2025 Black Power Players

Yvette Buckner has consistently delivered major victories for her clients. She excels in managing high-profile client campaigns and navigating issues ranging from health and housing to transportation and technology. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a passionate advocate for increasing the representation of women in elected office. Currently, she serves as the board co-chair of The New Majority NYC and on the board of Vote Mama to elect mothers nationwide.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My mother and daughter have always and will continue to be my biggest inspirations for teaching me some of life’s most valuable lessons and unconditional love. Additionally, Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her unwavering commitment to integrity and justice continues to inspire and empower Black women like myself to advocate for change and reinforces the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. 

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Starting Buckner Group is one of my proudest moments because it reflects years of hard work, expertise, and commitment to shaping meaningful change. It’s the culmination of building relationships, understanding policy, and advocating for diverse voices. I have the opportunity to drive impactful initiatives and represent marginalized communities and make a tangible difference in New York neighborhoods.

A first-generation, Panamanian American born and raised in the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn, Richard R. Buery, Jr. has spent his career fighting to advance equal opportunities for families and communities often left behind. In September 2021, Richard became the CEO of Robin Hood, one of the nation’s leading anti-poverty organizations. At just 16 years old, Richard graduated from Stuyvesant High School and attended Harvard. He later earned a law degree from Yale and brought his talent and skills home to put them to work immediately.

Dr. Butts is a visionary leader responsible for oversight, integration and driving all aspects of equity for the largest health care system in NYC. Under his tenure, the medical school and health system have been recognized regularly by notable local and national organizations that acknowledge impact in higher education, for hospitals and healthcare systems and in corporate affairs. 

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspirations are my student mentees. They are a constant reminder of why I am committed to the work I do and why I remain energized each morning, despite the challenges.  They also help keep me and our work relevant. 

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
One Hundred Black Men of New York. The mission of One Hundred Black Men of New York is to play a proactive role in leveraging our collective talent, ability and energy toward achieving meaningful gains for the Black community. One Hundred Black Men initiatives focus on education through mentoring, wealth building strategies, fostering economic development and raising awareness of health issues affecting our communities.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
The proudest moment in my career most recently is hitting my 25 year milestone leading efforts to advance equity for MSHS. It has been an absolute privilege to lead in this space with a team of like minded individuals for an extraordinary academic health system with leaders who have been consistent and public in their support for our work.

Twyla Carter (she/her) serves as the attorney-in-chief and chief executive officer of The Legal Aid Society. She is the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead the organization in its 145-year history. Prior to Legal Aid, Carter was the national director of legal and policy at The Bail Project, a national nonprofit organization that pioneered a national movement to bring free bail assistance and pretrial support to thousands of low-income people every year.

Christian was appointed chair and CEO of the New York State Public Service Commission. Rory began his career in the energy industry as a civil engineer before transitioning to a role engaging government agencies operating in Long Island and New York City. Mr. Christian graduated from City College of New York’s Grove School of Engineering with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and an MBA in finance from the Baruch College, Zicklin School of Business.

In 2016, Darcel Clark made history when she was elected to serve as the first African American woman district attorney in New York State. District Attorney Clark’s Mission is “Pursuing Justice with Integrity.” She is focused on compassion for victims and fairness for defendants as foundations for public safety. She was reelected to a third term in 2023. A native of the Bronx, she served as a judge in Criminal, Supreme and Appellate courts.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
The people of the Bronx. Their resiliency, grit, and compassion inspire me. I am in a position where I get to be a voice for the voiceless. This job allows me to fight for victims and provide support in times of need. They are why I do this work.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
I love to support local businesses. I do not want to leave anyone out, so as an elected official and former judge, I’m going to remain impartial. I do, however, encourage everyone to support local MWBEs and Mom & Pop shops for Black History Month.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
When I became the first woman to serve as Bronx district attorney and the first African American woman to be elected as district attorney in New York State. It was symbolic for me to be that “representation” for the many young Black and Latina girls and women in the Bronx.  This is a job where I can have the most impact on the people I serve – not just be a title but have a real impact.

Hailing from central Brooklyn, Congress Member Yvette Clarke serves as vice-chair of the Congressional Black caucus, and as a senior member of the House Committees on energy and commerce and homeland security. Clarke previously represented NYC’s 40th District on the City Council – a seat once held by her mother, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke. Since her time on the Council, Clarke has continued to champion the many causes close to her heart.

Onida Coward Mayers, chief government affairs officer at Oaktree Solutions guides an impressive portfolio of private, public and nonprofit clients to historical budget and legislative wins. Launching Oaktree Sports Ventures she works with athletes transitioning into and exiting their professional careers. Onida’s personal venture Comadre Communications LLC. integrates her expertise in media/communications with her connections in Black and Latinx communities. An Afro-Latina born in the country of Panama she lives in Bedford-Stuyvesant with her family.  

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My family and by extension of that my community of friends, neighbors and local organizations.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
Rebound on the Road “ROTR”, a re-entry program and comprehensive CDL training program designed to help those with ties to the justice system. ROTR provides training to individuals who have either completed or are nearing the end of their sentences by enabling them to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). I spotlight Rebound on the Road understanding that we must always provide another chance.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
Each year brings new joys and moments to be proud of.  As we celebrate Black History month I am most proud of the resilience of Black and Brown people across the Americas. Working with organizations that continue hold up the legacy of greatness and continue to serve and guide those in need is what is a proud moment in my career.

Demetrius began his career with the MTA as an assistant signal maintainer at the Long Island Railroad, he rose through the ranks becoming train movement supervisor. He transferred to MTA Headquarters, becoming special assistant for operations for then Chairman and CEO Lee Sander. Demetrius transitioned to New York City Transit, holding many positions including senior vice president of subways. Now, as NYCT president, Demetrius continues to focus on the agency’s mission of safety and service.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration is my late father, Belford Crichlow. I saw his diligence when it came to work and how he was still able to prioritize his family. I never heard nor saw him complain, he was a man who understood what was important and made sure he carried out his mission. My discipline and diligence are attributed to his example.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career was when I transitioned from working at LIRR and MTA HQ to working at New York City Transit. Doing so solidified three generations of NYCT in my family, following in the footsteps of my grandfather and father.

Susan DeCarava is the first Black woman to serve as president of The NewsGuild of New York, the union for nearly 6,000 media workers and the largest local union under TNG-CWA in the country. She continues to guide her union’s transformation, organizing a record number of new members, winning standard-setting contracts – including for the largest unit of tech workers in the country – training hundreds of stewards and building militant campaigns to expand standards throughout the media industry.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
The members of my union who go to work every day, in an environment that is manufactured to be increasingly hostile to the media, and remain committed to asking hard questions, documenting who we are as a society and the range of human expression through their work. Democracy requires a free press, and our members are committed to that principle, no matter what or who they report on in politics, sports, arts and culture, or business.

Is there a Black-owned business or organization that you would like to spotlight?
The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting (https://idabwellssociety.org) is a news trade organization dedicated to increasing and retaining reporters and editors of color in investigative reporting. Spearheaded by veteran journalists, it seeks to educate news organizations and journalists on how the inclusion of diverse voices can raise the caliber, impact and visibility of investigative journalism as a means of promoting transparency and good government.

What is the proudest moment in your career so far?
This past year I’m proud of the work we did to reach an agreement on life-changing contracts that improved wages and job protections across our union! We were also instrumental in getting the NYS Local Journalism Sustainability Act passed, which provides tax incentives for hiring and retaining journalists in local newsrooms. And last, but not least, we renewed employer commitments to maintaining diverse workplaces and took a strong position against relying on AI for newsgathering.