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April 1, 2022 • Schneps Media
O F MANHAT TAN
2022
RAMONA SINGER
SHADAWN SMITH
DR. CARLA SMITH
SHEILA THORNE
TV PERSONALITY
VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS &
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
NYC & CO.
DEPUTY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
URBAN RESOURCE INSTITUTE
PRESIDENT & CEO
MULTICULTURAL HEALTHCARE MARKETING GROUP, LLC
What was your best moment in business?
My best moment in business was when I was able to go off on my own and start
my own business in the garment district in NYC. I was so nervous but excited at the
same time.
What is your secret to success?
My secret to success is to never get too comfortable, always set new goals for
yourself and work towards achieving them. Also I am a big believer in saving your
money, it will pay off later in life.
Who inspires you?
My daughter Avery inspires me. She works so hard and is doing so well for herself. I
am so proud of her and she motivates me and inspires me everyday.
What has been your best moment in business?
My career is built on best moments from ensuring community input on the next
phase of affordable housing in East NY to leading the efforts to garner significant
capital dollars for a project to establishing a relationship between the City Council
and NYC & Company from scratch as there was none prior to my arrival.
What is your secret to success?
The secret is to be authentic and unapologetic. My true secret is my quiet strength.
Who inspires me?
My grandmother, my mother, and my father inspire me to go farther and to not
limit myself. There are so many Black and Brown women who inspire me, who have
been so instrumental in my success.
What has been your best moment in business?
Participating in leading the development and operation of transformational spaces
and services for underserved victims of domestic violence, their pets and homeless
families at URI.
What is your secret to success?
Working to remain physically and spiritually connected to my role in the transformational
power that services can provide for individuals in need, and understanding
that we don’t have to be an expert in every area we oversee.
Who inspires you?
I would have to say my grandmother. She was the epitome of servant leadership
and lived believing, “I have to go get this one, they may be the one to bring me
a drink of water”.
What has been your best moment in business?
Over the past two decades, it has been exhilarating to see how diversity, inclusion
and equity has moved to the commercial side of the business agenda. It is not only
the right and moral thing to do but it makes good business sense in an increasingly
diverse marketplace.
What is your secret to success?
Integrity, consistency and commitment -- and staying true to my motto: “You can
make money and serve society”. The two are not mutually exclusive and in healthcare,
it’s about enlightened self-interest and the practice of humane medicine so
that all can achieve their optimal health.
Who inspires you?
My mother who was the best example, my most loyal fan and a sterling example of character,
honesty and encouragement for me to be the best that I can be and to give back.