WDN 2021
SUMMIT SPonsoRS
GOLD
BRONZE
Contributors to the
Sustainability of wdn
Our
board of directors
shanequa Levinis an award-winning social justice leader, motivational speaker, and author who believes that it is important to step up and advocate for those that need one's strength and voice. She is also a registered ordained wedding officiant. Shanequa founded the Long Island chapter of Mocha Moms a support group for mothers of color and served as chapter president, regional director, and the National Parent Nation Coordinator. She is the former director of Every Child Matters in NY, an advocacy and electoral engagement organization on behalf of kids. Currently, she is the convener of LI United to Transform Policing and Community Safety, a Community Advisor for Hofstra University's Healthcare Entrepreneurship Community Challenge, a member of The State of Black Long Island Equity Council through the Urban League of Long Island, an associate member of Jack & Jill of America where she served as the Suffolk county chapters Legislative Chair, and the creator of culturally relevant Facebook groups. In the past, she has been involved in organizations like Girl Scouts, where she was a troop leader for 6 years; the Huntington Station Enrichment Center, where she was a board member; and the National Association of Mothers' Center, where she was a facilitator.
Shanequa gives her all to campaigns that focus on marginalized community members. She has spoken at various events across the country, and facilitated countless workshops on advocacy and voter engagement in early learning centers, community groups, training programs, and colleges. She meets with community members one-on-one to provide them with guidance during their journey to become lifelong advocates. She works alongside prominent politicians, organizers, and individuals impelling change. Creating and getting involved with grassroots justice campaigns, participating in speaking circuits, and lobbying in Albany and Washington, DC led her to be instrumental in grassroots advocacy for legislative changes to Early Care and Learning, Raise The Age, Paid Family Leave Insurance, Bail Reform, and policies that protect safety net programs which allow every child to thrive. Along with other leaders, her contributions helped give more access to affordable and quality child care; sixteen and seventeen-year old's the right to be tried and housed with youth instead of adults in the criminal justice system; moms, dads, military, adoptive parents, and caretakers the right to have their job secured while taking care of a loved one; and allowed people to not have bail as a barrier while trying to prove their innocence.
After working for over a decade in the non-profit sector to advocate for mothers and children, Shanequa noticed the lack of diversity in non-profit social movements. She felt these movements themselves were segregated; everyone was working to do good with people from their own ethnicity only. To build cultural bridges, educate people on issues that affect them, celebrate diversity, unite women, and create unified advocacy opportunities, she founded the 501(c)(3) Women's Diversity Network, aka WDN, where she serves as the Chief Executive Officer. WDN has become a social movement organization practicing transformative justice processes based on group leadership where marginalized lives are centered. The mission of the WDN is to connect and mobilize women of different backgrounds to create positive change through collective work and a unified sisterhood. Through WDN, she has created the Health Equity Task Force, which focuses on addressing Maternal Mortality. She's also created a yearly summit that brings diverse people together to learn about social justice issues and celebrate cultures.
Shanequa also convenes a Black-led, multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-generational coalition of organizations, activists, and community members who are working to ensure genuine public safety for all Long Island communities called LI United to Transform Policing & Community Safety. LI United's mission is to transform public safety by divesting from policing and investing in our communities.
After surviving childhood poverty, dealing with drug-addicted parents, an incarcerated father, and having a teen mom, she understands the importance of using her voice to help others break negative generational cycles. She values loyalty, collaboration, justice, optimism, and honesty. Shanequa has written a book titled Poverty's Phoenix, which sheds light on the child's perspective of growing up in suburban poverty.
Shanequa attended Lincoln & Hofstra universities in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. She has certificates from Adelphi University for Organizational and Community Leadership; Social Movement Technologies for Digital Organizing; the University of Connecticut for Workplace Empowerment Leadership & Skills; Rockwood Institute for The Art of Leadership; and the National Association of Mothers' Centers for Group Facilitation.
Sandra Krebelj-Douglasis a Media Entertainment Executive with 30+ years of experience in Advertising Sales Administration, Operations, and Finance. She has led teams both at A+E Networks and TV One with an emphasis on collaboration and mentoring talent. In her professional capacity, she provides fiscal oversight and is a liaison with Finance, Legal, and HR business areas. A cohort of Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) 2018 Rising Leaders Program (RLP), she was nominated and participated in a premier professional development program for emerging women leaders in media, entertainment, and technology.
Since 2020, Sandra has been a member of her company’s Diversity Advisory Council (DAC). The council works with the executive team to ensure A+E Networks builds a diverse, inclusive, and high-impact internal culture. Sandra represents the Global Connectedness (GC) subcommittee and serves as its co-chair. GC strives to raise awareness of cultural diversity within the organization and create connections across global offices. Sandra is also a Hearst INCLUDE Certified Change Agent, having participated in the Hearst INCLUDE conscious inclusion training. An initiative aimed to bolster awareness of biases within the workplace and help foster a more inclusive and diverse culture.
In the past, Sandra served as LIRRCC Member/Vice-Chair. Appointed by the Governor's office to represent Suffolk County on the Long Island Railroad Commuter Council (LIRRCC). In this role, she represented the voice of the riders and provided Long Island Rail Road management and the MTA Board with informed and timely advice on service, communications, and rider experience. This committee worked to hold Long Island Rail Road management accountable to the users of its services Her other volunteerism includes school PTA; Cub Scouts; JDRF International; Long Island Activists.
Sandra holds a B.A. in Communications Arts & Sciences from CUNY Queens College and was the first in her family to attend college. A native of Croatia, Sandra grew up in the NYC boroughs and now resides on Long Island. Sandra enjoys yoga, meditation, travel, and time with her husband, adult son, and dog.
Debbie Mercer-Miller is the U.S. Securities Country Manager and Head of U.S. Custody Product Management where she manages over $6 trillion in stocks and bonds for clients domiciled in the US and approximately 30 other markets. She has been in the industry since 1993 and her experience spans across multiple disciplines in the capital market.
Her current responsibilities include setting the strategy and managing the U.S. Custody business as well as effectively positioning Citi and our client’s interest in the U.S. capital market. Debbie works closely with our clients to ensure alignment with their strategies and provide solutions for complex matters. Debbie is the Vice Chair of the Association for Global Custodian (AGC) and Citi’s voting member. She is also a member of The Federal Reserve Securities Wholesale Committee, Depository Trust Clearing Corporation Americas Committee, and Citi’s Steering Committee Representative at ISITC. She has a stellar track record of proactively initiating and leading market initiatives that fundamentally change the market infrastructure and mitigate market risk. She is the first At Large Pubic Member for NYS Midwifery Board. She is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and her views are often solicited by market peers. Debbie is equally very passionate about volunteering and mentoring.
Debbie joined Citi in 1997 as Citi Transaction Services Global Risk Manager in New York and was subsequently promoted to Operations Project Manager in Dublin to oversee Euro Implementation for Cash Management, Client Executive in American Depository Receipts servicing clients in the Middle East, Global Custody Marketing Manager and U.S. Custody Product Development Manager.
Prior to joining Citi, she was the Assistant Treasurer at IBM. She pursued a dual major in finance and accounting at the City University of New York where she graduated with honors and an M.B.A. in executive management from St. John’s University.
Carla Simpsonhas an MBA and has been working in the real estate industry for over 20 years. She is the founder of SIMPCo Properties LLC, a value-oriented boutique real estate investment and property management firm.
Carla serves on several boards dedicated to the empowerment and education of children and women. She is the proud mother of one daughter and a graduate of Dartmouth College and Columbia University School of Business.
Jasmine Johnsonwas born and raised in CT and currently resides in GA. She is African America, Puerto Rican, and Taíno. Jasmine has earned her bachelor's in tourism and hospitality and her executive masters in business management and marketing. She works full-time at an accounting firm and runs a digital business for Women called b.demp that aims to help women create a balanced, healthy, and happy lifestyle. When she’s not working or running her business, she enjoys spending time and taking adventures with her Fiance Erica, and her three dogs, Lola, Nina, and Zoey.
Pascale Jean-Noel is the Director of Training for the ACT Institute at the Center for Evidence-Based Practices. Working with the New York State Office of Mental Health, she helps design coordinate, and facilitate extensive training curricula in treatment planning, cultural Humility, awareness, engagement, working with mandated clients, and ACT core daily principles based on person-centered recovery-oriented principles. The training curricula are used by 108 ACT teams, consisting of over eight hundred people collectively, throughout the state. Pascale is also an adjunct lecturer at the Columbia University School of Social Work and Fordham University School of Social Work. At Columbia University, she teaches Adult Psychopathology and Wellness in a residential and online setting. At Fordham University, she teaches Assessment and Diagnosis and Clinical Seminar.
Pascale Jean-Noel received her BSW and master’s degree from Adelphi University School of Social work, Garden City, NY. She holds a Clinical License in Social Work and has over twenty years of experience in social-service settings. Prior to her current position, Mrs. Jean-Noel worked in managerial as well as direct-care roles in Foster Care, Outpatient Substance abuse, Inpatient Psychiatric Hospital, and on ACT.
Mrs. Jean-Noel currently serves as a member of the Statewide Multicultural advisory committee that advises the Commissioner of Mental Health on policy, programs, and activities related to fostering recovery and resiliency among individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds who are diagnosed with mental illness and their families. She also serves as an executive board member on the Haitian- American Family of Long Island Inc., a not-for-profit organization that provides family support services and promotes community development to facilitate the acculturation process for people of Haitian descent. Pascale is also an executive board member of the Cazale Community Cultural Center, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that aims to improve the lives of the youth living in Haiti by providing year-round educational support services.
Pascale Jean-Noel presents yearly at multiple conferences nationally and statewide. Her topics include Positionality through leadership and service delivery, Person-centered treatment and Supervision, Strategies to Improve Mental health Outcomes in the Black Community, and Supervision in a Data-Driven Environment. Her Interest is to push through barriers by influencing cultural shifts within the organizations to hire and deliver services that are inclusive, equitable and reflect the diversity of the people that are being served!
SaDIE GARRICK is the Director, Head of Corporate and Philanthropic Initiatives Sadie for ClearBridge Investments, LLC. She brings almost 2 decades of experience in financial services, showcasing entrepreneurial spirit, strategic acumen, and a deep commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As Chair of the DEI committee, Sadie fosters collaboration and trust while simplifying complex information for diverse audiences. Her track record of driving results through innovation and effective communication sets her apart as a respected and purpose-driven professional. Additionally, leadership of the firm’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of NY workplace mentoring program has been incredibly rewarding and resulted in her induction into the BBBS of NY Hall of Fame. She has also been mentoring for over a decade and is committed to making a positive impact in the community through mentorship. Her expertise in Non-Profit Board Governance has been enriched through specialized training and certifications. From the Zarb School of Business to Baruch College, she has had the opportunity to enhance her skills and knowledge in various areas of business and management. She has acquired McKinsey & Company Certificates in Problem Solving, Strategy, and Adaptability, which has shaped her approach to leadership and problem-solving. Sadie is married and lives with her husband in Long Island, NY. She loves spending quality time with family and friends and travelling.
Anntwanette (Toni) English With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Anntwanette (Toni) English is a seasoned professional specializing in Treasury Management Sales, Implementation and Service. She possesses innate leadership ability, team building, with a proven track record in mentoring, coaching, and fostering strong internal and external relationships.
Toni brings a wealth of expertise in organizational skills, with exceptional verbal and written communication abilities. Her technical proficiency spans Treasury Management applications and the Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring seamless project execution and customer satisfaction.
In her current role as a Sr. Treasury Management Sales Associate at Synovus Bank, Toni assesses customer data to help identify the right solutions, coordinates customer and internal partner communication, and supports implementation coordination for smooth transitions. She manages the sales pipeline and ensures accurate service establishment.
Previously, as a Treasury Onboarding Consultant II, Toni delivered treasury product implementation and support, trained customers and teammates, served as a technical expert, and identified cross-sell opportunities. She also served as a Priority Services Banking Partner, handling inquiries from high net-worth clients and ensuring compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
Toni's career includes roles at Delta Community Credit Union and Bank of America, where she excelled in customer support, relationship management, and estate processes. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors, with active involvement in various community and departmental service initiatives, including serving as a champion for "Here Matters" and chairing focus groups in health and human services and community development.
A graduate of Everest University with an Associate Degree in Business Management, Toni continues to make a positive impact in her community and workplace, embodying resilience, dedication, and a passion for service.
NYREKIA WHITEis a Talent & Organization Development Business Consultant for nonprofit organizations in the New York metropolitan area and Long Island where she has led strategic planning implementation efforts, facilitated board governance activities, designed systems and process improvements, and oversaw nonprofit fiscal procedures. Recipient of the 2021 and 2022 Power Women Award by Schneps Media for her impact on the Long Island Nonprofit community, Nyrekia has led nonprofit entity creation and dissolution in environments with collective bargaining agreements; negotiated program continuity throughout organizational change; planned and executed retrenchment and staffing realignment initiatives while managing the liabilities; navigated shifts in board governance; and nurtured strategic external partnerships which have resulting in funding support. Nyrekia has also led program delivery in nonprofit organizations. In 2018, she was asked to serve as the first Fund Development Lead at Girls Inc. of Long Island and worked with the Executive Director and Board to triple the budget in less than two years ushering the affiliate into its 15th anniversary year. Nyrekia currently works as the Director of Development at the Long Island Children's Museum and as a consultant with Adelphi University’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership.
Nyrekia has always involved herself in programs and with organizations which create opportunities for disadvantaged populations and communities or which support youth development and empowerment. During her career, Nyrekia has also held positions as Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships & Program Delivery, Director of Human Resources and Operations, and Regional Manager-Systems and Operations Support. She also served as the first Director of Resource Development at Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, and the Director of Advancement & Strategic Partnerships at Girl Scouts of Suffolk County. She has created policies, practices and procedures which have led to increased efficiency in corporate and nonprofit environments.
Nyrekia spent a semester abroad in the U.K. working on her thesis in which she compared the homelessness and the social support systems in London and New York. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education in Non-School Settings with a Social Work concentration from LIU Post and holds dual Masters Degrees in Business Administration and Human Resources Management. Nyrekia is also a Certified Professional Life and Business Coach and runs her own consulting business through which she serves as a strategic through partner and business consultant to local and international nonprofits and entrepreneurs. She devotes her time to supporting the educational and personal interests of her two children, her Papillon named Blaze, her Tabby named Butterscotch, and volunteering in or serving on advisory boards of various community and nonprofit organizations. Nyrekia is excited to contribute to WDN’s growth and governance.
Natalie Fenimore is Minister for Lifespan Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock in Manhasset, NY. Before moving to New York, she was religious educator and parish minister in congregations in Maryland and Virginia. She is the former President of the Liberal Religious Educators Association, and member of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change. Rev. Dr. Fenimore has been a member of the UU Ministers Association Board of Trustees and Vice President of Starr King School for the Ministry Board of Trustees. Rev. Dr. Fenimore is the author of Unitarian Universalist Religious Education Curriculum and Religious Education Renaissance Modules, meditations and readings. She is a contributing author of “Centering: Navigating Race, Authenticity, and Power in Ministry”, and “Widening the Circle: Report of the UUA Commission on Institutional Change.” Her Doctor of Ministry area of study is Narrative Theology with an emphasis on Story and Faith Formation for African American Unitarian Universalists. Rev. Dr. Fenimore is committed to expanding community connections and justice-making is part of her ministry.
Stephanie Henriques is a licensed social worker, doula, and social services strategist. She serves as Deputy Director at NYC's Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), an adjunct professor in the Social Work Department at Molloy University, and a psychotherapist in private practice at Helping Hands Psychotherapy in Rockville Centre, NY. Stephanie focuses on safety, equity, and thriving communities. Specializing in perinatal mental health, she uses an integrative, trauma-informed approach to support families. With over 15 years of experience as an administrator, Stephanie excels in program design, management, and evaluation, with expertise in nonprofit work and evidence-based practices, particularly in child welfare. A strategic thinker with a strong background in strategy and operations, she is passionate about mental health and has a proven ability to define and implement effective workflows. Stephanie is also a certified childbirth educator and lactation consultant, and she advocates strongly for birth justice. She holds a Master’s in Social Work from Stony Brook University and is based in the greater NYC area.