2023 Power Players Rising

Karen Ford is the inaugural executive director leading the Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services, a new mayoral office dedicated to supporting thriving communities and ensuring the delivery of essential services to New Yorkers by amplifying the work of nonprofit business partners. Karen has served New Yorkers for over 30 years, across numerous areas in the social service sector. She has worked in a variety of leadership roles that provide an intricate understanding of the complexities of and interdependencies between government and nonprofit partners. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
I am proud of the vision and mission of the Mayor’s Office for Nonprofit Services and the overwhelming support and partnerships of the city agencies and nonprofit sector that are committed to “Getting Stuff Done.” 

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Become a lifetime learner, remain curious of the changes and direction of the industry. Stay connected and network with people in the industry. Know that your voice matters and your perspective is valuable. Maintain your personal self-care and create a strong support network, this will sustain you during difficult times. Stay in connection with people who are on the receiving end of services, remember their faces and listen to their stories. 

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I enjoy sharing information and creating stories so I would become a writer of books and produce content for television and films. I also enjoy health and wellness, so I would manage and own a franchise of day spas. 

Hannah Gonzales was born and raised in the capital region and earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY University at Albany in 2019. Gonzales joined Bolton St. Johns in January 2020 initially as an intern out of college and she now serves as Deputy Policy Director. She has since worked with a wide range of clients on legislative, policy, and budgetary matters in Albany. Gonzales most often works to secure funding for nonprofits serving New Yorkers throughout the city and state.

Erin Hammond is a seasoned public policy expert with over 15 years of experience working in governmental affairs and public health at both the NYS Department of Health and Governor’s Office. Prior to joining Brown & Weinraub, Erin was most recently the director of external affairs at the NYS Office of Cannabis Management. Erin’s background has given her a unique perspective making her a strong advocate for both cannabis and health care issues — with her specialty being their intersection.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
In 2023 I transitioned out of the state workforce, giving me an opportunity to translate my experience to working with new partners. Building relationships with elected officials, clients, and state agencies has continued to be a passion of mine in this new role. I’ve already enjoyed finding opportunities to create business to business connections between clients we currently represent and look forward to growing my client base and expanding on this work in 2024.

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Try everything at least once. If you haven’t been to a lobby day, go to one. If you haven’t pitched a client, make a connection, and give it a try. You may be surprised at what you enjoy and where you learn new skills. Perhaps most importantly, be kind. People remember kindness. Lastly, no one is good at everything and it’s only through collaboration that all the work, and therefore outcomes, improve.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I like being able to help people — so something where I can be of service is always what I gravitate towards. I started my career as a social worker in a nursing home, which was incredibly rewarding. I also am slightly obsessed with coffee and like helping people navigate the menu at a coffee shop. So any kind of helping, no matter the context, is likely where you’ll find me. 

As senior director in communications and public affairs, Jerrel Harvey brings a wealth of experience and expertise, having held key communications roles in political campaigns and government offices. Most recently, Harvey served as the communications director for Friends for Kathy Hochul. Prior to that, he was senior communications advisor for Murphy for Governor. At GSG, Jerrel helps clients build impactful communications plans and deliver persuasive messaging in the New York, New Jersey, and national media markets.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
Finding an opportunity that places me at the intersection of business, politics, and government on both sides of the Hudson.

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Show up and force yourself outside of your comfort zone. At the very least, you’ll learn new skills and about how others navigate and overcome difficult challenges.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I’m a natural competitor. So, I’ve always felt at home in politics and government. But if I didn’t find a rewarding path in my current field, I probably would have tried my hand at a professional career in mixed martial arts. 

Stephanie Hill Wilchfort joins the Museum of the City of New York as director and president in September 2023. Previously, as president and CEO at Brooklyn Children’s Museum, she raised $45 million in operating and capital funding, built several new additions, and strengthened relationships with Central Brooklyn communities. A native Brooklynite who still lives in the borough, Wilchfort has held senior programming, fundraising, and marketing roles at the Tenement Museum, Sesame Workshop, WNYC Radio, and WNET.  

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
I’m proud to be a part of NYC’s cultural recovery, previously at BCM, the City’s largest cultural institution for families, and now at Museum of the City of New York, the most important repository for New York’s history and culture. NYC’s cultural institutions are its superpower, bringing people together and drawing tourists from around the world. Cultural leaders in this moment have a significant responsibility to produce exciting and dynamic programs that energize our City.

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Look for an organization that’s growing, not necessarily the largest or best known, but with the greatest opportunity for expansion. Work in a range of departments and learn what makes each important. Leaders of cultural organizations need to have a 30,000-square-foot view, but it helps to have some detail about what everyone does. Also, build relationships with mentors and colleagues. I’ve been lucky to have amazing female role models and mentors in my past roles.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I’ve always enjoyed leading teams, building relationships, and communicating vision. At one time, I imagined myself doing this in a humanitarian organization, helping people around the world access resources. Although I could imagine a world where I worked abroad, my heart really is here in New York, where I have a direct connection with the impact organizations like MCNY and BCM have on culture, community, and education. 

Tyreke H. Israel, “The Community Builder”, is the president of The Bronx Young Democrats. Leading with service, he inspires countless young adults all over the borough to build a better Bronx. Through the club he has been able to leverage partnerships to bring necessary resources to communities who need it most, such as community baby showers, hosting over 250 pregnant women citywide; exotic car shows, resource fairs for Father’s Day, community sports tournaments to engage the youth, and skill building events for young adults navigating their careers.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
My biggest accomplishment of 2023 is being able to contribute to the group of Black men who are actively working to break the stigmas around our population, standing proudly and firmly on ground that was never meant to hold us. In 2022, I set a goal of being a part of the Power Players Rising list and lo and behold, I am here! This is the result of hard work and a whole lot of show up.  

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Ensure the work you do doesn’t start and stop with you. The hard reality of politics is that the work isn’t always transferrable. Many factors weigh into this, but in the end American lives are hanging in the balance. Leading with intention and creating clear plans for someone to be able to carry out the work is the goal. Entering the field comes with a level of social responsibility. So take a deep breath, manage it well…

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I received my MBA, concentrating in marketing, from Iona University. I’ve always been interested in experiential marketing. I fell into politics out of necessity, but being able to curate an environment and take people through an array of emotions has always been a passion for me. I value the art/freedom of being able to customize a specific environment per each individual. Going from business to politics was always the plan, the order just shifted.

Hillary Jalon, MS, is vice president of quality management for NYC Health + Hospitals, overseeing quality assurance, performance improvement, accreditation, and patient safety. Jalon leads a strategy for continuous quality improvement system wide. In her previous role as senior AVP for Quality, she was instrumental in leading quality functions across the system since 2018. Jalon brings experience from her previous roles at NYC Health + Hospitals/Community Care, as QI director at United Hospital Fund, and at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. She has also trained countless leaders in QI throughout her career.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
I am most proud of developing the implementation strategy and design of a Quality Academy program, along with the chief quality officers and other leaders across the system to build a culture of improvement which provides clinical and non-clinical staff with the skills and tools to lead QI. I am also proud of working with the system SVP and CQO in developing the improvement strategy around meaningful quality metrics alongside leadership across the system.

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Soak everything in when you first get started! The best advice I can give someone new in this industry is to meet as many stakeholders as you can and actively listen to them. I would also say that it is very important to have a collaborative approach with your colleagues, as that is the best way to achieve buy-in and promote sustainable change.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
I truly enjoy healthcare quality, and I would also love to be involved with developing a nonprofit organization focused on mentoring for underserved communities. I get joy out of mentoring colleagues and young people as they determine their careers and where they’d like to focus. I enjoy developing didactics and teaching adult learners, so I would likely be a professor. I am lucky that I am able to apply these skills in my current role. 

Karina Jimenez is a legislative expert who focuses on hyperlocal issues impacted by city, state, and federal regulations. She has an extensive background in legislative, policy, and budget processes, which she leverages to advise clients navigating their complexities. Prior to joining Capalino, Karina served as campaign manager to State Senator Jessica Ramos and as director of state legislative affairs and chief of staff of intergovernmental affairs for former Mayor Bill de Blasio. 

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
I am most proud of helping our clients secure crucial funding both at the city and state level, including for nonprofits working on important issues impacting the daily lives of New Yorkers. 

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Relationships are key, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, attend new events, introduce yourself to new stakeholders. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, leverage your expertise, but allow yourself to learn from others. And remember to have fun, even through the stickier times!

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
Oh, this is fun. I’d either be a sports journalist or an interior designer. This is the complete opposite of my current career choice, but I love sports, soccer being my favorite. I played my entire life and still do. With interior design, I enjoy the creative nature of decorating spaces having a vision in mind. It is a form of art to me.

Joseph (Joe) Jones has spent his career in public service, in government and nonprofits, working on policy, procedure, and program development in the areas of social services, economic development, and housing. Currently, Joe serves as the Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Research at FPWA, where he oversees the organization’s research and policy agenda promoting poverty alleviation and reducing systemic barriers to economic deprivation. Prior to FPWA, Joe held several roles at the NYC Department of Social Services. Joe holds a JD and MUP from the University of Michigan.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
So far this year has been spent laying successful foundations. I started at FPWA almost a year ago and in that time I’ve been able to expand my team from one analyst to six, working on a range of advocacy solutions from the City-level all the way to the halls of Congress. It’s been an exciting time seeing my staff grow and really take charge of all the critical work we’re engaged in. 

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Working in policy, it is crucial to stay informed. This isn’t just about relentlessly reading the political headlines, but rather understanding how everything from the economy to pop culture shapes society and people. Policy at its root is about people and understanding people will improve not just your advocacy but your career in general. Also being adaptable: where you end up in your career isn’t always where you planned to go. Embrace the change!

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
Being an award-winning science fiction/fantasy author or a Broadway actor! More realistically, I’ve always considered going into academia. While in grad school I had the privilege of teaching a number of courses to both graduate and undergraduate students, and I enjoyed it immensely. I relish the mentoring that comes with the role and I’m always excited to see the understanding of new subject matter dawning on student’s faces.

Douglas J. Klein is the office managing principal in the New York City, New York, office of Jackson Lewis P.C., a preeminent national workplace law firm. As a strategic advisor and well-rounded workplace partner to management, Doug defends complex employment litigations, counsels on traditional labor matters, and provides day-to-day preventive support.

What are you most proud of accomplishing so far in 2023?
In March, I was named office managing principal of Jackson Lewis’ New York City office. I have spent the bulk of my career here, learning and developing under so many skilled attorneys in this office. I am incredibly humbled and appreciative of the opportunity at this stage of my career to further Jackson Lewis’ legacy as a leading workplace law firm in New York and nationwide. 

What advice would you give to someone starting off in your industry?
Find a mentor. Look for those who will share their experiences, offer guidance, and help you develop your own style. Any attorney can tell a client “You can’t do that.” Be different. Listen to clients’ goals, understand risk tolerances, evaluate options, and help develop a path forward. Remember this career is a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to diversify your experience. You will be better suited to provide practical advice as a result.

If you weren’t in your current career, what else would you be doing?
Politics. In college, I majored in American history. I interned in the New York City government and for a U.S. Senator, and I entered law school under the assumption I might pursue a career in politics. However, I quickly became intrigued by traditional labor law after an internship at the NLRB, which led me to pursue more coursework and opportunities in workplace law, and in turn my professional practice.