STATEN ISLAND, NY — The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) has announced the winners of this year’s “20 Under 40” leadership awards — an annual borough honor that recognizes the efforts of the Island State’s young professionals.
“SIEDC recognizes twenty young professionals each year who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities and contributions to the city,” said Mike Cusick, SIEDC president and CEO. “This year’s group has certainly made outstanding contributions to the community – from providing exceptional medical care in local hospitals to conducting local testing and vaccinations during the covid pandemic, and we are thrilled to recognize their achievements.
The honorees will be recognized at a ceremony on April 26, at the SIEDC’s Annual Conference held at the Garden Hilton Inn, Bloomfield. The event, which begins at 9 p.m., is free and open to the public.
Here is to see who will be honored;
Vincent Argenziano, Richmond County Public Administrator – Argenziano has a long record of public service and service to the people of the 63rd Assembly District. Working in the New York State Assembly for six years, Argenziano rose to become chief of staff to then-Assemblyman Michael Cusick. In 2019, Argenziano was appointed deputy public administrator of Richmond County, a position he currently holds.
Jenna Baratta, Where Minds Grow, Owner – Baratta, owner of Where Little Minds Grow, New Springville, is a certified speech-language pathologist and special education professional, she opened Where Little Minds Grow to become a learning center that offers multi-sensory and individualized programs, with both therapeutic and academic intervention. .
Joseph Basile, Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH)/Northwell Health – Basile held several leadership roles within the SIUH Emergency Department before being promoted to associate chair in 2018. He has participated in local, regional and national conferences, and currently serves as the chair of the Hospital’s Practice Management Committee and is a member. Medical Leadership Development Program.
Karalyn P. Buono, Esq., Thomson Law – Buono’s legal work is focused on the representation of sellers, buyers and creditors in New York residential transactions, as well as the representation of small businesses. One of the founding members of the Privacy Law Association at New York Law School.
Anthony Causi, Rocco Laurie Middle School Police Officer (IS 72) – Case in IS 72, New Springville, for more than a decade, he worked as a musical theater director. He is also the author and singer of a local wedding band, Cause and Effect. He has performed at several community events, including the borough of Staten Island’s annual free Summer Solstice Concert Series and the Orchard JCC Gala.
Jeanna Della Ragione, Esq., Tunnels to the Towers Foundation – In 2014, Jeanna Della Ragione joined the Tunnel Towers Foundation to manage the donation and endowment programs. The foundation at that time was mainly a local organization. The foundation has now become a national non-profit that helps thousands of families. Della Ragione served as manager, director and senior president of the organization. She is now the executive president of the group.
Rebecca Delvecchio, On the Office of the State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton – Delvecchio’s chief of staff is the recently elected state senator, Jessica Scarcella-Spanton. In his capacity, he serves as a liaison between the senator and the community, works on budgeting issues that will benefit the greater Island State community, and always keeps small businesses in mind when reviewing pressing issues.
Danielle Ennis, Eden II Programs – Ennius Early Childhood Education Coordinator at Eden II Programs. Its primary role is to assign special educators to support students with autism in public schools. Because of his support, hundreds of students can do well in their fields.
Sal Fabozzi and Anthony Passalacqua, Quia Nos Sports – Fabozzi is the owner and head coach of Because We Can Play, a free trial-based sports training program for young people with special needs. In 2015, after running “Coach Fabozzi Care”, a holiday clinic geared towards the inclusion of children with disabilities, he said he realized the opportunity to achieve a more sustainable way of life. The mission and goal of Because We Can Sports is to give all players an outlet to learn the fundamentals of the game in a fun, safe, judgment-free environment.
Elysa Fein-Cunningham, Staten Island Journal of Community Health – Fein-Cuningham serves as the president of human resources for Community Health for Action Island. Focused on staff development, he is committed to promoting justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at the forefront of organizational work.
Christina FrisiaTekie Geek – With almost 15 years of experience working in Staten Island, Frisia has made a significant impact in the local business community. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Staten Island and volunteers for Table on Wheels. Additionally, he uses his role as Tekie Geek, based in Great Kills, to participate in various charity projects and spread awareness about the importance of IT cyber security.
Mark Harmon-Vaught, Wagner – Band captain at Wagner College, Harmon-Vaught spearheaded the school’s sustainability efforts and formed several partnerships across the borough. He is the vice-chair of the board of trustees for Staten Island’s Bridge Preparatory School, is part of the SIEDC Solar Master Plan Committee, and co-led the 2023 Sustainability Forum, which is hosted by SIEDC & Wagner on their campus in March. He also serves on the United States Private Industry Council for the college.
Dr Johnathon LeBaron, Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) – LeBaron Oversee is the RUMC’s new emergency department and assistant professor of emergency medicine in the Icahn School of Emergency Medicine at Mount China.
Sarah Lacey, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden – Lacey is the senior director of finance and administration at Snug Harbor, Livingston, and has been with the organization since 2015. In addition to overseeing financial and human resources operations, she works closely with the treasurer and financial planner, tracking and managing investments. cash flow and ensuring compliance with city, state, and federal guidelines.
Brigitte McLaughlin, City Island Lifestyle – Former employee of Staten Island University Hospital. McLaughlin’s goal was to grow Staten Island by bringing the city’s magazine to the borough. In his role, he connects local business owners with those in the outer boroughs and New Jersey. She is also heavily involved in the Staten Island community through her work with the SIEDC and the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, serving as part of their Young Professionals Association Principal’s plan.
Michelle Molina, The Immigrant Center – Under the leadership of Molina, El Centro carried out a certain coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine program, which was responsible for vaccinating over 450 restaurant workers. The work on that project was recognized by Mayor Eric Adams with the Mayor’s Service Award in May 2022. In June 2022, El Centro was awarded a borough-wide Community Leadership Award by the city Department of Health for significantly raising Latinos’ COVID vaccination rates. . Molina also co-created a pilot program with SuperX Pharmacy to reduce diabetes in pre-diabetic Hispanic individuals in Iceland.
Dr. Mayank Parikh, Super Health Pharmacy – Parikh is the owner of Staten Island Super Health Pharmacy which he established in 2016 in Pleasant Plains. It is also a partner in 14 other Super Health Pharmacy locations, located in New York and New Jersey. At the height of the pandemic, I provided testing, vaccinations, free A1C and BP screenings, and other medical-related services to individuals in impoverished areas who had no access to health care.
Dominic Provenzano – Provenzano has been an integral part of the Island State Chamber of Commerce for the last several years and continues to help the organization grow. During the pandemic, he shared vital information with the Tax Island business community via email, keeping business owners up-to-date on city, state and federal regulations. It also made businesses more informed about their access to grants, loans and other financial support. The musician has worked with the band, Cause and Effect, for almost a decade. The band performs at weddings and fundraisers, in addition to events for various Island State organizations, such as: the Staten Island Greenbelt Conservancy; Staten Island Museum. The rising day of the camp; Great Kills Swim Club; Slope Swim Club; South Shore Swim Club. The band also performs in an annual free summer concert series, hosted by the mayor of the city.
Kara Roche, Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island – Roche has been vital to the JCC marketing team for three years. He oversees the organization’s social media and electronic communications, and under his leadership, social media engagement has grown exponentially.
Michael Savarese, Comserv Connect – Account Manager at Comserv Connect in Travis, Savarese strives to establish business imperatives for a strong cyber attitude. It helps businesses plan and budget to stay productive and secure. He serves on the boards of the Island Chamber of Commerce Youth Professional Association, as well as the Italian Club of Staten Island. Both groups continue to meet regularly to push the community for better food, less fortunate fundraisers and scholars.
