The Villager and Villager Express are excited to present our inaugural class of Village Block Stars. One of the most iconic neighborhoods in the world, the Village sets a high bar for those who hope to carry on its esteemed legacy. Luckily, our 40 honorees are up to the task. Representing a diverse range of industries, these individuals have shaped Manhattan in ways both big and small, strengthening the community and providing a proverbial scaffolding for the next generation. From the East River to the Hudson, the Village Block Stars are making history before our eyes
Andrew Berman
Executive Director, Village Preservation
A lifelong New Yorker who was born and raised in the Bronx, Andrew has been the executive director of Village Preservation since 2002. He previously worked for members of the New York City Council and State Senate representing Greenwich Village, Lower Manhattan and the West Side. He has been actively involved in New York housing preservation and tenants rights organizations, as well as local politics and LGBTQ+ rights efforts. During his tenure at Village Preservation, the organization has won landmark designation for over 1,250 buildings and zoning protections for nearly 100 blocks; these have included groundbreaking designations recognizing LGBTQ+, African American, and women’s history sites, and have also saved the homes of artists such as Frank Stella and Willem de Kooning from the wrecking ball.
Darren Bloch
CEO and Executive Director, Greenwich House
Darren Bloch is the CEO and executive director of Greenwich House, which serves over 20,000 New Yorkers annually across health care and social services, educational and arts programming, and community engagements. In advancing the organization’s mission to respond to the urgent and evolving needs of our communities, Greenwich House has expanded many of its key programs in recent years. Those gains include opening a new family mental health clinic in NoHo; expanded youth service and older adult service sites and programming; and new teaching and enrichment spaces at Barrow Street Nursery School. Darren is a born-and-raised New Yorker, and serves on the boards of the NYC Employer and Training Coalition, Human Services Action, the LiveOn Executive Leadership Council, and Trinity Wall Street Neighborhood Council.
Erik Bottcher
Council Member, New York City Council
Erik Bottcher is a passionate public servant and activist committed to progressive causes and to his community’s well-being. Elected in 2021 to represent City Council District 3, Erik serves Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and Hell’s Kitchen. Growing up in the Adirondack Mountains as the only gay person he knew, his struggles with depression fueled his dedication to marginalized communities. Erik’s public service began in 2009 as the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS community liaison for the City Council, where he organized campaigns for transgender rights, marriage equality, and more. He later served as the statewide LGBTQ community liaison in the governor’s office, playing a key role in the fight for marriage equality. Erik is also co-chair of the New York City Council LGBTQIA+ Caucus and the City Council’s Manhattan Delegation.
Harvey Epstein
Assembly Member, New York State Assembly
Assembly Member Harvey Epstein has been a community leader for almost 30 years. Prior to his election to the Assembly, he was a community organizer, housing rights lawyer, and tenant member on the Rent Guidelines Board (RGB), where he worked to secure the first rent freeze for one-year leases in the history of the RGB. In the Assembly, he has championed progressive legislation to protect tenants, support public education, promote environmental sustainability, support people with disabilities, and advance racial and economic justice. Since winning a special election in 2018 to represent the 74th Assembly District, Mr. Epstein has passed over 35 bills and steered millions in funding to local community-based organizations.
Oskar Eustis
Artistic Director, The Public Theater
Oskar Eustis has served as artistic director of The Public Theater since 2005, after serving as artistic director at Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island from 1994 to 2005. Throughout his career, Eustis has been dedicated to the development of new work that speaks to the great issues of our time and has worked with countless artists in pursuit of that aim, including Tony Kushner, Suzan-Lori Parks, David Henry Hwang, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Richard Nelson, Rinne Groff, Tarell Alvin McCraney, and Lisa Kron. He produced three Tony Award-winning Best Musicals (the 2009 revival of “Hair,” “Fun Home,” and “Hamilton”). Eustis was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame in 2017. He is currently a professor at NYU and has held professorships at UCLA, Middlebury, and Brown.
Tracy Feiertag
Deputy Executive Director, Lenox Health Greenwich Village, Northwell Health
Tracy Feiertag, M.S., D.H.A., serves as deputy executive director of Lenox Health Greenwich Village, a cornerstone of Northwell Health’s presence in Manhattan. In addition to guiding the delivery of patient-centric care, Feiertag leads the facility’s strategic growth, which includes an upcoming inpatient suite for low-acuity surgical patients as well as a state-of-the-art cardiac catheterization lab. These developments underscore her commitment to addressing the community’s evolving needs by expanding access to services within the neighborhood. She also manages daily operations across Lenox Health’s emergency department, ambulatory surgery suite, physician practices and imaging services. Her leadership is a reflection of her dedication to fostering a collaborative, compassionate environment that places patients’ needs at the forefront, ensuring Lenox Health remains an integral part of the community’s future.
Connie Fishman
Executive Director, Hudson River Park Friends
Connie Fishman is executive director of Hudson River Park Friends and has been involved in Hudson River Park since 1998. Previously she was the president and CEO and executive vice president of the Hudson River Park Trust, which is a partner organization of Hudson River Park Friends charged with design, construction, operations and maintenance of the four-mile waterfront park. Prior experiences include serving as interim executive director of Governors Island Alliance, senior vice president of real estate for the YMCA of Greater New York, and director of planning and development for the NYC Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Planning and Administration.Connie holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from UCLA and a master’s degree in Latin American studies from UC Berkeley. A California native, she has lived in New York City since 1986.
Jesse Gericke
Executive Director, Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce
Jesse Gericke is an experienced nonprofit leader in New York City. Since October of 2022, he has served as the executive director of the Greenwich Village Chelsea Chamber of Commerce (GVCCC). Prior to joining the GVCCC, Mr. Gericke held leadership roles at multiple Business Improvement District (BID) offices in Brooklyn. While at the Pitkin Avenue BID, Mr. Gericke launched the Renaissance Program, a robust storefront and commercial facade improvement program. At the Chamber, Jesse is committed to working with local businesses and community stakeholders to support and enhance the Chamber’s mission to provide dynamic business and civic leadership in the communities we serve.
Alec Ginsberg
Owner and COO, C.O. Bigelow
Alec Ginsberg is the fourth-generation pharmacist, owner, and chief operating officer of C.O. Bigelow, the nation’s oldest apothecary. Alec spent much of his childhood working any job needed in the iconic store, from cashier, to delivery boy, to wrapping gifts for the holidays. After graduating from UNC Chapel Hill with a B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences and PharmD in 2016, he immediately joined the family business full-time as a staff pharmacist, eventually growing into his current role managing the day-to-day operations of the shop. Since then, Alec has been instrumental in modernizing C.O. Bigelow’s services, while maintaining the old-school feel that New Yorkers have loved for 186 years and counting. Most days, you can find him at his desk on the balcony, overlooking the pharmacy.
Deborah Glick
Assembly Member, New York State Assembly
Representing Lower Manhattan for over 30 years, Deborah Glick has strongly advocated for civil rights, reproductive freedom, animals, environmental preservation, and tenants’ rights. Assembly Member Glick’s successful legislation includes the Reproductive Health Act, codifying Roe v. Wade in New York State law; banning the harmful practice of conversion therapy; providing hospital visitation rights for domestic partners; requiring divorce courts to consider the interest of a companion animal when determining custody; renewing the Loft Law – bringing formerly commercial buildings to residential code and protecting tenants from eviction; and authorizing NYC to expand a life-saving speed safety camera program. A long-standing advocate for the environment, Glick was appointed as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee in 2023. She also serves on the Ways and Means, Rules, and Government Operations committees.
Dan Goldman
U.S. Representative, United States House of Representatives
U.S. Representative Dan Goldman and his wife live in Lower Manhattan where they are raising their five children. As a member of Congress, he has worked diligently to serve NY-10 and to protect our democracy, rights, and freedoms. He serves on the Oversight Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. He is a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus, the Gun Violence Prevention and Stop Project 2025 Task Forces. Before serving NY-10, Dan Goldman served as lead counsel for the first impeachment investigation of President Donald J. Trump where he questioned witnesses in public hearings and testified before the House Judiciary Committee. Prior to that, Goldman served 10 years as an assistant United States attorney in SDNY.
Andrea Gordillo
Chairperson, Community Board 3
City Council Candidate, New York City Council
Andrea Gordillo, a cultural worker and proud daughter of Peruvian immigrants, is the chairperson of Manhattan’s Community Board 3. A long-time resident of the Lower East Side, she understands community needs for dignified housing, cultural vitality, climate resiliency, and public safety. With nearly a decade of leadership at cultural institutions like The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural Center, the Loisaida Center, and the Public Theater, Andrea has championed racial and economic justice. She has firsthand experience with programs like the City Artist Corps, which supported thousands of artists. Her background in social policy includes roles at the Institute for Policy Studies and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Elected chairwoman last year, she has navigated complex community challenges and supports women’s empowerment in government.
Robert I. Grossman
CEO, NYU Langone Health
Dean, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Robert I. Grossman, MD, is CEO of NYU Langone Health and dean of NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He is a nationally recognized top health care executive leading one of the largest health systems in the Northeast – with over 51,000 employees across six inpatient facilities and over 300 locations in New York and Florida. He has overseen NYU Langone’s revenue growth from $2 billion in 2007 to nearly $14 billion in 2024, including over $5 billion in philanthropy. His leadership has transformed NYU Langone into one of the best integrated academic medical centers in the United States, as evaluated annually by independent organizations like Vizient, Inc., the Leapfrog Group, U.S. News & World Report (Best Hospitals and Best Medical Schools), and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Vizient recognized NYU Langone Health as No. 1 in the nation for quality care three years in a row.
Scott Hobbs
Executive Director, Village Alliance
Scott H. Hobbs has served as the executive director of the Village Alliance Business Improvement District since July 2022. During his tenure, he has led initiatives to enhance the neighborhood, including launching a Public Safety Partnership Program to deepen relationships between Village Alliance public safety ambassadors and local businesses. Scott collaborated with the city and the estate of artist Tony Rosenthal to facilitate the quick restoration of the Alamo sculpture after structural issues were identified. He also introduced a partnership with Greenwich House’s Older Adult Network to feature senior artists’ work on utility boxes. Currently, he is spearheading a comprehensive plan to upgrade and beautify commercial corridors. Previously, Scott held senior roles at the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership and the Union Square Partnership.
Brad Hoylman-Sigal
Senator, New York State Senate
Brad Hoylman-Sigal, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, represents New York’s 47th State Senate District on Manhattan’s West Side (or as he likes to say, “from the gay bars to Zabar’s”). Brad has championed a wide range of major legislation in the State Senate, including the transgender human rights law (GENDA), banning conversion therapy, legalizing gestational surrogacy and establishing New York State as a safe haven for transgender youth. He has also sponsored legislation to allow survivors to file claims against their abusers through the Child Victims Act and Adult Survivors Act; the Jose Webster Untraceable Firearms Act to ban ghost guns; Sammy’s Law to allow New York City to lower its speed limits; and legislation to eliminate the toxic chemical PFAS from our drinking water and clothing.
John Kaliabakos
Director of Pharmacy Services, Village Apothecary
John Kaliabakos graduated from St. John’s University’s College of Pharmacy in 1994. He began his career at Village Apothecary, an independent pharmacy specializing in HIV care. Kaliabakos serves as director of pharmacy services and as a champion of HIV patients. Under his leadership, the pharmacy has been recognized by the New York City Mayor’s Office, the Manhattan President’s Office, the New York State Assembly, the New York State Senate, the Greenwich Village Society for Village Preservation, the New York City Council’s Office, and the New York State Governor’s Office. Kaliabakos was recognized in 2022 for his work in the field of HIV pharmaceutical care with the Gay City News Impact Award. This year, he received the Schneps Media Health Care Heroes Award and was highlighted by the St. John’s University Alumni Newsletter.
Samara Karasyk
President and CEO, Hudson Square Business Improvement District
Samara Karasyk has focused on public and community service throughout her career. She has expertise in private and public partnerships, diverse team management, communications, public affairs, and policy-making. In her current role as president and CEO of the Hudson Square Business Improvement District (BID), she advocates for resilient, welcoming and sustainable communities by prioritizing people-focused streetscapes and public spaces. Before joining the BID, Karasyk led the Five Borough NYC Small Business Resource Network, served as executive vice president at the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, and held various leadership roles at New York City government agencies including Department of Finance, Department of Transportation, NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, and Parks & Recreation. Karasyk has an M.P.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. in international relations from Brown University.
Brian Kavanagh
Senator, New York State Senate
Senator Brian Kavanagh represents more than 330,000 residents in New York’s Senate District 27, covering neighborhoods across lower Manhattan from the Battery to 14th Street. As chair of the Senate Committee on Housing, Construction and Community Development, Brian has built on his decades of advocating for access to high quality, safe, affordable housing for all New Yorkers. Brian has also been a leader in promoting environmental sustainability. He introduced the All-Electric Building Act, which would ban construction of new buildings that require fossil fuels. He is also a proud co-sponsor of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, the most comprehensive and ambitious climate change law in the United States.
Curtis “Kurt” Kelly
Owner, The Stonewall Inn
Kurt Kelly is an owner of the historic Stonewall Inn and the co-founder of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative – the official and only nonprofit of The Stonewall Inn. Kurt utilizes his 30-plus years in the hospitality industry to keep The Stonewall Inn running as a global destination and beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community. Kurt’s background in the arts and theatre plays a role in the programming of the iconic bar, ensuring it is always full of shows and nonstop entertainment. Kurt also has a passion for history, and in addition to persevering the bar for future generations, he loves teaching them about knowing their history so they can have a better future.
Anwar Khoder
Co-Owner, Master Chocolatier and COO, Li-Lac Chocolates
Anwar Khoder is the co-owner of Li-Lac Chocolates and has been a master chocolatier for over 35 years. He has steadfastly committed to preserving the traditional chocolate-making processes that have ensured the exceptional quality of Li-Lac’s chocolates, securing their legacy as a cornerstone of New York City. Anwar’s personal goal of expanding the company has helped it grow to where it stands today, with six retail locations and a see-in production factory in Brooklyn.
Charles King
CEO, Housing Works
Charles King is the co-founder and CEO of Housing Works Inc., a community-based nonprofit organization that provides a full range of services including housing, health care, mental health, chemical dependency support, legal services, advocacy, and job training and employment for homeless men, women, and children living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic conditions. Charles is currently a member of the New York State AIDS Advisory Council and the co-chair of the AIDS Advisory Council Ending the Epidemic Subcommittee. Charles also co-chairs the ACT Now: End AIDS Coalition, a national ending the epidemic coalition, and serves on the Board of the National AIDS Housing Coalition. Charles holds both a law degree and a Master of Divinity from Yale University and is an ordained Baptist Minister.
Tim Laughlin
President, Lower East Side Partnership
Tim Laughlin is the president of the Lower East Side Partnership (LESP). He has led the organization since 2015, spearheading the evolution of Essex Market and the broader Essex Crossing mixed-use development. His efforts have also included the activation of the Lower East Side’s public realm through dynamic Open Streets, the 100 Gates Project, and significant investments in supplemental services. Prior to his time at LESP, Laughlin worked for former New York City Council Member and current City Planning Chair Dan Garodnick.
Grace Lee
Assembly Member, New York State Assembly
Assembly Member Grace Lee is a longtime resident of Lower Manhattan, a mother of three, and a dedicated advocate for working New Yorkers. She made history in 2023 as the first Korean-American woman to serve in the state legislature. In her first term in the Assembly, she secured $391 million for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to support public and subsidized housing residents. Additionally, she won a record $30 million for nonprofits serving the Asian community for two consecutive years. Recently, she passed the Hate Crimes Modernization Act to strengthen New York’s laws against hate crimes. Assembly Member Lee has used her position to elevate women’s issues – advocating for support for working mothers, seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse, and fighting for reproductive justice.
Jeffrey LeFrancois
Executive Director, Meatpacking District Management Association
As the executive director of the Meatpacking District Management Association, Jeffrey LeFrancois champions the growth and vitality of the dynamic neighborhood. LeFrancois works to make the district more appealing and accessible by effectively utilizing public spaces and implementing unique marketing campaigns and public programming. Efforts have had a notable impact in increasing foot traffic and supporting businesses, setting an example for Business Improvement Districts across the city. LeFrancois also keeps a busy civic schedule as a governor’s appointee on the Hudson River Park Trust Board, as well as sitting on the boards of New York Public Radio and Housing Conservation Coordinators. LeFrancois also served for nearly 10 years on Manhattan Community Board 4, including two years as chair from 2022 to 2024.
Max Leifer
Attorney, Law Offices of Max D. Leifer
Max Leifer is a super-lawyer, designee. He has been practicing for over 45 years, specializing in disability, negligence, and contract actions. He is also the part-owner of Brandy Library, and of Copper and Oak. He maintains an office in Chelsea and resides on the Upper West Side, is on the board of various organizations, and is a 32nd-degree Mason.
Mark Levine
Manhattan Borough President, Manhattan Borough President’s Office
Since taking office in 2022, Borough President Mark Levine has focused on equity, resilience, and the wellbeing of Manhattanites. His key initiatives include building more housing in the borough, pushing for AI policies in municipal government, expanding the urban canopy, and advocating for better traffic management and cycling infrastructure. Previously, Levine served as a city council member, where he led on tenants’ rights, public health, and park investment. He passed landmark legislation guaranteeing legal counsel for tenants facing eviction and rose to national prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mark’s background as a public school teacher and community organizer shapes his commitment to diverse, inclusive leadership.
David Ludwigson
President and CEO, God’s Love We Deliver
David Ludwigson became president and CEO of God’s Love We Deliver on January 1, 2023. David joined God’s Love We Deliver in 2007 as chief development officer. In 2017, he added the title of vice president. Before joining the nonprofit, David spent 13 years in sales and marketing at Ford Motor Company, ending his time there as the Northeast marketing manager. David was introduced to God’s Love by volunteering for 10 years before joining the staff. During his tenure at God’s Love, fundraising has grown from $6 million to more than $22 million annually in the most recent fiscal year; the number of volunteers has tripled to more than 23,000, and the number of meals cooked and delivered annually has grown from 670,000 to more than 4.3 million annually. David managed the $38M capital campaign that funded the Michael Kors Building, the God’s Love We Deliver headquarters in SoHo and oversaw securing the Northern Dispensary as the organization’s second home. He has also chaired the LGBT Development Roundtable for New York City and the Development Committee of the national Food is Medicine Coalition.
Will Morrison
Executive Director, Washington Square Park Conservancy
Will Morrison oversees the operation and development of the world-famous Washington Square Park. Through a dual role managing both the park and its private nonprofit partner, the Washington Square Park Conservancy, Morrison serves as the park’s representative to the Village Community. After a 2013 internship, he completed his degree in political science and urban studies at Trinity College, and then went on to join New York City Parks fulltime in the Marketing and Citywide Special Events Division. After six years, he became the deputy administrator of Washington Square Park, and took on the administrator role in September 2022, followed by the executive director role in April 2023. A native New Yorker who grew up on the Upper West Side, Will has lived in the East Village for a decade with his incredible wife Reneé.
Zach Owens
Executive Director, West Village Business Improvement District
Zach Owens has dedicated much of his career to revitalizing neighborhood districts and supporting local business communities. As the founding executive director of the West Village Business Improvement District (BID), Zach collaborates closely with the community to create attractive public spaces, advocate for quality of life, and implement initiatives that foster a culturally vibrant and welcoming neighborhood. Before leading the West Village BID, Zach served as senior policy advisor for the City of New York’s Department of Small Business Services, where he supported commercial revitalization initiatives across the city. In his free time, Zach enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring the city with his wife, Natalie, and their dog, Shay. He is currently pursuing his MBA at Columbia Business School.
Arlene Peralta-Avila
Assistant Vice President, Community Engagement, New York University
Arlene has been at NYU since 2011 and is responsible for the University’s outreach to the Greenwich Village, Union Square, and Downtown Brooklyn communities. Her team is responsible for community relations and civic outreach on behalf of NYU. They are committed to fostering meaningful partnerships across academic, cultural, nonprofit, and business institutions through meaningful contact, public programming, and shared community goals. Arlene serves on a number of civic boards, including the Village Alliance Business Improvement District, the Union Square Partnership Business Improvement District, the Washington Square Park Conservancy, the Washington Square Music Festival, and the Washington Square Association. Arlene received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Rochester and her master’s degree in public administration from NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service.
Cordelia Persen
Executive Director, NoHo Business Improvement District
Cordelia Persen is the executive director of the NoHo Business Improvement District (BID), working to promote economic development in the neighborhood and to help it flourish. Cordelia is committed to working with NoHo businesses, property owners and residents to create a pleasant and livable mixed-use community. Prior to this, Cordelia ran a number of small nonprofits, including the NYC Wholesale Flower Market Association and Princeton in Africa. Whenever she gets a chance, Cordelia likes to explore every nook of New York City. Cordelia has a B.A. from Lehigh University and an E.M.P.A. from NYU Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service.
Erin Piscopink
Executive Director, SoHo Broadway Initiative
Erin Piscopink is the executive director of the SoHo Broadway Initiative. She has a background in community and economic development and brings her experience as a marketing and communications professional to the work of placemaking. Before joining SoHo Broadway, Erin was the executive director of the Grand Street Business Improvement District in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Erin has also worked in communications in both government and higher education. Prior to those appointments, she worked with planning and development nonprofit organizations in Detroit and served as the marketing and communications manager for LIC Partnership. Erin has a planning-focused undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University and is an alumna of the urban policy and leadership master’s program at Hunter College.
Annie Polland
President, Tenement Museum
Dr. Annie Polland is a public historian, author, and president of the Tenement Museum, a nonprofit cultural institution that elevates the stories of immigrants and migrants to build a more inclusive and expansive American society. Previously, she served as the executive director of the American Jewish Historical Society. She is the co-author of “Emerging Metropolis: New York Jews in the Age of Immigration,” winner of the National Jewish Book Award. She received her Ph.D. in history from Columbia University and served as vice president of education at the Museum at Eldridge Street, where she wrote “Landmark of the Spirit,” a history of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Polland recently taught a course on the Lower East Side in history and memory at Princeton University.
Andrew Rigie
Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance
Andrew Rigie is the executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, an association serving and representing restaurants and nightlife venues throughout the five boroughs. He is also CEO of the Impact Foundation, a charitable organization that works to support a thriving, diverse and resilient restaurant and nightlife community by offering culinary scholarships and industry education, serving emergency meals to people in need, and more. In addition to his executive duties, Rigie has served on many regulatory and educational advisory boards, including as past chair of NYC’s Office of Nightlife Advisory Board, and NYS and NYC COVID-19 recovery committees. He’s a vocal industry advocate, public speaker, panelist and moderator, contributing author to publications, and recognized commentator on local, national and international media platforms.
Carlina Rivera
Council Member, New York City Council
Carlina Rivera represents the 2nd Council District and was born and raised on the Lower East Side by a single mother who moved to New York City from Puerto Rico. Council Member Rivera has introduced and passed over 45 bills, including legislation related to sexual harassment, reproductive health, immigration, criminal justice reform, affordable housing, small business survival, transportation, and quality of life. She serves as chair of the Committee on Cultural Affairs and Libraries.
Larry Silverstein
Founder and Chairman, Silverstein Properties
In July 2001, Larry Silverstein completed the largest real estate transaction in New York history when he signed a 99-year lease on the 10.6 million square foot World Trade Center (WTC) for $3.2 billion, only to see it destroyed in terrorist attacks seven weeks later. He has spent the last 23 years rebuilding the office component of the WTC site. In 2006, Silverstein opened 7 World Trade Center, the first office tower to be rebuilt at the site and the first LEED-certified office building in NYC. Mr. Silverstein owns and manages many successful and high-profile commercial and residential properties in NYC. He contributes his time and resources to organizations that are dedicated to higher education and medical research, meeting humanitarian needs and supporting the arts.
Carla Smith
CEO, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community Center
Dr. Carla Smith is the CEO of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City, a nonprofit empowering the LGBTQ+ community. With over 25 years of experience in social services, she oversees the Center’s financial, programmatic, and operational functions. She previously served as deputy CEO at Urban Resource Institute, where she secured significant funding for programs, including a $5 million grant. Dr. Smith holds a Doctorate of Education in executive leadership. Dr. Smith is frequently sought for her insights and has spoken extensively at public forums about the societal impacts of discrimination and violence. She’s twice been named to Crain’s New York Business’ Notable LGBTQIA+ Leaders list. She lives in New York with her partner Jackie, five children, and grandchild.
Alan van Capelle
Executive Director, Friends of the High Line
As executive director of Friends of the High Line, Alan van Capelle leads a world-renowned organization that is both a public park located on the West Side of Manhattan, and a nonprofit devoted to reimagining the role public spaces have in creating connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities. An innovative community leader for many years, van Capelle’s career has spanned several sectors and industries but has been motivated by a common cause: to advance the goals of people on the margins, cultivate community, and thereby strengthen our society and improve life for all. His diverse experience in government, the nonprofit sector, and the labor movement makes him a sought-after advisor and partner by elected officials, business leaders, and nonprofit professionals alike.
Michael Venturiello
Founder, Christopher Street Tours
Michael Venturiello is a historian, writer, educator, and New York City tour guide. He is the founder of Christopher Street Tours, an LGBTQ+-owned-and-operated walking tour company with a mission to increase access to LGBTQ+ history. By sharing stories, Christopher Street Tours uplifts the voices of those who paved the way for the current generation. His organization has welcomed thousands of people from around the world, offering tours in Boston as well as in New York City. Michael has been recognized as one of FindSpark’s “Top LGBTQ+ Influencers & Thought Leaders Transforming the Workplace Through Innovation and Impact.” His work has also been featured in Time Out, National Geographic Travel, and Attitude Magazine.
Nancy Bass Wyden
Proprietor, Strand Bookstore
Nancy Bass Wyden is a businesswoman and the owner of the Strand Bookstore, a legendary independent bookstore in the heart of the Village. Known for its vast collection of new, used, and rare books, the Strand has become an iconic destination for book lovers since its establishment in 1927. Her passion for literature and commitment to maintaining the store’s unique character have helped preserve its reputation as a beloved cultural institution.
