On Thursday, Sept. 26, Schneps Media, publishers of amNewYork Metro, PoliticsNY, Queens Courier, Bronx Times, Brooklyn Courier, Long Island Press and over 100 media outlets across the NY Metro area, celebrated the Leaders of Labor, Presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. The honorees included those who lead the Labor community and companies who support it.
The evening, held at Terrace on the Park, honored those citywide who make a difference in the Labor movement and the lives of the members.
“I am motivated by making changes in people’s lives. I’m very humbled to receive this award. Honestly, it’s not only me. I have a great group and I really appreciate them” said first time honoree Frank Morales Senior Business Agent, UWUA Local 1-2
The event started with a VIP Power Hour where the honorees had an opportunity to connect and meet one another, followed by the Ultimate Networking cocktail hour where hundreds gathered to network and build relationships.
Jesseka Green, on behalf of Tanya N Blocker, Assistant General Counsel and Director, Labor, Employment, Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, National Grid said “Tanya feels that labor is a very important force and so anything that she could do to support it, she believes that labor plays a large part in society and we need to recognize those who dedicate their lives to labor.”
The evening culminated with a joyous award ceremony. Photos from the event can be found on the Schneps Media Facebook page and will be included in a special section to be published in amNewYork Metro print and digital editions.
“It is an honor to be with you. It is my passion to speak truth to power. I stand with the UFT to rep our profession. We don’t just represent teachers, but nurses and social workers, and Paraprofessionals. My goal is to continue to speak on behalf of our children who get the short end of the stick. I want to make sure our public school community gets what they need through lobbying,” said Vanecia T. Wilson, Political Director, United Federation of Teachers
Leaders of Labor was presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union which serves Nassau, Suffolk and has recently begun serving Queens. “Its great to be honored for the work that we do and I’m looking forward to building out our Empire in New York. It’s a really great opportunity for us and for the people of Queens. Over the last 25 years we’ve built 25 branches. We’ve utilized union labor for that and it’s a great partnership” said honoree Anthony Edelman, VP of Support Services, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
In addition to the power networking and great joy, the evening raised money for the Suffolk County Police Asian Jade Society with 100% of the evening’s raffle proceeds going to the cause.
The 2024 Leaders of Labor, Presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, are:
Anthony Edelman
VP of Support Services
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Tanya N. Blocker
Assistant General Counsel and Director, Labor, Employment, Privacy and Cybersecurity Group
National Grid
Janella Hinds
VP for Academic High Schools
United Federation of Teachers
Vanecia T. Wilson
Political Director
United Federation of Teachers
Ester Aronova
Attorney
Aronova & Associates
Byron Bolling
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
ATU Local 1056
John J. Ciafone
Trial Attorney
Law Offices of John J. Ciafone
James Conigliaro
Founder
Independent Drivers Guild
Brendan Sexton
President
Independent Drivers Guild
Patrick Cullen
President
NYS Supreme Court Officers Association
Rebecca Damon
Executive Director, New York Local, Labor Policy and International Affairs
SAG-AFTRA
Patrick Hendry
President
NYC PBA
Edwin Hugh
President, Union Delegate
Asian Jade Society, Suffolk County Detectives Association
Daniel Kroop
President
Association of Legislative Employees (ALE)
Frank Morales
Senior Business Agent
UWUA Local 1-2
Henry Rubio
President
CAS Council of School Administrators
Ingrid Simonovic
President
New York City Deputy Sheriffs’ Benevolent Association
Richard Tschernia
Senior Vice President of Affinity Lending
CrossCountry Mortgage
Michelle Zettergren
President of Labor & Public Sector / Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Magnacare
A special thanks to those Corporate Partners who made the evening possible:
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
UFT
National Grid
NYS Supreme Court Officers
UWUA Local 1-2
MetroPlus Health
Independent Drivers Guild
Aronova & Associates
CrossCounty Mortgage
Miss Jessie’s
Learn more about the honorees at LeadersofLabor.com. To nominate for or attend the next event, Queens Power List on Oct. 17, reach out to Toni Cimino for nominations, tickets and sponsorships at TCimino@SchnepsMedia.com
