Page 26 - 13th Annual Long Island Imagine Awards Program

Leadership Excellence

Lauren Wagner, Executive Director Yolanda Robano-Gross, LMSW, MHA
Long Island Arts Alliance Options for Community Living
PO Box 1472, Patchogue, NY 11772 25 Howard Place, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
(516) 253-4075 | www.longislandartsalliance.org 631-316-1726 | www.optionscl.org
As Executive Director of Long Island Arts Alliance (LIAA), Lauren Wagner is a tireless advocate for Options for Community Living is a private not-for-profit agency serving Long Islanders
the region’s arts and culture sector. LIAA is the backbone organization that connects, convenes, in need since 1982. Options provides housing, support services, and care coordination for
and equips Long Island’s arts sector. From advocacy to data to professional development, people recovering from mental illness, those living with HIV/AIDS, and other chronic health
LIAA provides what no single organization can do alone. Under her leadership, LIAA has conditions. Many of the people we serve were formerly homeless. We aim to help each program
empowered countless organizations through strategic advocacy, innovative programming, and participant and family find stability, improved health, and the tools to build productive self-
critical resources that spotlight the arts as essential—not optional. sufficient lives as community members.

In 2023, Lauren spearheaded Long Island’s first-ever Arts & Economic Impact Study, revealing Yolanda Robano-Gross joined Options as Chief Executive Officer in 2014 with more than twenty
the sector’s $330 million annual contribution. This landmark initiative has transformed the way years of prior executive-level experience within the healthcare industry. She is responsible for
organizations tell their stories and secure support, equipping them with the data they need to the oversight of all agency affairs and reports to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities include
be seen, heard, and funded. fiscal management of an annual budget of over $31 million, personnel management, program
development, and fundraising. She earned her Master’s in Health Care Administration from
Lauren’s vision is rooted in the belief that the arts don’t just enrich lives—they drive economic Hofstra University, her Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University, and her Bachelor’s
vitality, inspire young minds, and shape the identity of a region. Thanks to her bold leadership, Degree in Social Work from Marist College. Yolanda holds a certificate in Executive Education,
Long Island’s creative community has never had a stronger voice—or a clearer case for Non-Profit Leadership from The Fordham Center for Non-Profit Leaders.
investment.
In addition to her work at Options, Yolanda is very involved with her community. She is the
President of the 5 Towns Kiwanis Club, Vice President of WEDLI, Secretary of ACL, and
serves on the board for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. In 2024, Yolanda was
named a “Power Woman of Long Island” by Schnepps Media.

Suzette Gordon, President & CEO Linda Beigel Schulman, President & Founder
SCO Family of Services Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund
1415 Kellum Place, Suite 140, Garden City, NY 11530 8 Hart Place Dix Hills, NY 11746
(516) 671-1253 | www.sco.org (516) 984-7500 | www.sjbmf.org
SCO Family of Services empowers children, adults, and families through life-changing care, I established the Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund on February 16, 2018, two days after my son Scott
housing, education, and behavioral health support – helping them to overcome challenges and was murdered in the Parkland High School massacre. Scott dedicated his life to educating and
to succeed. For 130 years, SCO has been providing community-based support to fortify families mentoring children. The SJBMF embodies Scott’s passion for camp and his unwavering belief
and help them reach their highest potential. Our programs include: in the potential of every child.
• Early Childhood and Education The mission of SJBMF is to send at-risk, underserved children affected by gun violence to
• Family Permanence summer sleep-away camp. This life-changing opportunity offers a safe, nurturing environment,
• Community Health and Wellness allowing the children to escape the dangers of their daily lives and experience the carefree joys
• Housing of “just being kids.”
• Residential Treatment/Youth Justice I am committed to changing children’s lives through summer sleep-away camp. Many of our
• Services for People with Developmental Disabilities children come from Domestic Violence Shelters, Homeless Shelters, or Single Parent Homes.
These campers’ lives are changed by experiencing summer sleep-away camp and going forward
We envision a world where all New Yorkers thrive. And under the leadership of President they can help better their community.
and CEO Suzette Gordon, SCO is opening doors to opportunities for the 45,000 New Yorkers By giving children the opportunity to attend summer sleep-away camp we provide more than
we have the privilege to serve. A transformative leader, Suzette brings a fresh, community- just summer fun... we offer hope, stability, and a foundation for a brighter future by fostering
centered vision to the organization. Through collaboration and transparency, she has fostered confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. We want to reach these impressionable and
an environment where every voice matters. She has strengthened partnerships and championed vulnerable children before they become involved with guns, gangs and violence. I call this “Pre-
initiatives that directly address community needs. Habilitation.”
Under Suzette’s guidance, SCO has launched programs that improve health care for young In camp children learn to trust, feel safe and secure while feeling a sense of community and
adults aging out of foster care, help incarcerated fathers at Rikers Island reconnect with their responsibility with children of different ethnicities, religions, and cultures. Children are our
children, and help Long Islanders struggling with addiction. future. SJBMF will send these children back year after year to reinforce this message.
The Scott J. Beigel Memorial Fund is proudly “Changing the World One Child at a Time.”
Suzette has reshaped SCO into an organization driven by innovation and inclusivity.
25 26