New York’s Staten Island. On January 26, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island welcomed over 120 women for a day of education, networking, and mentoring at the fourth annual THRIVE 2025 Women’s Empowerment Expo.
The free professional development event, which gave women a platform to connect and intended to support them in their career paths and networking possibilities, was a true celebration of empowerment.
JCC’s director of adult career services, Kathi Indelicato, coordinated THRIVE 2025, which included over 40 mentors and speakers who led breakout sessions and panel discussions to encourage participants to take the next step in their careers.
One attendee, who asked to remain anonymous, commented, “I really enjoyed the table discussions that came after the panel, which allowed everyone to share.” There were a lot of worthwhile connections and lessons learned. The enthusiasm was inspiring, and I am eager for the next one.
Amelia Winter, Pam Kulnis, Lauren Giordanella, Deana Jean, Bridget Lorenzo, Gail Castellano, Gina Gutman, Kim Avilez, Jasmine Harden, Olivia Frasca, Jessica Vandenheuvel, Danielle Walley, Claudette Hill, Prisc la Echevarr a de Seplveda, Nicole Clark, Sabina Sabina Puskarczyk, Veronica Ross, Darlene Blanco, Ethel Hinneh, Danielle, and Helen Brady were among the speakers.
On January 26, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island welcomed more than 120 women for a day of education, networking, and mentoring at the fourth annual THRIVE 2025 Women’s Empowerment Expo. Lauren Giordanella provided the image.With thanks to Lauren Giordanella
MENTORS IN DIFFERENT FIELDS
Smaller group conversations guided by over 30 mentors followed speaker presentations, providing attendees with a more individualized Q&A session with professionals from a range of disciplines.
According to another guest, networking with other experts and hearing their experiences bolstered confidence and demonstrated learning. I came away feeling motivated and prepared to advance in my profession.
Bridget Lorenzo, Gina Ottrando, Deana Jean, Dr. Janet Leslie, January Nuzzo, Marcie Delapaz, Jasmine Jackson, Caren Cooper, Darlene Blanco, Lauren Giordanella, Sherkera Green, Claudette Hill, Dolores Nolan, Orit Gruber, Pam Kulnis, Joanne Cook, Kathleen Coleman, Gina Gutman, Olivia Frasca, and Kim Avilez were the mentors.
Mentors Flynn Ferguson, Amanda Straniere, Anne Scavatto, Jessica Vandenheuvel, Danielle Walley, Rita Pirrone, Gail Castellano, Flynn Ferguson, Patricia Walton, and Margarita Estrada were also present. Jennifer Rodriguez, Jasmine Harden, Nicole Clark, Prisc la Echevarr a de Seplveda, Ruta Shah-Gordon, and Edwina Martin.
On January 26, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island welcomed more than 120 women for a day of education, networking, and mentoring at the fourth annual THRIVE 2025 Women’s Empowerment Expo. (Source: JCC)Thanks to JCC
At the conclusion of the event, one attendee said, “The 2025 Thrive Expo was amazing.” Everyone was involved and made to feel welcome, and I appreciated that it was free. The atmosphere was inspiring, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.
ComServ Connect and Tekie Geek contributed laptops as raffle prizes, and Wagner College offered a complimentary shuttle service. Bridget Lorenzo of Bee Forever Events sponsored two social media booth displays, Valley Bank and Chickee’s provided refreshments, and the JCC offered complimentary childcare to assist guests.
Along with networking and mentoring opportunities, the event included vendors from over 30 organizations, such as Chase Bank, Con Edison, and Tunnel to Towers. These suppliers provide services, opportunities, and resources with the goal of empowering women.
On January 26, the Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island welcomed more than 120 women for a day of education, networking, and mentoring at the fourth annual THRIVE 2025 Women’s Empowerment Expo. (Source: JCC)Thanks to JCC
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