Schneps Media is proud to present the Power Women of the Bronx awards and networking celebration, taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 19th at Villa Barone Manor. This inspiring event will bring together influential women from across the Bronx who are driving change, leading with purpose and making an extraordinary impact in their communities and industries.
For more than 30 years, Schneps Media — publishers of the Bronx Times, amNY Metro and Noticia NY — has been shining a spotlight on exceptional women through its Power Women series. The tradition continues in the Bronx, where honorees from diverse fields will be recognized for their leadership, business success and commitment to giving back.
Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and a Power Woman herself, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, bringing her warmth, humor, and signature Bronx pride to the stage.
The evening will feature networking, dinner and an uplifting awards ceremony, offering honorees and guests alike the opportunity to connect, collaborate and celebrate the strength of women shaping the Bronx’s future.
“The Bronx Power Women Awards celebrate the leaders who don’t just excel in their fields, they make the Bronx stronger,” said Victoria Schneps, President and Founder of Schneps Media. “This event is about recognizing women who give back, who mentor others, and who create real, positive change in their communities.”
It’s a night that blends recognition and connection with a sense of celebration that’s uniquely Bronx; bold, passionate and full of heart. Power Women of the Bronx also serves the community by donating 100% of raffle proceeds to a local cause.
Sponsors of the event include: Excellence Community Schools, The Carmelite Systems, American Maintenance, NYC HHC Health & Hospitals – Jacobi and River Spring Living.
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Bronx Power Women Awards, and Schneps Media invites the community to help identify the next generation of honorees. Whether she’s breaking barriers in business, transforming education, leading a nonprofit, or advocating for change, this is the moment to give her the recognition she deserves.
Nominations can be submitted at PowerWomenBronx.com, where visitors can also explore sponsorship opportunities, purchase tickets, and learn more about past honorees.
Those selected for the 2025 Power Women of the Bronx include:
Aleciah Anthony, Director of Community Engagement, The Bronx Defenders
Lashawn Butler-Francis, LCSW, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Butler Services for Independent Living
Jessica Cabrera, Manager of Online Programs and Academic Engagement, CUNY Bronx Community College
Cheraine Case, Vice President of Administration / Chief Administrative Officer, Urban Health Plan
Mercedes Castro, Assistant Vice President, Ridgewood Savings Bank
Sara Collins-Sedey, Principal Law Clerk to Judge, NYS Supreme Court
Farah Despeignes, Founder and President, Jacquelin Montalvo Despeignes Foundation & New York City Coalition for Educating Families Together
Taryn Duffy, Founder and President, Tarsam Public Affairs
Thekra El-Rowmeim, Director of Family and Youth, Yemeni American Merchants Association (YAMA)
Nathalia Fernandez, New York State Senator, District 34
Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President
Juanita O. Lewis, Executive Director, Community Voices Heard
Deborah M. Messina, Chief Operating Officer, RiverSpring Living
Jessica Ortiz Gonzalez, Vice President of Operations, American Maintenance 3 Janitorial Services and Supplies Co., Corp.
Ariela Heilman, Associate Broker, Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC
Ivelisse Ramos, Assistant Vice President of Deposit Services, Ponce Bank
Dr. Charlene Reid, Co-CEO, Excellence Community Schools
Ninfa Segarra, JD, Senior Vice President, Community & Government Affairs, Marketing & Communications / Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer, SBH Health System
Barbara P. Selesky, Director of Sales & Marketing, The Woodlawn Cemetery & Conservancy
Katherine Silverio, Parent Coordinator, Emolior Academy
Dr. Camelia Tepelus, Executive Director, Morris Park Business Improvement District
Miriam Y. Vega, President & Chief Executive Officer, Argus Community, Inc.
