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2021
CONTRIBUTING
MAJOR SPONSOR
VIRTUAL CELEBRATION SPONSOR NONPROFIT SPONSOR
Congratulations to our Colleague
Tracey McIntyre
We are proud of your efforts
to help build a more diverse
and inclusive workplace.
Congratulations to all of the
Diversity in Business
Honorees.
DRIVEN TO DELIVER ®
www.rivinradler.com
CAPITAL REGION NEW JERSEY NEW YORK CITY HUDSON VALLEY LONG ISLAND
518.462.3000 201.287.2460 212.455.9555 845.473.8100 516.357.3000
DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS 3
HONOREES
PANEL DISCUSSION: DEFINING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Valerie Anderson Campbell, Anderson Campbell Enterprises, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Andrew Ayodeji, Bolden Mack Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Debbie Bauer, Brookhaven National Laboratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Paisley Demby, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dr. Brian L. Harper MD, MPH, New York Institute of Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Abbas M. Jaffer, Architectural Sign Group Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Rao Ali Shaan Khan, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Andrew M. Lieb, Esq., MPH, Lieb Compliance, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tracey McIntyre, Rivkin Radler LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Ali Nazir, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Derek Peterson, Soter Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Rajib Sanyal, Adelphi University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tonya Thomas, Long Island Community Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dina Vespia, Cullen and Dykman LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Elizabeth Wellington, Wellie The Transporter, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Edna White, Edna White Coaching & Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Michael Caplice, Office of the New York State Comptroller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Amy Meyers, PhD, LCSW & Melissa McCardle, PhD, LCSW, Molloy College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Family and Children’s Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Helen Keller Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Long Island Elite Diversity Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS IS A LONG ISLAND
BUSINESS NEWS EVENT
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4 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS PANEL DISCUSSION
Special Event Panel Discussion:
Defining Diversity & Inclusion in 2021
Three key leaders in the Long Island business community join the Diversity in Business Awards to discuss what diversity and
inclusion means in 2021, and how embracing D&I positively impacts business and society.
Learn more about the panel at libn.com/diversityinbusiness
PANEL
Retha Fernandez is the newly appointed Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for Suffolk County, a new role created to
promote diversity and inclusion in the Suffolk County workforce in coordination with the County Personnel Officer and
the County Executive. In this role, Fernandez leads the development and implementation of Suffolk County’s diversity and
inclusion initiatives. She is responsible for improving diversity and inclusion in county hiring and personnel practices, as well as
identifying, evaluating and making recommendations to improve work teams across the County. Fernandez formerly served
as the project director of the Urban League of Long Island’s racial equity project and is a certified meditation instructor.
Prior to joining the Urban League, Fernandez spent 15 years in the prestige beauty industry at the Estee Lauder Companies,
leading regional teams and overseeing technology strategy development and execution as an information technology
Retha Fernandez executive. Her IT career spanned several industries, where her earliest roles included creating and executing test scripts for
Chief Diversity &
Inclusion Officer Y2K preparation, repairing computers. She ultimately earned responsibility for technology strategy development for three
Suffolk County brands within the Fortune 500 company.
John D. Kemp, Esq., president and CEO of The Viscardi Center, is a renowned global speaker and a person with a disability. He
inspires others to achieve the impossible through knowledge, experience, vision, and persistence.
He is a graduate of Georgetown University and Washburn University School of Law and has received two honorary degrees.
In 1995, Mr. Kemp co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities with Paul G. Hearne. In 2001, he became a
partner in the Washington, DC Law Firm of Powers, Pyles, Sutter & Verville, P.C.
In 2006 Kemp received the Henry B. Betts Award, regarded as America’s highest honor for disability leadership and service. In
2014 he received the Dole Leadership Prize and joined a prestigious group of international recipients including Nelson Mandela
and two former U.S. Presidents.
John D. Kemp He also chairs Viscardi’s Project Accessible Oral Health, a global public-private partnership in pursuit of improved overall
President and CEO health and access for the disability community, as well as the e-Advisory Board of the Center’s new National Center for
The Viscardi Center Disability Entrepreneurship dedicated to empowering innovative self-starters to self-employment success.
Wynne Nowland is the chairwoman and CEO of Bradley & Parker. In addition to her corporate responsibilities, she’s the point
person for many of the firm’s most valuable clients and remains a key player in negotiating with the commercial insurance
companies Bradley & Parker uses to place its risks.
Having held several key positions with the firm since 1986, Nowland’s major field of expertise is in corporate insurance,
particularly sophisticated coverages, such as directors and officers liability, worldwide insurance programs, captive insurance
and participating insurance programs.
Nowland recently completed her term as chairwoman of the board of The American Heart Association, where she
remains an active goodwill ambassador, and is on the board of The Long Island Software & Technology Network.She is a past
Wynne Nowland committee member of The Nature Conservancy and a past board member of the Long Island Insurance Community.
CEO Her astute eye for design and fashion compliments her enjoyment of many diverse hobbies, including music, photography,
Bradley & Parker gourmet cooking and collectible motorcars. She resides in Head of the Harbor.
MODERATOR
Evan J. Cutts is a poet and writer from Roxbury, MA. Cutts earned his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in writing, literature, and publishing from
Emerson College in 2017. After graduation, he began freelancing as a content writer for Color Magazine before joining their team as a full-
time content editor. In 2020, Cutts earned his master of fine arts in poetry from Rutgers University - Newark. Cutts’s poetry is published or is
Evan J. Cutts forthcoming in Apogee Journal, Maps for Teeth Magazine, The Merrimack Review, Jabberwock Review, Lumina Journal, and The Offing.
Content Editor
Color Magazine Cutts lives in Bennington, Vermont with his partner Kelsey and their cat Ramona.
Congratulations
to our own…
Tonya Thomas
Associate Program Officer
LIBN Diversity in Business Award
Long Island Racial Equity Collaborative
OUR RACIAL EQUITY WORK
The Long Island Community Foundation partners with community organizations to support strategies and activities
designed to restore racial disparities and continue to promote upward mobility and equality for people of color. While
individual investments have had some positive impact on individuals, the systems that perpetuate the inequities on Long
Island have not changed. These challenges are larger than any one non-profit or foundation can solve alone. LICF
believes that collective action, that includes funders leveraging relationships together with community advocates and
the public/private sectors, is essential to dismantle longstanding structural and institutional racism. In 2018, LICF
established the Long Island Racial Equity Donor Collaborative to leverage resources and expertise and support creative
solutions that improve the financial health and increase economic opportunity for Black residents.
We congratulate
all the honorees who actively support
the growth of diversity and equity
on Long Island!
The Long Island Community Foundation is a division of The New York Community Trust, one of the nation's oldest
and largest community foundations. Our mission is to preserve and improve the quality of life for all Long Islanders
by connecting charitable donors with nonprofits to make a healthy, equitable, and thriving community. We have
granted more than $200 million to nonprofit organizations across the country from hundreds of funds established by
individuals, families, and businesses.
LONG ISLAND
COMMUNITY
FOUNDATION
a division of The New York Community Trust
LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP... www.licf.org
6 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS
V alerie Anderson Campbell
is the president and CEO of
Anderson Campbell Recruiting,
and serves on its finance,
judiciary, scholarship and
social committees. She also
communications, education,
faith based, immigration, local
government, and people of color
where she provides human served on the 2019 president sub-committees.
capital and consulting services to search committee for Nassau In 2019 she completed
companies and individuals. Community College. the Citizens Police Academy
She is a human resources Anderson Campbell also Program – an additional outreach
professional with expertise in serves as VP, membership initiative she partakes in to aid
strategic planning, developing and fundraising chair of the in strengthening relationships
human capital management Uniondale Community Land and communication in Nassau
systems and cross functional Trust (U-CLT) board, committee County communities. Lastly,
team building. Anderson Campbell member for the advisory she is a member of the Melville
has business partner experience board for the LI Business Expo, Diversity Council, where like-
in leading multi-disciplinary teams committee member for the minded business owners and
to successfully drive business Nassau Council of Chambers local government officials work
Valerie Anderson objectives and the ability to
establish long-term business
of Commerce, Committee,
committee member for the
together to promote diversity in
our communities.
relationships across geographies. Dream Foundation, committee She graduated from Long
Campbell Campbell serves as the
Nassau County Director for the
member of the Nassau County
District Attorney African
Island University-Brooklyn
Campus, where she double-
President & CEO Long Island African American American Advisory Council, majored in business and
Anderson Campbell Enterprises, LLC Chamber of Commerce. and committee member of information systems and earned
She is a board member of the 2020 Nassau Complete an B.S. She is married to retired
the Alumni Associations of Count Committee, where NYPD officer Roger Campbell,
What is your advice for companies Nassau Community College she served on the business, and has a son, Brandon.
that are seeking to promote
diversity and inclusion in their
workplace? What can individuals do to promote equality in the business sphere?
First, discuss what that looks like in your Individuals can make themselves accountable to 1: Create a standard of what equality looks like for them
company. Then, consult with an organization and adhering to it, with checks and balances in place, and express an openness for growth and tolerance
who can direct you with the proper steps to (unfortunately, some will need to take baby steps.) 2: Look at people’s abilities, skills, and achievements, not the
achieve that outcome. Last, make sure there are complexion of their skin. 3. Networking, attending conferences, symposiums, joining boards, corporations, or
checks and balances in place to make sure your organizations is the most incredible experience because cultures mesh, minds are changed, and associations,
workplace maintain its diverse and inclusive collaborations, friendships are made. It is by no means a simple thing to do, but the opportunity avails itself to
culture for a long time to come. listen to each other, create a tolerance where there once was not and creates the ability for growth.
A ndrew Ayodeji is a lifelong
proud Amityville resident
and a graduate from Amityville
where he continued his basketball
career. Ayodeji graduated from
Cumberland University with a
85% in the Amityville area, which
has been credited to community-
based efforts such as Bolden Mack
High School. As a high school bachelor’s degree in health, Basketball. Ayodeji is also on track
student Ayodeji played all four wellness and physical education. to open a “Mack” clothing line
years on the varsity championship Ayodeji has since been a apparel store in Amityville Village
basketball team for Coach Jack staunch advocate in making in early 2021.
Agostino. Ayodeji had the honor positive changes within the Ayodeji is also the co-founder of
of being named All- League, All- Long Island community, and has Minority Millennials, Inc., a 501(c3
County, All-Long Island, All- State become a social entrepreneur. not-for-profit organization that
and a McDonald’s All-American Ayodeji is the founder of the bridges the gap between policy
nominee for his impeccable Bolden Mack Park Basketball and culture. Minority Millennials
basketball record. Tournament; he started the works to represent minorities
After graduating from high tournament in 2017 to give and millennial-age residents in
school, Ayodeji received a full members of his local community polices that affect their future on
Andrew Ayodeji athletic scholarship to Columbia
State Community College in
a way to stay active, productive
and safe during the summer
Long Island, including in politics,
economics and workforce
Tennessee, where he would spend months. Ayodeji welcomes teams developments. The organization,
Founder two years. Ayodeji later transferred from all across Long Island to launched in 2017, was co-founded
Bolden Mack Basketball to Cumberland University on participate. Since 2017 Ayodeji with 2020 Diversity in Business
another full athletic scholarship, says gun violence has gone down honoree Daniel Lloyd.
What motivates you? What makes you most proud of How do you personally support
My motivation is changing the narrative for young your company or organization? the growth of diversity and
black men, and to get them to understand the value Being that my organization is named and
of entrepreneurship as well as the importance of not based off a park in my neighborhood (Amityville)
equality in our community?
risking their freedom to make a living. I personally support diversity and equality in
makes me proud, because it’s helping to give
In addition, failing the first year of our Bolden Mack my community by catering to everyone, and
the neighborhood an identity. People from our
Basketball tournament also motivated and inspired welcoming everyone to the events I hold. I also
neighborhood are proud to be from there.
me to improve my business. have a diverse staff, which I think is very important.
DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS 7
D eborah Bauer graduated
in 1987 from Concordia
College Seward, Nebraska with a
mostly concentrated into
personal front-line volunteerism
in LGBT-related causes
laying out a similar welcome
mat to other employees,
directing her activism energy
bachelor of science in secondary stemming from the AIDS crisis, into GLOBE. There she worked
education, mathematics to Long Island, where it found with other committed people
concentration. Shortly after that, a social outlet in sports. Bauer
helping to create an open
she left for Queens, New York, founded the first LGBT sports
line of communication
where she began her professional association called the Long Island
career dabbling first in high school Pride Sports Association, for between the LGBT employee
teaching followed by a brief which she served as President community and laboratory
trajectory into accounting and from 1995 – 1999. In 1999 Bauer management, with a pivotal
finance in Manhattan. joined Brookhaven National success being the adoption
Unsatisfied, Bauer pivoted Laboratory as an Environmental of domestic partners benefits
to the newly developing Engineer. into the laboratory benefits
environmental field by Bauer swiftly joined the package before same-sex
earning a master of science
in environmental technology
BNL Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual
Employees diversity group,
marriage was legal. Then,
as both GLOBE and Bauer
Debbie Bauer
from the New York Institute of which was successful Supervising Engineer,
approached the sunset of
Technology, and left Manhattan in getting BNL to add the
to leverage an unpaid internship words “sexual orientation”
their careers, she actively Environmental Protection Division
at Photocircuits Corporation in to the laboratory’s diversity sought new, younger talent to Brookhaven National Laboratory
Glen Cove into a full-time paid policy. The policy, along with help transform GLOBE into a
environmental engineer position. supportive management, modern ERG named BNL Pride
Alliance, which can better
Share an experience or
The move out to Glen Cove allowed Bauer to “come out”
moved Bauer’s social activism, early. She then committed to serve a younger workforce. accomplishment that helped get you to
where you are today.
How do you personally support the growth of diversity and equality in our community? I moved from Nebraska to New York when I
My current level of job responsibilities makes it difficult to do more than donate. However, part of my role as was 24 years old with a job offer, but no friends
leader of the Pride Alliance ERG has been to become involved with the Long Island LGBT Network as a member of and no money. Nothing in my life I’ve ever done
their Workplace Initiative. The initiative brings representatives of ERGs from various companies together to share has been more difficult, traumatic, terrifying, and
ideas, learn from and support each other. In my more energetic years I joined protests, walked in the LI and NY sad, but at the same time wondrous, magical,
LGBT parades, participated in LGBTQ+ Long Island-based activities, supported LGBTQ+ businesses, worked with exciting and most importantly, transformative.
the LGBT Democratic political groups, and founded the first and only LGBT Sports Organization on LI, for which I I am a different person and I think it helped me
served as President from 1995 to 1999. understand different perspectives.
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8 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS
P aisley Demby serves as
business services director of
the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small
finance. He draws upon 20-plus
years of business development
and finance experience working
He is also actively involved in
the small business development
community, serving as a judge
Businesses Initiative at LaGuardia with startups to large scale in business plan competitions.
Community College. As director, multimillion dollar corporations. Demby is also co-founder of the
Demby is responsible for partner His experience as a Business
Queens and New York StartUP!
development, marketing, promotion Consultant has helped him
and recruitment of small business craft “street tested” business Business Plan Competition. Demby
owners into the program. He development methodologies that MC’d the television show “World’s
designs and delivers small business are easily implemented and drive Greatest Motivators” that aired
development training and manages immediate results. His training internationally on Fox Sports.
a team of business advisors that workshops seek to offer audiences Demby has been employed by
provide direct services to business a newfound understanding of their renowned firms like Accenture, JP
owners in the program. latent potential. Morgan, Synergie Capital Group,
Demby is a highly sought-after Demby is recognized for IBM, General Motors, The May
Paisley Demby speaker, executive coach, and
CEO trainer, offering dynamic
his work in the business
development arena helping
Davis Group, and Westinghouse.
He holds an MBA in finance and
Business Services Director presentations, in-depth seminars
and lively executive development
develop innovative businesses in
the media, technology, consumer strategic management from The
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small training courses that inspire products, construction, restaurant, Wharton School of the University
Businesses audiences to take action in manufacturing, nonprofit, of Pennsylvania, and a BA in
the areas of business strategy, entertainment, financial services, engineering and economics from
marketing, sales, operations and and professional services industries. Brown University.
How do you personally support the growth of What do you think the Long Island business
diversity and equality in our community? landscape will look like in 10 years?
Through my role in the Goldman 10,000 Small Businesses program, I make In 2002, The New York Times cited a study by the non-profit group ERASE
a concerted effort to recruit diverse business owners into our program by Racism, which determined that Nassau and Suffolk Counties constitute the
partnering with a number of community-based organizations. In addition, most racially segregated suburbs in the United States. In 10 years, I suspect the
once these business owners are in our program, I ensure they have the proper Long Island landscape demographics will shift in alignment with an increasing
supports and resources to make the most of our program. I also mentor a number of minorities living on Long Island.
number of diverse entrepreneurs and professionals.
B rian L. Harper MD, MPH
obtained an academic
scholarship and attended Brown
and Public Health.
Dr. Harper has worked as a
physician at the Rikers Island
Suffolk County, and successfully
managed a department of 1,500
employees with a budget of
University. At Brown University Medical Unit, and served as the approximately $450 million and
he received a B.A. in biology and first director of the Bureau of HIV created innovative programs such
a B.A. in Afro-American Studies. Services at the Nassau County as the Office of Minority Health
Dr. Harper received his medical Department of Health. As the to focus on health disparities. Dr.
degree from the State University of “AIDS Czar” for Nassau County, Dr. Harper then served as the Chief
New York, Health Science Center at Harper’s office brought in millions
Operating Officer and Medical
Syracuse in 1988. His postgraduate of dollars in federal Ryan White
Director of the Ralph Lauren
experience started at Harlem funding for the region. He then
Center for Cancer Care and
Hospital Center. He continued his served as the senior vice president
Prevention.
training at the State University of of community affairs and medical
New York, Health Science Center at director of the Community Health Dr. Harper now serves as the
Dr. Brian L. Harper Stony Brook, where he completed
a combined residency in General
Centers at Nassau University
Medical Center, providing medical
Chief Medical Officer and an
Associate Professor at the New
MD, MPH Preventive Medicine and Public
Health and obtained a Masters
leadership for a network of seven
community health centers. Dr.
York Institute of Technology College
of Osteopathic Medicine. He has
Vice President, Equity & Inclusion of Public Health from Columbia Harper was then appointed been recently appointed as Vice
and Chief Medical Officer University. Dr. Harper is Board as the first African American President of Equity and Inclusion for
New York Institute of Technology Certified in Preventive Medicine Commissioner of Health for New York Institute of Technology.
What motivates you?
I have spent roughly 30 years focused on issues Who, or what, inspires you? What makes you most proud
pertaining to public health including communicable I have been inspired by previous African
diseases and health inequities. It has become more American health officials like Dr. David Satcher, to work for your company or
apparent than ever, that a lack of health information former surgeon general. In addition, I am
continuously inspired by our young medical
organization?
or misinformation can literally result in both New York Institute of Technology is ranked #1 among
morbidity and mortality. This has motivated me to and college students who appear to have a four year colleges with the most diverse student body.
continue to educate the public on basic medical and renewed focus on helping the underserved Students learn to approach real world problems working
scientific principles to help dispel myths and prevent and addressing both social justice and health alongside classmates from different cultures enhancing
unnecessary illness and death. inequities. I find this very encouraging. their educational experience.
DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS 9
A bbas Jaffer has been in the
architectural sign industry for over
boasting a diverse workforce. The
team at ASG Inc. encompasses
Capital One; NuHealth; Cooper
Hewitt; Stony Brook University;
30 years, managing installation a range of dynamic individuals NYU School of Medicine; WLIW21;
and production teams. Currently, who together tackle a wide range and many more. The firm also
Jaffer serves as the owner of of services including fabrication, enjoys strong relationships with
Elmont-based Architectural Sign field management, finishing, top construction management
Group Inc., specializing in custom installation, machining, painting, firms in the region.
interior and exterior signage for welding and engineering. ASG Inc.’s workforce has grown
corporate, healthcare, financial Jaffer has grown ASG Inc. into a in its diversity and inclusiveness in
and sports and entertainment regional leader in the architectural the last 5 years – seeing a doubling
businesses as well as colleges signage manufacturer and of its diverse workforce during
and universities, cities, churches, supplier space. ASG Inc. has had that time. As the firm continues its
Abbas M. Jaffer
museums, transportation, and the opportunity to work on various trajectory of success, it expects to
more. His firm focuses on custom iconic MTA projects on Long Island double its workforce again by 2027.
architectural signage projects in and throughout the New York In his spare time, Jaffer works President
the New York tristate area, and metro area. Other clients include with Comfort Aid International, an
enjoys its success as a minority Bank of America; New York City NGO providing educational support
Architectural Sign Group Inc.
business enterprise (MBE) Human Resources Administration and housing for displaced orphans
centered in manufacturing and Department of Social Services; in developing countries.
Share an experience or accomplishment that What do you think the Long Island What is your advice for
helped get you to where you are today. business landscape will look like in companies that are seeking
The 2nd Ave. station project was one the most challenging 10 years?
projects that we ever came across in the history of the company. to promote diversity and
I believe that in the coming years we are going
The combined team effort helped us accomplish this milestone to see a very diverse group both in talent and inclusion in their workplace?
project, and made me believe that we at ASG through teamwork can demographics; especially because of COVID-19 Don’t shy away from a diverse team. It
accomplish any project. I believe we are here today working on such we will see a lot of that talent heading to open allows the company to have a richer mix
iconic projects like the Moynihan Station and the Third Track project areas such as Long Island. of talent.
because we leverage teamwork as well as a diverse workforce.
Brian Harper, M.D., M.P.H.
Vice President for Equity
and Inclusion and
Chief Medical Officer
New York Institute of
Technology congratulates
Dr. Brian Harper
and all of the other
2021 LIBN honorees
for their ongoing
commitment to diversity,
equity, and inclusion.
NYIT.EDU
10 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS
R ao Ali Shaan Khan has been
helping homebuyers and
homeowners in Nassau, Suffolk and
of Charles Rutenberg Realty’s
top performers.
In 2020 Shaan became a
estate community.
Prior to working in real estate,
Shaan served under Manhattan
Queens since 2016 as a Real Estate Director of Long Island Board of Borough President Scott M. Stringer.
Associate Broker with Charles Realtors, one of the largest local As his director of community
Rutenberg Realty. realtor boards in the United States affairs and constituent services,
Shaan believes that a with over 28,000 members. In Shaan spearheaded efforts to
commitment to professional 2021, Shaan was appointed reform and empower Manhattan’s
development is essential to as a Director to the National 12 community boards, which
providing the highest level of Association of Realtors and New resulted in increased education and
service to consumers. As such, York State Association of Realtors. professional training for members
he has earned the professional In 2020 Shaan was appointed as well as a dramatic increase in
designations and certifications of as Chair of the Long Island Board the appointment of minorities and
Accredited Buyer’s Representative, of Realtor’s first-ever Diversity historically under-represented
Seller Representative Specialist, and Inclusion Committee, which communities to the boards.
Rao Ali Shaan Khan Pricing Strategy Advisor, At aims to coordinate activities In addition to his work on land use
Real Estate Associate Broker Home with Diversity, Real Estate related to increasing the overall and community planning issues
Negotiation Expert, Graduate diversity and inclusiveness in Manhattan, Shaan is proud to
Charles Rutenberg Realty, Inc. Realtor Institute, Commercial/ of LIBOR membership and have authored Led Astray, a 2013
Investment Real Estate leadership participation to investigative report that shed light
Certification and e-PRO. ensure knowledge of fair housing on systemic abuses within New
In 2018 Shaan was named one practices throughout the real York City’s Animal Shelter system.
What is your advice for companies that are What makes you most proud to work for your company
seeking to promote diversity and inclusion in or organization?
their workplace? Charles Rutenberg Realty has such a welcoming and supportive office culture. There
Be prepared to ask questions and listen. It requires patience and is a strong emphasis on professional development and education, which helped shape
the willingness to understand others before expecting them to me into the real estate agent that I am today.
understand you. There may be some uncomfortable conversations I’m proud of our office’s commitment to diversity and inclusion – from women in high
and tough decisions may need to be made. But that’s necessary to level positions and a diverse mix of agents to encouraging agents to participate in the
the cause – token gestures and easy answers don’t lead to change. industry. We have a variety of personalities and opinions that reflect the communities
With strong leadership and a commitment to doing what’s we serve.
necessary, you can get there together and create a more welcoming
and representative workplace.
A ndrew M. Lieb is the
Founder of Lieb Compliance, LLC,
premiere lecturers on legal issues in
the Metro NY area, lecturing to tens
are impacting real estate and
business; it is also available on
which offers sexual harassment of thousands of students including podcast. Beyond his radio show,
prevention, on-demand and real estate agents and attorneys. He Lieb has appeared frequently on
interactive, trainings throughout is the founder and lead instructor WNYM, NPR, and WHPC. He has
the country plus a full catalogue of Lieb School, a licensed NYS real also been published and is the
of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion estate school offering continuing contributing editor for the Focus
services. Lieb is also the managing education courses. Lieb has served on Real Property edition of The
attorney of Lieb at Law, P.C., where as co-chair of the Real Property Suffolk Lawyer, a columnist at
he litigates discrimination cases Committee at the Suffolk County Dan’s Papers’ Behind the Hedges
in the real estate and employment Bar Association for several years, Magazine with additional
contexts. Lieb is admitted to and teaches continuing legal publications appearing in the
practice law in the states of New education courses on real estate New York Real Estate Journal,
Andrew M. Lieb, York, Connecticut, and Colorado and discrimination to attorneys American Bar Association
Esq., MPH as well as in the Federal Courts for
the Southern and Eastern Districts
throughout the state.
Lieb is a radio personality
Journal of Real Estate Litigation
and Condemnation, Nassau
Founder / Chief of New York. and serves as the host of The Lawyer, Huffington Post, Dan’s
Compliance Officer In addition to his compliance and Lieb Cast on FM103.9, which Papers, Homes of Eastern Long
Lieb Compliance, LLC legal practices, Lieb is one of the discusses how current events Island, and more.
Who, or what, inspires you? Share an experience or accomplishment that helped get What is your advice for companies that are
The sentence “A more perfect Union” you to where you are today. seeking to promote diversity and inclusion in
in the preamble to the Constitution. It’s While at business school, I became friends with multiple their workplace?
an acknowledgment that while today professors who worked at The Kinsey Institute for Sex, Gender, The alternative is a big lawsuit, so the law really makes
is the best that it can be, tomorrow and Reproduction. They convinced me to focus on health, not just the decision for you. But, regardless, you should promote
can and will be better. I want to drive money, and that drove me to work in the discrimination field; first, diversity, inclusion, and equity at your workplace because
progress towards perfection for both by obtaining my master’s in public health; then, by working at Long different views and experiences, typically, generate better
myself and my community. Island Gay and Lesbian Youth (now, the LGBT Network); next, as a products and services, especially when everyone feels
human sexuality instructor at two different colleges; and finally, in valued and welcomed by leadership.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and discrimination litigation.Congratulations to
Urban League of Long Island Board Member and
Long Island Director for the NYS Comptroller
Michael Caplice
For being the Long Island Business News
Diversity in Business Awards
Advocate of the Year
Urban League of Long Island is a recognized
501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an affiliate of
the National Urban League, the nation’s largest
civil rights and urban advocacy group. To support
and learn more about our efforts, please visit:
www.urbanleaguelongisland.org
Digital Ballpark, 110 Terminal Drive Plainview, NY 11803 * 631-710-8332 * info@urbanleaguelongisland.org12 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS
T racey McIntyre, director of
legal talent at Rivkin Radler,
mind in all aspects of her role at
the firm. When the firm decides
career search topics.
McIntyre also was selected by
is responsible for the planning, to hire new talent, she shares the her firm to participate with the
design and implementation of the openings with regional affinity Ivy Network’s “The Edge Program,
firm’s professional development groups to ensure the talent pool and has been a volunteer
initiatives. She has been the driving is diverse. In addition, when program coordinator with the
force of the Development, Diversity creating mentoring groups she Ivy Network’s Wise Women
and Inclusion Committee, the firm’s strategically places associates
Wednesday virtual programs.
women’s initiative and numerous in groups that are diverse to
Prior to joining Rivkin Radler,
mentoring programs at the firm. encourage conversations that
McIntyre was the manager of
McIntyre also leads hiring efforts allow for different thoughts and
attorney recruiting and professional
for all attorneys and paralegals at ideas to be shared.
development at a large law firm,
the firm, focusing her efforts on McIntyre participates as a
Tracey McIntyre recruiting and retaining diverse member of the LGBT Network’s and developed and oversaw all
talent. She often counsels the Workplace Advisory Counsel, training programs for the firm,
Director of Talent firm’s attorneys on professional helping with the counsel’s including new hire orientation,
development and employee workplace initiatives, including its attorney training programs and
Rivkin Radler LLP
relations issues. virtual career coaching program, the development of programs for
Diversity, equity and inclusion where she helps with developing managers, business professionals,
are at the forefront of McIntyre’s and presenting programs on secretaries and paralegals.
Tell us something about you that most people don’t What is your advice for companies that are
know. seeking to promote diversity and inclusion in their
I am a mother of three children, Joe, Molly and Ryan. Ryan, six, was born with a workplace?
physical disability called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. His condition affects Do not hesitate – now is the moment. You must start at the top –
both knees, calves, ankles and feet, so walking, running, and balancing are affected. diversity, equity and inclusion must be supported by members at the
He wears bilateral AFOs (braces) all day, goes to physical therapy three times a leadership level or efforts will not succeed. Help people understand the
week, and has had a series of surgeries. Ryan is a kid with a lot of grit. These are importance from both moral and economic perspectives. There is so
all characteristics I look for when interviewing candidates. My hope is to educate much data-based support for diversity and inclusion work - I suggest
enough people on unconscious biases and ableism so when Ryan enters the you read a lot, seek out guidance from professionals and people with
workforce, people see all of what he is capable of accomplishing and the talents he lived experience, and always be open to hearing perspectives that
brings to the table. challenge you to work harder and dig deeper.
A li Nazir’s American story
and path into government
is unique, and has significantly
In 2006, Nazir returned to Stony
Brook University to pursue a
master’s degree in public policy.
has implemented self-sufficient
systems, strategies, and processes
to ensure projects are completed
impacted his career to date. At 13 This decision proved pivotal, as he on time, in a cost-effective manner
years old Ali and his family made a secured an internship with then- with appropriate messaging, and
life-altering move from Pakistan legislator John M. Kennedy Jr. complete transparency to both the
to Toronto, Canada. Just one year After interning, Nazir served as media and constituents.
later they relocated again, finding a a legislative aide for one year and Nazir also enjoys facilitating
permanent home on Long Island. then received a promotion to
introductions between key
Initially, Nazir experienced Chief of Staff, a position he held
public and private players.
much uncertainty and quite a until 2014 when Kennedy was
Additionally, he has honed
learning curve. While acclimating elected Suffolk County Comptroller.
leadership and team building
to American culture, Nazir shuffled With Kennedy’s departure, Nazir
skills as a college rugby coach;
between three different high seamlessly transitioned into the
currently he serves as assistant
Ali Nazir
schools, eventually graduating Chief of Staff role, advising Leslie
from Connetquot High School. He Kennedy, the 12th Legislative coach of the Stony Brook
University Men’s team and
Chief of Staff then enrolled at Suffolk County District’s new legislator.
previously served as head coach
Community College, attending As Kennedy’s Chief of Staff, Nazir
Suffolk County Legislator for one year before transferring isy proud of the initiatives the of the Stony Brook University
Leslie Kennedy to Stony Brook University where team has spearheaded, including Women’s team and the United
he would go on to earn a degree integral private businesses. In States Merchant Marine
in political science and history. support of these initiatives, Nazir Academy squad.
What motivates you? How do you personally support the growth of diversity and
I am motivated by the pursuit of the
American Dream. As an immigrant I equality in our community?
believe that I am fortunate to have I feel that I have been successful in promoting diversity and equality through my involvement in the local business
been able to complete my journey communities. One such accomplishment was through the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, where I was able to help launch
to citizenship and that there are a very successful Young Professionals Networking Group. This group has helped facilitate many business relationships and
thousands, if not millions, around the includes several minority owned businesses. Another such venture that is near and dear to me is the yearly Women’s Power
world that wish they had an opportunity Breakfast that I run through my office with partnership from the Holiday Inn Express in Stony Brook, that brings together over
to make a life for themselves in the one hundred women from all different backgrounds and walks of life for a blockbuster networking event during women’s
United States of America. history month.2021 “ Walking The Walk” Award Recipient
As an organization of inclusion, Long Island Elite is honored to receive this distinguished award from LIBN.
We acknowledge our committee for their continual efforts to enrich lives and promote equality in our community.
Long Island Elite Diversity Committee Members:
Rob Basso Beth Cortese Nicole Hogan Lisa Sciortino
Asure Software Galaxie Coffee Waldner's Industry One Realty
Evan Bloom Nick Cromeyn Bert Lurch Keith Scott
Sir Speedy SKUBE E Central Medical Hofstra University
Management, Inc.
Jack Cohen Sharon Gunther Jeff Stern
Water Logic Fresh Design Group Inc. Michele Rebetti Eagle Business Solutions
Crestcom International
Bill Corbett Adam Guttell Rich Tavares
Corbett Public Relations Jackson Lewis, P.C. Adam Schwam JP Morgan Chase
Sandwire Group
LIE celebrates the success of all Diversity in Business honorees and award winners.
.c om
w w w .lo ng is la nd el ite Our mission as an organization of inclusion is to cultivate the development, growth
and leadership capabilities of business professionals across Long Island.
Join us as we recognize excellence, promote
innovation, contribute to the enhancement and quality
of healthcare, and identify those who work tirelessly to
REGISTER NOW
Visit libn.com/achievementsinhealthcare
ensure the well-being of the Long Island community.
EVENT DATE EVENT OR SPONSORSHIP QUESTIONS?
MARCH 18, 2021 Please contact Jenna Natale, at 631.913.4246 • jnatale@libn.com
Awards Sponsor Nonprofit Sponsors
Major Sponsor Contributing Sponsor
ACHIEVEMENTS IN HEALTHCARE IS A LONG ISLAND BUSINESS NEWS EVENT14 DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS
D erek Peterson is the Founder
and CEO of Ronkonkoma-
based Soter Technologies. As a
like The Today Show and Good
Morning AmericaPeterson is
regularly interviewed by the
first tax software and the public
sector where he developed the first
Public Computer Management
teen, Peterson was fascinated media about entrepreneurship, system, monitoring user access,
with computers and technology technology and how it is being authentication and security in
and has been developing software used to reduce vaping and libraries and universities. His
since high school. Today, he is a prevent bullying at schools. solutions have been deployed on
high-energy business leader and Peterson has held senior over 100,000 desktops worldwide.
focused problem solver who and key roles at IPS, Symbol Early in his career, Peterson led
leverages his knowledge and Technologies and Neohapsis. the development and delivery
technological expertise to address In 2003, he co-founded CBD, of key security products for the
complex social, business and Inc. to apply his experience to gambling and airline industries.
community safety challenges. assist emerging technologies in He also created the engineering
Peterson leads a growing libraries and public schools. He test and validation department at
team of technology experts is considered a national thought Symbol Technologies (Motorola/
Derek Peterson who devoted to the practical
application of technology to
leader and expert in regard to
the Internet of Things (IOT) and
Zebra), through which he re-
engineered the process on how
CEO and Founder improve and save lives. His currently writes for TechTarget / products were developed at
Soter Technologies firm’s award-winning software IOT Agenda. Symbol Technologies.
and innovations include Peterson has expertise working Peterson earned a BS in
FlySense® vaping detection in many industries, including the Computer Science and Applied
and anti-bullying sensor, which accounting profession where he Math from Stony Brook University
What makes you most proud was featured on national outlets developed some of the country’s in New York in 1988.
to work for your company or
organization? How do you personally support the growth of diversity and
At Soter Technologies we are a true
melting pot of skilled and talented equality in our community?
people from diverse cultures and I am a frequent guest speaker on the topic of diversity, working with universities on the importance of a diverse STEM
demographics. I see everyone in my program. As a minority, I am very aware and focused on ensuring that the businesses that I run provide a fair and diverse
organization as an all-star with unlimited
environment. I have seen and learned through my personal experiences that it is critical that everyone be treated fairly and
potential. We have a focused approach
be provided with opportunities to show their skills and talents. I never want anyone to feel like they have been short changed.
and a culture that allows us to work well
together, achieve goals and we all share Having a diverse employee base is a competitive advantage. We look for the best and most talented individuals to fill
the desire to win. important roles, no matter what their background or ethnicity.
R ajib Sanyal has been the
dean of the Robert B. Willumstad
international business. He is also
very engaged in accreditation
successful internship programs to
date (more than 80 percent of the
School of Business at Adelphi of business schools, evaluating students graduate with at least one
University since 2015. An them for initial or continued internship); establishing a speakers’
immigrant from India, he came accreditation. As a business dean series that bring to campus
to the United States for graduate for nearly 16 years, he brings vast business leaders, successful
studies, obtaining degrees from experience, a deep understanding entrepreneurs, and innovative
the University of Wisconsin and of the issues in higher education, thinkers and practitioners;
Georgia State University. During his and imaginative and effective launching a campus wide business
academic career, Sanyal taught at solutions to challenges. plan competition; and developing
The College of New Jersey, before Among Sanyal’s most notable the Winning Edge program, a co-
entering academic administration accomplishments at Adelphi are curricular set of activities designed
which took him to George Mason the creation and delivery of an MBA to ensure students are career ready
Rajib Sanyal University, Northern Michigan program in Manhattan, New York; when they graduate.
Dean, Robert B. Willumstad University, and Ball State University. the creation of two STEM degrees Under Sanyal’s watch, the
School of Business An active scholar, Sanyal has in business analytics and supply diversity of faculty, staff, and
been published extensively, chain management; expansion students have grown tremendously
Adelphi University
most recently on the subject in graduate student enrollment; with the school, helping designate it
of corruption and bribery in building up one of the most as a model of inclusion and equity.
How do you personally support the growth Share an experience or accomplishment that helped get you to where you
of diversity and equality in our community? are today.
As an academic institution, Adelphi naturally embraces The willingness to adapt and embrace new experiences has defined my American journey. I experienced
diversity of ideas and approaches. As an academic leader I
my first snow fall, frozen lakes, and marrow freezing winds in Wisconsin during my first winter in the U.S.
ensure that we provide the space, encourage the expression,
Clearly, I had not done my research on geography! Lamenting my misery to my academic advisor and
and ensure that every one’s voice is heard and respected. So
whether it is our curriculum or who is invited to campus to expressing my intent to move to a university in the South, he listened to me patiently and then gave a simple
speak to the faculty and staff we hire and the students we advice, “Rajib, embrace the weather and you will be fine.” I took the advice to heart and have lived in the
admit and graduate, I am alert to and advocate that no one is upper Midwest for decades. The key lesson I took is – don’t be deterred; grab the (proverbial) bull by the
left out or left behind. horns, and keep pushing towards your goals.DIVERSITY IN BUSINESS AWARDS 15
T onya Thomas is an
associate program officer
with the Long Island Community
needed social change.
Prior to LICF, as the director of
partnership development and
years, and kicked off her career
working for television shows
like Entertainment Tonight and
Foundation – a subsidiary of programming, Thomas helped The Jane Whitney Show. Thomas
the New York Community develop, launch and market the also worked as a researcher and
Trust. Established in 1978, LICF pilot of the First-Year Community producer for various talk show
aims to preserve and improve Engagement Program at SUNY hosts like Rolonda Watts and
quality of life for all Long College at Old Westbury. She Montel Williams. Thomas also
Islanders by connecting donors helped create a uniquely worked as Marketing Research
with nonprofits. It frequently collaborative, course-embedded,
Manager in the film marketing
partners with local organizations community-based learning
department of Twentieth Century
to support strategies and program. During her tenure,
Fox Film Corporation, where
initiatives designed to restore she developed community
she worked on film marketing
racial disparities and promote partnerships with over 60
upward mobility and equality for non-profit organizations and research for all studio films
Tonya Thomas
people of color. Thomas supports government agencies on Long released domestically.
the foundation’s competitive Island and the Metropolitan Thomas is currently a member
grantmaking by promoting area, facilitated work/internship- of the Suffolk County Food Policy Associate Program Officer
community organizations and readiness workshops and social Council, the Long Island Chapter,
projects that improve the quality justice awareness programs for The Links, Inc., the Nassau County The Long Island Community
of life for all Long Islanders. the entire first-year class. Chapter of Jack and Jill and serves Foundation
Thomas also supports special Thomas also worked in the on the board of the Rockville Center
initiatives that bring about much entertainment industry for over 13 Education Foundation.
What makes you most proud to work for your company Share an experience or accomplishment that
or organization? helped get you to where you are today.
The Long Island Community Foundation’s long history of working on the ground, with Several years ago, I helped to establish the Community Action, Learning and
community stakeholders, fighting for racial equity. For many years, LICF has strengthened Leadership Program at SUNY Old Westbury. This service-learning program,
- through effective grantmaking, technical assistance, and community collaborations - that began with 70 students and thirteen non-profit/government partner
the capacity of the Island’s not-for-profit sector to respond to community needs. I am organizations, in one year quickly expanded to include the entire first-year
especially proud of our work with the Long Island Racial Equity Donor Collaborative, a group class of 400 students and over 60 community partner organizations. My
of foundations convened by LICF to address the longstanding barriers to financial inclusion work as a workshop facilitator, community liaison and convener, solidified
and security for Black Long Islanders. This Collaborative has responded to the request from my interest in working in nonprofit - especially in service to vulnerable
LI’s Black community leaders for increased investment in Black-led organizations and racial communities. Also, Amy Hagedorn, a committed philanthropist and a strong
justice initiatives. supporter of racial justice, provided seed funding for this initiative.
D ina Vespia is a partner
in Cullen and Dykman’s
corporate department, and a
corporate matters. Over the
last year, Vespia has worked
closely with institutions on
their full potential and advance
to leadership positions within the
firm and the legal community.
member of the firm’s higher myriad issues related to Through the efforts of the
education and not-for-profit and the coronavirus pandemic, committee, Cullen and Dykman
religious organizations practice including campus reopening
established two summer fellowships
groups. Vespia also serves as and COVID-19 safety plans and
for first-year law students dedicated
chair of the firm’s diversity and related policies and procedures.
inclusion committee. Cullen and Dykman’s diversity to advancing diversity and inclusion in
In her practice, Vespia and inclusion committee is tasked the legal profession and community,
advises educational institutions, with facilitating recruitment and joined the Long Island Legal
including high schools, of attorneys from diverse Diversity Fellowship Program, through
colleges, and universities, backgrounds and developing which the firm welcomes first-year
and other not-for-profit initiatives that foster a culture of law students from underrepresented
organizations on a wide variety respect, support, and professional
Dina Vespia
communities to the firm’s Garden
of legal matters. This includes advancement for all. As chair, City office each summer. The
federal and state regulatory Vespia leads a team of attorneys
committee has also assisted the Partner and Chair, Diversity and
compliance; accreditation; at all seniority levels, working
firm in selecting and sponsoring Inclusion Committee
academic and student affairs; closely with the firm’s executive
policy development and and hiring committees to attract numerous events, affinity groups, and
implementation; discrimination attorneys from all backgrounds, associations that provide resources Cullen and Dykman LLP
and accommodations; internal both at the entry and lateral and opportunities for professional
grievance and disciplinary levels, and ensure all attorneys development for law students and
procedures; and other general have opportunities to develop to attorneys from diverse backgrounds.
What makes you most proud to work for How do you personally support the growth of diversity and equality in our
your company or organization? community?
It starts with making sure a diverse group of thinkers and decision makers are in the room, and listening to
I am proud to be a member of a firm that is
them. That’s especially true for me as a white woman chairing this committee. When I was asked to chair, I had to
committed to being part of the solution—taking
think long and hard. Was I the right person for this role? Ultimately, I decided to say yes, because I believe that we
tangible steps to provide opportunities and support can only make progress in this area if individuals step up and affirm “this is a priority.” I am just one member of a
for law students and attorneys from groups that are fantastic committee who knows good intentions are not enough. We need to make time and space—and to take
underrepresented in the legal field. action—to accelerate progress in building a more diverse and inclusive community of lawyers.You can also read
