Publisher's Section
The 2022 Responsible 100
New Yorkers invested in improving our communities.
The 2022 Responsible 100 Gary Hershorn/Getty Images
PUBLISHER'S SECTION
New York, much like the nation as a whole, is facing myriad challenges: the economic anxiety spurred by rising inflation, the volatility wrought by climate change, an unending coronavirus pandemic, a dispiriting rise in hate crimes, the scorched-earth political warfare that erodes our democratic norms – the list goes on and on. Yet, there remain reasons for optimism, especially as plenty of New Yorkers are tackling head-on these crises that threaten our society.
Each year, City & State puts a spotlight on 100 exceptional individuals who are quietly putting in the time and effort to help address and overcome these and other challenges – and, fundamentally, to assist their most vulnerable neighbors. These business, government, nonprofit and advocacy leaders, carefully selected from hundreds of nominations, display both the idealism that underpins the belief that change is possible and a realistic understanding of the dedication required to effectuate real and enduring change. In short, this is a group that illustrates what it means to be socially responsible.
For each honoree on this list, we asked a few 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’ve ever received? We took the most compelling excerpts, edited for length and style, to paint a portrait of each honoree, in their own words.
We’re pleased to introduce the outstanding individuals of The Responsible 100.
Saima Anjam
Job description
I am an advocate for labor, civil rights and environmental organizations. I work for communities that want to grow their impact by helping them effectively strategize so they can achieve their mission. I learn so much from working with my clients and it is very rewarding to see my work having a direct positive impact on the network of communities they serve.
Defining social responsibility
It means acknowledging I am in a part of a community larger than myself. To see my community thrive I have to invest in its wellbeing. I work to promote thoughtful policies allowing new opportunities for our communities because there is a direct link between public policy and our wellbeing.
Denise Arboleda
Job description
I lead our IT sales force, cultivate key business relationships and create fortified IT sales strategies.
Defining social responsibility
Through my work I am faced with challenges that call on me to display social responsibility. At times it may be through our annual internship program we open up for high school students, giving an eye-opening experience of what it means to work in the IT industry. In other cases, it may mean going above and beyond for a customer and delivering a solution that will truly benefit their organization rather than push the latest IT trend. It also means contributing to and giving back to our community. By participating in our local community, we are able to help share a brighter future for those just starting out.
Angel Audiffred
Job description
Look for opportunities to extend HITN TV’s commitment to its viewers from off the screen and into their communities.
Defining social responsibility
It means to incorporate “giving back” as a promise, instead of a strategy.
Best advice
Try not to take yourself so seriously.
Sharon Prise Azurin
Job description
As a member of our firm’s Corporate Practice Group and the leader of our Not-for-Profit Practice Team, I primarily work with and counsel not-for-profit clients on a wide range of issues and governance matters on a daily basis, along with handling all manner of corporate transactions.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means engaging in ethical behavior and acting in a way that focuses on doing good for our community and environment. Our firm’s beliefs are founded on adhering to the highest ethical standards and having a true commitment to serving our community. I achieve social responsibility by keeping those standards in working with clients, mentoring junior associates and being involved with not-for-profit organizations as attorney, board member and/or volunteer.
Yvette Bairan
Job description
I am the CEO of a community-based nonprofit organization, Astor Services. We work with children, adolescents and young adults addressing their mental health needs, as well as providing Head Start and early intervention services. My primary role is to ensure that the needs of those we serve are being met and that we are innovative in our approach to services to get the best outcomes.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means providing our clients with the behavioral health services they need in a timely and effective manner so that they achieve outcomes which will provide them with the tools they need to succeed in their goals. It also means destigmatizing mental health. We do this by providing services that are evidence-based, client-centered, family-driven, timely and through a DEI lens.
Reïna Batrony
Job description
The programs I oversee provide a plethora of resources in communities to help each person we serve to reach their full potential. These services include primary prevention services for families, dedicated educational support for young people in foster care and those involved in the justice system, school-based mental health services, community advocacy and technical training and assistance for our peer workforce.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means long-term viability and sustainability that benefits society. It guides individuals’ and organizations’ responsibility to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to build toward independence. On a personal level, it means that I am responsible to ensure, in the support that I provide, that there is diversity, inclusion, integration and belonging so that all are embraced to achieve their full potential.
Barbara Bernstein
Job description
I am a member of our executive team, planning and executing the agency’s strategic objectives. I oversee MHA’s external relations, staff development and community education, grants, development and communications.
Defining social responsibility
For me, a social responsibility lens arises from working with a personal and professional set of values that keeps community “front and center.” Working at MHA, my communities comprise the individuals for whom we provide services, our staff and our community at large. Concretely, this means being part of a team that imagines, seeks funding for and creates services that meet unmet needs, that always looks for specific and innovative ways to support our staff who show up and engage in very challenging work, and taking part in numerous county- and statewide initiatives to improve mental health and wellness.
Shango Blake
Job description
My job entails creating people-driven government transformation initiatives that engage tens of thousands of New Yorkers and advocate for policy change that positively impacts issues on topics such as education, youth development, climate and infrastructure, housing and neighborhoods, art, culture, and mental health and wellness.
Defining social responsibility
The purpose of social responsibility is to serve diverse communities in a manner that empowers people to participate in the “American dream.” Therefore, it is important to remove the institutional barriers that produce poor communities and a substandard educational system.
Best advice
Self-improvement is the basis for community development. Therefore, become the kind of leader that people will follow voluntarily, even if you do not hold a title or position. This has taught me that leadership is intrinsic and rooted in service to others.
Fernando A. Bohorquez Jr.
Job description
I have several jobs. My first is serving as trusted counsel to, and an advocate for, my clients. Second, I serve as our firm’s New York Office litigation leader, where I emphasize mentoring our associates. Third, I devote significant time to serving on government, philanthropic and nonprofit boards like the Conflicts of Interest Board, the New York Community Trust and LatinoJustice.
Best advice
Sometimes when I got in trouble as a kid, my abuelita would say: “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres.” “Tell me who you walk with, and I will tell you who you are.” Back then, she was clearly advising me who not to hang out with. But as I grew older, I found a deeper, more positive meaning in her counsel. You are defined by the colleagues you keep, your mentors and mentees, the networks you cultivate, and causes you champion.
Chris Bombardier
Job description
I’m the president of Catalyst Government Relations, a boutique lobbying firm that represents clients on some of their most challenging public policy issues. Lobbying is a unique profession. You have to love politics, public policy, law and business because each of those intersect at the Capitol. I have the privilege to represent prominent corporations, tech companies, and trade associations.
Defining social responsibility
I find ways to give back professionally. I’m representing, pro bono, the family of an NYPD officer and single mother who was executed in the line of duty. This is a unique situation. Because of state law, her young children are not entitled to the same death benefits that they would be, had she had a spouse or surviving parents.
Andrew Bregenzer
Job description
Andy oversees the commercial and retail business for the metro New York region. This represents over 300 stores and 2,600 employees. Andy enjoys his role because it provides the opportunity to connect and impact so many, from internal colleagues to those individuals and organizations in the communities that we serve, across myriad areas from access to capital, financial empowerment, as well as diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means recognizing your level of personal accountability and acting accordingly. This is not a topic to be agnostic or neutral towards. In order to make an impact, there needs to be a proactive approach to it. At work, we address through constant communication, willingness to have uncomfortable conversations and setting social impact goals that can be measured.
Claire Brockbank
Job description
I work with an amazing team at 32BJ Health Funds to identify policy and market solutions to lower hospital prices. It's an amazing opportunity to help keep health care affordable and accessible to the 200,000 hardworking people we serve. It's also a chance to improve the hospital sector of the industry – many of whom have benefited financially by a lack of transparency and accountability to the patients they serve.
Defining social responsibility
I live and work in keeping with an ethic of social responsibility that includes striving as an individual to improve society as a whole. I've had the privilege of a supportive family, a great education and lots of opportunity – that puts me in a position to give more than others may be able to.
Kevin Brown
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means leveraging our platform as business leaders to build a cleaner, safer and more equitable world with the same determination we would have for driving the bottom line. Most of the social issues we face today are just one decision away from being solved – businesses control the resources that are needed to make a difference in the world and have proven their ability to literally move mountains in order to please investors. Imagine if this same determination existed to please other stakeholders like our people and our communities.
Best advice
Focus on providing service and the rest will fall into place. Many times we get distracted by pursuing profit or a promotion, but the key for me has been to focus instead on finding the best way to be of service personally, professionally and socially.
Nicole Bryl
Job description
I lead the largest upstate Children’s Health Home program that provides community-based care management services to children with complex medical and behavioral needs. Every day, I get another chance to make a difference for some of our state's most vulnerable children and families by driving efforts for policy changes and health care reform and there is no greater reward than knowing the work you do is meaningful and helping children.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about identifying systemic issues in our communities and developing sustainable, long-term solutions that are fiscally responsible, ethical and impact the community as a whole. I can think of no better way to achieve this than to ensure our next generation is provided a pathway to success.
Greg Caito
Job description
I enjoy having a real effect on everyday lives of New Yorkers through technology solutions in partnership with the great state we live in. More importantly, it is in the end a people business, not a tech business, for me. Solving incredibly challenging problems with our state leadership was paramount to me before, during and after COVID. I still am amazed at the incredible dedication of our state leaders in technology, our team at Google, and the heroic acts of our health care and service workers. To be a small part of the solutions implemented to make lives better, get vaccines to people and help people obtain unemployment benefits during the worst crisis I can remember was the most rewarding part of this job.
Michael Cassidy
Job description
We assist corporations, trade associations and nonprofit organizations in navigating the regulatory landscape. We work to educate policymakers on the needs and concerns of our clients while helping to find creative solutions to problems faced by the government. Working to solve problems and seeing the benefits to those solutions is why I enjoy this line of work.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means giving back to your community in a variety of ways. I have been lucky enough to be able to serve in a number of volunteer capacities including as a college trustee, a board member of the state's performing arts center, and multiple local government commissions. Being personally invested in where you choose to live and raise a family is critical to being a responsible member of the community.
Shani Chill
Job description
I joined iHOPE in 2016 because of its mission: creating a level playing field for students with traumatic brain injury. As principal, I lead a team of talented teachers, therapists, paraprofessionals and administrators who do some of the hardest work in the world and love every minute of it. Our collaboration leads to incredible opportunities for our students who are given a voice, even if they cannot speak, and provides access to the world around them, even if they cannot use their arms and legs independently.
Best advice
My grandmother, Yola, lost her entire family at age 12 in the Holocaust. She used education to overcome adversity – something iHOPE students do every day – always reminding me to never stop growing and not to take anything for granted.
Rose Christ
Job description
I view my job as being part guide and part thought-partner. On the one hand, I guide organizations through the technical aspects of complex government processes, and on the other, I advise clients how best to effectively engage officials, staff and communities. My clients are so diverse – from preeminent cultural organizations, to social service groups reaching New York’s most vulnerable populations, to housing developers, to multinational corporations – but the connecting thread is an underlying desire to be of service to New York.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility is being an active participant in civic life. It means seeking out opportunities to leverage your networks, voice and abilities to be of service to others. It means, looking beyond your own personal bubble and engaging with the world around you.
Joyce Christanio
Job description
I serve as a corporate champion introducing small and diverse-owned businesses to T-Mobile's sourcing professionals for consideration of contract opportunities. Additionally, I developed and lead T-Mobile's trademarked NextTech Diversity program aimed to fund training, certification and job placement for hundreds of women and men of color to become network technicians or network equipment drivers. I believe it is my duty to help others who need a "hand up" in life to live the American dream.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means supporting less fortunate individuals in the communities where we work, live and serve to foster equal opportunities resulting in economic growth.
Best advice
Upon achieving career success, remember to send the elevator back down and support a less fortunate individual.
Kerry Cooperman
Job description
As director of Stroock’s national pro bono program, I work with attorneys and staff across our offices, in partnership with myriad legal service and community organizations, to combat social, economic and racial injustice by providing a broad array of pro bono legal services to underserved populations.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility, to me, is the obligation of each of us (individually) and all of us (collectively) to live our lives, carry out our work, and relate to one another in a manner that advances what in Hebrew is called “tikkun olam” (repairing the world). Because Stroock prioritizes pro bono legal service, my colleagues and I have the opportunity – by supporting students with disabilities, vulnerable refugees, domestic violence survivors, unhoused families, victims of discrimination, struggling nonprofits, and others – to live this ethos during our workday.
Jerrod Crockett
Job description
Responsible for non-governmental matters involving military, law enforcement and security services. As a retired soldier and federal law enforcement officer, I enjoy working on solutions with international relations.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about service to your country and communities. I have dedicated my service as an advocate for change. I had the goal when I was young that I wanted to change the world and as I make a positive change wherever I go, I successfully achieve my goal.
Best advice
Two of the strongest words in the English language can have a great impact with a simple spelling error: “chance” and “change.”
Jennifer Cruickshank
Job description
I have the opportunity to lead the team responsible for Amazon’s community and government relations efforts in New York and neighboring states. I work alongside community leaders and policymakers to help make Amazon the most trusted business partner in the communities where our employees live and work.
Defining social responsibility
Amazon is big, we impact the world, and we are far from perfect. For me, this means we have to show up, and listen, and learn. We ask for feedback and want to be part of solutions, which enables us to take policy positions and make community investments that help make things just a little better for our customers, our employees and our partners.
Kathleen Cudahy
Job description
After 20 years in government, followed by one mayoral campaign, government relations was a logical choice. I represent real estate developers and owners, and major organizations involved in all aspects of construction. While government was the best job ever, I enjoy every client and get a thrill seeing a changing New York City skyline and knowing that I was a small part of a huge team involved in making those ever-taller changes.
Defining social responsibility
The real estate industry members that I work with all feel a strong sense of social responsibility when it comes to their buildings and also to their personal lives. I’m happy to participate with many clients in the charitable causes that they care about.
Ann Marie Curd
Job description
I work with and advise clients across a wide array of industry areas. While many areas of the law can be adversarial, what I enjoy most about my practice is that, in most cases, all parties are working together to achieve a common goal, which requires creative thinking, problem solving and compromise.
Defining social responsibility
We all have a job to do and many times we are motivated by our own self-interest or the interests of those for whom we are working. That said, it is important to consider how such interests affect others, our community and society as a whole, whether socially, environmentally or otherwise. Anticipating adverse impacts, developing viable alternatives to achieve goals in socially responsible ways and supporting the efforts of others are ways in which I can facilitate social responsibility in my practice.
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, hospitality 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 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 and food insecurity, women's health, and local real estate and manufacturing initiatives. The intersection of the work our companies do and the philanthropic activities I take part in helps to make a long-lasting sustainable impact.
Erwin de Leon
Job description
As Columbia SPS’ chief diversity officer, I lead the school's DEIA Initiative, which encompasses students, staff, and faculty, and advise the dean, senior leadership, and key stakeholders on DEIA-related matters. As a lecturer in Columbia's Nonprofit Management Master of Science Program, I am able to share my decades of experience in organizational management and leadership, social policy research, and advocacy to current and next-generation nonprofit leaders.
Defining social responsibility
We are interdependent and responsible for one another. Social responsibility stems from the fact that we are all part of a larger community that goes beyond kin and tribe and in which we all have a unique role to play, contingent on our skills, background, proclivities and personalities.
Joseph DeRosa
Job description
As a lobbyist, it is my responsibility to have a finger on the pulse at the intersection of state policy and politics: an ever-changing landscape that can exhaust even the most passionate among us. It is in this space I find seemingly endless opportunity within the sectors of the economy that truly excite me: clean energy and cannabis.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is knowing the difference between right and wrong and striving to find the patience to achieve that higher path, seizing opportunities as they present themselves. It’s doing the little things every day that add up to shape one’s character and make the world a better place. I carry this mentality into my daily work routine by being selective about the issues I focus on and the clients I represent.
Patrick Donohue
Job description
My mission is to change the world for my daughter, Sarah Jane, and millions just like her who suffer from brain injuries or brain-based disorders. I founded the largest nonprofit law firm to advocate for families, Brain Injury Rights Group, and the largest special education program in the country to educate and provide services for brain injury students based in New York City: iBRAIN! When I created iBRAIN, I put a single working mom on the board and if it doesn't work for her, we don't do it. Therefore, we provide pro bono legal advocacy through Brain Injury Rights Group. The only out-of-pocket cost for a student to enroll at iBRAIN is a $100 refundable deposit. Brain Injury doesn't discriminate, nor should access to care!
Sean Doolan
Job description
I manage the day-to-day operations of the firm, providing leadership and working collaboratively with about 75 extremely talented professionals and staff.
Defining social responsibility
“To whom much has been given, much will be required.” I have been blessed with both good fortune and tremendous opportunities, with many shoulders lifting me to advance professionally and grow the firm. With these opportunities comes great responsibility, to “give back” to both the firm and to the community. To the firm, there is a responsibility to maintain the firm’s legacy of its social conscience in enhancing diversity and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. To the community, “giving back” includes active giving in time and resources, both overtly and in anonymity.
Best advice
Doing good, being kind, working hard and listening.
Lisa Dughi
Job description
I have the privilege of overseeing a national nonprofit that brings schools and businesses together to better prepare students, particularly students from under-resourced and under-represented communities who lack access to opportunity, for college, career and future success. It is truly rewarding because I see every day how NAF helps students ignite career aspirations, enables them to become future ready and puts them on a path to achieving their full potential. It is hard to have a bad day when you can step back and remember the hundreds of thousands of lives that have been transformed by NAF’s work.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means leaving the world better than you found it, considering all impacts and outcomes of decisions to ensure there is an overall benefit, and putting people and society before profits.
Natalie Edwards
Job description
I am responsible for leading National Grid’s inclusion and diversity efforts across our U.S. and U.K. businesses. I work with leadership and colleagues across the company in the pursuit of a more inclusive workforce and driving positive change in the communities where we work and affect.
Defining social responsibility
You have to be open and willing to learn in order to understand other people and cultures – it starts within. A diverse and inclusive company helps foster connection and engagement both with colleagues and customers and communities. To this day the most amount of exposure people have to other cultures is in the workforce. National Grid has 16 employee resource groups, initiated by employees willing to share their experiences, helping create an inclusive workforce to support the company’s DEI aspiration.
Jennifer Falk
Job description
I served as the Union Square-14th Street community’s chief champion, advocate and spokesperson. In this role, I’ve worked closely with the community’s residents, business leaders, civic representatives and the board to implement public improvement projects to better the Union Square area, promote the neighborhood as a leading destination for visitors, provide a public platform for meaningful art and culture, and ensure Union Square remains a place for discourse and debate to be freely expressed.
Defining social responsibility
I take the social contract I make with the communities I serve very seriously. In Judaism, we call this concept “tikkun olam,” or repairing the world. I’m inspired by that framework because it acknowledges that things can be broken – while also addressing that we have the responsibility and opportunity to fix it.
Michael Farrell
Job description
As a project developer for AES in New York, I am responsible for the successful development of our regional clean energy projects.
Defining social responsibility
We all have a responsibility to try to improve our communities and be a leader for positive change. AES provides me an amazing opportunity to lead, and work with, a tremendous team that is not only developing a clean energy future, but understands the importance of engagement with residents and community members from government, business, education and social services. We are delivering on the necessary decarbonization of the electricity industry, and it provides me with tremendous satisfaction knowing that my work is helping to create a sustainable energy future – while creating benefits in the communities where we live and operate.
Winston Fisher
Job description
I oversee Fisher Brothers’ financing and investing activities, property acquisitions and all new development initiatives. Additionally, I’m CEO of Area15, an experiential retail and entertainment company, and chairman of Lionheart Strategic Management, our asset management affiliate. I also serve as co-chair of the New York City Regional Economic Development Council, a trustee on the Citizens Budget Commission, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a core value at Fisher Brothers. We believe in giving back to our community and actively working to make our city, state and country a better place. We all have a responsibility to make our society a better place and I try to do my part as best as I can.
Mike Fishman
Job description
Our organization provides resources to labor unions in the battle against climate change and inequality. We help create support for the jobs of the future to be well-paid, family sustaining union jobs.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means working for the common good. Doing service for others. Taking responsibility for the making of a society where all can prosper.
Best advice
You learn as much from failure as from success. The most important thing is to take a step forward.
Felix Garcia
Job description
I am a legislative associate at Kasirer, where I help our clients track legislation across the City Council and build relationships between our clients and council members, aiming to create an open line of communication to see where our clients can be of service to the community. Additionally, I serve as the vice president for the Bronx Young Democrats, where I help coordinate community service events, from food distributions to volunteer work.
Defining social responsibility
I was born in the Dominican Republic and immigrated to the U.S. in 1996. During the first years, my family and I needed some help getting on our feet. Once in a better position to help, my parents always paid it forward. Watching my parents live a life of service instilled in me a desire to help others.
Jerry Goldfeder
Job description
I established and direct a program whose mission is to train the next generation of voting rights lawyers. My work includes teaching classes, facilitating research and writing projects, and arranging meetings with public officials and voting rights practitioners. Working with law students gives me hope for our future.The state of our union is very fragile, and all our work is focused on preserving our constitutional democracy. That entails litigation, legislation and mobilization by lawyers, law students, voting rights advocates and the public.
Best advice
Bella Abzug took me aside 40 years ago and told me: Don't let the rules get in your way. Barrel onward, always. Needless to say, the sentiment was interlaced with much more colorful language.
David Goldstein
Job description
New Alternatives for Children’s mission is to provide innovative high-quality services to families caring for children with special medical needs. Throughout my career, my greatest joy comes from helping children and families overcome obstacles and develop relationships that help them become resilient, happy and productive. My role is to make certain the passionate and dedicated staff have the tools to best support families. I am steadfast in my advocacy for livable wages for our workforce.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility in my professional life means being aware of the impact decisions made at the executive level have on our staff and on the children and families we support. It’s about striving to become a just and anti-racist society by lifting up and supporting marginalized communities.
Ira Goldstein
Job description
I oversee the operations of The Black Car Fund, which provides workers compensation as well as vision, dental, telemedicine, accident-only disability and medical-only accident coverage to black car, ride-share and non-emergency medical transportation drivers in the state. I enjoy my work because it was a natural extension of my public service days as a city employee and allows me to assist an often-overlooked immigrant and minority population of independent contractor drivers.
Defining social responsibility
Looking out for a portion of the population that often gets overlooked, our hardworking black car and ride-share drivers. I achieve this by constantly looking for ways that The Black Car Fund can expand the benefits that we provide to the drivers.
Katherine Grainger
Job description
I lead on strategy and vision for clients looking to disrupt existing systems of oppression and generate long-term progressive change. I focus on how to combine big-picture social justice outcomes with tangible real-world solutions.
Defining social responsibility
I hold a deep belief that a new world is possible, and I am committed to do my part to help make this a reality. All my work centers around this premise and I only take on clients who share this belief. As a result, I work to build infrastructure to shift progressive outcomes on gender, race and democracy. One way I do this is by leading the Black Policy Institute, a fellowship that teaches future Black policy leaders how to pass legislation to improve the lives of Black people.
Camesha Grant
Job description
I have the pleasure of leading Food Bank For New York City's strategic initiatives to build partnerships, programs and innovative solutions that serve the 1.6 million New Yorkers who struggle to afford food each year. Developing collaborations with city, state and local partners ensures that Food Bank is meeting food insecurity head-on in the most underserved communities in New York City.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means embracing empathy for your neighbors and creating change that you believe in to build better and stronger communities. It's about holding each other accountable, respecting differences and striving for equitable access for all.
Best advice
Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk!
Eric Henry
Job description
In addition to managing our local franchise and its relationships to our elected officials and regulatory partners, a wonderful thing about my work is helping to leverage public and private resources to strategically expand access to high-speed broadband in communities that truly need it. Since COVID, we are proud that we were able to rapidly deploy high-speed broadband to family shelters and now partner with New York City on the Big Apple Connect program serving NYCHA residents.
Best advice
I am a first-generation American and come from a family of Caribbean immigrants. Growing up, my parents instilled in me and my sister the importance of service and treating all people with dignity and respect in all things that we do, especially what we devote our daily lives to.
Adam Katz
Job description
Every single day I get to help shape government programs and help nonpublic schools take advantage of them. I work with various government agencies to streamline and improve their applications for funding programs, while also widening eligibility of applicants. I love that I get to be creative and always come up with new ways to improve, streamline, expand and organize government programs and how they are utilized.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility is to recognize that the world – and the segment you connect with, specifically – needs you and your unique skill set and passion. Everyone in this world has something to contribute, and once you find that crossroads between your passions, skill set and where you are needed, that means it's time to make things happen.
Bharati Kemraj
Job description
I am involved in managing several clients with community and government outreach, scheduling meetings, organizing site visits and writing press releases, along with leading meetings with executives, elected officials and community members.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is truly a sense of humbleness to work daily, with much care and dedication, to fulfill the needs of our community. Through my work with Patrick B. Jenkins & Associates, I am able to engage with the public regarding issues affecting society and advocating for those in need. Through civic engagements, community activities, charity events and hands-on service, I am able to bring a balance in our society while building for the future and connecting resources to those in need.
Siri Espedal Kindem
Job description
Over the past few years as president of Equinor Wind US, we’ve worked to not just build transformational projects, but a whole new offshore wind industry, beginning right here in New York. The Empire Wind and Beacon Wind projects will power over 2 million homes with clean renewable energy and will also provide a host of economic benefits to the state and the people of New York.
Defining social responsibility
A key value of ours is that we prioritize not just what we do, but how we do it. And that’s why we’ve had such a strong focus on the ground of engaging with communities where we’re working, hearing the issues that matter most, and understanding how we can work together not just as a developer, but as a partner.
Nichol King
Job description
I have the honor of leading a team that develops localized strategies to build trust, increase financial health awareness and closes the racial wealth gap in under-resourced communities. Like many Americans growing up, financial health was not spoken about at my dinner table. As a result I had a late start with learning how to manage my finances responsibly. I am on a mission to normalize conversations about money. Each day I educate and empower individuals, students and families to think differently about their finances. My team’s impact is changing what is possible in communities of color and will be felt for generations to come.
Best advice
Build a diverse network. It is critically important that my network reflects diversity of thought and skill. This ensures that I do not create an echo chamber; and I am always evolving.
Victoria Lamberth
Job description
My role is to oversee long term revenue growth for our company. That long term focus includes everything from championing customer needs internally, fostering community partnerships externally, and promoting our vision to the marketplace.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means always thinking about ways to deliver our customer solutions in a way that provides an incremental benefit to our communities. In our work this comes through as more broadband access, partnerships with local nonprofits, or creating a platform of shared infrastructure that others leverage to create competitive products and services in the marketplace.
Best advice
When you go to bed at the end of the day, let that day go. The gift of life is you get an opportunity to get up the next day and try again.
Vanessa Lockel
Job description
I lead the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk in helping the region’s farmers, fishermen, families and youth through applied education and research-based programming. We are educators, researchers, specialists and support personnel dedicated to preserving our vast agricultural heritage, protecting our ecosystems, supporting families and providing our youth opportunities for research-based education in science, technology, engineering and math.
Defining social responsibility
I believe in inclusive collaboration, public engagement, transparency and responsiveness to the needs of Suffolk County. This dedication to our region’s unique needs is visible in all our programming. Our experts offer local and affordable skill training for educators, youth leaders, human service personnel and parents. Our family health and wellness educators help strengthen families and address critical issues facing them today.
Hannah Lupien
Job description
I lead the social services team at Met Council, which includes a wide array of services for New Yorkers in need. From domestic violence survivors to Holocaust survivors, low-income families to folks recovering from disasters, we can help you move from crisis to stability.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means being an engaged member of the community. For me, that’s led to a career in community-based nonprofits where I can see our work’s impact every day with program participants.
Best advice
Every single one of us – from a bigshot CEO to a person experiencing homelessness – has something to give to their community, and everyone will need the community’s help at some point in their lives. That reciprocity keeps me grounded and focused on what matters.
Rashanna Lynch
Job description
I direct the clinical functions for Ryan Health. I’m fortunate to work alongside passionate and dedicated clinicians and innovative leaders whose mission is to provide the highest quality of care to everyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay. It means a great deal to me that my patients see someone who looks like them and that together, we can address the disparities that exist in the health care system.
Defining social responsibility
Personally, social responsibility is about breaking down barriers that have stood in the way of providing equal access to health care for communities of color. It means being present for my patients and considering the whole person, and how we address social drivers of health to enhance wellbeing. It is also about promoting an inclusive workplace that uplifts staff and mentors the next generation of leaders.
Kristin Malek
Job description
In my role as global director of business diversity at CDW, I address issues of injustice and equal opportunity to bring positive change. I guarantee CDW's continuing commitment in diversity, equality and inclusion across their enterprises as the architect of CDW's diversified supply chain, which includes over 1,340 suppliers.
Defining social responsibility
I am inspired by the intentional work being done around communities, schools and workplaces on diversity, inclusion and equity. With an applied focus on access for our diverse supply chain partners, we are better able to think creatively about how we solve the problem. Doing this well requires a collaborative effort that syncs the experience, goals and priorities of stakeholders to solve a complex problem for which there are incredibly high stakes.
Best advice
Share credit and praise widely – all achievements are collective efforts, including from those who preceded us.
Michael Mandel
Job description
For the past 20 years I have assisted individuals from other countries to come to the U.S. to work or reunite with family, and helped businesses navigate our complex immigration system as well. I also have an active pro bono and community-based practice. I enjoy working with individuals from all over the world and helping them achieve their goals and dreams.
Best advice
When I was in law school, a prominent attorney urged me not to look at pro bono work or community involvement as an afterthought, but instead to make it a vital and non-negotiable part of my practice from the start. Hearing that from such an esteemed lawyer gave me the confidence to take on clients and projects I cared about regardless of their ability to pay.
Luis Mares
Job description
I am responsible for organization, implementation, evaluation and partnership development with organizations serving Latino communities throughout the U.S. for our nationally recognized awareness campaigns, the National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day and National Hispanic Hepatitis Awareness Day. I also lead the coordination of our annual legislative visits with elected and health officials in Albany to educate them about health issues affecting the communities we serve.
Defining social responsibility
As a nonprofit organization, we are devoted entirely to providing services directly and indirectly to the community, especially minorities affected by HIV and other chronic conditions and emerging illnesses such as COVID-19 and monkeypox. Creating ways and programs that will combat these disparities, fighting stigma and the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services, we practice social responsibility.
Madeline Marquez
Job description
I create, promote and maintain programs that grow Ponce Bank’s resources. I also oversee the Ponce De Leon Foundation, which has provided over $1.3 million in grants since it was founded in 2017. I enjoy the measurable positive impact that connecting our communities to resources makes possible.
Defining social responsibility
For me it means providing access, resources and information for communities that are equally deserving but often left behind or excluded. By developing and administering programs, I can grow opportunities that benefit our communities.
Best advice
“Never be afraid to admit what you don’t know.” In our society we are taught that that is a weakness, but it is not. After recognizing where you need education and information, you can pursue learning opportunities and facilitate personal growth and strength.
Baron McCombs
Job description
I am a regional education services specialist with the Army that works with local and state-level educational leaders covering 14 states and Europe. The majority of my work is done in New York, where I work with district leaders across the state to provide great post-secondary education and career opportunities to New York high school juniors, seniors and graduates.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility includes the elements of equity and social justice. Providing resources to young people that would otherwise not have been available to them is our way to help level the playing field towards the route young people take to career development and educational attainment. Social responsibility means getting involved in the community to provide resources young people need to improve the quality of their adult lives.
Johanna Meadows
Job description
I oversee all of Centerbridge’s community and foundation strategies, which are primarily focused on increasing access to educational and economic opportunities for young people.
Defining social responsibility
I believe that we cannot make progress and have impact across our communities without the partnership of businesses, nonprofits, government and funders working together. We have a responsibility to give back to the communities in which we live and work, and also to strengthen them, together. Centerbridge believes this as well and is guided by our sustainable value creation framework. Through promoting sustainability and the use of environmental, social and governance criteria across our portfolio, to fostering a “one team” culture focused on diversity, equity and inclusion, and through our philanthropic partnerships, Centerbridge strives to strengthen communities and promote a more inclusive society.
Marjorie Meek-Bradley
Job description
As a corporate chef for Starr Restaurants, I oversee culinary positions in our restaurants in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. I truly love the balance of working with and mentoring chefs as well as developing seasonal changes in our menus.
Defining social responsibility
The most important part of my role is working to build a team that is truly diverse and welcoming of all people. I work hard to mentor young chefs, many of whom are immigrant women, to build a career for themselves in an environment that is understanding of the challenges that they face. Above everything, I believe the kitchen of my restaurants should be happy and healthy as this always makes the food taste better.
Richard Mollot
Job description
My work focuses on implementing the mission of our organization: systemic advocacy to improve care, quality of life and dignity for people in nursing homes and other residential care settings. It is truly a privilege to be a voice in support of those who are typically very vulnerable and unable to advocate for themselves.
Defining social responsibility
I was driven to this work by the idea of systemic advocacy for individuals who are vulnerable by leveraging my interest and background in law and policy. Over the years, though, I have come to appreciate the value in educating and empowering residents, their families and those who work with them. They can be a very powerful voice at every level for better care and treatment in our nursing homes.
Gwen Nichols
Job description
In my role overseeing the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society I get to work with an amazing staff to advance treatment and support for blood cancer patients. It ties together all I’ve worked toward in my career. As a cancer physician/scientist treating patients, I had the gratification of knowing I was helping individuals one-on-one. Working in drug development, I had the opportunity to impact an entire disease with a new therapy. Now, I have the opportunity to impact for the better the whole field of cancer research, policy, patient services and treatment.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility isn’t passively recognizing what’s wrong in the world, but actively believing that we can make things better and then moving forward with a plan to do that.
Jack O’Donnell
Job description
I have the best job in the world: helping people and companies achieve results, realize their visions and fulfill their missions.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility means making New York a better place to live, work and play for everyone, and that's what we try to do at O'Donnell & Associates. Every one of our clients has to pass a test: Can I explain what I am doing to my 5- and 7-year-old kids, and do they approve?
Best advice
I'm tempted to quote the gambler who said, “You got to know when to hold ’em, know when to fold ’em, know when to walk away, and know when to run.” But the best advice is to always bet on yourself and know it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Fatima Omarufilo
Job description
Three years ago I joined Montefiore Medical Center’s Starfish Program, a community outreach campaign that is working to educate the community about the health risk for hepatitis B, and options for treatment, screenings and vaccinations.
Best advice
I was called at the liver clinic to assist one patient who sounded like he was from my country and needed insulin refills. As soon as he saw me speaking his language he started crying and said, you are my savior. I addressed his needs and linked him to a PCP, where he got all his medications. He came back to the hospital and asked if he could hold my head and pray for me, as he had nothing else to give. He said, please do not change how you are treating your patients and continue doing the good work.
Sonia Ossorio
Job description
At the helm of NOW NY I get to work with outstanding advocates and government leaders who are working to improve women and girls’ lives. At NOW we push forward important legislation to advance economic opportunity, create a level playing field, track and work to reduce gender-based violence and secure reproductive freedom for women in New York. We also spotlight women leaders in business and work to get women elected to office.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is conducting business with an approach that puts the best interest of your community first. At NOW NY social responsibility lies in keeping government and business honest, ethical and responsible. Our job is to work with them to be the voice of women and families.
Nicole Overley
Job description
As a human capital consultant, I consider myself a professional problem solver. I didn't plan to go into this career path – but a decade later, I'm still at Deloitte, for two reasons: because of how fulfilling and truly impactful I've found the work to be, and because the ability to do so many different things in consulting appeals to my curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the commitment to make the work, life and community experiences of the next generation better than your own. I am fortunate to work with an amazing New York Future of Work team who are far more important than I in living our commitments to workforce development, skillbuilding and wellbeing at work: Susie Kendis, Mara Patashnik, Jazmin Kay, Alejandra Villanueva and Anna Freed.
Trevor Packer
Job description
I’m responsible for the ongoing development of the AP courses and exams taken each year by 3 million high school students worldwide. When I took this role, only 1 in 10 AP students had financial need; now 1 in every 4 AP students is from a low-income family.
Defining social responsibility
We can’t control what students will do with the opportunities we give them, but we must ensure they have equal preparation for and access to such opportunities. This has required me to overhaul AP classes and tests, replacing timed test questions with project-based learning in some fields, adding new subjects like African American studies, and providing free video lessons. In 2022, the number of Black students earning qualifying AP exam scores jumped by 37%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
Jina Park
Job description
I am responsible for ensuring that all programs achieve contractual and regulatory compliance, operate with balanced budgets, achieve internal and external performance targets, recruit and develop high-quality team members, operate safe and clean facilities, comply with all internal and external reporting requirements, and assist HELP USA’s clients achieve stable permanent housing and the highest level of self-sufficiency they are able to achieve.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is consistently ensuring people and communities have what they need to thrive. To be socially responsible, one must be aware of the many pains and difficult circumstances people experience and be committed to acting with kindness and grace. Social responsibility in my line of work is to pour into the team that work day to day with our families and children in shelter.
Carol Patterson
Job description
Collectively, the design, construction and development industries produce the projects that members of the public occupy every day. Construction lawyers help them do this important work by creating a legal framework in a contract that facilitates the collaborative performance that is needed to build a high-rise building, add an addition to a museum, erect a bridge, or build a tunnel.
Defining social responsibility
In the design, construction and development arena, social responsibility is intrinsic to every aspect of the work, from concept to design to completion of the construction. Every project starts with the development of a shared understanding of how it will impact people, both now and in the future. Most of our clients are keenly aware of the impact of their projects on the environment and the public good.
Jorge Petit & Jajaida Gonzalez
Petit’s job description
I oversee a large nonprofit organization with a $245 million operating budget and a staff of 1,800, providing an array of shelter, housing and treatment support services to over 37,000 New Yorkers every year facing homelessness, mental and substance use disorders and people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, as well as over 60 urban farms and gardens across New York City.
Gonzalez’s job description
I am responsible for leading our day habilitation team in creating environments that are active learning spaces for the people we support with intellectual or developmental disabilities, while also engaging in activities that are purposeful and meaningful. There is joy in seeing someone realize that they belong and have worth regardless of their different abilities.
Petit defines social responsibility
As an organization advancing social justice, we create opportunities for all. At the heart of what we do is a firm commitment to righting the disparities caused by racial discrimination, bias and health inequity and eradicating these within our practices and programs to help us move towards true social justice.
Gonzalez defines social responsibility
We must take into account how our presence, ideas, interactions and journey affects the communities we engage in. At work, this is no different. We must consider the whole person and the experience of their journey, be it a person supported or a staff member. Social responsibility requires that we accept others even if their view does not always match ours, because we must all have a space for growth and acceptance.
Jeannette Phillips
Job description
I have been committed to securing access to health care for the disenfranchised for over five decades. As one of the founders of Sun River Health, I oversee the organization’s culture and legacy, community relations, and the spiritual health and wellness of Sun River Health staff, as well as serve as special adviser to the CEO.
Defining social responsibility
The actions that each of us takes make a lasting impact on our communities. Along with my fellow Sun River Health “Founding Mothers,” Willie Mae Jackson, Mary Woods and Pearl Woods, I always believed that health care was a right for all, not a privilege for some. It was our commitment to social responsibility, along with our tenacity, hard work and faith, that brought us to where we are as an organization today.
Seth Pinsky
Job description
I head an institution that, for 150 years, has been a place that creates community and enriches lives – a mission that is particularly vital in a moment when our social fabric is fraying and many are searching for meaning in their lives.
Defining social responsibility
For me, social responsibility is striving to make the world a better place at every stage of my life. From Judaism, I learned the concept of tikkun olam – meaning, improving or repairing the world in Hebrew. Tikkun olam teaches to hold the conviction that it is the responsibility of all human beings to act with kindness to fix a broken world. This teaching is exemplary of the Jewish community and central to the founding of 92NY.
Mary Pulido
Job description
I oversee all agency operations including our Trauma Recovery Clinic, where children heal from child abuse and neglect, and programs to prevent the sexual abuse of children. Our Safe Touches child sexual abuse prevention program is the only evidenced-based program in the United States for children in grades K-3.
Defining social responsibility
The mantle of social responsibility means working towards a society whereby children can live free from the traumas of child abuse and neglect. That entails encouraging everyone in the community to take action if they think a child is at risk – not to be a bystander. At The NYSPCC, we provide this training so that everyone can learn the signs and symptoms and how to make a report.
Patrick Purcell
Job description
I have the greatest job. I get to work with the dedicated men and women of LIUNA, the laborers union, and the over 1,400 socially responsible signatory contractors who employ them. I love bringing labor and management together for the purpose of providing work to the members who are the backbone of your middle class, and growing companies that understand there is a way to be both profitable and responsible.
Defining social responsibility
In my job, social responsibility means that as we pursue jobs that use public dollars, we do so with the utmost commitment to use those dollars responsibly. We are responsible for providing workers with a standard of living that benefits the community and ensuring that the contractor meets a commitment to a fair profit, environmentally sound policies and the best final product.
Nazneen Rahman
Job description
Nazneen Rahman is at the forefront of developing innovative programming, in-person customer support and community engagement efforts that tackle barriers to care – from improving physical health to eliminating gaps to transportation access, food insecurity and even housing.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility involves going beyond physical care to put into practice EmblemHealth’s commitment to health and wellness for every New Yorker – from Harlem to Flushing to East New York – regardless of their health insurance status or what community they come from.
Best advice
Be a vulnerable leader. Being a vulnerable leader enables me to be a better listener with other colleagues, team members and communities I work with daily. I am open to admitting my mistakes and switching gears when needed.
Thamara Ramirez-Walker
Job description
I’m responsible for scaling SAP’s sustainability strategy through thought leadership, awareness and demand generation. By aligning with the Three Zero approach – zero emissions, zero waste and zero inequality – I’m also able to positively impact and extend our reach.
Defining social responsibility
Sustainability is about people. For this reason, it’s more important than ever for us to come together as leaders in this space and challenge our peers, across every industry, to adopt new ways of thinking. We can instill crucial change by harnessing our collective power. For me, the heart of social responsibility is one where climate action and circularity become the foundation of our entire global ecosystem.
Yvonne Riley-Tepie
Job description
REBNY is the leading trade association and advocacy organization for real estate owners and professionals in New York City. In my role I oversee REBNY’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and lead the strategic direction for the organization’s philanthropic projects focusing on social impact.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is the drive within organizations to create opportunities that are otherwise unavailable to minorities or underserved groups. Without organizations that invest in addressing access to quality education, gender equality or working conditions, we cannot all see personal economic growth.
Best advice
Don’t be a bystander in your own life! You must thoughtfully and persistently make yourself heard and engage others within your community, company and country to see the results you hope for.
Michael Rivadeneyra
Job description
As a government relations specialist, I have the honor and privilege of telling the stories of our families and participants to elected officials to design policies to better serve our communities’ needs and to adequately fund service programs.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a practice and behavior that centers community through the lens of equity and justice. Unfortunately, generations of divestment in our communities and overpolicing of our communities have left scars. At the Y, my work focuses on dismantling past societal wrongs by advocating for meaningful and sustainable investments into education and youth development programs for our communities and influencing policies that remove barriers to access and opportunities to social mobility.
Rachel Sabella
Job description
I have the honor and privilege of executing Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign on the ground in New York. I work with key stakeholders including elected officials, agencies, school districts, community organizations, culinary champions and advocates to help those facing child hunger and poverty.
Defining social responsibility
Over the last two and a half years, we have experienced tremendous loss and seen how the inequities in our society have harmed others. In order to make the world a better place for the next generation, we need to tap into our strengths and the strengths of our partners to make substantive change. In my work life, I advocate for policies and provide funds and support to under-resourced communities that will help families put food on the table.
Sheila Saremzadeh
Job description
I lead an organization that gets to work on closing the employment gap for first-generation college students of color. We provide the necessary networks and access young people need to get the great jobs they deserve.
Best advice
“You are enough.” As a first-generation woman of color, I spent much of my life not only preparing for meetings and presentations, I also put a whole lot of effort into preparing for the performance. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to make sure the person or group of people on the other side of the table were getting value from our interaction, instead of recognizing that my preparedness would shine through in the content of our conversation. In other words, I needed to trust that I was enough.
Talya Schwartz
Job description
I am responsible for the strategic direction of the health plan that serves 689,500 New Yorkers. I also identify opportunities for growth to meet the community's emerging needs when health care has never been more critical. My work has always been about improving health outcomes and eliminating health disparities.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means fulfilling a civic duty, and it's about living the mission of MetroPlusHealth, putting people, not profit, first. MetroPlusHealth addresses the importance of identifying ways to create social and physical environments that promote good health for our members. The plan addresses food insecurity, social isolation, health literacy, homelessness and so much more.
Espa Sergiou
Job description
As director of education programs for one of the largest nonprofit organizations that supports individuals with disabilities throughout the lifespan, I work closely with the school administrators in our nine preschool and school-age programs to ensure that students with autism and other developmental disabilities receive individualized, customized instructional and therapeutic services so that they can reach their full life potential.
Defining social responsibility
I believe that social responsibility is related to the ethics of individuals being accountable for benefitting society. Ethical leadership in our schools promotes ethical educational staff who are responsible for supporting the people they serve.
Best advice
Communication is 90% of any professional position. Content can be learned. Without effective communication one cannot listen, learn from others or integrate ideas. Communication opens doors to change.
Sherrille Shabazz
Job description
I oversee student engagement outside the classroom that creates a co-curricular experience that includes student leadership, clubs and organizations, personal counseling, accessibility services and athletics.
Defining social responsibility
I define social responsibility as taking ownership of one’s life and being accountable for your community, education, family, friends, personal and professional values, and faith. Being a student affairs leader who empowers and motivates students to develop their leadership skills outside of the classroom encourages them to develop social responsibility.
Best advice
My mother and father taught me as a young girl that the sky has no limitations on what I can do. It is important for me as an African American woman to know my purpose and aspirations in life and not allow others to dictate my dreams, goals and potential for my success.
Deborah Shames
Job description
I help high-achieving Black and Latinx community college students navigate the complex transfer admissions process to four-year institutions. I love helping students dream big and find colleges they didn’t think they could realistically be admitted to. I enjoy seeing them head to schools that not only value them, but will support them in reaching their full potential. It is so meaningful when a student tells me I’ve changed their life for the better!
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means lifting others up, and supporting people to grow and develop into the humans they are meant to be, while decreasing and eliminating barriers to their success. I recognize my own privilege, and strive to use that to benefit others.
Monika Sheikh
Job description
Monika is responsible for leading efforts to integrate sustainable practices across NewYork-Presbyterian’s 11 hospital campuses. She also supports employee health and wellbeing efforts and oversees the organization’s employee volunteer program, where she helps to engage the system’s 48,000 employees in community and environmental stewardship efforts.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is about leveraging existing resources and operations to amplify impact. At NewYork-Presbyterian, I have the great opportunity to work with stakeholders across the organization to evaluate our existing practices and identify ways to advance our environmental and community stewardship goals.
Best advice
“Change is driven by progress not perfection.” Throughout my career, I have seen how small, incremental changes can collectively make an impact. There is often no perfect solution to complex challenges, so we shouldn't allow the pursuit of perfection to hinder progress.
Andrew Simmons
Job description
I am the founder and CEO of A&S Rebar, one of the only minority-owned suppliers and fabricators of rebar in the U.S. I am also co-founder and CEO of LaShay’s Construction, a certified DBE heavy construction general contracting business. For both organizations, I run an employment program, “My Brother's Keeper,” where I recruit, train and hire individuals who were formerly incarcerated or at risk. I co-founded CURE Development, a not-for-profit developer of affordable housing.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means staying humble and giving a hand up to people who have fallen. I am where I am today because I was given opportunities from so many people who believed in and took chances on me. I know how meaningful that is and aim to bring that to my businesses.
Lorna Stark
Defining social responsibility
It’s about the whole having a greater impact than the parts – where no part is too small to have an impact. In everything that I do I associate the work and the outcomes as having a purpose and making a difference. In our work with New York City, we have helped parents to have a voice about their child's school, we have helped agencies to transform how they deliver services in a way that is meaningful, we help agencies to identify and mitigate risks to achieving their objectives and have been part of countless government initiatives to improve and modernize. I always keep in mind that the true recipient of what we do is everyone who makes New York City their home.
Best advice
To solve a problem you must first recognize the problem.
Carter Strickland
Job description
Carter and his team empower communities from New York City to Buffalo to imagine and then create public spaces where residents can close the outdoor equity gap, improve community health and combat climate change.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means changing the world for the better and expanding the circle of people who can feel the power of bringing about that change. When a community sees real park improvements as a result of their work, that restores trust and builds confidence for bolder dreams. This incremental process has brought natural climate solutions from fringe to mainstream in a relatively short period, and that gives me hope.
Michelle Stoddart
Job description
I am the liaison between the company and the neighborhood it calls home. In Queens and New York City, this job allows me the opportunity to meet with the most diverse groups in the world. I love hearing from people of different cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds, who find common ground in visiting our property as an entertainment destination.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility is a core value of Resorts World. The company supports eco-conscious programs by partnering with organizations such as the Queens Botanical Gardens and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Center. We also have a robust up-cycling program by distributing our excess equipment and wares to local restaurants and small businesses. A key responsibility for this company is to maintain fair hiring practices and promote a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Faith Taylor
Job description
At Kyndryl, I am building, managing and developing our environmental sustainability programs across 60 countries and with 90,000 employees and in partnership with 4,000 customers.
Defining social responsibility
It means living by our values and leading by example. It means developing solutions that not only help our environment but also build inclusive communities that have equitable access to fresh air, clean water and natural resources. It is enabling people in all communities to make a decent living and be treated fairly and respected for their human rights.
Best advice
Fall forward. I created my job over 15 years ago. I had no roadmap but learned and failed and kept moving ahead. It has not been perfect, but when one door shuts another one opens.
Mark Thompson
Job description
I work with a very wide variety of clients helping them find solutions to complex issues. I love looking at a situation and identifying the best course of action and getting to a goal; many times there are twists and turns that provide new opportunities and challenges. Having a positive impact on New York and the lives of others brings me great joy.
Defining social responsibility
Always remembering that everything I do has an impact somehow and that it must always be positive. On a professional level it’s helping clients understand what their actions can do and helping guide them to a place where everyone wins. On a volunteer level, it’s engaging with organizations that do the right thing for New York and our people.
Michael Trunzo
Job description
I help lead the firm’s government affairs practice of advocating for clients’ needs. Having the ability to work with clients on issues that mainly emanate from my career provides continuity in my life through my work. The opportunity to advocate on matters that can positively impact peoples’ lives is rewarding.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means having principles that benefit your neighbors and community. In my work, that translates to only working for clients whose issues I believe in and advocating for policies that drive those principles. Relative to my work on climate change, it means embracing policies that provide social, economic and environmental benefits for society.
Floyd Vergara
Job description
I manage state government affairs in all 50 states for the Clean Fuels Alliance America, the U.S. trade association for the biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel industries. Clean Fuels’ members represent all aspects of the supply chains for these important fuels, including farmers, fuel producers, marketers and technology providers. I enjoy this work tremendously because these drop-in fuels are the most meaningful way to reduce carbon and toxic pollution immediately and for decades to come from the most difficult to decarbonize sectors: heavy-duty on- and off-road vehicle transportation, marine, rail, aviation, and commercial and residential heating.
Defining social responsibility
As a parent, leaving the world a better place and doing so while encouraging sound economic growth have been central to my personal philosophy.
Dennis Walcott
Job description
Public libraries are among the world’s last truly open and democratic institutions. They are places where everyone is welcome and draw people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances, without any strings attached. Every person who comes through our doors is looking for knowledge, information, inspiration, a sense of community, or an opportunity to be successful in their lives, and it is the greatest experience to be able to meet these needs.
Defining social responsibility
It means working to improve the lives of others by providing communities and individuals the means to get ahead. I feel fortunate to lead an organization where this commitment drives every staff member’s work, whether it’s helping someone find the book they need, ensuring our facilities are clean and inviting, planning a college and career readiness program, or welcoming a newly arrived immigrant to their new home.
Lisa Payne Wansley
Job description
I oversee a program that is driven by our commitment to always be a good neighbor to the historically underserved and marginalized communities located near our statewide facilities.
Defining social responsibility
I truly believe that we all have a moral and social responsibility to give back to our communities, especially to those in need. If everyone committed themselves both personally and professionally to donating a portion of their time, expertise or resources, our communities would be so much stronger. I am fortunate to lead a team of professionals who are as passionate as I am about serving underserved communities in the state and I am proud to work for the New York Power Authority, which has a deep-rooted mission to dedicate resources to those who need it the most.
Andrew Walrond
Job description
For over two decades, it has been my honor to assist nonprofits with emergency and short-term bridge financing. Nonprofits depend on funding from private and government sources to deliver vital services. However, if there are delays in the disbursement of those expected funds, payroll, rent and disruption of services are at stake. I enjoy this work knowing that my program helps keep preschools’ doors open each morning, summer youth employment programs from closing, food distribution programs operating, and small theaters performing.
Defining social responsibility
In my work, social responsibility is responding to the nonprofit sector in a manner that allows organizations to function smoothly. By processing loans within two to five days and never charging interest, the Cash Flow Loan Program plays an often invisible but vital role in allowing many nonprofits to continue operating.
Kimberly Hardy Watson
Job description
I lead a highly successful team of smart, committed, thoughtful and innovative people who focus on and work toward our common goal of helping children, youth, families and communities to achieve their dreams and to thrive!
Defining social responsibility
We are not only accountable for outcomes but the manner in which we go about achieving those outcomes. In our work, it is important that everyone has their say and that we ensure that what we heard during the process is reflected in the product.
Best advice
I think that one piece of advice that I received when I started in this field was to always remember that I could one day be on the receiving end of the service I provide. I never forgot that.
Valerie White
Job description
Valerie is directly responsible for advancing a platform of racial and economic equity through effective and conscious management of more than $3 billion in New York City investments.
Defining social responsibility
Sustainable development is a recurring theme throughout all her endeavors, leading a multifaceted effort dedicated to expanding opportunity for Black, Latino and Brown communities and commercial corridors across New York City – in doing so, breaking down systemic barriers that have historically been a roadblock to opportunity for BIPOC New Yorkers.
Best advice
“Immerse yourself in the neighborhoods in which you want to help initiate progress and change.” It is critical for the next generation of city, state and national leaders to meet with longtime community leaders, local nonprofit executives and neighbors to understand the challenges facing the neighborhood and the needs most critical to its growth.
Darlene Williams
Job description
I have the privilege of serving youth and adults across New York City to ensure that they have free access to sector-based educational training programs, high school diploma courses, adult literacy and career readiness, coaching, and job placement support to ensure that they are prepared for and connected to resources to enhance their economic sustainability.
Defining social responsibility
I believe that everything we do impacts someone else – we are not an island to ourselves. Due to this, we must consider how each action we take, everything we implement, and everything we say, impacts the lives of others. I ensure that my teams are intentional in the manner in which our delivery of services is integrated into the broader community.
William Wolfe
Job description
My job entails advising clients on various subject matters, whether in connection with cannabis, business litigation or financial issues stemming from bankruptcy. I enjoy being a lawyer for the opportunity to help others and also to make a difference in the profession. The legal profession lacks diversity, and with only 5% of attorneys being Black, I take pride in knowing I am among those very few.
Defining social responsibility
To me, social responsibility means doing all you can to ensure that those from underrepresented or underprivileged communities are not forgotten. I achieve it by helping clients understand issues from multiple perspectives as we work towards a proper outcome. I also appreciate the opportunity to help our firm choose the most impactful ways of serving our community.
Cynthia Wolff
Job description
I work with the administrative staff to draft proposals, and to review and consolidate contracts to make sure that all terms of working conditions are improved, protected and enforced. In drafting proposals, the goal is to maintain and protect current working conditions, compensation, and benefits and to enhance them if possible.
Defining social responsibility
Social responsibility means that we all have a duty and obligation to each other to make sure that all people are treated equally and fairly and have access to whatever they need to care for themselves and their families, (e.g., affordable housing and quality health care, good education, food, etc.) regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, country of origin, religious belief, disability status, and/or immigration status.
Chun Yee Yip
Job description
I love my job! I have the wonderful privilege of partnering with nonprofits and community organizations to deliver sustainable solutions that advance the wellbeing of our communities. From climate action to food security to suicide prevention to workforce development (and much more) – what I enjoy most is knowing that our partnership programs are transforming lives and creating resilient communities.
Defining social responsibility
Making a positive impact on our planet and communities by leaving it better than we found it.
Best advice
From my parents: “The air we breathe and the water we drink are not free. We should be expected to pay ‘rent’ for living in this world by doing our part and doing it honorably.” From my stalwart mentors: “Know your worth.”
Michael Zeto
Job description
My team and I are focused on bringing world-class connectivity to every citizen, every city and every venue. What I love is introducing and deploying new technology solutions that are able to dramatically impact environmental, social and governance issues and better resident quality of life.
Defining social responsibility
For the continued growth and health of our cities, everything from lowering emissions to addressing the digital divide, it’s our responsibility to collaborate and form successful public-private partnerships. Through these partnerships, we build connectivity into the core infrastructure of our cities to enable communities and their residents to thrive. Whether it’s connecting first responders or commuter rails, businesses or transportation hubs, I am grateful for the opportunity to help business and public services flourish.
NEXT STORY: The Faith Power 100