Black Power Players

Commissioner Knight is dedicated to policies that advance sustainable and inclusive economic growth. She was instrumental in the creation of the NYS Office of Strategic Workforce Development, focusing on improving workforce development programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today’s employers. Knight is focused on supporting New York’s small businesses, ensuring that they have the resources needed to grow and thrive, and growing the state’s Minority and Women-Owned Business community.

Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin grew up in Crown Height, Brooklyn, where she was a teacher, dean, and dance instructor at I.S. 320, the Jackie Robinson School. She has a long history working with Eric Adams, managing his 2005 campaign for state senator and later serving as his chief of staff. She also served as deputy Brooklyn borough president. Now as the mayor’s chief advisor, Lewis-Martin is widely considered the second most powerful person in New York City and wields considerable independent authority over her various projects and initiatives. She is also an ordained chaplain.

Craig C. MacKay is a senior executive and investment banking veteran with an extensive background in finance, corporate governance, and operating leadership. He has completed over $12 billion of domestic and cross-border capital, advisory and merger and acquisition engagements, closing over 120 financings, growth capital and change-of-control transactions in business services, consumer products, financial services, general industrials and health care. Craig currently serves as interim president and CEO of Carver Bancorp (NASDAQ: CARV), the holding company of Carver Federal Savings Bank, a leading Harlem-based bank serving diverse urban communities in the greater New York City area. Prior to joining Carver, he was a senior partner at England & Company. Craig is a native New Yorker living in Northern New Jersey.

Jacquelyn Martell is an education activist, organizer, and political strategist. She is executive director of Democracy for Education Reform New York (DFER NY), a national political organization that supports elected Democrats who prioritize a high-quality education for all students. Martell previously served as the director of advocacy at Achievement First, where she led initiatives for 23 public schools. She was key in leading a $35 million school expansion initiative. Previously, she served as a labor organizer for 32BJ SEIU.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Always have unwavering faith in yourself, and rest is critical to productivity.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I was incredibly proud of helping the state legislature pass the Early Mail Voter Act to bring New York closer to universal, no-excuse absentee voting. This bill passed in the final days of the 2023 legislative session, could have an outsized impact on expanding access to voting in the nation’s fourth most populous state. In 2024, I am determined to pass legislation to ensure “High Impact Tutoring” is scaled across the state.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I just finished reading “Walk Through Fire” by Sheila Johnson, America’s first Black female billionaire. It was an inspiring read on how she overcame so many personal and external barriers to discover her true self. It really showcased the persistence and fortitude of Black women navigating systems built to work against them. Also, my song of 2023 was “On My Mama” by Victoria Monet – it is an anthem for women to really flex their confidence.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
The Black Voices For Black Justice Fund is doing critical work in addressing structural and systemic racism in America by supporting Black leaders at the national and community levels. The fund was established to amplify clarion voices about racial justice, connect new and established Black leaders, and support Black-led efforts to build meaningful economic and political power for their communities – including disparities in access to health care, jobs, education, justice, and the right to vote.

Brian Matthews is a senior advisor at Brown & Weinraub, advancing the interests of diverse businesses seeking to change government for a better future. He joined Brown & Weinraub after 30 years of experience in New York State government with the Office of General Services (OGS) , the state comptroller’s office, and the division of budget. Brian served as the chief financial officer of OGS, heading a diverse portfolio including financials, procurement, and business diversity opportunities for minority and women owned business enterprises (MWBE) and service-disabled veteran-owned small business (SDVOD).

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I find many situations today where people are communicating but not really listening or understanding in the moment. I have been guilty of that in the past. I would tell a younger me to appreciate every opportunity along the journey. Although what you are doing at the time may not seem important, try to capture and remember portions of each experience. Meet, listen to, and understand as many people as you can along the way.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
After businesses achieve state MWBE or SDVOD certification, competing for government contracts is very challenging. I have been fortunate to work with companies, from start-ups to established business enterprises, by helping them successfully work with NYS and NYC government agencies. I’m most proud of my part in the collaborative effort to address the challenges of minority-owned and small businesses. Continued efforts in 2024 will spread diverse business achievements.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
I’m a big sports fan so I always like watching the story of Jackie Robinson in “42”. I admire his efforts and sacrifices to end racial segregation in baseball as well as the example he set throughout his life for being courageous, determined, and self disciplined are inspiring.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Brian Ansari of Brian Ansari and Associates Inc. has championed MWBE and diversity for many years within the NYS government. His deep and comprehensive insight continues to add value to his business development work. Also, I recently began collaboration with the Minority Business Development Institute (MBDI). MBDI is a fantastic organization that has helped many businesses develop down the road to success. I look forward to building increased partnership with them.

Gregorio Mayers, a seasoned professional with 20+ years of diverse experience. Formerly a senior policy advisor to Mayor Bloomberg overseeing NYC agencies, Mayers, chief architect of the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises law Local Law 1, successfully elected candidates to the judiciary and legislature. He also teaches criminal law and disaster management at Medgar Evers College. Holding degrees from Medgar Evers College and City University School of Law, Mayers brings extensive expertise in law, government, and campaign consulting.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Do not hesitate on your dreams or aspirations and do not wait for the approval of others to move forward.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
Supporting Rachel Freier’s historic election as the first Hasidic woman in the New York State Supreme Court inspires me to champion diverse, qualified candidates in various electoral roles. Advocating for individuals of all backgrounds — regardless of gender, race, creed, sexual orientation, religion — is crucial. Let’s unite in promoting the best among us, fostering cooperation, and fostering unbiased support in public discourse.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
The movie “Red Tails” highlights the important role of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII fighting for this country and not getting the respect and recognition for their contribution.

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
I am a board member of Brooklyn Legal Service Corp and am proud of the work that we do to assist those who cannot afford legal representation.

Onida Coward Mayers is the chief government affairs officer at Oaktree Solutions. She is also the president of CoMadre Communications LLC, integrating her expertise with her connections in Black and Latinx communities.‍ Onida was the senior vice president and a registered lobbyist for the MirRam Group. She was the New York City Voter Assistance Commission head and Voter Assistance director leading the launch of NYC Votes. Onida was the founding director of Brooklyn Community Access Television (BCAT).

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be? 
Embrace that every experience socially, civically and professionally allows for an amazing opportunity to present your own story, offering and value in life.  We all have our individual life DNA that allows us to have unique approaches and individual voices. Lean into this trust and USE IT!

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024? 
I am most proud of my body of work with my not-for-profit clients. These organizations are the engine of our City and being a part of furthering their impact is my proudest professional accomplishment.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month? 
“Adam by Adam: The Autobiography of Adam Clayton Powell” and his speech “What’s in your hand” and, “Why Should Guys Have All the Fun” by Loida Lewis

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Sharon Content, president, Children of Promise NYC (CPNYC): CPNYC reimagines a just society that values the purpose of every child impacted by mass incarceration and removes barriers to create opportunities for children to thrive and achieve their human potential.

United States Rep. Meeks has carried the values instilled in him by his parents into a career of service. After graduating from Howard University Law School, he served as a Queens County assistant district attorney, a prosecutor for a special anti-narcotics task force, and as chief administrative judge for N.Y.S.’s worker compensation system. In 1992, he was elected to the New York State Assembly before being elected in 1998 to represent the 5th Congressional District of New York.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
Always remember the importance of staying true to your principles. Always prioritize the well-being of people and strive to make a positive impact on their lives. Be open to learning from others, building strong relationships, and collaborating for the greater good. Never forget the power of empathy and understanding. In a world of diverse perspectives, be a unifying force, seeking common ground to bring people together.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
In 2023, I’ve been proud of helping to allocate over $270 million for upgrades toward New York’s drinking water infrastructure. We’ve also built winning coalitions for key elections to City Council, a special election for State Assembly, and elect a historically diverse slate of candidates to Civil and Supreme Court. We look forward to winning another key special election in New York’s 3rd Congressional District and ensuring strong turnout for Democrats up and down the ballot throughout 2024.

Melva M. Miller is an executive leader, formerly the inaugural CEO of the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). Melva’s transformative leadership amplified the voices of New Yorkers across all boroughs. With a diverse skill set, she champions equitable development and impactful strategies. Formerly the deputy Queens Borough president and founding executive director of the Sutphin Boulevard Business Improvement District, Melva’s trailblazing journey continues as she pursues a Ph.D., uniting academic insight with real-world impact.

If you could give your younger-self advice, what would it be?
I would advise my younger self to embrace resilience and steadfast commitment to community and the transformative power of combining academic knowledge with hands-on experience; encourage myself to fearlessly explore diverse skills, foster strong alliances, and amplify diverse voices; Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and embracing challenges for lasting impact; Stress the significance of staying true to my values, seizing opportunities aligned with my passions, and recognizing that every step contributes to a meaningful career.

What are you most proud of accomplishing in 2023, and most looking forward to achieving in 2024?
I am most proud of ensuring that the voices of our neighbors in the outer-boroughs were heard through expanding ABNY Women and Young Professionals networks, ABNY Talks, and ABNY Chats; enhancing ABNY’s grant-making process by awarding grantees from every corner of the city; and diversifying ABNY’s board with leading New Yorkers from some of our most significant institutions, making our organization more reflective of the breadth of our City.

Do you have any movie/music/book recommendations for readers to check out in celebration of Black History Month?
Revisiting San Juan Hill 

Is there a person or organization doing particularly inspiring work that you would like to spotlight?
Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, CUNY, Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq.

Roger Milliner, chief growth officer for MetroPlusHealth, is a native of Brooklyn, New York. He began at MetroPlusHealth in 1990 as a marketing representative, rejoining the company in 2000 as the associate executive director of marketing. Mr. Milliner manages a staff of over 350, and has been instrumental in the plan’s exponential growth. He is committed to building relationships with community leaders, city agencies, and community-based organizations to promote health care for all New Yorkers.