On Wednesday, April 9, Schneps Media hosted its highly anticipated Manhattan Power List at the esteemed Bryant Park Grill, spotlighting individuals making extraordinary contributions across the borough, from finance and healthcare to the arts, nonprofits, and small businesses. The evening brought together a dynamic group of Manhattan leaders whose impact resonates throughout the city.
This year’s event marked a special milestone- celebrating 20 years of the Power List, a tradition dedicated to recognizing excellence, leadership, and influence in Manhattan. To commemorate this momentous celebration, attention was turned to Power List ICONs, a distinguished group of individuals who have previously been featured on the Power List and are now honored as leaders within the Power List community. These ICON Honorees are celebrated not only for their past accomplishments but also for their continued impact and leadership, solidifying their place as influential figures in their respective fields.
The celebration commenced with a performance by the talented singer-songwriter Monique McCall, who captivated the audience with an original song followed by a beautiful rendition of the national anthem. The energy soared as PIX11 News Reporter and Anchor Grace Gomez, Mistress of Ceremonies, took the stage expertly guiding the night with her charisma and poise.
The honorees spoke during a VIP Power Hour presented by Municipal Credit Union, reflecting on the meaning of leadership, community impact, and what it means to be recognized among Manhattan’s most influential figures. Toni-Ann Sforza, COO of Municipal Credit Union said “I’d like to thank Schneps for a wonderful evening at the Manhattan Power List 2025 awards celebration. I’m very grateful for the partnership that Municipal Credit Union has with Schneps to help us reach more hard-working New Yorkers. I’m also humbled by the opportunity to be included in the ranks of such outstanding and talented individuals that make a difference in Manhattan every day.”
ICON Adam E.B. Brecht, Trustee of the Margaret Brecht Family Trust, shared his pride in being part of such an inspiring community, saying, “I think that this is a very special honor. I think from North to South Manhattan, look at what we have here in Manhattan- It’s incredible. I’m just very pleased to be here.”
The vital role of local media was powerfully emphasized during the evening by ICON honoree John J. Ciafone, Esq., a distinguished trial attorney. He praised Schneps Media’s contributions, stating, “Schneps does a phenomenal job with the newspapers that you put out throughout the city; amNY, Queens Courier, Brooklyn Reporter, Bronx Times, and, of course, the newly launched Dan’s Papers NYC. I look forward to reading every one of your publications. You present information to the local people that we can’t get in the New York Times, the Daily News, or the New York Post. You cover the local community, and we need that. You’re the only one, really, right now. All the other papers are dying and have come to an end. So we need you more than ever- thank you.”
Throughout the evening, honorees shared inspiration and insights from their journeys. ICON Ronald Fatoullah, Partner at Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP, shared his thoughts on success with fellow honorees, encouraging them to, “Dream. I dream about it and I visualize it. Almost everything that I visualize and dream about, if I dream hard enough, somehow it appears. It’s a funny thing.”
The VIP and cocktail hours provided a meaningful opportunity for honorees and guests to connect, build community, and engage in valuable networking. ICON Hana Boruchov, Founding Partner at Boruchov, Gabovich & Associates P.C., expressed her admiration for the accomplishments of her peers: “Really, first and foremost, congratulations to every single one of you here. You all are very highly accomplished, and I am humbled to be in the same room as you.”
The honorees shared valuable lessons that have contributed to their success in their respective fields. ICON Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Founding Executive Director of NYC Kids RISE, remarked, “I’ve been lucky to receive lots of good advice. I think that the thought that’s coming to me now in this room is, “Too much who’s given, much is required”, and, especially at times like these, the mutual responsibility that we all have for each other.” ICON Chris Taylor, Chairman of Li-Lac Chocolates, echoed those sentiments, adding, “You give to the community, and the community will take care of you.”
Julian John, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan, shared his secret weapon: “Faith. I believe that I was blessed with a special gift. And, in order for me to be able to develop that gift, I have to focus on God. And, he has inspired me and opened doors of opportunities for me. So my faith is the pillar on which I move forward.”
The evening continued with reflections on the honorees’ commitment to their communities. ICON Leonard Achan, President & CEO of LiveOnNY, shared his organization’s progress in promoting organ donation in New York. “New York has stepped up, and increased organ donation by 70%, which has been unprecedented.”
As the evening concluded, the room buzzed with the shared sense of purpose, leadership, and dedication that defines Manhattan’s most influential figures. The Power List Awards proved not just to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of these leaders, but to inspire all who attended to continue making a positive impact in their communities.
This year’s honorees have set a remarkable example, showing that success is not just about personal achievements, but also about lifting others and contributing to the greater good. As we reflect on the incredible contributions of those honored, it’s clear that the future of Manhattan remains bright- driven by visionary individuals who continue to shape the city’s future.
Submit a nomination for a standout leader or influential figure for an upcoming Power List event at SchnepsEvents.com or email Toni Cimino at TCimino@SchnepsMedia.com! This is an opportunity to celebrate those who are impacting their industries and communities. Nominate someone who deserves to be honored today!
The 2025 Manhattan Power List
ICON Leonard Achan – President & Chief Executive Officer, LiveOnNY
ICON Roger G. Arrieux Jr. – East Region Market Leader & New York Managing Partner, Deloitte
ICON Rich Bamberger – Co-Founder, Bamberger & Vlasto
ICON Hana Boruchov – Founding Partner, Boruchov, Gabovich & Associates P.C.
ICON Adam E.B. Brecht – Trustee, Margaret Brecht Family Trust
ICON Wellington Z. Chen – Executive Director, Chinatown BID
ICON John J. Ciafone, Esq. – Trial Attorney, Law Offices of John J. Ciafone
ICON Erik Cliette – Executive Director, One Hundred Black Men of New York (OHBM)
ICON Ronald Fatoullah – Partner, Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP
ICON Debra-Ellen Glickstein – Founding Executive Director, NYC Kids RISE
ICON Michelle Hopson – Principal, Hopson Consultancy, LLC
ICON Frances Kweller, Esq. – Founder and Owner, Kweller Prep Tutoring
ICON Patricia Lynch – Founder & Owner, Patricia Lynch Associates, Inc.
ICON Richard Rubenstein – Founder & President, Rubenstein Public Relations
ICON Hon. Rebecca A. Seawright – NYS Assemblymember, Assembly District 76
ICON Chris Taylor – Chairman, Li-Lac Chocolates
ICON Josh Vlasto – Co-Founder, Bamberger & Vlasto
Na’ilah Amaru – Advocacy and Policy Strategist
Romeish Bala – Managing Partner, Firm in Stealth Mode
Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D. – President, St. Joseph’s University, New York
Peggy Chu – Senior Vice President, Chief Operations Officer, CaringKind
John Delutro – President, Caffe Palermo
Zhenya Gershman – Artist, Art Historian, & Educator, Z Art Academy, Project AWE
Jeremiah L. Grace – Interim Chief Executive Officer, Black, Latinx, Asian Charter Collaborative
Louis Grassi – Chief Executive Officer, Grassi Advisory Group, Inc.
Karen Ignagni – Executive Chair, Board of Directors, EmblemHealth
Julian John – Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Metropolitan
Hannah T. Krause – Daughters of the American Revolution Manhattan Chapter Regent
Leah Lane – Producer, Theatre Venture, Inc
Kelly Leary, M.S. – CEO & Founder, Revolution Dating
Jomil Luna, MPH – President and Founder, The Community Spotlight Foundation; Pharmacy Sales Rep at AHF
Dr. Eloise Messineo – Executive Director, Executive Leadership Institute
Zak Nissanov – Owner, Big Apple Jewels
Connie Pacheco – Founder, Recoveries R Us
Sue Phillips – CEO, Author, Speaker, Fragrance Queen, Scenterprises Inc & Sue Phillips Fragrance
Alyeah E. Ramjit, MS, MHA – System VP, Clinical Operations, One Brooklyn Health (OBH)
Josie Sandler – CEO and Founder, Sandler Search
Wally Sedgewick – Vice President of Analytics and Strategic Planning, BroadwayHD
Toni-Ann Sforza – Chief Operating Officer, Municipal Credit Union
Jessica Walker – President & CEO, Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
Visit ManhattanPowerList.com to learn more about the honorees and to nominate for future events. For more information, reach out to Toni Cimino at TCimino@SchnepsMedia.com
