Black Power Players

Aldrin K. Enis has spent the bulk of his professional career within the finance industry working with investment managers focused on real estate and growth products. He then changed career paths to lobbying with a focus on the relationship between the United States and Israel. Throughout his professional career, he has always taken the time to be involved with his local community on various committees or in leadership positions.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to be mindful of time. It’s the most valuable resource that does not have a price but becomes more expensive as you get older. I’d tell myself to use it wisely, set priorities, and focus on activities that contribute positively to your goals and well-being. The time is well spent if you’re able to find joy in each day. I would also tell him to always bet on himself!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
There were many accomplishments in 2023. However, I am most proud of the partnerships forged between One Hundred Black Men with corporations and community-based organizations. Those partnerships help further our four pillars: health and wellness, education (and scholarship), mentoring, and economic development. In 2024, I’m most looking forward to enhancing those relationships that will help advance the Black community and in particular Black youth within New York City.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I’d like to highlight an author, scholar, educator, minister, and historian by the name of Dr. Charles H. Wesley. In order to get a glimpse into Black history and culture is to do a dive into the works of Dr. Wesley who served as the historian of several Black fraternal organizations. These books give you an idea of the climate in America for Black folks over 100 years ago and the need for community.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I am very proud of the people who I am surrounded by and the professional and social organizations to which I belong. However, in the spirit of Black History Month, I’d like to highlight One Hundred Black Men, which was founded in 1963 during the height of the Civil Rights Era. This chapter sparked the interest of Black men throughout the U.S. to start their own chapter to what has become 100 Black Men of America.

In August of 2014, Shaun D. Francois I was elected the president of Local 372, the largest local in District Council 37. Since his election, he has increased the salaries of 2,300 crossing guards, restored the Severance Related Fund which provides health benefits to retirees and their families, created full time supervisory positions for crossing guards, received additional funding for SAPIS, and increased the number of school representatives. In 2019, Shaun D. Francois I was also elected as the president of District Council 37.

As New York City’s first chief business diversity officer, and after a 30-year career at the NYC Housing Authority, the NYC School Construction Authority, and the NYS Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Michael J. Garner is driving Mayor Adams’s aggressive minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) vision. Through innovative programming, he’s been responsible for more than $23 billion in payments made to MWBEs. In July 2021, Mr. Garner was selected by Crain’s New York Business as “Top Diversity and Inclusion Officer of the Year.”

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
To never accept “No” for an answer.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud to have worked closely with the mayor, the governor, and key members of the state legislature to pass the mayor’s full slate of MWBE legislation during the 2023 state legislative session, the first time in history. I most look forward to operationalizing these legislative wins and ensuring that we meet the mayor’s aggressive vision of awarding $25 billion by FY26 and $60 billion by FY30 in MWBE contracts.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Doing Business By the Good Book” by Dave Stewart, founder and CEO of WorldWide Technology

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
As the most immediate past president of the founding chapter of 100 Black Men – NYC Chapter, I would like to highlight the 100 Black Men of NY. The organization was created in 1963 by Major League Baseball-great Jackie Robinson, former NYC Mayor David N. Dinkins, and other Black leaders of that era. The organization focuses on college scholarships, health and wellness, mentoring, and economic empowerment.

On November 2nd, 2021, Vanessa L. Gibson was elected to be the 14th Bronx borough president to serve the over 1.4 million residents and families that call the Bronx home. Having served in the New York State Assembly and New York City Council, Ms. Gibson has successfully represented her constituents and put their needs at the forefront of her policy work. As borough president, Ms. Gibson continues to fight on behalf of her residents.

Lindsay Greene is the president and CEO of the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation. Previously, Lindsay was chief strategy officer at New York City Economic Development Corporation and for Economic Development and Housing in the New York City mayor’s office. She started her career by shaping policy decisions at food startups, and in finance at Goldman Sachs. Lindsay earned a B.A. in economics from Harvard, and an MBA from Yale. She lives in Brooklyn with her wife and two daughters.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self to figure out sooner in life what actually brings you joy/happiness. Making money and paying off loans is important, but I learned too late how to take care of myself and have fun. I would also tell myself not to be intimidated by people who don’t believe in you and don’t give up on engineering even if it seems too hard — you are smart and can push through!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I’m most proud of reinvesting in and rebuilding our team and culture. People are the most important part of any organization and our folks needed attention after the pandemic and 2022 transition. Looking ahead to 2024, I am focused on making the Yard a better-known place to BIPOC and women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs and convincing a big manufacturer that it’s not too crazy, just dreamy, to manufacture something in NYC here at the Yard.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
The movie “The Blackening” is a good laugh and was released last Juneteenth. For music, the “Black Panther” soundtrack: it is my go-to for musical positivity and motivation. A good friend recently gifted me the first book in the “Rosewater” trilogy and I enjoyed it because I love science-fiction. It was my first real taste of people of color in sci-fi besides Captain Sisko from “Star Trek Deep Space Nine”!

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Little Essentials is fantastic for women and families. My family was fortunate enough to receive hand-me-downs from relatives when our daughter was young, and we have always given anything we outgrow to Little Essentials. Unbeknownst to me, they have been a tenant at the Yard, so that warmed my heart. I have seen many moms with strollers and carts full of gear. It’s not sexy but, like many community based organizations, their work is so necessary.

George Gresham, Ph.D., is president of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, the nation’s largest health care union. Under his leadership, 1199SEIU has secured industry-leading standards for health care workers and positioned the union as a major force for advancing progressive causes. Beginning his career as a housekeeper at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, Gresham, over four decades, has held every elected position within the union, from delegate to president, a title which he has held since 2007.

Dynishal oversees the work of small business services (SBS) programs serving jobseekers, neighborhood development organizations, entrepreneurs, small businesses and minority and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). Her public service career includes five years of work for members of the NYC Council. She holds a B.A. in Africana studies from Cornell University, an M.P.A. from Baruch College, and a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law. She lives with her wife and son in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Be discerning. Consider the source.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?I’m most proud of SBS’ responsiveness. Our agency constantly adapts its work to meet the challenges New Yorkers are facing. In 2024, I’m looking forward to greater success for new New Yorkers seeking work, and small business owners seeking affordable capital.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Read Octavia Butler. “Bloodchild and Other Stories” is a great start.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
If you’re not following the work of Cynthia Gordy Giwa and Tayo Giwa at Black-Owned Brooklyn, you’re missing out.

Nancy Hagans is president of the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and serves on the Council of Presidents of National Nurses United (NNU), with nearly 225,000 members nationwide. A native of Haiti, Nancy has been a vocal advocate for health equity and social justice throughout her more than 30-year career as a nurse and union leader. She began her career at Maimonides Medical Center and has served in many leadership roles.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Since my election as NYSNA President in June 2021, we have helped members navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, lobbied and won groundbreaking safe staffing legislation in New York state, and achieved historic safe staffing, wage and benefit, health and safety, and community benefit victories for 16,000 NYC private sector nurses through the largest contract campaign and strike in the union’s history.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“The Black Angels: The Untold Story of the Nurses Who Helped Cure Tuberculosis” by Maria Smilios

Speaker Carl E. Heastie is the 100th speaker of the New York State Assembly and the first Black person to hold the prestigious position. Prior to becoming speaker, Heastie – a lifelong advocate for workers’ rights – served as chair of the assembly Labor Committee, working with his colleagues in the majority to secure a $15 minimum wage. He is a proud product of New York City’s public schools and throughout his legislative career he has been a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education.

Janella T. Hinds is currently serving her fourth term as the New York City Central Labor Council’s secretary treasurer where she is responsible for fiduciary oversight of this umbrella labor organization which represents 1.3 million workers in about 400 public and private sector unions. She also serves as the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) vice president for academic high schools as well as the chair of the New York Union Child Care Coalition.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Live in the moment! Plan for the future but don’t stress so much that you’re not enjoying every stage you’re experiencing.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of the UFT’s negotiation of expanded virtual learning opportunities for New York City’s high school students. I believe the intentional use of technology in public education, when monitored and implemented by experienced educators, will prepare students for a world in which technology has greater impact. Ensuring that our system prioritizes equity for all students is essential and I am proud to have worked on this opportunity for students and families.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
“Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey is life changing.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Dr. Monique Couvson, Tara Bellevue of Grantmakers for Girls of Color , Today’s Girl Tomorrow’s Woman