THRIVE EXPO SPEAKERS
Orit Lender, Chief Executive Officer,
Jewish Community Center of Staten Island
Orit Lender, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, is a community-minded leader with more than 20 years of experience in outreach, community building, and philanthropy.
Prior to her time at the JCC, Orit served as the Youth Coordinator at Seaman’s Society for Children and Families, where she facilitated youth groups throughout Staten Island. She built on this background in her first role at the JCC as the Youth Empowerment Director. This position gave her the opportunity to make a positive difference in young people’s lives through programs like camp and an anti-tobacco campaign. After taking on the role of Program Director in 2009, Orit’s work brought her out into the community to work with Staten Island’s senior population. Working closely with community leaders and government agencies, she developed and supervised all of the JCC’s senior centers including the Innovative Senior Center. In 2015, Orit was appointed Assistant Executive Director, and as she expanded her portfolio, she was named Deputy Executive Director. In these roles, her vision and leadership touched all aspects of the JCC’s work across Staten Island. During this time, she also completed the Duke University Executive Leadership for Non-Profit Certificate program. In 2020, Orit was selected to be the JCC’s next Chief Executive Officer. She has the distinction of being the agency’s first female CEO.
Across her work, Orit fosters a sense of community driven by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. Her leadership fosters a spirit of teamwork within the JCC, but also helps to bring the JCC out to the larger Staten Island, New York, and Jewish communities. Under her leadership, the JCC has greatly expanded its social services, most recently diving into the field of career readiness. During the COVID pandemic, Orit led the charge of providing food and social services for vulnerable Staten Islanders, as well as overseeing a mass vaccination effort.
Orit cultivates meaningful relationships between the JCC and religious and lay leaders, government agencies, and other community organizations. She serves as a member of many of these organizations, including UJA-Federation of NY, JCC Association, Metropolitan Centers Executives Association, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) Business Council, the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO), and the Wagner College Chai Society—to name just a few. Orit serves on the board of Nonprofit Staten Island and the Richmond University Medical Center Foundation Board.
These relationships, stewarded by Orit’s leadership skills, have allowed the JCC and its partners to serve more Staten Islanders of all ages and backgrounds and work towards building a better, more caring community. Orit has also received awards and recognitions for her work from the Wagner College Chai Society and Soroptimist International of Staten Island. She was named one of PoliticsNY’s Power Players in Corporate Social Responsibility and City & State’s Power 100 multiple times. Under her leadership, the JCC also received an award from Protecting One Young Heart at a Time for its work serving youth.
The daughter of two Israeli parents, Orit lived in Israel on Kibbutz Urim before moving to Staten Island as a child. She has been married to her husband Ed, who she met in Israel, for nearly 20 years. The Lenders have two children, David and Ethan, who are active in JCC youth and sports programs.
Jewish Community Center of Staten Island
Orit Lender, CEO of the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island, is a community-minded leader with more than 20 years of experience in outreach, community building, and philanthropy.
Prior to her time at the JCC, Orit served as the Youth Coordinator at Seaman’s Society for Children and Families, where she facilitated youth groups throughout Staten Island. She built on this background in her first role at the JCC as the Youth Empowerment Director. This position gave her the opportunity to make a positive difference in young people’s lives through programs like camp and an anti-tobacco campaign. After taking on the role of Program Director in 2009, Orit’s work brought her out into the community to work with Staten Island’s senior population. Working closely with community leaders and government agencies, she developed and supervised all of the JCC’s senior centers including the Innovative Senior Center. In 2015, Orit was appointed Assistant Executive Director, and as she expanded her portfolio, she was named Deputy Executive Director. In these roles, her vision and leadership touched all aspects of the JCC’s work across Staten Island. During this time, she also completed the Duke University Executive Leadership for Non-Profit Certificate program. In 2020, Orit was selected to be the JCC’s next Chief Executive Officer. She has the distinction of being the agency’s first female CEO.
Across her work, Orit fosters a sense of community driven by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. Her leadership fosters a spirit of teamwork within the JCC, but also helps to bring the JCC out to the larger Staten Island, New York, and Jewish communities. Under her leadership, the JCC has greatly expanded its social services, most recently diving into the field of career readiness. During the COVID pandemic, Orit led the charge of providing food and social services for vulnerable Staten Islanders, as well as overseeing a mass vaccination effort.
Orit cultivates meaningful relationships between the JCC and religious and lay leaders, government agencies, and other community organizations. She serves as a member of many of these organizations, including UJA-Federation of NY, JCC Association, Metropolitan Centers Executives Association, Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) Business Council, the Council of Jewish Organizations (COJO), and the Wagner College Chai Society—to name just a few. Orit serves on the board of Nonprofit Staten Island and the Richmond University Medical Center Foundation Board.
These relationships, stewarded by Orit’s leadership skills, have allowed the JCC and its partners to serve more Staten Islanders of all ages and backgrounds and work towards building a better, more caring community. Orit has also received awards and recognitions for her work from the Wagner College Chai Society and Soroptimist International of Staten Island. She was named one of PoliticsNY’s Power Players in Corporate Social Responsibility and City & State’s Power 100 multiple times. Under her leadership, the JCC also received an award from Protecting One Young Heart at a Time for its work serving youth.
The daughter of two Israeli parents, Orit lived in Israel on Kibbutz Urim before moving to Staten Island as a child. She has been married to her husband Ed, who she met in Israel, for nearly 20 years. The Lenders have two children, David and Ethan, who are active in JCC youth and sports programs.
Gail Castellano, First Senior VP Regional Executive at New York Community Bank,
A division of Flagstar Bank
Gail Castellano, First Sr. Vice President and Regional Executive of Richmond County Savings Bank a division of Flagstar Bank NA, began her banking career 30 years ago. She has held several positions and earned many promotions throughout her tenure. She is currently responsible for the banking operations and retail services of 20 branches, 170 employees and 2 billion + on deposit. Prior to her career in banking, Gail was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a music store, Guitar City in Brooklyn NY and later two fast food restaurants, South Philly Steaks & Fries and Brooklyn Bagel located in the Staten Island Mall.
Dedicated to serving others, Gail has selflessly donated her time and efforts to many meaningful causes. She is a past Board President of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and currently serves on its Executive Board. She is a Director for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the St George Theatre, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and the South Shore Business Improvement District. Gail is a member of the Wagner College Davinci Society Executive Committee and the co-chair of the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Walk. Gail has also co-chaired many other events, including the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society where she achieved the Top Executive Challenger award. Gail has participated in many Mentorship programs including Mentoring Monday, sponsored by the SI Advance & Thrive Expo- Woman Empowered sponsored by the JCC, where she provided career advice to women seeking to return or advance in the workforce.
Gail received numerous awards over the span of her career, most notably, The Woman of Distinction in Albany from State Senator Lanza, the Executive Woman of the Year from the SIEDC, the Staten Island Power 100 and one of the 25 most influential Staten Islanders, from City & State New York.
Gail resides in Staten Island and enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband John for forty-six years and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Her family is a staple in the music industry owning and operating Staten Island’s iconic music shop, Castellano’s House of Music.
A division of Flagstar Bank
Gail Castellano, First Sr. Vice President and Regional Executive of Richmond County Savings Bank a division of Flagstar Bank NA, began her banking career 30 years ago. She has held several positions and earned many promotions throughout her tenure. She is currently responsible for the banking operations and retail services of 20 branches, 170 employees and 2 billion + on deposit. Prior to her career in banking, Gail was a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating a music store, Guitar City in Brooklyn NY and later two fast food restaurants, South Philly Steaks & Fries and Brooklyn Bagel located in the Staten Island Mall.
Dedicated to serving others, Gail has selflessly donated her time and efforts to many meaningful causes. She is a past Board President of the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island and currently serves on its Executive Board. She is a Director for the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the St George Theatre, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and the South Shore Business Improvement District. Gail is a member of the Wagner College Davinci Society Executive Committee and the co-chair of the Lucille & Jay Chazanoff Sunrise Day Camp Walk. Gail has also co-chaired many other events, including the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society where she achieved the Top Executive Challenger award. Gail has participated in many Mentorship programs including Mentoring Monday, sponsored by the SI Advance & Thrive Expo- Woman Empowered sponsored by the JCC, where she provided career advice to women seeking to return or advance in the workforce.
Gail received numerous awards over the span of her career, most notably, The Woman of Distinction in Albany from State Senator Lanza, the Executive Woman of the Year from the SIEDC, the Staten Island Power 100 and one of the 25 most influential Staten Islanders, from City & State New York.
Gail resides in Staten Island and enjoys spending time with her family. She has been married to her husband John for forty-six years and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Her family is a staple in the music industry owning and operating Staten Island’s iconic music shop, Castellano’s House of Music.
Kristine Garlisi, Chief Operating Officer, The Nicotra Group
Executive Director, The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation
The Nicotra Group is Staten Island’s largest private real estate developer and premiere hospitality organization. Kristine Garlisi supports the vision that entrepreneurs Lois and Richard Nicotra have for their Staten Island community, the companies they founded and manage, their team members and their Nicotra Foundation.
Kristine is the Chief Operating Officer for The Nicotra Group and Executive Director for The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation. She enjoys working with the Nicotras, their team, tenants, guests, and the local community to launch programs that enhance the work and celebrations at the Nicotras' Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and within the 425-acre Corporate Park of Staten Island. She was formerly the Nicotras’ Chief of Staff, a position created for her – as was her current role.
She supports special projects, like the Nicotras' vision for the development of Corporate Commons Three, the most expansive development in the Nicotras' portfolio. Corporate Commons Three, a 330,000 sf Class A Silver LEED certified office building features a Rooftop Organic Garden, an Outdoor Classroom and Walkway, and a second social enterprise eatery, Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café, that will build on the success of the Nicotras' first social enterprise eatery, the COMMONS café.
At the COMMONS cafè, which the Nicotras gifted $1.6MM to build, the Nicotras give 100% of the profits to the Staten Island community in the form of grants to Staten Island based nonprofits as well as scholarships to their employees' children and grandchildren for higher education expenses. The Nicotras have gifted more than $1MM since 2011.
Kristine is a double alumna of St. John’s University, graduating first in her class from the Staten Island campus with an undergraduate degree in Communications. She earned a Master’s degree in Government & Politics and a Certificate in Public Administration from the Queens campus while serving as the Assistant Dean for Student Life. She served as an adjunct professor at St. John's University for more than a decade and worked at St. John’s as an administrator, first in Student Affairs and then as the Major Gift Officer and Director of Development and Institutional Advancement for the University’s Staten Island campus.
Kristine is experienced in event design, academic program planning and administration, fundraising/development, media and community relations, social media management, project management, human resources, real estate and hospitality. She serves as spokesperson for the Nicotras' hotels, Nicotra's Ballroom, Above, Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret, The Nicotra Group, and The Nicotra Foundation. She co-founded a group called LOVE Staten Island as an extension of the Nicotras’ community building efforts – the Facebook group is local in focus and gained more than 8,000 highly engaged members in 2+ years.
Married to Roy, an Emmy Award winning Editor at World News Tonight with David Muir, Kristine is the mother of two daughters, Grace and Katherine. She has volunteered extensively at her daughters’ schools, serving on the Executive Board of every school they’ve attended and launching two social media programs on the elementary and high school levels to engage other parents to lend their time and talents to the schools. She is Co-Chair of the Family Association Board at St. Joseph by-the-Sea, and serves on the Board of The Bloomfield Conservancy, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the St. Paul’s School of Nursing.
Executive Director, The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation
The Nicotra Group is Staten Island’s largest private real estate developer and premiere hospitality organization. Kristine Garlisi supports the vision that entrepreneurs Lois and Richard Nicotra have for their Staten Island community, the companies they founded and manage, their team members and their Nicotra Foundation.
Kristine is the Chief Operating Officer for The Nicotra Group and Executive Director for The Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation. She enjoys working with the Nicotras, their team, tenants, guests, and the local community to launch programs that enhance the work and celebrations at the Nicotras' Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn & Suites and within the 425-acre Corporate Park of Staten Island. She was formerly the Nicotras’ Chief of Staff, a position created for her – as was her current role.
She supports special projects, like the Nicotras' vision for the development of Corporate Commons Three, the most expansive development in the Nicotras' portfolio. Corporate Commons Three, a 330,000 sf Class A Silver LEED certified office building features a Rooftop Organic Garden, an Outdoor Classroom and Walkway, and a second social enterprise eatery, Pienza Brick Oven Pizza Café, that will build on the success of the Nicotras' first social enterprise eatery, the COMMONS café.
At the COMMONS cafè, which the Nicotras gifted $1.6MM to build, the Nicotras give 100% of the profits to the Staten Island community in the form of grants to Staten Island based nonprofits as well as scholarships to their employees' children and grandchildren for higher education expenses. The Nicotras have gifted more than $1MM since 2011.
Kristine is a double alumna of St. John’s University, graduating first in her class from the Staten Island campus with an undergraduate degree in Communications. She earned a Master’s degree in Government & Politics and a Certificate in Public Administration from the Queens campus while serving as the Assistant Dean for Student Life. She served as an adjunct professor at St. John's University for more than a decade and worked at St. John’s as an administrator, first in Student Affairs and then as the Major Gift Officer and Director of Development and Institutional Advancement for the University’s Staten Island campus.
Kristine is experienced in event design, academic program planning and administration, fundraising/development, media and community relations, social media management, project management, human resources, real estate and hospitality. She serves as spokesperson for the Nicotras' hotels, Nicotra's Ballroom, Above, Lorenzo's Restaurant, Bar & Cabaret, The Nicotra Group, and The Nicotra Foundation. She co-founded a group called LOVE Staten Island as an extension of the Nicotras’ community building efforts – the Facebook group is local in focus and gained more than 8,000 highly engaged members in 2+ years.
Married to Roy, an Emmy Award winning Editor at World News Tonight with David Muir, Kristine is the mother of two daughters, Grace and Katherine. She has volunteered extensively at her daughters’ schools, serving on the Executive Board of every school they’ve attended and launching two social media programs on the elementary and high school levels to engage other parents to lend their time and talents to the schools. She is Co-Chair of the Family Association Board at St. Joseph by-the-Sea, and serves on the Board of The Bloomfield Conservancy, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the St. Paul’s School of Nursing.
Amelia Winter, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, Chief Program Director of Social and Senior Services, Jewish Community Center of Staten Island
Amelia received her Masters of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development in 2009. She went on to become a nationally board certified, registered art therapist, as well as a licensed creative arts therapist in the state of NY. She has experience providing clinical services to individuals of all ages in various settings including, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, pediatric and adult nursing homes, Article 10 clinics, and in private practice. She began work in the non-profit sector at the JCC of Staten Island in 2015 and in that time, has worked with victims of Super Storm Sandy, with homebound seniors, and supervises all of the agency’s senior adult programs and social service programs including its Older Adult Center Network, Caregiver Support Center, Social Adult Day Programs, Naturally Retirement Community, social services in low-income senior housing, case management, workforce, food pantry, ESL/HSE, and health insurance navigation.
Amelia received her Masters of Professional Studies in Art Therapy and Creativity Development in 2009. She went on to become a nationally board certified, registered art therapist, as well as a licensed creative arts therapist in the state of NY. She has experience providing clinical services to individuals of all ages in various settings including, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, pediatric and adult nursing homes, Article 10 clinics, and in private practice. She began work in the non-profit sector at the JCC of Staten Island in 2015 and in that time, has worked with victims of Super Storm Sandy, with homebound seniors, and supervises all of the agency’s senior adult programs and social service programs including its Older Adult Center Network, Caregiver Support Center, Social Adult Day Programs, Naturally Retirement Community, social services in low-income senior housing, case management, workforce, food pantry, ESL/HSE, and health insurance navigation.
Pam Kulnis, Program Director, Bottomless Closet
Pamela (Pam) Kulnis joined Bottomless Closet in 2017 as Program Director with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Bottomless Closet, Pam was the Division Manager of Human Resources and Marketing for Popular Community Bank, where she was instrumental in delivering creative solutions to support not only the general business goals but also strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions and organizational restructuring. She focused efforts on understanding the bank’s talent needs and creating the development path for staff, which provided not only a solid pipeline of talent but opportunities for professional and personal development for the employee population. Pam launched programs that addressed such needs as personal and financial wellness, mindfulness, yoga, understanding social media along with other core banking skills to insure a well-rounded approach for staff. As a Board Member of the Popular Community Bank’s Foundation, Pam was responsible for driving the community-focused efforts of the bank, which is where she first became introduced to Bottomless Closet.
While at Bottomless Closet Pam has spearheaded the expansion of services for NYC women looking to transition into a career to include new workshop programming and virtual services. Pam has volunteered with numerous NYC nonprofits focused on helping people become job-ready, among other efforts.
Pam is a graduate of Pace University with a degree in Business Administration.
Pamela (Pam) Kulnis joined Bottomless Closet in 2017 as Program Director with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Bottomless Closet, Pam was the Division Manager of Human Resources and Marketing for Popular Community Bank, where she was instrumental in delivering creative solutions to support not only the general business goals but also strategic initiatives such as mergers, acquisitions and organizational restructuring. She focused efforts on understanding the bank’s talent needs and creating the development path for staff, which provided not only a solid pipeline of talent but opportunities for professional and personal development for the employee population. Pam launched programs that addressed such needs as personal and financial wellness, mindfulness, yoga, understanding social media along with other core banking skills to insure a well-rounded approach for staff. As a Board Member of the Popular Community Bank’s Foundation, Pam was responsible for driving the community-focused efforts of the bank, which is where she first became introduced to Bottomless Closet.
While at Bottomless Closet Pam has spearheaded the expansion of services for NYC women looking to transition into a career to include new workshop programming and virtual services. Pam has volunteered with numerous NYC nonprofits focused on helping people become job-ready, among other efforts.
Pam is a graduate of Pace University with a degree in Business Administration.
Aarti Ivanic, PhD, Dean of the Nicolais School of Business
At Wagner College
Aarti Ivanic, PhD is the Dean of the Nicolais School of Business at Wagner College. Prior to 2021, Dr. Ivanic spent 16 years in Southern California - completing her PhD degree in Marketing at the University of Southern California and working as a Professor of Marketing at the University of San Diego. She is passionate about student success, access and equity in education and business, and helping individuals from underrepresented groups successfully build and develop their professional careers. She serves on the boards of two non-profits, the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego and the Skinny Gene Project.
At Wagner College
Aarti Ivanic, PhD is the Dean of the Nicolais School of Business at Wagner College. Prior to 2021, Dr. Ivanic spent 16 years in Southern California - completing her PhD degree in Marketing at the University of Southern California and working as a Professor of Marketing at the University of San Diego. She is passionate about student success, access and equity in education and business, and helping individuals from underrepresented groups successfully build and develop their professional careers. She serves on the boards of two non-profits, the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego and the Skinny Gene Project.
Patricia Walton, Assistant Director,
Metro Plus Health
Patricia Walton is the Assistant Director for Metro Plus Health . Patricia was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the United States over 35 years ago, graduating from Port Richmond High School and the College of Staten Island with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal Arts . She has been a small business owner for over twenty years while having a full time career as a Pre –K Assistant Teacher, then Program Manager of Community Partnership to her current role as Assistant Director. Patricia is a Servant of God, mother of 4 adult children and wife of 29 years. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing and swimming.
Metro Plus Health
Patricia Walton is the Assistant Director for Metro Plus Health . Patricia was born in Trinidad and Tobago and moved to the United States over 35 years ago, graduating from Port Richmond High School and the College of Staten Island with a Bachelor’s degree in liberal Arts . She has been a small business owner for over twenty years while having a full time career as a Pre –K Assistant Teacher, then Program Manager of Community Partnership to her current role as Assistant Director. Patricia is a Servant of God, mother of 4 adult children and wife of 29 years. In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing and swimming.
Darlene Blanco, Head of Workforce & Talent Development
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Darlene is the Head of Workforce & Talent Development at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. She is tasked with overseeing the Chamber’s workforce initiatives to develop high quality, customer driven workforce development strategies dedicated to transforming how businesses, schools, higher education, and community organizations work together to develop talent pipelines on Staten Island. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked closely with executive leaders across various industries including Life Insurance & Retirement Planning, Fintech, Healthcare Administration and Energy Distribution to educate and train staff and implement new business operating models. Darlene is recognized for her work in designing marketing, recruiting, and sales force engagement campaigns, curating customized training curriculums, and leading B2B sales teams. During her corporate career in the financial services industry, Darlene oversaw strategic and tactical business planning and managed third-party relationships with plan service providers. Darlene also served as co-chairwoman of AXA Equitable Life’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERO), leading multiple volunteer initiatives targeting community outreach and advocating to promote equity and inclusion. She directed and hosted career assemblies and built programs and classroom activities focused on financial literacy and the importance of higher education. Darlene is a strategist with experience forming key relationships and building customized curriculums for assemblies and workshops focused on college and career readiness. She designed and led the executive initiative to create the “Internship Experience” corporate model bringing high schoolers exposure to the corporate setting. A U.S. Chamber Business Lead Fellow, Darlene holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from Baruch College. She is frequently recognized for her volunteer efforts strengthening local communities by delivering core competencies and leadership workshops to students, professionals, and businesses.
Staten Island Chamber of Commerce
Darlene is the Head of Workforce & Talent Development at the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. She is tasked with overseeing the Chamber’s workforce initiatives to develop high quality, customer driven workforce development strategies dedicated to transforming how businesses, schools, higher education, and community organizations work together to develop talent pipelines on Staten Island. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked closely with executive leaders across various industries including Life Insurance & Retirement Planning, Fintech, Healthcare Administration and Energy Distribution to educate and train staff and implement new business operating models. Darlene is recognized for her work in designing marketing, recruiting, and sales force engagement campaigns, curating customized training curriculums, and leading B2B sales teams. During her corporate career in the financial services industry, Darlene oversaw strategic and tactical business planning and managed third-party relationships with plan service providers. Darlene also served as co-chairwoman of AXA Equitable Life’s Hispanic Employee Resource Group (HERO), leading multiple volunteer initiatives targeting community outreach and advocating to promote equity and inclusion. She directed and hosted career assemblies and built programs and classroom activities focused on financial literacy and the importance of higher education. Darlene is a strategist with experience forming key relationships and building customized curriculums for assemblies and workshops focused on college and career readiness. She designed and led the executive initiative to create the “Internship Experience” corporate model bringing high schoolers exposure to the corporate setting. A U.S. Chamber Business Lead Fellow, Darlene holds a Master of Arts in Executive Leadership from Liberty University and a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Communications from Baruch College. She is frequently recognized for her volunteer efforts strengthening local communities by delivering core competencies and leadership workshops to students, professionals, and businesses.
Tatiana Arguello, Executive Director
Nonprofit Staten Island
Tatiana M. Arguello is the Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island. Nonprofit Staten Island provides resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit leaders and organizations to help strengthen our sector and meet the needs of our communities.
During her extensive career, Arguello served in several positions working with Community Based Organizations and in partnership with New York City government agencies. She was most recently the Director of Workforce Development for United Activities Unlimited, stepping up from her successful tenure as the Director of SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program). Tatiana began working for United Activities Unlimited (UAU), in their fiscal department, and continued her professional growth through a number of roles within the agency. She has demonstrated success by remaining rooted in commitment to the betterment of the Staten Island community and leveraging her skill set to advance local improvements.
Tatiana also serves as co-chair of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group, is a board member of Peace Action Staten Island, and acts as a participatory budgeting advisor committee member for the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. She participates as a county committee member for the Democratic Committee of Richmond County, the Louis R Miller Awards Committee, a member of the First Central Baptist Church - Black History Town Hall Committee, and a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Society. She was a 2021 recipient of the SIEDC’s 20 under 40 Leadership award.
Nonprofit Staten Island
Tatiana M. Arguello is the Executive Director of Nonprofit Staten Island. Nonprofit Staten Island provides resources, support, and advocacy for the borough’s nonprofit leaders and organizations to help strengthen our sector and meet the needs of our communities.
During her extensive career, Arguello served in several positions working with Community Based Organizations and in partnership with New York City government agencies. She was most recently the Director of Workforce Development for United Activities Unlimited, stepping up from her successful tenure as the Director of SYEP (Summer Youth Employment Program). Tatiana began working for United Activities Unlimited (UAU), in their fiscal department, and continued her professional growth through a number of roles within the agency. She has demonstrated success by remaining rooted in commitment to the betterment of the Staten Island community and leveraging her skill set to advance local improvements.
Tatiana also serves as co-chair of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group, is a board member of Peace Action Staten Island, and acts as a participatory budgeting advisor committee member for the NYC Civic Engagement Commission. She participates as a county committee member for the Democratic Committee of Richmond County, the Louis R Miller Awards Committee, a member of the First Central Baptist Church - Black History Town Hall Committee, and a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Society. She was a 2021 recipient of the SIEDC’s 20 under 40 Leadership award.
Jaclyn Tacoronte, CEO & President
JMT Media, LLC
Jaclyn M. Tacoronte is an award-winning marketing and public relations professional with over 20 years of experience in both agency and client-side settings, serving Fortune 500 companies, including Canon, Puma, Harley-Davidson and Proctor & Gamble. She is frequently a public relations guest speaker and panelist for New York State Council for the Arts, Not For Profit Association, Center for Non Profit Success and Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. She is currently the CEO & President of JMT Media, LLC., a New York certified M/WBE boutique marketing, public relations and design firm that specializes in small business marketing and the non-profit sector.
Mrs. Tacoronte currently serves as one of the Founding Board Members of the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island, Executive Director of the NYC Digital Media Center and Executive Women’s Council for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, the Marketing Chair for Colloquy Collective and Board Chair for Staten Island Makerspace. She currently serves as the DEIB Chair and President-Elect for NAWBO NYC Chapter.
Among her professional recognitions, in 2011 she was awarded TED Electrical Magazine’s Best-of-the-Best Marketing Excellence Award for Best Print Advertising Campaign. Recently, JMT Media was listed as an official 2018 Honoree for Stars Under 40, sponsored by Schnepps Communications. In 2019, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation listed Jaclyn Tacoronte as a “40 Under 40” Honoree and a nominee for the 2019 “Fastest Growing Small Business”. The 2020 U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA), New York District Office New York Small Business Champion of the Year.
In 2020, Jaclyn Tacoronte was named the 2020 Woman of Distinction by Senator Diane J. Savino.
In 2021, Crain’s Business awarded Jaclyn Tacoronte the Board Hero for work with the Minority Women Business Association of Staten Island.
In 2021, SIEDC awarded JMT Media as one of the Top 31 Most Influential Businesses in Staten Island.
In 2022, PRNewsire awarded JMT Media the National Social Impact Award in Washington, DC
JMT Media, LLC
Jaclyn M. Tacoronte is an award-winning marketing and public relations professional with over 20 years of experience in both agency and client-side settings, serving Fortune 500 companies, including Canon, Puma, Harley-Davidson and Proctor & Gamble. She is frequently a public relations guest speaker and panelist for New York State Council for the Arts, Not For Profit Association, Center for Non Profit Success and Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. She is currently the CEO & President of JMT Media, LLC., a New York certified M/WBE boutique marketing, public relations and design firm that specializes in small business marketing and the non-profit sector.
Mrs. Tacoronte currently serves as one of the Founding Board Members of the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island, Executive Director of the NYC Digital Media Center and Executive Women’s Council for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, the Marketing Chair for Colloquy Collective and Board Chair for Staten Island Makerspace. She currently serves as the DEIB Chair and President-Elect for NAWBO NYC Chapter.
Among her professional recognitions, in 2011 she was awarded TED Electrical Magazine’s Best-of-the-Best Marketing Excellence Award for Best Print Advertising Campaign. Recently, JMT Media was listed as an official 2018 Honoree for Stars Under 40, sponsored by Schnepps Communications. In 2019, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation listed Jaclyn Tacoronte as a “40 Under 40” Honoree and a nominee for the 2019 “Fastest Growing Small Business”. The 2020 U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA), New York District Office New York Small Business Champion of the Year.
In 2020, Jaclyn Tacoronte was named the 2020 Woman of Distinction by Senator Diane J. Savino.
In 2021, Crain’s Business awarded Jaclyn Tacoronte the Board Hero for work with the Minority Women Business Association of Staten Island.
In 2021, SIEDC awarded JMT Media as one of the Top 31 Most Influential Businesses in Staten Island.
In 2022, PRNewsire awarded JMT Media the National Social Impact Award in Washington, DC
Bridget Lorenzo, Founder/CEO
of BEE Forever Event Planning
Bridget Lorenzo is a native Staten Islander. She has been in the hospitality business for 20 years. Through her experiences and hard work in the industry, she realized she had so much more to give. She wanted to do more with her niche. She gracefully left behind her comfort zone of Restaurant Management to open her own business. Bridget educated herself and identified unmet needs in hospitality. She is the pioneer of displaying desserts and making celebrations have a “wow” factor. Her knack for accommodations and sociability played a major role in her new venture. With the support of her professional networks, as well as her family and friends, her company, Bee Forever Events was established in 2016. Completely woman owned and run. Since the very start of the business Bee Forever Events has been extremely active in the community and has contributed to nearly 5000 special occasions island wide. Bridget takes pride in the empire she is building. She has been recognized as a business leader on Staten Island for the impact she made and the asset she has become. In 2012 she was recognized as “SI Best Server” (voted by the general public) In 2018 she was awarded “Power Woman in Business” by Stars Media. During the hardships in 2020, she was identified as “Delivering Smiles” around the blocks of her hometown and was highlighted on a local broadcast shining bright when people needed it the most. In 2021 she was honored as one of the “20 under 40” as her business contributed to the economic development and quality of life in the surrounding area. The SIEDC presented this to her.
Her entrepreneurial mindset and determination has fostered the growth of Bee Forever into something she never could have imagined.
"My mission as a Community Leader in Business is to continue my strides in making a difference. Inspiring, motivating, teaching, uplifting, donating, and of course, learning from others around me...."
Bee Forever Events provides everything for any type of occasion. Specializing in event décor, theme design, and unique custom accents.
You can find Bridget and Bee Forever associated with Staten Island groups such as Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Business Guild II, Executive Club of Staten Island, SIEDC, Snug Harbor, DaddyO's BBQ and Sports Bar, Vendor Association Network, DownTown Staten Island and the JCC.
of BEE Forever Event Planning
Bridget Lorenzo is a native Staten Islander. She has been in the hospitality business for 20 years. Through her experiences and hard work in the industry, she realized she had so much more to give. She wanted to do more with her niche. She gracefully left behind her comfort zone of Restaurant Management to open her own business. Bridget educated herself and identified unmet needs in hospitality. She is the pioneer of displaying desserts and making celebrations have a “wow” factor. Her knack for accommodations and sociability played a major role in her new venture. With the support of her professional networks, as well as her family and friends, her company, Bee Forever Events was established in 2016. Completely woman owned and run. Since the very start of the business Bee Forever Events has been extremely active in the community and has contributed to nearly 5000 special occasions island wide. Bridget takes pride in the empire she is building. She has been recognized as a business leader on Staten Island for the impact she made and the asset she has become. In 2012 she was recognized as “SI Best Server” (voted by the general public) In 2018 she was awarded “Power Woman in Business” by Stars Media. During the hardships in 2020, she was identified as “Delivering Smiles” around the blocks of her hometown and was highlighted on a local broadcast shining bright when people needed it the most. In 2021 she was honored as one of the “20 under 40” as her business contributed to the economic development and quality of life in the surrounding area. The SIEDC presented this to her.
Her entrepreneurial mindset and determination has fostered the growth of Bee Forever into something she never could have imagined.
"My mission as a Community Leader in Business is to continue my strides in making a difference. Inspiring, motivating, teaching, uplifting, donating, and of course, learning from others around me...."
Bee Forever Events provides everything for any type of occasion. Specializing in event décor, theme design, and unique custom accents.
You can find Bridget and Bee Forever associated with Staten Island groups such as Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, Business Guild II, Executive Club of Staten Island, SIEDC, Snug Harbor, DaddyO's BBQ and Sports Bar, Vendor Association Network, DownTown Staten Island and the JCC.
Lauren Giordanella, Director
Staten Island NYC Business Solutions Center
Lauren Giordanella is the Director of the Staten Island NYC Business Solutions Center where she and her team of professionals help new and existing Staten Island small business owners start, operate, and expand their business in NYC. As a native Staten Islander, Lauren understands the importance of small businesses in her community. She has been assisting small businesses for almost twenty years in her current role as well as in her previous positions in retail banking with Washington Mutual/Chase and TD Bank on Staten Island. Lauren has active partnerships with community business organizations and currently serves as the co-chair of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee.
Staten Island NYC Business Solutions Center
Lauren Giordanella is the Director of the Staten Island NYC Business Solutions Center where she and her team of professionals help new and existing Staten Island small business owners start, operate, and expand their business in NYC. As a native Staten Islander, Lauren understands the importance of small businesses in her community. She has been assisting small businesses for almost twenty years in her current role as well as in her previous positions in retail banking with Washington Mutual/Chase and TD Bank on Staten Island. Lauren has active partnerships with community business organizations and currently serves as the co-chair of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce Membership Committee.