore careers and pursue their dreams. Most of the work I lead entails developing and bringing to life mentoring programs in underserved communities.
Best advice
When I first started this work, I made an ask of a program sponsor. He agreed, then asked if there was anything more we needed. I excitedly and immediately jumped into other opportunities we had on our wish list. And he agreed to do more. At the end of our meeting, he called me out and said next time you need something, ask for it all, be bold. The worst thing that happens is that I say “no” and we work together to find another way.
Nathaniel M. Fields
Job description
Urban Resource Institute has served New York City since 1980 and is now the largest provider of domestic violence residential services in the U.S. and a leading provider of shelter and services for homeless families.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility requires going above and beyond. It means taking a holistic approach to domestic violence and homelessness – from prevention and intervention to direct services – and developing and implementing pioneering programs.
Best advice
In third grade, I was having a bad day and was walking with my head down when my friend Harvey, also a third-grade Black kid, walked over to me and put his hand on my chin and lifted my head while saying, “You can’t afford to put your head down. We need you to be strong and proud.”
Jonathan Flaherty
Job description
I handle all global sustainability, energy, telecom and smart building efforts for the company. Specifically, I manage sustainability certifications, investor communications, worldwide performance tracking, procurement strategy and technological innovation implementation.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is an understanding that we all have a role to play in protecting the resources around us, whether that be people, communities or the environment. I’m lucky enough to be able to promote social responsibility in my work, strategizing how to minimize Tishman Speyer’s environmental impact, while leaving lasting, positive impacts on the communities in which we build and operate in.
Best advice
Regret is an emotion that leads to poor mental outcomes and thus needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Don’t spend a great deal of time dwelling on the past.
Lawrence Fowler
Job description
The functional job description for my position indicates overseeing administrative operations including labor relations/human resources, information technology, registration services, facilities management and the utilization of legal services. That said, my job entails preserving and promoting the mission of the Bowen Center with the missionary zeal matching the needs of the community we serve. There is no greater joy than the humbling and invigorating synergy of community engagement and being encouraged by the hopeful eyes of the clients we work with.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility equates with accountability, honoring our history as an institution and working collaboratively with the community to improve our present and shape our future. At the Bowen Center, this translates into being an effective listener, converting staff input and community feedback into socially impactful action and solutions.
Lisa Furst
Job description
I have the pleasure of developing and supporting a wide array of programs and initiatives in Vibrant Emotional Health's community services, contact center, public education, policy and advocacy divisions.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a guiding principle informing all the work I do at Vibrant. I work in collaboration with our organization’s teams to support the inherent strengths in the communities they serve while also simultaneously working to meet New Yorkers’ mental health needs.
Best advice
The best advice I ever received was to say "yes" to accepting an intriguing or exciting opportunity, even if I am nervous about it or don't feel like I have all the answers about how to do it. Answers can be found and nervousness can dissipate, but not if I don't engage first!
Carley Graham Garcia
Job description
I am responsible for partnerships with community, business and civic organizations across New York City. The best part of my work is meeting with and learning from New Yorkers who advocate on behalf of their communities and causes to make our city and state a better place.
Defining social responsibility
At Amazon, we look to leverage our scale for good and use our ability to innovate quickly to strengthen communities across New York where our employees and customers live and work.
Best advice
My dad, a civil rights lawyer, taught me to always treat others as I would like to be treated and that every voice deserves to be heard. My mom, a women’s rights activist, reminds me every day that my voice matters and to use it.
Jeffrey Garcia
Job description
The NYS Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association is a membership organization representing over 300 businesses around the state, primarily in New York City.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility in our association means sharing information and empowering our business owners to be compliant with all regulations that keep our community healthy and safe. Additionally, we protect members from being adversely affected by unfair practices and ensure that Latino businesses have a fair share of resources, for example PPEs and PPP grants to help them survive.
Best advice
Embrace change, never be complacent, keep reinventing yourself – this advice was critical during the pandemic as our members had to change their business models to account for the changing environment.
Raymond Garcia
Job description
I provide comprehensive support to the commercial sales plan presidents for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield in New York and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in Virginia.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is not isolated to improving reputation and brand. We need to acknowledge that there is the need to take accountability for the impact one can have. Whether the impact is achieved through community involvement, philanthropy, environmental sustainability or other measures, let's aim to make a difference. As part of Empire's Inclusion & Diversity Council, we strive to create opportunities for education, awareness and meaningful engagement. We are aligned with our company's mission to materially and measurably improve the health of the communities we serve.
Best advice
Lead with the strongest, most determined version of you in every situation.
Sara Gardner
Job description
The Fund for Public Health in NYC is a nonprofit founded after 9/11 to increase the capacity of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to respond to the public health and safety needs of New Yorkers. I am responsible for directing the work of the organization, which includes creating public-private partnerships to expedite critical public health projects and to mobilize the philanthropic community in support of innovative public health initiatives. I can't think of more gratifying work!
Defining social responsibility
I believe that everyone has the duty to contribute in whatever way they can to making the world a better place. In public health, social responsibility means working to create and promote equitable opportunity for everyone to live their healthiest life.
Steven Garibell
Job description
I drive positive change through collective work, enriching the lives of metro New York's diverse business community. As a trusted adviser, I take a collaborative approach, providing resources and advocacy for change. Everyone should have access to resources needed for success. My role allows me the opportunity to support this vision.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about leveraging corporate resources to do good. It is a promise everyone should make to society and work toward a more inclusive tomorrow. I achieve this through supporting our community through advocacy, strategy and connectivity to drive economic growth and build strong communities.
Best advice
Don't be afraid to be YOU – leverage your identity and lived experiences to build your brand and show the world who you are.
Jennifer Gibbs
Job description
The work I do at KPMG makes a direct impact in the communities where we live and work. In addition to working with a number of our nonprofit collaborators and developing strategic programming, I also have the pleasure of measuring our impact across our programs to tell a cohesive story of how our colleagues and our firm make a difference every day.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about taking action and meeting the needs of the communities you serve. An important aspect of that is to be a true collaborator, constantly evaluating and evolving your work to be equitable and inclusive together with the programs, organizations and people you work with.
Best advice
My grandfather always told me, “Never present a problem, without presenting a solution.”
Rosa Gil
Job description
As the founder, president and CEO of Comunilife Inc., my job is to provide leadership to a nonprofit housing development agency. Comunilife provides affordable housing and supportive housing to homeless New Yorkers who are living with chronic illnesses, such as mental illnesses and HIV/AIDS. I get great satisfaction because we have developed more than 2,600 units of affordable and supportive housing to address homelessness, which is one of the most challenging problems in New York City. There is no good health without housing!
Defining social responsibility
I believe that each individual has to be committed to improve the social good in our city to create equal access to health, housing and economic well-being for all the citizens of this great city.
Arlene Goldsmith
Job description
New Alternatives for Children is an innovative child welfare agency serving 3,700 medically complex and behaviorally challenged children and their families annually in New York City. I provide strategic direction to our dedicated, multidisciplinary team who opens doors for children with critical health care needs.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that we acknowledge vulnerable populations that need and deserve to be given opportunities to grow and to have what all people need in a civil society – equity, empathy and empowerment. NAC is a change agent that works to enact policies that address issues affecting children with disabilities. Too many are ignored, oppressed or disenfranchised. Those with disabilities are often treated as “less than” or even invisible. All children are worthy of respect, love and care.
Laurence Gottlieb
Job description
Though I am leading Robert Martin Company's life sciences initiative, community outreach and strategic philanthropy are major focus areas for my professional time, which also reflects my personal passion for serving the greater community.
Defining social responsibility
Effective social responsibility initiatives rise to the challenges of the moment rather than being shackled to repeating programs of the past.
Best advice
One is a Thomas Edison quote, "Vision without execution is hallucination." I truly believe measurable outcomes are far more powerful than hashtags and tweets, because well-respected reputations are only built upon a platform of real-world results. The other source is from my father who always told me, "You want to go to sleep at night knowing you haven't intentionally wronged another person." Wise words, indeed.
David Greenfield
Job description
As CEO of the nation's largest Jewish charity dedicated to fighting poverty, I take public policy ideas and put them into practice. I enjoy the innovative solutions that we’ve brought to our work like the digital food pantry (instead of FreshDirect think PantryDirect), our brand new texting line for victims of family violence so that those stuck with their spouses can get help immediately and our first-of-its-kind home-delivery emergency food program for Holocaust survivors via Uber deliveries.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means looking out for your neighbors. All of them. We served over 30,000 Spanish-speaking New Yorkers last year. That’s not an accident. As the largest Jewish charity serving the needy in America, we want to help everyone.
Best advice
Run your nonprofit like a business.
Peter Gudaitis
Job description
I manage NYDIS' day-to-day operations and programs in addition to collaborating with the board of directors to achieve strategic goals and institutional development. The most rewarding aspect of NYDIS' work is collaborating with our talented staff and partners to address the unmet needs of under-resourced disaster survivors and victims’ families impacted by public health emergencies and disasters.
Best advice
A Navajo matriarch I had the humble privilege of having as a mentor many years ago would often tell me, that when crossing paths with another, to always take the time to walk in that person's shoes and hear their story in their own words – only then could I understand what journey they are on and what we can learn from one another.
Rahsaan Harris
Job description
I’m a funder and unifier. I provide microgrants, averaging $3,000, to hundreds of New Yorkers improving their community. We bring people together to solve problems they identify in their neighborhoods, from the need for economic opportunity to public safety to local beautification and environmental sustainability.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means taking ownership of your community’s future. We are all connected. I believe in the spirit of the Zulu expression ubuntu, “I am, because you are.”
Best advice
I often meditate on a Ta-Nehisi Coates quote: “You are the bearer of a body more fragile than any other in this country. What I want you to know is that this is not your fault, even if it is ultimately your responsibility.”
Kathryn Haslanger
Job description
I lead JASA. We are the go-to agency serving over 40,000 older New Yorkers annually through affordable housing, home care and extensive community and in-home social and legal services.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means always striving to advance equity, self determination and a sense of belonging in everything we do. JASA has a dedicated, talented and diverse staff. I work with the leadership team to increase staff's confidence that everyone's voice matters and will be heard. We help clients live life on their own terms. We build programs and practices that support seniors in identifying their priorities and assisting them to accomplish the goals that have meaning for them. That in turn builds a community where clients become engaged members who give back in their own ways.
Tasia Hawkins
Job description
I lead DoorDash’s social impact initiatives to support small and under-resourced businesses. Through grants, training programs and technical assistance, we help businesses owned by women, immigrants and people of color to thrive. I love the work I do because economic opportunity is critical to creating a society that works for everyone.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means responding to community needs with empathy, prioritizing those who’ve had limited access to opportunity and taking action to create long-term change.
Best advice
My favorite advice is that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care can be difficult in a fast-paced society with so many problems to tackle, but ultimately we’re all better off if we take care of ourselves first.
Ronnie Hector
Job description
My job is to serve the community by providing adult education and workforce development programs to serve the needs of New Yorkers.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is finding ways to serve our communities to foster upward mobility. Therefore, it is critically important to connect our communities to opportunities for social and economic development. At the SUNY Bronx EOC, we understand our responsibilities to the communities we serve as we develop opportunities for the growth and development of the whole person.
Best advice
As a child, I would always find excuses not to do my chores or homework. My grandmother would always say the same thing every time I gave an excuse, "You’re wonderful and marvelously made, so just get it done." I carry those words with me every day.
Tyquana Henderson-Rivers
Job description
We have extensive government and community relationships to deliver quality services to our corporate clients. We also represent political clients whom we believe in and believe will make positive change for the communities that we live and work in. I enjoy what I do because no two days are the same. There is always a new challenge.
Defining social responsibility
We pride ourselves as a business that prioritizes social initiatives and economic and community development. Positive change is possible when we all participate. CSA has made it a part of our mission to connect people to food, social services, housing, employment and training opportunities that allow for upward mobility.
Best advice
My mentor, the late councilman Thomas White Jr., told me, “Always do well so that you can do good.”
Alexander Horwitz
Job description
New Yorkers United for Justice is a coalition of social justice, legal advocacy and civil rights organizations working together to bring common-sense reforms to New York's criminal legal system. My job is to deliver on the coalition's mission – to reduce incarceration and eliminate racism in the system, protect public safety and save New Yorkers' tax dollars.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility starts by recognizing that we are all truly connected. In our field, that means understanding that what happens in our courts and prisons affects us all. Even more importantly, it requires us to accept that the failures of those systems are our failures as a society. When you embrace that, you realize that each of us has an absolute responsibility to fight for a better, safer, fairer system.
Susan Horwitz
Job description
I manage a team of legal and social work staff who advocate for the education rights of low-income students in New York City, many with developmental, learning and behavioral health disabilities. Through direct services, policy advocacy and impact litigation, we help send our clients on a road to educational success.
Defining social responsibility
My views on social responsibility fueled my decision to spend my entire career working in legal services. The Legal Aid Society's mission is to fight for equal justice for all New Yorkers, which is an apt way of describing just what social responsibility means. Our clients face immense barriers to justice and equity due to the challenges created by poverty, racism and historic marginalization. Every day, my team works to destroy those barriers and level the playing field.
Matt Hyde
Job description
As a construction project manager, I've built higher education facilities, office spaces, sports stadiums and residential apartments. I lead by setting the plan on-site and serving as the center of communication between clients, designers, contractors and many others.
Defining social responsibility
The construction business is thought of as an "old boys club." When I started my career, most people I worked with were straight, white men. I feel it's important to achieve more diversity, inclusion and equity in the construction business because building is a fantastic career that should be available to all.
Best advice
Self-advocacy is the most important part of career growth. The most important person to advance your own career is you. It's crucial to consistently vocalize what you want and where you want to be.
Christian Hylton
Job description
My work entails reviewing land use projects throughout the five boroughs preparing, submitting and advocating applications with the appropriate government agencies.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means an awareness of your obligations as a citizen, individually and corporately, in the work that you do. It is achieved by balancing the needs of a community against the impact a project will have. As a land use and government relations attorney, my professional interests have often dovetailed with my civic interests throughout my career. Any land use application requires examining the law, politics and civic engagement.
Best advice
“A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society.” – Charles Hamilton Houston, dean of Howard University School of Law (1929-1935) and every HUSL professor since.
Soo Kim
Job description
Standard General is an event-driven, opportunistic manager that oversees about $1.5 billion in assets primarily for public and corporate pensions, endowments and foundations. In some situations, we take what may be a failing company and work to turn the situation around. As part of that process, we influence corporate governance and operations and strengthen relationships with all stakeholders, including employees. Our No. 1 priority is to preserve and grow our partners’ capital, but we want to do so the right way.
Defining social responsibility
Being an immigrant myself and having grown up in Queens, the most diverse county in the U.S., has given me an appreciation of the challenges and opportunities of our country. I feel indebted to my community and believe in being socially responsible and giving back.
Kiesha King
Job description
In leading T-Mobile's education efforts, we have served over 3 million students. I enjoy the work I do because I help school districts provide critical internet access to their most vulnerable students. I recognize that empowering students with connectivity supports communities in accessing resources and opportunities they otherwise would lack. I wake up every day excited to champion digital equity.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that each individual has a role in helping our society by challenging frameworks and perceptions, authentically expressing their truth in support of social justice and serving socially responsible institutions and organizations with our time and talents. In addition to serving on several boards, T-Mobile's "For Good" mission aligns with my core commitment to serving underserved communities through K-12 schools, higher education institutions and nonprofit agencies.
Elliott Klein
Job description
My job entails making major corporate decisions for an organization with an annual budget exceeding $65 million. Our operations include over 550 employees in six locations in New York City, which services over 15,000 children, adults and families per month. I enjoy what I do daily because of the number of people from our community we are able to serve by providing the best mental health services.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means to be able to provide services to others that positively impact the core of our society. I achieve this in my work because my focus is to ensure that NYPCC continues to deliver the highest quality mental health services in some of the most underserved and neediest communities in New York City.
Best advice
Character counts!
Maya Kremen
Job description
As a native New Yorker, I am proud to work with businesses and community stakeholders to come to consensus around worthwhile initiatives that move our city forward. It’s gratifying to lift up the work of the nonprofits we represent, which have provided essential services throughout the pandemic, from offering a supportive path for young men coming out of Rikers and seeking to rebuild their lives to helping families of children with severe disabilities access medical care and specialized education.
Best advice
The mantra about good writing that I learned when I was a journalist – “show, don't tell” – still applies every day to my work communicating with government officials and community residents. New Yorkers want to see a clear vision for the future and a plan that is well thought out.
Gary LaBarbera
Job description
Representing the interests of 200,000 hardworking men and women in the unionized construction industry in New York state. Advocating for responsible legislation and policy that advances creating careers in the construction industry that provide middle-class families sustainable employment.
Defining social responsibility
Creating opportunity through the pre-apprentice and apprentice training for individuals from underserved communities – the best anti-poverty, anti-crime programs in a meaningful career. The building trades unions do not only build infrastructure and buildings, we build stronger communities.
Best advice
Work hard, be honest and always keep your word.
Howard Lavin
Job description
I help clients navigate complex, always-changing employment laws and provide practical, business-savvy advice on employment issues involving discrimination and harassment, diversity, discipline and discharge of problem employees, downsizings, wage-and-hour matters and the labor and employment ramifications of mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, I regularly provide management and supervisor training seminars on topics including sexual harassment, employment discrimination, conducting investigations and worker classification issues. This work is satisfying because it allows me to make a difference to an organization and help instill positive work environments.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means giving back to our communities and setting an example for others to follow. As an attorney, this means performing pro bono work and mentoring colleagues.
Best advice
My grandfather told me that what’s worth doing is worth doing well.
Kenya N. Lee
Job description
I serve as adviser to Baruch College’s senior leadership and spearhead strategic initiatives and project management in alignment with the institutional mission. I enjoy the work because I believe in the mission of public higher education and the power of education as a tool of growth, empowerment and social mobility. In providing access to opportunities, public higher education has empowered thousands to pursue their dreams and to positively impact society as leaders.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about elevating and empowering those around you. Social responsibility is about servant leadership. As a higher education administrator, I serve all of the stakeholders of the college community. With a seat at the table, I advocate for those who do not have a seat at the table.
Best advice
Be a lifelong learner.
Jeffrey C. LeFrancois
Job description
I go to work everyday knowing I am making a difference in the City of New York, improving the bottom line for businesses and making a resident or visitor of the Meatpacking District have an enjoyable experience. Business improvement districts (I run the Meatpacking BID) do a whole lot in New York City by providing a host of supplemental city services. In the Meatpacking District, we provide sanitation services, public space management and landscaping and have a robust marketing program that produces events and promotes the neighborhood. While at their core, BIDs are about supporting businesses, in doing so, you also get to improve the quality of life for all by ensuring that the space outside is top notch so residents, workers and visitors alike enjoy their time and experience in the district. Knowing that we're helping the city shine and driving business feels great.
Ya-Ting Liu
Job description
My job is to advocate for policies and funding that support tech innovation in public mobility. Via's digital platform enables public sector partners to create end-to-end transit systems: from planning better transportation networks and streets to operating efficient public transit and student transportation. I'm passionate about transportation because it sits squarely at the intersection of so many urgent issues facing communities across the country, especially climate, equity and economic recovery.
Best advice
When asked about the best advice she has ever received, my favorite author Min Jin Lee said, “Choose the important over the urgent.” This has forever stayed with me because in a world where we are all constantly "on" juggling a million work, home, family, kids and relationship obligations, it's really easy to lose sight of what's most important.
Lynn Loacker
Job description
Through Project W, the initiative I founded in 2015, I deploy my 35-plus years of experience as a corporate lawyer to develop the next generation of great tech companies led and owned by women. With a network of nearly 3,000 female founders, female fund managers and angel investors, women business executives and male allies, Project W runs four separate accelerator programs for female founders.
Defining social responsibility
I am deeply invested in fostering positive change by helping female founders – and particularly women of color – build the next generation of successful companies. Women with diverse backgrounds see problems begging for solutions and envision innovative ways to address those problems. Women also build companies differently, investing in their employees, cultivating inclusive and collaborative cultures and serving their customers with empathy.
Gentry Lock
Job description
I am a landscape architect and manage public-space projects in and around New York City characterized by complex interdisciplinary efforts. My clients include the city’s Economic Development Corp. and the parks department, with projects like the East Midtown Greenway, a 40-foot-wide bikeway and esplanade in the East River from 54th to 61st streets, and Slide Hill on Governors Island, a design-build project with rock and timber slopes and New York City’s longest slide at 36 feet high. The best part of my job is seeing people enjoying and using the built space as it was intended.
Defining social responsibility
In my profession, social responsibility means that the work we do must act in the best interest of the community we are impacting.
Paul Lozito
Job description
I oversee a portfolio of programs designed to aid New Yorkers impacted by natural disasters and to build infrastructure that mitigates the impact of future storm events.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility means that we all have a collective obligation to help one another, to take care of the environment and to leave our communities in better condition than in the past. We often try to achieve that goal through social resiliency. Put simply, social resiliency is providing education in our communities about the built and natural environment in which we all live. People may treat a marsh with more care if they know that a vulnerable species lives there, birds stop there on a path of migration or it helps protect them from storm surges.
Kristin Malek
Job description
CDW is a Fortune 500 company that provides technology products and services for businesses, government and education. I lead our Business Diversity Program which, since its formal launch in 2007, has grown to become a cornerstone of our diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. In 2020, we facilitated around $2.6 billion in spending with diverse partners, bringing CDW’s total legacy spend with small, women- and minority-owned businesses to more than $20 billion. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing firsthand the transformative effect that greater supplier diversity can have in supporting job creation, increasing wages and boosting local economies.
Best advice
I was once told that courage doesn’t always roar, sometimes it’s the quiet voice that says, “I will try again tomorrow.”
Norah McVeigh
Job description
I manage the financing business of a national community development financial intermediary that provides loans and other financing to nonprofit organizations nationally. I most enjoy providing resources to organizations that are helping communities, families and individuals achieve their aspirations by running job training programs or schools or building affordable housing, among other programs and services. They accomplish so much and often do not get the resources they need or the recognition they merit.
Defining social responsibility
For me, social responsibility means that individuals and organizations operate in ways that reflect and support the best interests of our society – our people and our environment.
Best advice
Do not underestimate the value of good communication, and if you aren't a good communicator now, learn how to be a good communicator.
Dan Mitzner
Job description
Working with a team across the country, we look for creative ways to ensure that all children receive an amazing education and that they have a safe school environment to flourish in, irrespective of where they go to school. I love what I do because the impact of our work is felt by students, parents and educators.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about leveraging your position in life – personally or professionally – and turning that into action that positively impacts your community around you. We aren't alone on this planet, and we all have the opportunity to lift others.
Best advice
Act like you've been here before.
Jim Moore
Job description
I manage legislative strategy for clients in fintech, artificial intelligence, health care, human services and community-based organizations. My success – and that of our clients – is knowledge-based, understanding the who, what and why of regulation and legislation, especially in the ever-changing world of fintech and artificial intelligence.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility sometimes gets lost in government relations. Too many people use their influence for selfish aims. We only work for clients – and on projects – that make New York a better place to live, work and raise families.
Best advice
My first boss, Sen. Chuck Schumer, said if you can look forward to going home to your family on Friday and are ready to return to work on Monday, you are doing something right.
Michele Neptune
Job description
I develop sustainability strategies for the Google Americas real estate portfolio with a focus on carbon, water, ecology, circularity and health. I enjoy working with others to solve big problems.
Defining social responsibility
We are all connected through our work, cultures and communities, and we have a responsibility to each other. We should ask ourselves, where is my impact, what is my privilege and how can I use those to bring positive change to my local and global communities? Empathy allows us to look beyond our boundaries, understand the needs of others and work with those outside our immediate circles to develop meaningful outcomes.
Best advice
Speak up. It can be challenging at times, but we all benefit from the diversity of experiences and thoughts in any room.
Richard Nightingale
Job description
Westhab builds and manages affordable and supportive housing and operates social services programs designed to empower people and communities to thrive. Having started at Westhab as an intern 20 years ago, this is a dream job for me.
Defining social responsibility
Westhab seeks to create a more just world that works for all. We believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Best advice
No two circumstances are ever exactly the same. The people involved, the particular climate and the urgency all vary. Therefore, there is no one winning approach. Read each room, evaluate each situation and make the best decision given those particular dynamics. Live in the moment, remain open-minded and work to build consensus around the best ideas that emerge. Then take accountability for the results.
Patricia Ornst
Job description
I enjoy the work I do because I have the opportunity to positively impact New Yorkers. My work responsibilities range from overseeing infrastructure projects in Queens that help bring thousands of jobs to the community and also help small not-for-profit organizations to address the needs of the community that we help serve.
Defining social responsibility
I have the responsibility to ensure we help build better and stronger communities in which our employees live, work and serve. Whether that is by organizing a local blood drive, rebuilding a local playground or helping make strides to minimize our carbon footprint, I work every day to try to make a positive impact on others.
Best advice
Your character and integrity is your most valuable asset.
Diana Ostroff
Job description
I advocate on behalf of some of the most well-respected corporations, developers and trade organizations doing business in the state.
Defining social responsibility
Using one’s influence to drive positive and meaningful change in society. This requires acknowledging that there are socially disadvantaged individuals that have been subject to prejudice or cultural bias for years without regard to their individual qualities and stepping up to help those communities. We have created a culture in our firm that encourages all staff to give back to our community, whether it's giving time, mentoring, being civically involved, helping local community groups get resources, helping colleges develop new curriculums that better represent the needs of the community or hiring local talent. The bottom line is we all must do more and work together.
Rochelle Patricof
Job description
I make it possible for our team of employees to support New York City in keeping the Grand Central neighborhood clean, safe and beautiful.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means I, as an ambassador for GCP, have a duty to act in the best interests of the Grand Central neighborhood and New York City. I am proud of the work that I did over the last almost two years to ensure that our employees were vaccinated against COVID-19 and fairly compensated during the worst months of the pandemic. Our employees work hard and have not always had the greatest opportunities. A job makes all of the difference in the world to them, and I try to make GCP a place where they feel valued and respected.
Alexandria Perotti
Job description
I drive the programs that ensure Holt is a leader in corporate and social responsibility, especially community engagement and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means serving people with a heart and soul – how we give back, how our communities grow and thrive and what sustainable change and equity we create through our projects. At Holt, we execute our vision through building programs that emphasize collaboration with our project’s local communities. Two recent programs, Get Ready to Work at Terminal 8, a program for American Airlines at JFK Airport, and our new initiative at Newark Airport, Building Newark Airport Together: Contracts and Careers at Terminal A, deliver new and measurable opportunities for small businesses and local residents in the communities in which we build.
Gingi Pica
Job description
I am responsible for the company’s grant-making and philanthropic activities that support the residents and surrounding communities of the affordable properties of L+M’s portfolio. I collaborate with our on-site teams, who engage directly with our residents, our nonprofit partners and other stakeholders to learn about community needs.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is being accountable for working in a manner that benefits the greater good or the community. I achieve this in my work by reinforcing the company’s mission: working together to build stronger communities.
Best advice
I received some of the best advice from my father-in-law: Do more listening than talking because you can learn more while listening. This advice is particularly relevant to my current role where listening to communities and stakeholders is critical.
Kenneth E. Raske
Job description
My job entails solving myriad problems and crises for our member hospitals. Some of them are recurring challenges, but there are always new ones such as the COVID-19 pandemic. I truly enjoy the problem-solving process, especially since the ultimate goal is to improve the patient care experience.
Defining social responsibility
I am fortunate to have a job with a strong (and ultimately simple) social responsibility component: GNYHA and our members are deeply committed to ensuring that everyone, including those living in New York’s most vulnerable communities, has equal access to safe, high-quality patient care. That’s our social mission, and we take it very seriously.
Best advice
My tongue-in-cheek response is, to be successful, pick your predecessor. Kidding aside, the best advice I ever received is to listen and listen carefully.
Dallas Reed
Job description
The focus of my leadership is to create an environment that supports student success, encourages and stimulates student learning and personal development through collaboration. My team creates programming and opportunities that enhance the quality of student life and create an integrated learning environment for students of diverse backgrounds. Tapping into the potential of students has proved rewarding and inspiring, because oftentimes they are not aware of the greatness that exists within them already.
Defining social responsibility
The words of Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success,” have shaped my philosophy on social responsibility. Every day I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of students and bless them through my words and actions.
Jennifer Richardson
Job description
I advocate, educate and explain my clients' priorities to state agency and elected officials with the goal of helping to create laws, regulations and policies that positively impact all New Yorkers. The best part is when I can facilitate learning between my clients and elected officials so they can realize the impact they have and use that knowledge to craft the most effective laws and policies.
Defining social responsibility
Using your privilege to ensure everyone in society has access to opportunities and knowledge.
Best advice
What's meant for me won't pass me by. A few times in my career and life, I stressed so hard over what at the time I believed was a missed opportunity. But in the end as I looked back, it all worked out for the best.
Lizette B. Ritz
Job description
My job entails making sure that children are well provided for and that programming and operations are run with fidelity and accountability. GBM is all about quality control and impact. That we have changed lives and that the children return to share their successes are tantamount to all that I do.
Defining social responsibility
For far too long, those least responsible for injustice, inequity, failing education, health disparities, poverty, social and environmental racism have had to bear the brunt of the burden and consequences. Social responsibility means moving those who are apart from success to becoming a part of it in ways that benefit everyone. High-performing schools, happy, healthy children, living wage jobs – we are farming and growing citizens and success at GBM.
Jeffrey Rodus
Job description
I am a governmental affairs professional. My job is to advocate on behalf of some of New York City’s best nonprofit organizations. It is very rewarding to assist these nonprofits by helping them navigate the complexities of city and state governments so they can better serve New Yorkers.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about helping make the world a better place for people. By helping these nonprofit organizations receive government assistance, they are better prepared to deliver important services to city residents.
Best advice
Every night, before you go to sleep, look in the mirror and say I did the best I could today.
Jillian Rose-Smith
Job description
I provide operational leadership for our Orthopedic Ambulatory Center and the Department of Social Work Program. I am committed to working to enhance access to care and optimizing quality outcomes for all patients with a focus on patients who are underserved, often marginalized and experience a disproportionate burden of health disparities in the communities we serve. Additionally, I am on the leadership team helping to provide oversight for the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, where I work to assist in creating a culture of inclusion, dignity, respect and belonging for all employees. I love the work I do because it often eliminates fear, fosters hope and safety and gets people back to the things they love to do. I learn from patients and my colleagues daily and have the potential to touch people's lives in a meaningful way every day and that never gets old.
Rachel Sabella
Job description
I represent the No Kid Hungry campaign across the state of New York. I work with schools, community organizations, advocates, chefs and government leaders to connect more kids and families with meals.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a principle every individual, corporation, nonprofit and government leader should live each and every day – we need to make the world and our society a better place. And it's not enough to just do your part – we also need to tap into the strengths of others and create networks among schools, elected officials, corporate leaders and others to make practical yet transformative change.
Best advice
No matter the situation, my Dad’s advice is the same: “Keep your stick on the ice and go to the net.” (Let's go Rangers!)
Prisca Salazar-Rodriguez
Job description
As managing director of the New York office of Hilltop Public Solutions, we focus on providing an array of services from public affairs, to campaign strategy, direct mail and to lobbying.
Defining social responsibility
Every day, I approach the work I do with, “How can I make a difference?” I started 28 years ago as a summer intern and every day I approach the work I do with: “How can I make a difference? How can I help someone else get closer to their goals? How can I create opportunity, the way opportunity was given to me?”
Best advice
Life is about the daily little investments we make in others that will matter in the end. Think of it as the 401(k) for a meaningful purposeful life.
Stasha Santifort
Job description
I work at the intersection of business strategy, purpose, social impact and sustainability. I design strategies for how Deloitte and its 345,000 professionals can make an impact in society. This includes Deloitte’s WorldClass initiative to support 100 million people through education opportunities, as well as initiatives on the climate crisis, COVID-19, social innovation and humanitarian and disaster relief.
Defining social responsibility
It means developing a deep understanding of challenges facing society and communities and their root causes and aligning stakeholders to a vision and actions.
Best advice
At an event last year, one of the speakers said, “You reach a point in life where you get beyond personal ambition and you find meaning, and that meaning is your purpose.” This quote really resonated and inspires me.
Mel Schneiderman
Job description
I am responsible for implementing programs that prevent child maltreatment and promote the well-being of children in New York state and across the nation. The Center accomplishes its mission through advocacy, professional development, public education and research. My work provides immense satisfaction when the Center's activities prevent even one child from the traumatic impact of child abuse and neglect.
Best advice
Treat others as you want to be treated and truth is not enough unless it is accompanied by kindness and compassion. I have often heard people legitimize hurting others with their offensive behavior by stating, “I am just telling the truth.” In my work and in my personal life, I try to be as honest and truthful as possible while showing kindness and compassion.
Jessica Schreiber
Job description
I've worked in waste management for 10 years, and I have to say, FABSCRAP handles the most gorgeous waste! It's really fulfilling to not only save beautiful fabrics from the landfill, but to make them affordable and accessible to the creative community in New York and educate an industry towards environmental stewardship.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is awareness and accountability for one's actions and their impact on others. No one lives or works in isolation, and we can all do our best to support and improve our communities. At work, I'm thinking about the protection of the natural world and resources for future generations, and aim to be a thoughtful and caring steward of the planet.
Best advice
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Allison Sesso
Job description
Our mission is to end medical debt and be a source of justice in an unjust health care finance system, a unique solution for patient-centered health care providers and a moral force for systemic change. We mimic for-profit debt buyers by using fundraised dollars to purchase medical debt for those that are financially vulnerable for pennies on the dollar. Then we notify the individuals that they are forever free of the debt obligation. We have relieved over $5 billion in medical debt for 3 million people.
Defining social responsibility
Medical debt ruins credit, results in bankruptcy, property liens, wage garnishment and mental anguish. It deters people from getting care. I love what I do … but am also doing everything in my power to eliminate the need for my work.
Zach Silber
Job description
I lead Kivvit’s Insights and Innovation practice, which is like a data analytics SWAT team. I work with dozens of organizations every year with the mission of finding innovative technology-driven solutions to public affairs challenges. Projects of mine have ranged from measuring the growth of social justice movements like Black Lives Matter to advising corporations (on) how to communicate about ESG most impactfully. I’m sometimes referred to as a “Zach of all trades” because my work spans such different situations, but I love that versatility and pioneering across strategic communications. It's a field that really makes change happen.
Defining social responsibility
I believe there is an imperative for every leader, regardless of your “portfolio,” to commit to creating positive change.
Best advice
Follow your passion.
Peter Siris
Job description
Reform Elections Now was created to help limit polarization and partisanship in our government. I study ways of making our elections more competitive and our government more responsive to the people and make presentations to groups around the U.S.
Defining social responsibility
I focus on bridging the gap between seemingly opposed groups. In the late 1960s, I created the first venture capital and investment banking companies to finance businesses for disadvantaged minorities, and the first inner-city economic development program at Harvard Business School. I worked to open relations between China and the United States. I was a financial columnist, explaining complex financial questions for people riding the 7 train. Now, I am trying to bridge the gap between the political parties to relieve the gridlock in our country.
Alan Steel
Job description
By hosting large-scale events that attract people and businesses from around the world, the Javits Center serves as one of New York's greatest economic engines that spurs job creation and business opportunities.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means being a better neighbor. That’s why we work hard to improve the quality of life for all of our neighbors, those with wings and those without. We created a robust sustainability program that includes a wildlife habitat and a major reduction in energy consumption. We constructed a marshaling facility to relocate 20,000 trucks off local streets while providing local students with educational tours and scholarships. But it also means being there in times of crisis, and we were proud to serve as a COVID-19 hospital and vaccination center that distributed more than 646,000 vaccines.
Wendy Stryker
Job description
I represent companies and individual executives on their employment law needs. I enjoy solving complex problems so employers can comply with complicated regulations and executives and staff can thrive. The past 18 months have been an especially active time as we helped clients navigate rapidly changing laws enacted to keep workplaces safe and to adapt to the changing nature of work itself.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the idea that both individuals and companies have an obligation to give back to the community. As a lawyer, I use my skill set to contribute to social good through my work and my pro bono/volunteer efforts. I contribute through my work by helping companies create and maintain safe, healthy and respectful workplaces and by helping individuals assert and protect their rights.
Ramon Tallaj
Job description
I lead the largest multilingual nonprofit network of 2,500 primary care physicians who serve 1 million Medicaid and Medicare patients in the most underserved communities in New York City. Together, we advocate for our patients and our communities by addressing the social determinants of health and getting them the resources that they need. Medicine is my passion.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means responding to the needs of my community and heeding their call for equitable health and well-being with culturally competent, holistic care. Family care doctors are truly the closest to the original concept of health care, which was always a service-oriented profession. For care to be socially accountable, it must be equitably accessible to everyone and responsive to patients.
Eddie A. Taveras
Job description
I advocate for common-sense policies that provide socioeconomic mobility and protections for immigrants across the state. At the federal level, I work to secure the permanent protection and the liberation of undocumented immigrants in this country by fighting for a pathway to citizenship. I advocate for reform to our immigration system to be centered on the humanity and dignity of individuals and families. I find fulfillment in the resiliency and love of my community continues to illustrate, regardless of the obstacles ahead.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility is understanding that I have gotten where I am today due to the sacrifices of my ancestors and family and ensuring that I live a life that honors them each day. Best advice
Clarity is kindness.
Brandon Thomas
Job description
In this role, I oversee a portfolio of B2B tech accounts, pitch strategic new business opportunities and strive to expand our agency’s footprint in the New York market. While this work is incredibly important, what I enjoy most about my role is the chance I get to support and mentor the talented individuals that make up my account and regional teams.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is thinking about how our talents, skills and expertise can be used to have a larger impact outside of our day-to-day professional lives.
Best advice
Early in my career, I had a senior colleague who said, “Always remember that perfection is not the goal. The goal should be consistency. Be consistent in delivering on what you committed to.”
Omar Toro-Vaca
Job description
I connect people to create a dialogue and help establish common ground. I work on behalf of the real estate industry to engage diverse stakeholders and elected officials by identifying opportunities for projects to generate lasting, positive impacts in the communities where they are proposed. I enjoy that these projects embody responsible development – putting schools, public space, health care, sustainability, the arts and social services front and center – all while generating social and economic value for Kasirer’s clients and the City of New York. Through this work, I enjoy shaping the future of our city.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility in economic development and real estate means approaching every opportunity assuming that communities have a critical role in unlocking latent potential and new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Mark R. Ustin
Job description
I manage the Albany office of Farrell Fritz PC, a full-service business law firm based on Long Island. My practice primarily involves helping providers and others in the health care space understand the maze of federal and state laws and policies affecting their work, which has become critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, as providers and suppliers have struggled to get care and supplies to the people who need them in a rapidly changing legal environment. It has been great to be part of the solution when the pandemic has made so many people feel powerless.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means making sure you do good while you do well. I have the privilege of working for a firm that recognizes this and actively supports community involvement at all levels.
Elizabeth Velez
Job description
I wear many hats, but my favorite is my construction hard hat as the president of the Velez Organization, a 50-year-old second-generation construction services firm. Our company slogan is, “We build where life happens,” which epitomizes the passion, appreciation and responsibility of creating the physical and social infrastructure of our centers of education, medical institutions, recreational facilities and so on. I also proudly chair, as the first woman of color in its 100-year history, the New York Building Congress.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility has the power to achieve far-reaching transformation. We must embrace and encourage those measures that benefit not only ourselves, but our society, our environment, our global good.
Best advice
YOU are the CEO of your own show!
Bridget Waldron
Job description
Since 1975, Birch Family Services has helped individuals with autism and developmental disabilities navigate transitions throughout their life. We use a person-centered approach to empower people to choose the services they desire and achieve their goals. I oversee Birch’s community services programs which support children, adolescents and adults at home, work and in the community.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility includes supporting people who are differently abled to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. It’s advocating for diversity, equity, fairness, inclusion, access to educational and other opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. Social responsibility is also about being part of an organization that is ethical, transparent, promotes social justice and supports the communities where services are provided and to which stakeholders belong.
Best advice
Do what's right and the rest will follow.
Lisa Payne Wansley
Job description
I came to NYPA six years ago to revitalize our Environmental Justice Program. My dynamic team and I have developed and implemented a large portfolio of no-cost programs and services that NYPA provides to historically underserved and economically marginalized communities near our facilities all over New York state.
Defining social responsibility
I am a first-generation college graduate who was born and raised in the Bronx. My parents both came to New York from Charleston, South Carolina, for better opportunities. They are very active in their community and both pursued government service as professions. My parents instilled in me the belief that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”
Best advice
My grandfather told me to pursue the highest level of education that I could but never forget where I came from.
Bernard Warren
Job description
I’m the primary liaison between the firm’s various boards, conduct negotiations on the firm’s behalf with contractors and monitor buildings’ budgets. Moreover, as the city grapples with a crippling housing shortage and affordability crisis, I’m Webb & Brooker’s primary partner to organizations developing and/or refinancing affordable housing across the five boroughs. I have a vast amount of experience in managing real estate, including implementing multimillion-dollar major capital improvement programs that directly improve the lives of tenants.
Defining social responsibility
Since 2019, I’ve served on the board of directors for the YMCA of Greater New York and as the board vice chairman of the Jamaica YMCA. I’ve also worked tirelessly to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the real estate industry since the REBNY Diversity Committee was launched in 2017.
Tracy Weiner
Job description
I’m responsible for making decisions to fulfill the mission of the organization that enables us to make the biggest impact we can for the causes we support. Giving, either through time or money, has always been important to me – a value instilled in me at a very young age by my grandmother. As the executive director, I have the privilege of giving every day.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means to act in the best interest of society. I’m always striving to lead by example and leverage the resources in front of me to make it as easy and meaningful as possible to engage people in our mission: providing critical assistance to organizations offering fundamental human services to children.
Best advice
Don’t take no for an answer.
David Weinraub
Job description
Having founded the firm in 2001, as managing partner, I have fostered two decades of growth. I set the vision for the firm and develop the strategic framework to meet each client's needs. The team we have assembled, with more than 30 professionals experienced in all levels of government and the private sector, is my greatest source of pride.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means proactively creating opportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups, being a good steward of the environment, ensuring access to quality health care for all and participating in public dialogue and policymaking. In addition to working on behalf of clients who are advancing clean energy or achieving social equity in New York's cannabis marketplace, for example, the firm is committed to being an active corporate citizen for the good.
Doug Wirth
Job description
Being president and CEO of Amida Care, New York state’s largest Medicaid Special Needs Plan, is about service. Through volunteering at a YMCA food program at an early age, I got to know people who experienced homelessness, struggled with mental illness or coped with poverty, injustice or trauma through self-medicating their pain. This inspired my passion to seek equity, justice and humane treatment for my neighbors, which informs Amida Care’s work today. Having lived through decades of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, it is fulfilling to advance access to lifesaving medications and health care for people living with complex conditions like HIV or placed at risk for poor health outcomes.
Best advice
Don’t wait until it's popular to speak your truth.
Alex Witkoff
Job description
I oversee all aspects of Witkoff’s development activities and operations, from strategic development and conceptualization through execution. I love the dynamic nature of the business which gives me the opportunity to come up with creative strategies for our various projects.
Defining social responsibility
What social responsibility means is that both people and companies have a duty to act in the best interests of their environment and society as a whole. This is my foundation for all of my decisions, both personally and professionally. I believe that everything I do in my work should enrich the communities that it impacts.
Best advice
The best advice I have ever received was from my father – listen to others before speaking. Understanding other people's perspectives is the key to a successful relationship with them.
Rudolph Wynter
Job description
I lead a workforce that is 8,000 colleagues strong and together we’re dedicated to serving more than 4 million customers across downstate and upstate New York.
Defining social responsibility
We recently reinvigorated our long and proud history of giving back to our customers and communities by introducing Project C, which is focused on clean energy and sustainability; workforce development; neighborhood investment and community engagement; and environmental justice and social equity.
Best advice
One of the things that my parents always stressed is that life is not transactional. You form relationships, you get connected to a family unit, you get connected to a community. Whatever that connection is, you’ve got to give back to it and hopefully leave it all better than the way you found it.
Nicole Yearwood
Job description
As a civics, voter education and advocacy consultant, I assist individuals, organizations and businesses with connecting to their government.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the reason I do this work. It did not make sense for me to have this knowledge and not share it with others. I began understanding the importance and impact of civic participation during my undergrad years. When I became a government relations professional, friends I met in college and former colleagues would ask me to connect their organizations to their elected officials. I created a website and began posting voting and civics resources on social media to make a positive impact. Organizations and groups began to contact me to create and deliver workshops. My goal is to empower voters to make informed choices.
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