On behalf of The Lincoln-King Center and the International Human Rights Commission, I am honored to celebrate with you. It is so important to continue to work towards a fair and just system, as it becomes harder in this society. Tonight, we celebrate a group of honorees that have worked tirelessly to strive for fairness and justice. Whether in business or activism we are proud of your hard work and dedication to our communities. Congratulations and well wishes for your continued success.

I am proud to take part of this year’s Lincoln-King Visionary Award Gala. We take time to honor those who have shown an incredible love of community through activism or through their business. Our communities more than ever deserve to succeed and with leaders like those who are honored this year, our future looks bright. We thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to make sure this gathering is a success. It is my hope that we continue to work with all our honorees to build a strong community and to continue supporting our wonderful women and men, as we celebrate women in March and beyond. We thank you for sharing in our success this evening and appreciate your continued commitment to our community.

Honorable Judge Karen Gopee was born in Trinidad and immigrated to the United States when she was one.  She grew up in East NY, Brooklyn and attended local public schools including Franklin K. Lane H.S. She earned her BA from Binghamton University majoring in Political Science, Sociology and Women’s Studies and her JD from St. John’s Law School. She began her legal career at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.  For eight years she prosecuted Misdemeanor and Felony matters, from arrest to trial, supervised junior assistants and specialized in cases involving domestic violence and child abuse, speaking up for those without a voice.

In 2005, she accepted the Principal Court Attorney position with Judge Calabrese at the Red Hook Community Justice Center, a multi-jurisdictional Community Court acclaimed for innovative problem-solving techniques.  There, she worked with the Office of Court Administration, the Center for Court Innovation and community organizations to implement programs that diverted youth from criminal and/or family court and helped individuals access mental health and substance abuse programs in lieu of incarceration.  She also worked closely with NYCHA residents to facilitate repairs, address rent arrears and prevent eviction.

In December of 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio appointed her as a Criminal Court Judge. In November of 2021 Judge Karen Gopee was elected to the New York State Supreme Court, making her the first Judge of Indo-Caribbean descent, appointed and elected in New York State.  Judge Karen Gopee has handled Misdemeanor and Felony matters in Queens, presided over pretrial hearings, bench and jury trials and published a dozen decisions. She worked with the Queens District Attorney’s office to implement the Queens Treatment Intervention Program to offer screening and treatment to low level offenders suffering from opioid addiction. Since the 2018 launch there has been hundreds of successful participants.

Judge Karen Gopee was the Chair to the American Bar Association Criminal Justice ADR and Restorative Justice Committee, current President and founding member of South Asian Indo- Caribbean Bar Association of Queens, launched in 2017. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the Asian American Judges Association of NYand the CLE chair of the Caribbean American Lawyers Association. She is a recipient of the Meritorious Award by the ABA, the Community Impact Award by the Indo-Caribbean Alliance, the Pioneering Indo-Caribbean Woman Award by the East Indian Diaspora Heritage Committee of New York, the Power Woman Award from Schnep’s Media and has received citations from the Mayor and the Queens Borough President.

Judge Karen Gopee works tirelessly with community organizations on issues related to domestic violence, human trafficking, teen consent and improving the criminal justice system. She mentors’ students, young attorneys and junior judges and has co-created programs to address gangs, guns and bullying. She has partnered with organization to provide safe spaces for at risk youth on Friday and Saturday nights, as well as programs that provide inner city youth with tickets to Broadway Shows, Concerts, Sporting events, museums and restaurants and co-created.

Honorable Sadri Altinok is one of the founding members and the current President of the Turkish Cultural Center NY, (TCCNY – 2006) with branches onLong Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island. TCCNY was formed to promote and foster lasting friendships based on having mutual respect for all, open dialogue, interfaith and intercultural activities.

Sadri graduated in 1987 from the Naval Post Graduate School in California with a MS degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked in various high-tech companies in Silicon Valley and New York until 2005. He then formed his own Telecommunication and TV services company. Currently he is the CEO of Signal Telecommunications.

Sadri volunteers for several non-profit civic organizations. His passion of breaking barriers between all interfaith and intercultural communities brought him to lead trips to Turkey for over a hundred of his friends between 2005 and 2014. These trips hold a special place in the hearts of everyone who came along, full of great memories of getting to know an amazing culture. Sadri organized a large business fair to bring together business people from several countries, participated in events held by the Long Island Multi Faith Forum (LIMFF) and co-chaired LIWINS, an Immigration Communication and Advocacy group in Nassau County.

After the recent and unfortunate events taking place in Turkey since 2016, Sadri has been working with AST (Advocates of Silenced Turkey), a not-for-profit Human Rights advocacy and action group to be a voice for all victims affected. He is currently a board member for AST. Sadri is also a volunteer and contributor for the Embrace Relief, a not-for profit group headquartered in NJ. He helped to build water wells, organize cataract surgeries for many in Africa and visited Haiti after the earthquake to support efforts to sustain orphanages, schools and a hospital.

Sadri is currently a board member for the Suffolk County Muslim advisory board, helping with being a bridge between the community and the governmental organizations. He is also one of the founders of Abraham’s Table org, which started in Manhattan and has been active on Long Island for the past nine years contributing to improving the dialogue between the communities with the participation of all Abrahamic faiths. He has been married to his wife Kimberley for 36 years and is a proud father of four daughters.

Mrs. Rehana Insanali is a true humanitarian, dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. She was born in the beautiful country of Guyana and migrated to the United States in 1988, with the hope of creating a better life for her family. She is a proud mother of two sons.

A highly educated woman, Rehana graduated with a degree in Computer Business Graduated from Drake business school in Computer Business in the United states. Before moving to the United States, she worked as a secretary with the government of Guyana in Regions 6, where she gained valuable experience and skills.

In 2000, Rehana embarked on a journey of charitable work, traveling to Egypt with her family to pursue religious studies, while helping those in need. While there, she devoted herself to working with orphans, the needy, and the refugees from impoverished communities across the world. She also contributed to the building of schools and mosques in several countries. Her dedication to this work was truly inspiring and she touched many lives in the process.

Throughout her life, Rehana has continued to give back to the community. She is a true entrepreneur, using her business skills to make a difference in the world. She has a passion for helping the poor and vulnerable, especially in Guyana, Egypt and other impoverished countries. She also donates to food pantries and other organizations dedicated to helping those in need, including the homeless in New York. Her kindness and generosity have inspired many people around her, and she continues to make a positive impact on the world.

In conclusion, Rehana Insanely is a shining example of how one person can make a positive impact on the world. Through her dedication to charitable work and her commitment to giving back to the community, she has touched the lives of many people around the world. Her kindness, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit are an inspiration to us all. Rehana’s work reminds us of the importance of helping those in need and of using our skills and resources to make the world a better place.

Pastor Marie Elna Esteve is the firstborn of the Dorestil family from Haiti in St. Michel De L’Attalaye. She is the eldest of 7 siblings and served as a mother figure to all of her siblings. At age 25, she left Haiti and embarked on a journey to America to start a new life with her husband, Edvard Esteve. A few years later, the two decided to start a family and a new business, Esteve Enterprises Inc, a multi-service office. They expanded their business by adding more services such as tax services, document translation, a travel agency, and a driving school. After a few years down the line, she was introduced to the Real Estate investment business, which she grew a special love for. She loved Real Estate more than the other types of business this couple built together.

During her successful and impactful career, Marie also advanced in her education. This determined and devoted woman returned to school while running a business and raising their daughter. Marie obtained her master’s degree in behavioral science. To this day, she continues to utilize her knowledge and expertise in her ministry by creating a space where people in the community can heal spiritually and emotionally. Pastor Elna consistently devotes herself to God’s Ministry by modeling God’s principle of love, which is to love one another in God’s guiding light.

She created a not-for-profit organization named Minions of the Master, through which she sponsored disadvantaged children back in Haiti. Marie and her husband served the community tirelessly in a secular capacity and as deacons at their local church. In 2013, those two obedient servants of God answered a call to start God’s Ministry, Cornerstone Church of God, and they just celebrated their 10th anniversary in April 2023.

Marie Elna Esteve is an experienced Real Estate Investor, Marriage Counselor, and a licensed Co-Pastor. In addition to her primary job functions, Marie Esteve has been recognized and awarded for her extraordinary commitment to the community. She won the Martin Luther King Award in 2004 for exemplary community service and entrepreneurship and various awards from Esteve Enterprises and Cornerstone Church of God.

For over 30 years, Marie Elna Esteve has been a noteworthy leader in the Brooklyn and Nassau area in business as well as community care. She is a committed community servant leader, serving the church and the community regardless of their background. Marie Esteve supports food for the poor and many other organizations. She aims to open a ministry, making job search and counseling more accessible in the community she loves and serves. This new ministry would accentuate her outstanding work as a co-pastor at the Cornerstone Church of God and her values as one who attests that education has helped shape her career and many of her life achievements.

“Many believe that opening a restaurant is as simple as putting on an apron and heading into the kitchen, but every successful restaurant owner knows this couldn’t be further from the truth.”

Mr. Jean H. Panier started his career working as an assistant chef at the prestige hotel in Haiti called“Ibo Lele Hotel”. In the early 80’s, Herve ran the kitchen and was perfecting luxury catering to socialites in Haiti. He then became head chef at Hotel El Rancho and Hotel Christopher, and then became a private chef for a well-known French Diplomat who resided in Haiti. Jean is known for bringing “life “into the kitchen. He has a one of a kind senses of humor, mixed with exceptional taste and cultural in French, Italian and Caribbean cuisine.

Herve is one of 10 siblings. Growing up with such a large family, he hung out a lot in the kitchen side by side with his mother, cooking for his brother and sisters. At the age of 12, he already knew how to make rice, legume, and stew chicken for a family of 10. In March 2001 he arrived in New York with his only daughter to provide a better life for her. He worked at multiple restaurants including Paclo, Roche D’obreb and Mirelle’s Restaurant. Mr. Herve worked as a manager at Creole Plate alongside with his good friends.

Years after being in the United States and running the kitchen in multiple restaurants, Mr. Herve was able to make his dream come true by taking full ownership of Creole Plate. Mr. Herve has been feeding the Rosedale community ever since. Everyone from the homeless who come for a warm plate of food and the elderly who come and are on a special diet. He also does large catering events from weddings, funerals, holiday or small intimate special dinners. Mr. Herve soon hopes to have another location of Creole Plate as a sit-down dining, and catering hall in the future.

Reverend Dr. Ruben Charles Beaubrun was born on December 6th, 2023 in Gonaives, Haiti. Dr. Ruben comes from a very humble beginning. Reverend Ruben grew up in Haiti until he was 13 years old. While attending a Canadian School, His partents, Charles Beaubrun and Enerese Beaubrun filled out paperwork so that he could travel and at the age of 14, Dr. Ruben migrated to the United States along his brothers and sisters to come to the United States. Dr. Ruben as soon as He arrived to the United States of America, Dr. Ruben attended and graduated from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr High School located in Manhattan, soon after Dr. Ruben C. Beaubrun was accepted to attend Syracuse University on a scholarship, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

In 2001, Dr. Ruben started to work in the Department of Education where He begins to teach Math and Science both in Middle and High School. Then, later in 2004, Dr. Ruben Charles Beaubrun was accepted to further his studies in the Graduate Level at Bank Street Graduate School, the number one school for Education in the world. In 2007, graduated with a dual degree as a Generalist and a Specialist in Education. Quickly, after Dr. Ruben graduated with his Masters, Rev. Dr. Ruben, while leaving a youth group as a Spiritual Leader for about 15 years, He decided to study the bible more profoundly, He attended the Bible Institute in Manhattan, later transfer to Macedonia University in Queens, New York. It was there he received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Theology.   As a speaker of the Gospel, he started as an evangelist, a known motivational speaker, impacting several lives throughout the world for two decades in different states and countries. Dr. Ruben is also known as a fierce worshiper in the Haitian, Haitian-American, and Spanish community, mostly in the New York City Area and all similar communities around the different states and countries. As the Lord started to elevate him in God’s glory. Years later, he decided to complete his first doctoral studies in the Ministry of Counseling, at Open Bible University.

He then went on to complete his second doctorate in Divinity at Trinity International University of Ambassadors.   Truly his character has been built by Christ and his parents’ influence have allowed him to coach several in his path and produce excellence in all that he does, wherever he may go.   About six years ago, the Lord had called him to be a pastor in the New York area, where he planted a church called “Living Faith Tabernacle” where many lives are being transformed. In that ministry, he has equipped several members to be soldiers and powerful intercessors!   Indeed Dr. Ruben Charles Beaubrun continues to empower people from all walks of life, and continues teaching all nations to be disciples of Jesus Christ!

Deborah (Deb) Harrison is a lifetime resident of New York’s Hudson Valley. A growth and change catalyst, Deb helps individuals and organizations adapt to and initiate change so they can improve performance and well-being. Deb was raised in the Shwangunk Mountains and spent her childhood building her body, mind and soul through adventures in the woods, avid journaling and striving to overcome difficult obstacles. Her experiences, along with her curious and compassionate nature, set her off on a lifetime of looking to shine her light and help others to shine. Family members and friends note how she has always had this “way about her,” seen in her eyes and smile, resilience beyond the hurt she held inside.

In high school, Deb was active in multiple extra-curricular programs and applied her passion for helping others to be their best. As a junior, she created the Students for Education organization to foster community awareness of the importance of music, art and athletic programs. After high school, she went on to receive a BA in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Humanistic/Multicultural Education. Deb earned New York and International Baccalaureate Teacher Certifications. Deb’s hard work and collaborative efforts in college were noticed by her professors, who engaged her in additional projects, including a college collective, Perspectives in Education, and contribution to a publication for the Council for Exceptional Children (Teaching Exceptional Children Vol. 36, No.3 – Jan/Feb 2004).

At the start of her career, Deb was a high school teacher for thirteen years. She taught English Language Arts, the GED program, International Baccalaureate Language A1, Creative Writing and Journalism. She was the advisor for the school’s publications, director of the school’s talent show, and coordinator for the International Baccalaureate CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) Program. She facilitated curriculum development projects and the district’s NYS Rubric Analysis for the ELA Regents Assessment. She co-authored Empowering Youth with Purpose (Nov. 2011), a book to renew those who teach, guide or minister to youth. In addition to teaching, Deb also led a youth program for 10 years and had her own photography and videography business. Deb transitioned to full-time advisory and consultant services in 2012. She is widely referred as a trusted guide, facilitator and strategist. She is an Accredited Cross-Cultural Consultant and has a Harvard Business School Online Certificate in Organizational Leadership. She meets people where they are, inspiring them to bring their best to their organizations, communities and selves and inviting them to recognize how exceptional they are and the profound difference they can make in the world. Across platforms, she teaches that everyone is an incredible miracle.

Deb’s professional services, detailed at dharrisonpvd.com, include, but are not limited to: organizational and individual growth coaching; training; workshops; speaking and change mapping. She facilitates a growth mindset. With 25 years of experience, Deb’s clients range from solopreneurs to well-known multinational corporations from over 20 different industries, including technology, education, finance, food, retail, and healthcare. Of the more than 400 organizations she has worked with, examples include Johnson & Johnson, the National Parks Service, AARP, KUKA Robotics, FEMA, McDonald’s, the Air National Guard, and LPL Financial.

Deb is a member of Vision Hudson Valley, World Vision, World Pulse, and the Global and New York Chapters of Harvard Business School Online. She has volunteered and advocated for mental health treatment and awareness, overcoming domestic violence, youth safety and empowerment, educational equity, and local food pantries, along with having fundraised for causes such as New York’s homeless shelters, New York Blood Center, Safe Homes, CROP Hunger Walk, Citizens Reunited to Overcome Cancer (CROC), and American Cancer Society.

A powerful storyteller, Deb shares candidly about her personal and professional journey, including her deep struggles, to encourage and invite truth in others. She was a panelist for Harvard Business School On line’s 2023 Global event for International Women’s Day and was featured on the WTBQ radio series Inspiring Minds, Extraordinary People. Deb is a youth minister, lector, faith formation group leader and choir member. She loves to play her guitar and sing. She and her husband have 3 teenagers and enjoy spending time outdoors.

Bishop Melissa Archbold is a married Black Latina with Jewish roots who resides in Long Island New York with her husband and children. She is the Co-Pastor of New Jerusalem Cathedral and the Senior Pastor of the International Women’s Ministry. Dr. Archbold spearheaded the Ministry, the Annual Women’s Conference where she empowers women from all walks of life to believe that their journey is not a mistake but it is intentional for their success.

She is the President & Co-Founder of Zion Youth and Family Community Center of Elmont. At the community center, created Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics’s curriculum in collaboration with Brookhaven National Laboratory, Vaughn College Aeronautics and Farmingdale State College. Dr. Melissa Archbold received her Master degree in Mental Health Counseling at Nyack College and received Master clinical training for Marriage and Family Therapy at Liberty University, and an honorary doctorate degree from Mississippi Theological University and Seminary.

She has two family therapy specializations and certifications: Multisystemic Therapy and Functional Family Therapy, in which she is Certified FFT Supervisor. She also is a Mental Health First Aid Certified Instructor. Dr. Archbold is a member of the Latino/Hispanic Advisory Council from the Nassau County District Attorney Office. She also is part of the other Advisory Councils from the Nassau County District Attorney Office such as Heroin Prevention Task Force, Faith Leaders Advisory Council and the Black/African Advisory Council.

Ali Rashid is the paragon of a Citizen; ambitious, hard-working, and empathetic. Often characterized as Ali Rashid, is a dynamic individual with excellent interpersonal and analytical skills. Ali is drawn to New York because it is a city of immigrants, much like he and his family are. This very ideal coupled with Ali’s admiration for his heritage has always been a pivotal aspect of his identity. It is what has fueled his passion in representing those which are both underserved and whose voices are often excluded as part of the narrative woven by the status quo.

Ali attended CUNY Baruch College and received his BBA with Honors in Finance and Investments. His bountiful career began when he started his real estate career at the age of 19 while attending college full time. He even managed to secure and obtain the top producer award in his first year. In addition, Ali has worked for Corporate America at HSBC Bank as a Vice President for Intra Group Sales. Because of his successful career as a broker, Ali pursued additional outlets to hone his skills in and resultantly, started in Real Estate Investing in 2012 by wholesaling and retailing properties. In addition to his business acumen, Ali takes pride in his capacity to bless and train new entrepreneurs with promising techniques and cutting-edge resources that he has developed. He currently leads the team at Kingsland Properties by actively overseeing the company’s planning and growth functions and paying close attention to detail for investor services. Due to his leadership roles in the development of a new generation of entrepreneurs, in association with his phenomenal investment and property development skills he has been honored with the Top 20 under 40 awards issued by the Long Island Board of Realtors in addition to the Stars under 40 by Schneps Communication.

Despite his successful career, Ali still recognizes the significance of encouraging the development of underserved communities especially those which are South Asian. He is the Founder and President for America Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG). APAG is a social service and advocacy organization. Driven by its core tenets, to engage, empower, and elevate. APAG seeks to uplift and honor the principles of democracy, freedom, and hard work. Under the leadership of its founder and President Ali Rashid, APAG has made substantial strides in empowering minority and immigrant communities. Since its inception, APAG has been emboldened by their philosophy to create dynamic change throughout the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Under the leadership of Ali Rashid, APAG has made historic and landmark strides for the community. On August 06, 2023, ahead of the 76th Pakistan Independence Day, Ali made history by co-naming a street in Queens, New York as “Allama Iqbal Avenue”. Allama Iqbal was a leading figure in the emancipation and founding of Pakistan and is regarded one of the best poet in the world. The co-naming of this street recognizes Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage whilst allowing Pakistani American to honor one of the most significant leaders of their country. A symbol of the indelible bond between the rich tapestry of Pakistani American heritage and the vibrant diversity of the USA. Ali wants to preserve his legacy for generations to come, allowing his ideals to continue inspiring youth to reach new heights of excellence.

The America Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) also conducts many drives to assist the community throughout the year which includes Ramadan food drive, back to school drive, halal Thanksgiving food drive, holiday toy drive and winter clothing drive every year to give back to the community throughout New York.

Furthermore, under the leadership of Ali Rashid, The APAG team worked day and night during the COVID-19 pandemic and assisted the community throughout New York State. APAG was one of the first South Asian Organization that start delivering and distributing food at beginning of the pandemic. When COVID struck and thousands of people faced issues like food security, Ali self-funded the production and distribution of grocery packages to thousands of families in need. Also, Ali provided thousands of free meals to first responders in five different locations throughout New York. For these incredible acts of service during a dire time, APAG was recognized by United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and United States Department of State.

Additionally, Ali has been involved in many legislations including religious scarf bill, Language Access Bill, Our City Our Vote, Coverage For All bill and halal food in NYC schools and continue to fight for immigrant and minorities rights everyday. Ali has been recognized by many elected officials for his selfless community work and is included in City and State top 100 Influential Asian Americans in New York. Ali goals is always to build bridges to empower communities by engaging, empowering and elevating the people. In his spare time, Ali likes to spend time with his family and involve himself with sports and adventure activities.

Police Officer Thomas Joy was born and raised in southern India in the state of Kerala. He immigrated to the United States in NY in 1996 at the age of 17. He completed High School in Orangeburg, NY and enlisted in the US Army in 1997.Thomas has completed 25 years of service in the US Army on both Active Duty and in the Reserves. During his service he was assigned for combat duty in Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom during which he earned a Combat Action Badge. Thomas was stationed for four years in Europe and on other varied assignments throughout the United States. Thomas has completed the Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officer Course, Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course and First Sergeant’s Course in the US Army. In June of 2007 Thomas completed the Westchester County Police Academy and served as a Police Officer in the City of Mount Vernon Police Department, NY till 2010.In June of 2010 Thomas attended the Suffolk County Police Academy.

He initially served as a Police Officer with the Suffolk County Police Department, 1st Precinct, Babylon, NY and from 2013 with the Suffolk County Police Highway Patrol Bureau as a Highway Patrol Officer. Thomas currently serves in the Community Relations Bureau as a Recruitment Officer, since 2018.Thomas has completed the Police Supervision Course, Police Motorcycle Operator Course, Breath Analysis Operator course, the RADAR / LIDR course, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driver Enforcement (ARIDE), Confidential Informant Management Course, Instructor Development Course, Crisis Intervention Team training and other courses with the police department.Thomas has earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY in 2007.Thomas was the founding member of the Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society in 2014.

The Society is a police fraternal nonprofit (501c3) that serves as a bridge between the department and the Asian American members of the community, encourages Asian Americans to consider a career in law enforcement and the armed forces of the Unites States and celebrates Asian languages, culture, heritage and cuisine.Thomas was the founding member of the American Malayalee Law Enforcement United (AMLEU) in 2020 and became its first President. The organization is a national law enforcement charity organization with over 150 members from over 40 agencies around the. The organization focuses on community outreach, scholarships for college students and other philanthropic efforts. Thomas was the founding member of the law enforcement fraternal organization Suffolk County Police LGBTQ Society which was created in 2021 as a direct response to community needs and requests. Today the organization serves as an outreach organization to the LGBTQ community of Long Island, aids in recruitment efforts from that community, assists the community in problem solving and connecting the community to key government and law enforcement leadership. Thomas was appointed by the Suffolk County Executive to serve as a board member in the Suffolk County Asian American Advisory Board. Thomas’ term is for three years from 2021to the end of 2023. The Board advises the County Executive on legislation, business development and cultural understanding as it pertains to the Asian American community.

Thomas served on the U.S. Service Academy Selection Committee of the 3rd Congressional District, New York from 2020 to 2023. In this role, Thomas screened, processed and mentored candidates who expressed an interest in attending one of the five U.S. military academies. Thomas continues to serve the community through his career in law enforcement, serves the nation as a member of the US Army and continues his philanthropic efforts through the societies he founded.

Mrs. Waspagne Preval was born and raised in Port Au Prince, Haiti. She is the third oldest of seven. In the 1980s, she and her family migrated to the United States where they later settled in New York City. There, Waspagne married and gave birth to five children, and gain one grandchild. As a mother, Waspagne has always made time to provide for her children, cooking meals and ensuring they were in good health despite the long hours she spent at work along with the commute. She always encourages her children to aim higher and reassures them that they can do anything they put their minds to.

Over the years, despite raising five children, she somehow managed to care for others by opening her home to those in need when they needed a place to stay. She is always giving towards those in need. She not only sees herself but others. Waspagne also plays an active part in the community churches, dedicating her time in making sure food is always tasty and ready to feed those in need. Did we mention she loves to cook and is an amazing cook?! Waspagne is a woman of God who you will always find praying and encouraging her family and those around her to seek God, trust in Him and claim their victory which is found in Christ Jesus!

On April 18, 1988, not too long after Waspagne migrated to New York City, she was blessed to utilize her degree from Haiti, the University of Medical Technology in Medical Technology, to find her career at Harlem Hospital working in Histology as a Medical technologist. It wasn’t instant or easy finding this job, she testifies, it was God who opened the door and made a way for her to obtain this career. Today, we can congratulate her for completing 35 years and 10 months of service to The New York City Health and Hospitals Harlem.

Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Felix was born on May 9, 1965 in Aux Cayes, Haiti. In God’s sovereignty, he survived a complicated delivery as a twin, whilst the other sadly perished. From a young age, he had a fervor and enthusiasm for church in preaching and prayer services. This was an early indication of his call as a minister. With humble beginnings, at the remarkable age of 14, he began leading services under coconut leaves in tents. At 17 years old, he had a church built

with brick in Tonbek with a capacity of 400 people. Later, at age 25, he founded another church in the same region, Tonbek George, with a capacity of 800 people. He would also later build an adjoining school there in 2008. He was a star student and graduated from Cevique College. Shortly after, he started his ministerial education at Mission L’Eglise de Dieu (Church of God Mission). However, his sights were beyond borders and he received a visa to travel to France. Eventually, he would comeacross the Atlantic to the United States in 1989. In Brooklyn, NY, Rev. Joseph N Felix, grew in popularity as a young dynamic and anointed preacher who was serving as a youth leader. His days as an eligible bachelor would conclude with the encounter of his current wife, Mrs. Geraldine Felix. They married in 1993, and the family grew with the addition of two daughters and a son named Kestia, Daniella and Benjamin.

Rev. Joseph N Felix started his first church plant in the US in New Hampshire in 1995 and ministered for 2 years until they moved to New York. In 1998, he founded his main branch Church of God Faith in Christ. What started as a modest gathering of 40 members in a school building on Snyder Avenue grew to approximately 100 members and moved to 1238 Flatbush

Avenue. This location has been recognized for its Thursday morning fasting services where many can attest to the miracles and healings performed there. In 2004, he also planted a church in Naples, Florida for about 4 years. In 2018, he planted another church in Aux Cayes with a capacity of 350 people. Not only was he diligent in serving his religious community, he also was arduous in his studies.

From 1992-2010 Rev Joseph N Felix worked on his academic career obtaining a certificate from Mt. Olive Bible Institute, and his bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in theology from Lighthouse Christian Seminary. Rev Joseph N Felix is known for his dynamic preaching, dedication to serve, integrity, work ethic, restlessness, energetic footwork and most of all his charitable heart which has helped and encouraged so many. He has organized and assisted various relief efforts in his missionary work to Haiti. Besides his domestic travels in the States, he has also traveled and ministered in countries like France, Canada, and Dominican Republic. Even during Haiti’s current tumultuous and dangerous conditions, Rev Joseph N Felix traveled, ministered

and assisted his ailing community in Aux Cayes.

Sherif Fraser was born and raised in Guyana, South America. She was significantly influenced in the early years of her life by the nurturing and guiding principles of her parents’ idea on being focused, disciplined, and “always seeking knowledge and training to better ones self…”Sherif migrated to the United States of America in 1982 where she obtained a Bachelor’s Degree. After working in the medical field and later as an Assistant Day-care provider, she began her career in Community Service in 1987. Sherif worked at New York City Department of Environmental Protection Communications Center, then moved on to New York City Community Boards # 3 and #9 before transferring to Community Board #17 where she is presently the District Manager.

As District Manager and local businesswoman, she knows firsthand the many difficulties a Community encounters due to lack of service. She remains a strong advocate for service delivery to the residents of East Flatbush and communicates with elected officials to ensure the allocation of funding to enhance existing programs and bring added opportunities to the residents of the community.

Sherif has lived worked and raised her family in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn and over the years dedicated herself to serving her community. When not performing her duties as District Manager, she’s volunteering her time. She served as former President of the Guyana Unity Movement Inc., a non-profit organization she started in 2015, whose mission is to provide a mechanism through which Guyanese can voluntarily assist their communities through programs and services culturally unique to their needs. Sherif also served on the Advisory Board of the Historic Wyckoff Farmhouse Museum, Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Kingsborough Psychiatric Center, Susan Smith McKinney, Kings County Hospital Center Consumer & Family Behavioral Health Advisory Committee where she worked with the new quality management division for behavioral health to ensure the initiatives instituted are effective, Tots and Teens in Focus, Guyana Tots and Teens Inc., Battalion Christian Academy, Global Class Center For Learning Arts and Success Skills. She is also the Chairperson of her Block Association and for the past twelve years, Secretary/Advisor to the Wilfred Vernon Clarke Memorial Fund, Inc, established to support the higher education of students pursuing a Baccalaureate degree in varying fields of Engineering at the City College of the City University of New York.

Working tirelessly on various projects with community organizations and community residents, she has spearheaded the creation and revitalization of several blocks and tenants’ association and has walked the strips encouraging merchants, churches and residents along Utica and Church Avenues to form a Merchants Association, the formation of Utica Church Avenue Merchants Association (UCAMA) encompasses more than Thirty (30) blocks.

After months of discussion with the local police precinct, elected officials, business owners, ex- law enforcement officers and residents to form a Task-force to address gun violence in the community, the Flatbush Civilian Observation Patrol (COP) program was formed. This organization was formed to work closely with the 67th Police Precinct in an effort to reduce crime/gun violence in the community.

Sherif’s love and admiration for seniors in the community motivated her to reach out to the Department For The Aging (DFTA) to have a senior center returned to the East Flatbush community. After months of advocating on behalf of the seniors, the Remsen Senior Center returned to the East Flatbush district. She knows her work is not completed until every senior in District 17 have an opportunity to come together for services and activities that enhance their dignity, support their independence and encourage their involvement.

Her dedication and commitment to community service has earned her numerous honors and awards, most notably, the Presidents’ Award, Dynamic Woman Award, Sojourner Truth Award, Proclamations from the Borough President, City Council, Congress, Assembly and numerous Community Service Awards from various Churches and Organizations. She believes everyone with a vested interest in a community should get involved in public service.

“Great works are performed not only by strength, but by perseverance”

My name is Maria Santana I was born on September 28, 1973 in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States when I was just 14 years old. I attended Freeport High-school in Freeport, New York from 1988-1992. After high school I started working at a part-time flower shop at Freeport House of Flowers and also was working at Mini Graphics a pharmaceutical printing company for about 6 years. In 2002 I became the owner for Freeport House of Flowers and kept it for 4 years. In 2006 I opened my own business JC Flowers in Freeport and kept it for about 16 years.

Within those 16 years I became devoted and hard working to my business. It was a reward and a blessing as I was able to raise my 4 children. On December 31, 2020 I sold JC Flowers and in 2021 | started an online flower shop named Garden of Flowers due to the global pandemic and just now opened a store to the public in May of this year 2023 in Uniondale, New York. I’m happily married to my husband Juan Avalos and we are devoted Christians. We congregate ourselves at Ministry Alpha & Omega Church in Bohemia, New York. On our free time we enjoyed hosting family gatherings with family and friends.

We love traveling to Guatemala and Dominican Republic to visit family. I also visit my oldest daughter in Georgia and spend time with her family. My goal in life has always been to show my children and grandchildren what it’s like to be an entrepreneur and what blessings come from that role.