For the past 30 years, Power Women has served as a significant symbol of recognition for countless influential women while also fostering valuable connections.
Victoria Schneps started this journey in 1994 with just one newspaper, The Queens Courier, which she launched from her living room. Today, her visionary leadership has expanded to include over 80 respected publications under the Schneps Media umbrella.
Thirty years ago, when she noticed the lack of recognition for women at male-dominated awards events, Schneps decided to take action. Thus, Power Women of Queens was born as a platform to honor and unite female trailblazers across a wide range of industries.
Along with welcoming new 2025 Power Women, many honorees return to be honored and to continue building their network. This year they will be named as Power Women ICONs
Joining them are the Power Women RISING—dynamic individuals on an impressive upward trajectory in their careers. The RISING honorees create an opportunity for ICONs and new Power Women to come together, uplift others, and welcome the next generation into this empowering community, fostering mentorship and career advancement.
As the number of communities covered by local papers grew, so did the Power Women events – now celebrated in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island, and the East End.
Victoria Schneps decided to introduce the Power Women of Queens as a platform to honor and unite female trailblazers Photo by Erica Price
On Feb. 27, Power Women will be honored at Russo’s On The Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Blvd in Queens. Honorees will get to dance down the red carpet amongst their colleagues, friends, and families as they accept their awards.
Starting at 5 p.m., a VIP Power Hour will give honorees an opportunity to meet one another and network before the rest of the guests arrive. Sponsors will be available to meet with them and provide special offers. Following is the ultimate networking cocktail party with honorees and guests connect to start and build relationships. The high-energy award ceremony will get underway at 7:30 p.m.
Monica Morales, an Emmy Award-winning reporter for PIX11, the groundbreaking news station in New York, will be the Mistress of Ceremonies. There will be a raffle, with 100% of the proceeds going to a local cause.
“This event is a capstone for many women here that are really moving Long Island in general in a wonderful direction,” stated Dr. Maria P. Conzatti, Interim President at Nassau Community College and Power Women ICON.
“I am proud to be among the honorees and to join Adelphi, Long Island University, Hofstra, and Nassau Community College as schools led by women. Dr. Christine Riordan, President of Adelphi University, was also among the honorees that night. It is an honor to be among these ladies running the educational industries on Long Island. It’s a privilege. I don’t know that it has fully sunk in for me.”
JFK Millenium Partners, La Guardia Gateway Partners, NuHealth/NUMC and A Holly Patterson Extended Care, and New York Career Training School LLC are current sponsors of the event. To learn more about sponsorships and to buy tickets, visit PowerWomenQNS.com. Nominations are still open and can be emailed to Toni Cimino at TCimino@SchnepsMedia.com.
Power Women of Queens to date include:
Power Women ICONs (list in formation):
Gina Battagliola, Director of Terminal Redevelopment, JFKIAT
Stacy Bliagos, Executive Director, HANAC, Inc.
Lelina Chang, President, GAMCO Corporation
Susana Desa, Vice President of Operations, JFKIAT
Trish Gathers, President and CEO, The Carmelite System & Founder Carth Foundation
Frances Kweller, Founder and Owner, Kweller Prep Tutoring.
Dr. Christine Mangino, President, Queensborough Community College
Nancy Martinez, Executive Director, New York Career Training School, LLC
Suzette Noble, Chief Executive Officer, LaGuardia Gateway Partners
Patricia Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer, Greater Jamaica Development Corporation
Megan C. Ryan, Chief Legal Officer, NuHealth/NUMC and A Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility
Power Women 2025 (list in formation):
Karen Ali, Chief Operating Officer, JFK Millennium Partners.
Mary Archana Fernandez, Director: Family Support Services, South Asian Council for Social Services (SACSS)
Joan Caliendo, Current Ms New York Senior America, Ms. New York Senior America
Melora Chang, Vice President, GAMCO Corporation
Jacqueline de Dios, Lead Manager, Business Development at R.F. Wilkins Consultants.
Helena Han, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, SBL, Head of School, AYM
Jennifer Jarvis, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Queens College
Nicole Johnson, Emmy Award Winning Journalist, PIX11
C.J. Marie, Immediate Past Ms New York Senior America, Ms. New York Senior America
Monica Morales, Emmy Award Winning Reporter, PIX11
Montell Moseley, Founder, Resource Advocate and Peer Counseling for a Caring Community, Inc.
Raquel Moss, Community Outreach Manager, The Port Authority of NY & NJ
Noran Omar, Queens Public Television
Karen Paige, MBA, RN, CPPS, CPXP, OCN, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Espiscopal Health Services
Sr. Philip Ann, Administrator, Ozanam Hall, The Carmelite System
Sabiha Raoof, MD, FACR, FCCP, CMO, CMO & Patient Safety Officer, Chairperson Radiology, MediSys Health Network
Louise Reyes, Compliance Manager, R.F. Wilkins Consultants.
Ana Tagle, Assistant Administrator; Ozanam Hall of Queens, The Carmelite System
Tanusa Thuraisingam, Owner , Law Offices of Tanusha Thuraisingam PLLC
Ina L. Salley, Director Of Admissions, Ozanam Hall of Queens Nursing Home
Sudha Setty, Dean and Professor, CUNY Law
