Words That Inspire, Leadership That Transforms
The impact of The Energeia Partnership is best told by those who have experienced it firsthand. Hear from our partners, leaders, and supporters as they share their thoughts on leadership, community, and the transformative power of ethical action. Their words reflect the heart of our mission—driving meaningful change for Long Island’s future.
Michael Brown
Class of 2024
Owner
Empire Automotive Group
“The deep dive Energeia takes you on in investigating so many important issues on Long Island, leaves you wanting to be part of the solution in helping make this a better place for everyone.”
Michael Pfaff
Class of 2014
President
Long Island Ducks
“While the education was outstanding, the greatest privilege was creating relationships with so many of the accomplished and honorable people who make up The Energeia Partnership.”
Marian Conway, Ph.D.
Class of 2012
NY Community Bank Foundation/ SUNY Empire State University
“I have lived on Long Island almost my entire life, however, I did not know how much I did not know! The most significant lesson was that we are stronger when we peel away the defining demographics that put us in silos and work together.”
Robert Larocca
Class of 2014
Executive Vice President
SterlingRisk Insurance
“I grew up on Long Island and have spent most of my professional career here. I was truly amazed how much information I’ve learned about Long Island as a member of The Energeia Partnership.”
Renee Daniel Flagler
Class of 2021
Executive Director
Girls Inc. of Long Island
“Participating in The Energeia Partnership has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my professional life. I applaud the bold exploration of the truths that make up our community and the collective leadership taking on the charge to create real change and make a difference for all Long Islanders.”
Anthony Acampora, Esq.
Class of 2019
Partner
Rimôn PC
“Energeia has been instrumental to my professional and personal growth. It has exposed me to a dynamic and diverse network of accomplished individuals whose sole purpose is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of Long Island’s complex issues and challenges so that they can make a meaningful and lasting impact on our community.”
Cindy Krezel
Class of 2012
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
“The Energeia Partnership program was a deep dive into the Gordian Knot that is Long Island.”
Peter Tonna
Class of 2016
Partner
Praxis Public Relations
“Energeia’s unique platform and program has fostered a deep appreciation and love for Long Island.”
Laura Granelli, Esq.
Class of 2023
Partner
Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP
“Energeia is a wonderful example of how an incredibly diverse group of people with a variety of professional and personal backgrounds can come together with a shared goal of fostering quality regional based stewardship for this beautiful island we all call home.”
Dan Lloyd
Class of 2022
Founder & President
Minority Millennials, Inc.
“Participating in The Energeia Partnership has been one of the most eye-opening experiences of my professional life. I applaud the bold exploration of the truths that make up our community and the collective leadership taking on the charge to create real change and make a difference for all Long Islanders.”
Mickee M. Hennessy, Esq.
Class of 2013
Managing Partner
Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein, LLP
“I cannot believe it has been over ten (10) years since I had the privilege and honor to embark on the Energeia journey.
The professional diversity of Energeia is outstanding! The opportunity to discuss Long Island’s issues with leaders in the public and private sector, not-for-profits, law enforcement, healthcare, energy and other areas, was such a privilege.”
Bob Creighton, Esq.
Class of 2009
Managing Partner
Farrell Fritz, P.C.
“Participating in The Energeia Program was one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life. Through the program, I have become a better informed citizen and I have learned from and collaborated with leaders from all segments of our economy.”
Bruce A. Watterson Sr.
Class of 2009
Group Director/Senior Vice President
Flagstar Bank, N.A
“Energeia was an eye opening experience for me not only about some of major issues confronting people living on Long Island but moreover the level of these issues and how they impact people’s lives and what we might be able to do in some way to overcome and hopefully conquer these issues.
Lynda Nicolino, Esq.
Class of 2010
General Counsel
Bethpage Federal Credit Union
“The Energeia experience was an incredible eye-opener for me as a lifelong Long Islander. Having a better understanding of how deeply our community is impacted by critical issues like poverty, housing, healthcare and the like, has helped me become a more informed, benevolent leader and human being. The sustainability of Long Island rests in the hands of leaders like us, who use learnings from the program to shape the decisions we make each and every day.”
Donald Gelestino
Class of 2023
President
Champion Elevator Corp.
“My journey with Energeia has been both enlightening and inspiring. The workshops provided an invaluable perspective on the pressing challenges faced by Long Island communities. Through Energeia, I’ve strengthened my commitment to learning to be more innovative and compassionate when working on solutions to situations.”
David Biship, Esq.
Class of 2007
Partner
Kirby McInerney & Squire LLP
“Making good public policy on Long Island is complicated. Energeia workshops take the deep dive necessary to understand the issues, interests and cross currents so we can navigate to a better future.”
Jordan Ziegler, Esq.
Class of 2006
Senior Partner
Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, LLP
“It is an honor to be besides so many cross sections of individuals who have the shared interest to make Long Island a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
Ralph Lambert
Class of 2012
Founder CEO
Axis Construction Corp.
“It has been my extreme pleasure and Honor to be a part of The Energeia Fellowship for over 14 Years. This Organization stands out amongst all others on Long Island in Promoting the Education of L.I. Leaders on how this Machine we call Long Island Really works.”
Mary Curtis, Ph.D.
Class of 2016
Senior Administrative
Director Northwell Health
“The Energeia Partnership provided a 2 year series of workshops that were great learning opportunities about Long Island, continuing electives, and lifelong connections to fellow Energeia Partners.”
Christopher Capece, MBA
Class 2014
President
Heatherwood
“We all live in our own informational silos whether that be politically, regionally or informationally. We all strive to be better than we are, The Energeia Program has certainly helped break down barriers and advance the dialogue during a time when information flow has become incredibly siloed.”
Douglas M. Nadjari, Esq.
Class of 2015
Partner
Ruskin Moscou Faltischek
“From housing to healthcare, infrastructure to institutional racism, The Energeia Partnership provides the opportunity for us to take an in-depth, frank and at times painful look at the challenges Long Island faces. I’ve spent a lifetime on Long Island and Energeia may be one of the brightest rays of hope.”
Tom McAteer
Class of 2014
Executive Vice President
Suffolk Transportation Services
“The deep dive Energeia takes you on in investigating so many important issues on Long Island, leaves you wanting to be part of the solution in helping make this a better place for everyone.”
John Westerman, Esq.
Class of 2006
Partner
Westerman Ball Ederer Miller Zucker & Sharfstein, LLP
“After reluctantly agreeing to participate in the inaugural class of The Energeia Partnership, reflecting on its growth and impact over the last 20 years is overwhelming in so many ways. Long Island has benefited greatly from the partnership and its members. Much to be thankful for and much more to achieve over the next 20 years.”
Gene Bernstein, Ph.D.
Chairman Emeritus
Northville Industries
“I have lived on, worked, and served Long Island since 1982 and never encountered such a unique organization trying to address ALL the problems we have through partners who represent an incredibly broad diversity of professional, ethnic, and racial identities committed to making LI a better place to live and work for everyone.”
Michael Cuttitta
Class of 2018
Vice President
Island Acoustics
“The Poverty Workshop was truly inspiring and opened my eyes to how deeply poverty affects all of us and our communities. Here on Long Island, we often become so consumed with our busy lives that we fail to notice the daily struggles of our neighbors. Visiting and engaging with the Island Harvest food bank, as well as witnessing the incredible work being done at the INN (a shelter), was a transformative experience. Seeing firsthand the services they provide to those in need was both humbling and motivating. This experience has inspired me to take a more active role in helping and contributing wherever I can.”
Dr. Subrina D. Oliver
Class of 2021
Founder
O-High Technologies & Foundation
“Our Opening Retreat went from nervous introductions to shared laughter and transformed diverse leaders into a family, united by trust and mutual respect.”
Hon. Dennis Siry
Class of 2022
Village of Amityville Mayor
“The Energeia Partnership was an eye opening, educational experience of many of the hurdles and challenges that are faced by many on Long Island. I feel that any elected official, and anyone involved in decision making, should experience this class to be made aware of these challenges of many Long Islanders.”
Robert S. Budd
Class of 2016
Executive Director
Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
“I highly recommend the Energeia experience for any leaders on Long Island. The depth, breathe and synergistic manor in which leaders come together through education and collaborative experiences is truly an inspiration.