Schneps Media is proud to present the Power Women of the Bronx awards and networking celebration, taking place on Wednesday, 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.
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.
Lisa Sorin, President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce returns as this year’s emcee. A powerhouse in her own right, Sorin’s leadership, advocacy and unwavering commitment to the Bronx business community makes her the perfect host for an evening celebrating influencial women.
“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.
Here’s to the past 30 years—and to the powerful women who will inspire us for decades to come.
2025 Power Women of the Bronx:
Davina Angus, Executive Director – Hunts Point Alliance for Children
Aleciah Anthony, Director of Community Engagement – The Bronx Defenders
Raye A. Barbieri, LCSW, Chief Executive Officer – Kingsbridge Heights Community Center
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
Darcel Denise Clark, District Attorney – 13th District Attorney for Bronx County
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
Jacqueline Diaz, Assistant Building Manager – One Fordham Plaza, LLC
Michelle Dolgow, Vice President – Allied Government Affairs
Taryn Duffy, Founder and President – Tarsam Public Affairs
Audrey Duncan. Director of Community Affairs – BronxNet
Thekra El-Rowmeim, Director of Family and Youth – Yemeni American Merchants Association
Nathalia Fernandez, New York State Senator, District 34
Dawn M. Florio, Founding & Managing Partner – Dawn M. Florio Law Firm PLLC
Trish Gathers, President & CEO – The Carmelite System
Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President
Ariela Heilman, Associate Broker – Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC
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
Katherine Martinez, LMSW, President & CEO – Neighborhood Self Help by Older Persons
Project (SHOPP)
Dr. Ana B. Mendieta – Advancement and External Relations – Bronx Community College
Deborah M. Messina – Chief Operating Officer – RiverSpring Living
Jennifer Montalvo, LMSW – Assistant Program Director – Stand Up to Violence Program at
Jacobi Hospital
Maribel Montilla – Tax Director – Ariva
Jessica Ortiz Gonzalez – Vice President of Operations – American Maintenance 3 Janitorial
Services and Supplies Co., Corp.
Ivelisse Ramos, Assistant Vice President of Deposit Services, Ponce Bank
Dr. Charlene Reid, Co-CEO, Excellence Community Schools
Desiree Sanchez – Human Resources Leader – Trilogy Business Solutions Inc.
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
Lisa Sorin – President – Bronx Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Camelia Tepelus – Executive Director – Morris Park Business Improvement District
Deborah Wong – Human Resources Leader – Trilogy Business Solutions Inc.
