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20 in their Twenties -- Class of 2010
2/9/2010
STOC presents the 20 in their Twenties Class of 2010.
The Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition has presented its outstanding members of the Class of 2010 during a ceremony at the McKinley in Endicott, NY on Monday, February 8 at 5pm. From among over 50 applicantS 20 were chosen who excelled in the following areas:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE – demonstration of one's abilities in the classroom through such measures as a grade point average of 3.5 or above, receipt of awards for academic achievement from the academic institutions an individual has attended, or from other organizations that value education, and/or references from past teachers of an individual's contributions to the classroom and to education.
COMMUNITY SERVICE – demonstration of commitment to the community through such activities as service on nonprofit boards, participation in/support of youth or other community-oriented activities, volunteering one's time to charitable causes.
LEADERSHIP– demonstration of one's ability to lead a project, effort or organization to complete a task or reach a goal, be it for a municipality, business, school or community agency.
PERSONAL GROWTH– demonstration of strength of character or a commitment to better oneself that may or may not be apparent to most, such as attending school while working full-time and caring for someone who is ill.
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT– demonstration of excellence in one's chosen career through such measures as recognition by peers, receipt of association awards, involvement in professional development activities and/or associations representing one's chosen career, serving as an officer for such an association, acknowledgement for contributions to your field or community, being sought after for your expertise and/or as a presenter/speaker.
This year's applicants were extraordinary examples of the above criteria and it was difficult for the Review Committee to narrow the field down to just 20 because any of the 50 could have equally been in the final 20. Here are the finalist of 20 in their Twenties for 2010 and a short biography showing the grounds upon which they were chosen:
Coverage from various sources:
Press & Sun -- Bulletin -- http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pressconnects/access/1969742321.html?FMT=ABS&date=Feb+21%2C+2010
WBNG -- http://bit.ly/c1mPXZ
Fox 40 -- http://bit.ly/9prsCy http://bit.ly/csDKoS
Electronic version of the program:
http://www.pressconnects.com/assets/pdf/CB15152028.PDF
Following we have the winners and their bios:
ELISA AMATO HARRIS
Health Educator – Tioga Opportunities, Inc. Family Health Services
Elisa Amato Harris earned her bachelor's degree from SUNY Cortland and is currently pursuing her master's from the same academic institution.
She is credited with creating the Girls Day Out program in Tioga County, which brings people from diverse careers together to empower young women and show them how to build their dreams. Her nominators write that Elisa "displays all of the strong ideals, leadership skills and strong community service and professional accomplishment" of a leader.
A member of Leadership Tioga, Elisa's experience includes DELTA to help prevent partner violence, the Tioga County HIV Awareness Team and steering committee, and the Tioga County Wellness Committee. She is currently developing a Peer Education program for Owego Free Academy to develop selected students into mentors.
BRENT ANGELINE
President and CEO – interos LLC
After attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and completing a graduate-level entrepreneurship course at Binghamton University, Brent Angeline established Interos LLC, a firm that utilizes open-source software "to integrate outside-developed applications with the server-based Interos platform system."
By partnering with Binghamton University's Computer Science Department, Linux User Group and School of Management; as well as with the Strategic Partnership for Industrial Resurgence (SPIR) in the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Brent has be able to provide Binghamton University students with opportunities to learn and work as he grows his company.
His initiative has resulted in a successful company that provides services to strengthen organizations and firms in the Southern Tier, and allows him to volunteer his expertise to help nonprofits such as Girls! Balance the Equation.
REBECCA BARLOW
Social Studies Teacher – Windsor Central High School
Valedictorian of Windsor Central High School, Rebecca Barlow earned dual bachelor's degrees in adolescent education and history from Elmira College and holds initial certification to teach social studies in grades 7-12. She also has a master's degree in literacy for grades 5-12 from Binghamton University.
"Rebecca's strongest character trait is her "determination and strong work ethic" write her nominators. Some of those traits were demonstrated when she was selected to complete her teaching practicum in Glasgow, Scotland, where she met all cultural and curricular challenges with "maturity, determination and hard work."
Barlow continues community service work with her parish, St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Binghamton, training altar servers, as a religious education teacher and as coordinator of youth group activities.
COLLEEN BARTON
Youth Educator Marketing Coordinator – Visions Federal Credit Union
Colleen Barton left home at 16, yet earned degrees from both Broome Community College and Binghamton University while working full time. An honor society member and Communications Club president at BCC, she graduated with honors from Binghamton University.
Her nominators write that she "is a dedicated and driven individual who enjoys her job and helping people. … She is a future leader in our community…"
Now working with schools and nonprofits in a newly created position, Barton shows passion for what she does and "thinks outside the box" in ways that have earned her Visions recognition at the Pyramid Club, Presidents Club and Community Pride Club levels. She has participated in walks for CHOW and breast cancer, heart and diabetes awareness, and also volunteers in a soup kitchen.
KARI ANNE BAYAIT
Project Manager – Southern Tier Celebrates!
Kari Anne Bayait holds an associate's degree in graphic design from Broome Community College and a bachelor's degree in studio art from Binghamton University.
Her nominators write that she "is the rare combination of an extremely creative, hard-working individual who is highly focused [and] with superb interpersonal skills." Bayait has taken her involvement in CIC2020 to its highest level, helping to establish the Binghamton Blowout Block Party (now Communiversity Fest) as an annual event, and using her talents to benefit the community and numerous community organizations.
Even as she maintains her own design studio, Bayait continues to volunteer her time, designing the concept for "A Walk of Art," and donating her services to the Red Cross and Community Options, Inc., among other nonprofit organizations.
LAUREN BIASILLO
Agricultural Economic Development Specialist – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County
The "creative mind, team approach and self-inspired initiative" exhibited by Lauren Biasillo have enabled her to develop and coordinate numerous opportunities for better health through nutrition-specific initiatives in Broome County.
A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a bachelor's degree in politics and government, and from Rutgers University with a master's degree in public policy with a concentration in community development, Biasillo "has shown community commitment, exemplary leadership and determination for personal growth" according to her nominators.
A recent graduate of the Broome Leadership Institute and currently participating in LEAD NY, which cultivates leaders for the food and agricultural industry, Biasillo is also a volunteer for organizations such as the Magic Paintbrush Project, the Farmers' Market Federation of NY and 4-H.
ANDREA BOGART
Territory Manager – Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. inVentiv
Andrea Bogart holds a bachelor's degree in business with a concentration in marketing from Mount St. Mary's College, where she played Division I basketball for four years.
While helping her parents through serious illness, Bogart maintains "an incredible can-do attitude and is always willing to put in the extra effort and go the extra mile…" write her nominators.
As a pharmaceutical representative, Bogart is well respected by medical professionals for her proven ability to quickly navigate change, to expand her knowledge and for her interpersonal skills, hard work and attention to detail. She is also called a team player by many, which is evidenced by her return to her high school alma mater – Maine Endwell – where she currently coaches the girls' junior varsity basketball team.
CRAIG BROCCOLI
Student – Binghamton University
A senior at Binghamton University pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering and a master's in business administration in just five years, Craig Broccoli stays involved.
Nominators write that they are "impressed with his drive as he is truly one who will put forth his best in all of his endeavors." Those endeavors include serving as president of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), a student-run organization that promotes environmental sustainability and is working to put rebuilt computers into the hands of the less fortunate; and a director of Catalysts for Intellectual Capital (CIC2020), another student-run organization working to retain Binghamton University graduates in the area. He is also a resident assistant and campus tour guide, and leads a team of six for a senior design project.
MEGAN CURINGA
Associate in Real Estate – Hinman, Howard Kattell, LLP
A member of Broome Leadership Institute Class of 2009, Megan Curinga graduated from St. Lawrence University with a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in geology and earned her juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law.
Curinga serves on the board of directors of the Jewish Community Center as its Early Childhood Center Chair, and as Real Property Section Chair of the Broome County Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Committee. Her nominators write that her "positive attitude and willingness to meet any challenge" is inspirational.
The mother of a one-year-old and a full-time attorney, Curinga still finds time to volunteer her time through activities in support of organizations including the Dick's Open, the Goodwill Theater and Habitat for Humanity.
THOMAS HACKETT
Financial Representative – Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
A graduate of Broome Community College with an associate's degree and Binghamton University with a bachelor's degree in management with a concentration in finance and marketing, Thomas Hackett has moved on to become the Intern of the Year for Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, and now among its top 40 new, full-time representatives in the region.
Seen as a leader by others since his early teen years, Hackett's nominators write that he excels "in more tangible qualities such as communication, follow-through, discipline, integrity, responsibility, commitment and consistency with keeping his word."
Hackett devotes his spare time to community organizations including serving as marketing chair for the Southern Tier Young Professionals, the a mentor for the Compeer Youth Mentoring Program and president of the Triple Cities Golf Association.
DAVID HOWE
Senior Systems Engineer – Lockheed Martin
David Howe earned two bachelor's degrees – one in aerospace engineering and another in mechanical engineering – from the University at Buffalo and a master's degree in systems engineering from Cornell University.
Well respected in his work at Lockheed Martin, Howe has completed its highly selective Engineering Leadership Development Program and has been called "a high-impact leader who enriches the lives of those around him."
Heavily involved in the community, Howe has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, the Association of Retarded Citizens and National Engineers Week. With his wife, he is also active in his church, leading a group for young married couples, mentoring teens and assisting with audio/visual technology needs.
JIANZHUANG (Jay) HUANG
RF Signal Integrity Engineer – Endicott Interconnect Technologies, Inc.
Jianzhuang Huang holds a bachelor's degree in computer engineering and a master's degree in electrical engineering from Binghamton University's Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science.
He is currently pursuing his doctorate from the Watson School while maintaining his full-time position at Endicott Interconnect. His supervisors are impressed by his "work ethic, enthusiasm, technical knowledge and willingness to help," and his doctoral adviser is amazed by his "ability to successfully face challenges and solve problems that often would be considered too hard by other students."
Huang has taught children in summer school in Brooklyn, N.Y., and given his work and course schedule, he currently chooses to support the United Way as a means to contribute to the community.
ELI KASSIS
Owner – Jupiter Games
Eli Kassis earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Binghamton University and completed his master's degree in psychotherapy from Marymount University in December 2009.
Involved in numerous activities in the past including coaching youngsters in basketball, playing on the tennis team and competing in ping pong, Kassis also volunteered at the Binghamton Psychiatric Center, Wilson Hospital and WSKG.
He launched an online company, now called Jupiter Games, following college and later as a bricks-and-mortar store. Clients are "continually impressed by his ability to effortlessly run a successful and growing business while always taking time to personally interact with all of his customers." Kassis hopes to "expand even further in the future and eventually open a franchise or two around the country."
LAUREN KILEY
Attorney – Levene, Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
Valedictorian of her high school graduating class, Lauren Kiley earned her bachelor's degree in American studies from Hamilton College and her juris doctorate from Syracuse University College of Law.
Nominators write that they are "encouraged by the potential for success, service and accomplishment she brings to life," as indicated by her numerous community service activities. She serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA, the Women's Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central New York and the Art Mission. She is also a Vestry member of All Saints Episcopal Church, a volunteer coach for the Mock Trial Team at Maine-Endwell High School and a volunteer for the Binghamton University Community Fundraising Campaign.
ANGELA KUCERA
Manufacturing Engineer – BAE Systems
Angela Kucera earned her bachelor of science degree in industrial and systems engineering and her master of science degree in systems science and industrial engineering from Binghamton University while balancing care for an ill parent.
She continues to grow as an engineer and has remained active in several extracurricular activities.
A dancer for two decades and now a ballet instructor as well, Kucera remains heavily involved in Odyssey of the Mind, having competed as a student at the world level and now judging at the regional and state levels. Her nominators write that she "has shown her leadership abilities in her professional employment as a manufacturing engineer" and "she shows her active participation in and support of youth [and] other community-oriented activities."
ANTHONY OLENIK
Hardware Design Engineer – BAE Systems, Platform Solutions
Volunteer firefighter Anthony Olenik holds two degrees from Binghamton University – a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics and an MBA. He is currently pursuing a second master's degree in industrial and systems engineering.
An active member of engineering society Tau Beta Pi as a student, Olenik is now chief adviser of the Binghamton University chapter and a national district director for the organization. He is also leading Explorer Post 2010, a program affiliated with Boy Scouts of America, to interest young adults in the fields of math and science.
According to nominators, Olenik's "strong sense of commitment and … willingness to do the 'grunt' work necessary to insure a successful outcome" are among his many positive attributes.
ZACHARIAH RILEY
Student – Broome Community College
Representing "what the future of our community is all about," Zachariah Riley is someone who is "making our community a better and safer place to live," according to nominators.
The first student to serve consecutive terms as student trustee for Broome Community College, Riley rose to officer in the Order of the Arrow, the Boy Scout's national honor society, and also sat on the BCC search committee to find a president. He is on the school's Faculty-Student Association Board and the statewide committee developing a strategic plan for the State University of New York.
His volunteer service includes establishing the Rotaract Club at BCC, a service club modeled after Rotary, Captain of the Chenango Bridge Medical Team, Senior Patrol Leader for Troop 155, Vestal EMS, and Chenango Bridge Fire Department.
JENNIFER ROYER
Third Deputy Clerk – Broome County Legislature
Jennifer Royer earned her bachelor's degree in religious studies with a minor in Middle Eastern studies and sociology, and is currently a master of public administration student at Binghamton University, expecting to graduate in 2010.
Called "a critical driving force in expanding" the fledgling Broome County Young Democrats role at the state level, Royer is also communications director for the New York State Young Democrats and coordinates their participation in Traci's Hope, CHOW and their support for victims affected by the American Civic Association shooting.
She is also a graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute, a political entrepreneurship training program for young professionals, where organizers note that "she has the superb interpersonal and critical thinking skills that will help her wherever she goes in life."
BRIAN SHEA
Legislative Aide – Office of Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo
As a senior at Binghamton University pursuing his bachelor's degree in political science, Brian Shea has already had extensive experience in the political arena, working for U.S. Congressman Maurice Hinchey's campaign, as liaison for then-Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Southern Tier and now as an aide for Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.
Nominators write that he "exemplifies what it should mean to be a public servant – principled, selfless and community-oriented," through his outgoing personality and work ethic.
Shea has served as two-time chair of the Binghamton High School Community Thanksgiving Dinner. He is also active with the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the American Red Cross, even as he serves on the Student Association Executive Board at Binghamton University.
YANIQUE WATSON
Staff Software Engineer – IBM
A graduate of Northeastern University with a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, Yanique Watson also graduated from Binghamton University's highly competitive Executive MBA program in 2009. Her supervisor at IBM notes that she "has contributed to solutions in critical customer situations and has displayed the ability to deliver excellent results under difficult circumstances."
Watson serves as a Connections Coach and mentor for recent hires at IBM. She also volunteers her time delivering meals for Meals on Wheels of Western Broome; as a facilitator for EX.I.T.E. Camp to empower middle school girls in the fields of math, science, and engineering; building homes for Habitat for Humanity; and for Day of Caring, IBM's Employee Charitable Contribution Campaign and the IBM Endicott Rahner CHOW Challenge.
Additional Information:
www.stoc-ny.com/library/20in20/2010/finalists/Class of 2010.doc
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