OUr core team
Jaclyn M. Tacoronte
Jaclyn M. Tacoronte is an award-winning marketing and public relations professional with over 20 years of experience in both agency and client-side settings, serving Fortune 500 companies, including Canon, Puma, Harley-Davidson and Proctor & Gamble. She is frequently a public relations guest speaker and panelist for New York State Council for the Arts, Staten Island Not For Profit Association, Center for Non Profit Success and Staten Island Partnership for Community Wellness. She is currently the CEO & President of JMT Media, LLC., a New York certified M/WBE boutique marketing, public relations and design firm that specializes in small business marketing and the non-profit sector.
Jaclyn Tacoronte has spearheaded all marketing and public relations efforts for the inaugural New York City Winter Lantern Festival and Winter Wonderland Staten Island Festival garnering over 200,000 on and off-island attendees. Jaclyn Tacoronte is also the Executive Producer of JMT the BEAT; a new online series featuring the best of Staten Island’s Business, Entertainment, Art & Theatre groups (currently over 140,000 views).
Jaclyn Tacoronte currently serves as 2nd Vice Chair of the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island, Executive Women’s Council for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, the Marketing Chair for Colloquy Collective and Board Chair for Staten Island Makerspace.
Jaclyn Tacoronte has spearheaded all marketing and public relations efforts for the inaugural New York City Winter Lantern Festival and Winter Wonderland Staten Island Festival garnering over 200,000 on and off-island attendees. Jaclyn Tacoronte is also the Executive Producer of JMT the BEAT; a new online series featuring the best of Staten Island’s Business, Entertainment, Art & Theatre groups (currently over 140,000 views).
Jaclyn Tacoronte currently serves as 2nd Vice Chair of the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island, Executive Women’s Council for the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation, the Marketing Chair for Colloquy Collective and Board Chair for Staten Island Makerspace.
Dolores N. Morris
Dolores N. Morris joined the Board of The Staten Island Foundation in 2011. She is a fifth-generation Staten Islander, graduated from Hunter College cum laude with a degree in Physical Anthropology, and enjoyed a career in children’s television programming at ABC Network, Walt Disney Company, and the HBO Family Channel. Her work on ABC’s After School Specials garnered 25 Emmy awards for the network, and a prestigious Peabody Award. She has five personal Emmy's, three Peabody Awards, an Oscar mention, for producing the film, The Children's March.
She mentors youth and counsels college students on the future of television and media for children and is motivational speaker for youth and women, especially audiences of color. She is a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Other awards include: the Arthur D. Phillips Community Leader Award, National Council of Negro Women Outstanding Achievement Award, and College of
Staten Island President’s Medal, Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement.
In 2017, she wrote, “The Soldier that Wagged Her Tail”, a book about her father William A Morris Jr. who served in WWII and his dog, Trixie, who served with him and saved his life. She serves on the boards of The College of Staten Island Foundation and The Staten Island Museum, The Historic Tappan Park Foundation as well as serving on several church committees and is chair of the Church Council at her church, Faith United Methodist.
She mentors youth and counsels college students on the future of television and media for children and is motivational speaker for youth and women, especially audiences of color. She is a certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Other awards include: the Arthur D. Phillips Community Leader Award, National Council of Negro Women Outstanding Achievement Award, and College of
Staten Island President’s Medal, Staten Island Advance Woman of Achievement.
In 2017, she wrote, “The Soldier that Wagged Her Tail”, a book about her father William A Morris Jr. who served in WWII and his dog, Trixie, who served with him and saved his life. She serves on the boards of The College of Staten Island Foundation and The Staten Island Museum, The Historic Tappan Park Foundation as well as serving on several church committees and is chair of the Church Council at her church, Faith United Methodist.
Vincenza Gallassio
Vincenza Gallassio, worked for 34 years for the NYC Department of Education. In her last position she served as the District 31 Superintendent, a 3K - 12 Community District.
Vincenza offers a keen awareness and familiarity with leadership styles and philosophies. She has worked cooperatively with principals and assistant principals to enhance the practice of standards-driven lessons in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and technology. Under her effective leadership, students are receiving rigorous instruction that is clear and purposeful, and are provided multiple entry points to understanding resulting in improved outcomes and creating assessment capable learners.
Vincenza was a principal for 11 years at PS 16 in Tompkinsville, Staten Island. As the principal of PS 16, she moved the school from the State designation of Restructure to its current state of Good Standing. Under her leadership, the school has shown progress in both the State ELA and Math results in the subgroup of Lowest Performing Students. Prior to her role as principal, she was an assistant principal in District 20 at PS 205. Her prior experience prepared her to work in Title 1 schools with a high population of ELLs and Students with disabilities. As a teacher for 15 years, she taught several different grades in the elementary level. She began her career as a teacher at PS 160 in Brooklyn, and later as a teacher and staff developer at The Michael J. Petrides School. She designed and developed after-school professional development workshops on a variety of educational topics for novice and experienced teachers, and participated in collegial walk-throughs of teachers with pre/post inter-visitation debriefing using the Principles of Learning.
In November 2018, under her leadership, a core of like-minded leaders created My Sister’s Keeper (MSKSI) for students in District 31 schools from elementary to high school. MSKSI fosters opportunities to build leadership, encourage sisterhood and build inner confidence (self-esteem) through workshops, sister circles, leadership events, and community-based projects.
Vincenza offers a keen awareness and familiarity with leadership styles and philosophies. She has worked cooperatively with principals and assistant principals to enhance the practice of standards-driven lessons in literacy, mathematics, science, social studies and technology. Under her effective leadership, students are receiving rigorous instruction that is clear and purposeful, and are provided multiple entry points to understanding resulting in improved outcomes and creating assessment capable learners.
Vincenza was a principal for 11 years at PS 16 in Tompkinsville, Staten Island. As the principal of PS 16, she moved the school from the State designation of Restructure to its current state of Good Standing. Under her leadership, the school has shown progress in both the State ELA and Math results in the subgroup of Lowest Performing Students. Prior to her role as principal, she was an assistant principal in District 20 at PS 205. Her prior experience prepared her to work in Title 1 schools with a high population of ELLs and Students with disabilities. As a teacher for 15 years, she taught several different grades in the elementary level. She began her career as a teacher at PS 160 in Brooklyn, and later as a teacher and staff developer at The Michael J. Petrides School. She designed and developed after-school professional development workshops on a variety of educational topics for novice and experienced teachers, and participated in collegial walk-throughs of teachers with pre/post inter-visitation debriefing using the Principles of Learning.
In November 2018, under her leadership, a core of like-minded leaders created My Sister’s Keeper (MSKSI) for students in District 31 schools from elementary to high school. MSKSI fosters opportunities to build leadership, encourage sisterhood and build inner confidence (self-esteem) through workshops, sister circles, leadership events, and community-based projects.
Steven J. Raile
Steven J. Raile has been a technology educator for over 35 years. He has coached Staten Island Technical H.S. robotic’s team for 17 years, 3rd most winningest team in New York State history. Additionally, he has created Staten Island FIRST Lego league district qualifier, which developed into the NYC model. With his stellar record over 90% student college placement in STEM related Engineering programs. Under Steve’s leadership and direction, he created “TechStyles”, a collaboration and self-sustaining business partnership between Staten Island Tech. H.S. and Lifestyles for the Disabled. He is a proud member of NYC Makerspace.
Steve Grillo
Mr. Grillo is an urban planner with nearly 15 years of experience in economic development, community advocacy and intergovernmental affairs. As principal of the Urban Solutions Group, he strives to advance community-based, common-sense deliverables to challenging issues and critical projects. Serving as a member of the NYCDMC board allows him to share his experience with the local community and help young people expand their professional opportunities.
Prior to starting his firm, Mr. Grillo spent a decade as First Vice President of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC). In addition to his work with Urban Solutions Group, he is also the Executive Director of Explore Millburn-Short Hills, a Special Improvement District in Essex County.
Mr. Grillo holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia and a master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College in Manhattan. He has served on multiple boards and advisory committees on Staten Island, has been published in a variety of urban planning periodicals and has also been a guest lecturer at the Rutgers University, Wagner College and Pratt Institute.
Prior to starting his firm, Mr. Grillo spent a decade as First Vice President of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC). In addition to his work with Urban Solutions Group, he is also the Executive Director of Explore Millburn-Short Hills, a Special Improvement District in Essex County.
Mr. Grillo holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia and a master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College in Manhattan. He has served on multiple boards and advisory committees on Staten Island, has been published in a variety of urban planning periodicals and has also been a guest lecturer at the Rutgers University, Wagner College and Pratt Institute.
William Starda Perry
William Starda Perry has been recognized and awarded for his music, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and developing over 100 youth programs throughout NYC, independently. Starda's journey has led him to working with city elects, professional performing artists, and various production companies over the past decade.
Beginning his career in local venues, Starda has built his brand by creating platforms for young creatives. His event and media production agency, WeJustWorkin LLC, was founded 2017. WJW is responsible for producing the very first minority owned/original music main stages for every major Staten Island festival. The first series of partnerships of its kind in over 65 years, collaborating with Staten Island's most renowned cultural institutions and schools.
Starda has received the 2008 "Best Actor & Best Message" Award from the Staten Island Film Festival, from a high school project produced with his classmates. In 2013 he received the Emerging Young Artist Award by Staten Island Arts, New York City Council, New York State Assembly, U.S. Congress. The following year won both the 2014 Premier Grant and the Excellence in the Arts Award by Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. In 2016 Starda and his high school best friend Charlie Rock produced a two month festival showcasing emerging S.I. artists through the All Access Arts grants by Council Members Debi Rose and Steven Matteo, in collaboration with Snug Harbor Botanical Garden & Cultural Center. After beginning his career as a Songwriting & Entrepreneurship Teaching Artist in almost 30 NYC schools, Starda was awarded the 2018 Community Lift Award by Central Life Center Inc. & N.Y. Executive Chambers Office. As well as being a keynote speaker at his former high school's graduation, Concord High School, for 3 years.
After his company WJW was greatly affected by the pandemic in 2020, Starda was discovered for his music and entrepreneurial background by producer Philly Diamond in 2021. Starda is now Co Founder of a new private music production company/ independent label Banks And Roses Society (B.A.R.S. Productions LLC). The new company will be releasing content throughout 2022. As well as recruiting young talent and offering employment opportunities in the entertainment and media industry, in collaboration with WJW.
Starda's debut music projects "The Starda Kit Vol. 1 & 2" are set to release 2022.
Beginning his career in local venues, Starda has built his brand by creating platforms for young creatives. His event and media production agency, WeJustWorkin LLC, was founded 2017. WJW is responsible for producing the very first minority owned/original music main stages for every major Staten Island festival. The first series of partnerships of its kind in over 65 years, collaborating with Staten Island's most renowned cultural institutions and schools.
Starda has received the 2008 "Best Actor & Best Message" Award from the Staten Island Film Festival, from a high school project produced with his classmates. In 2013 he received the Emerging Young Artist Award by Staten Island Arts, New York City Council, New York State Assembly, U.S. Congress. The following year won both the 2014 Premier Grant and the Excellence in the Arts Award by Staten Island Arts, with public funding from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. In 2016 Starda and his high school best friend Charlie Rock produced a two month festival showcasing emerging S.I. artists through the All Access Arts grants by Council Members Debi Rose and Steven Matteo, in collaboration with Snug Harbor Botanical Garden & Cultural Center. After beginning his career as a Songwriting & Entrepreneurship Teaching Artist in almost 30 NYC schools, Starda was awarded the 2018 Community Lift Award by Central Life Center Inc. & N.Y. Executive Chambers Office. As well as being a keynote speaker at his former high school's graduation, Concord High School, for 3 years.
After his company WJW was greatly affected by the pandemic in 2020, Starda was discovered for his music and entrepreneurial background by producer Philly Diamond in 2021. Starda is now Co Founder of a new private music production company/ independent label Banks And Roses Society (B.A.R.S. Productions LLC). The new company will be releasing content throughout 2022. As well as recruiting young talent and offering employment opportunities in the entertainment and media industry, in collaboration with WJW.
Starda's debut music projects "The Starda Kit Vol. 1 & 2" are set to release 2022.
Shaquana Perry
Shaquana Perry is a Brooklyn native who subsequently moved to Staten Island in fourth grade. She attended McKee High School, where she met her Husband Joseph and best friends Eboni, Miltonya. In her completion of the cosmetology program, she obtained her high school diploma. At this time, she learned she would become a first time mom at the age of 18. However, this did not deter Shaquana from her journey to a better life, Throughout the years she has obtain several certifications. Now as a mother of 3, Business own of 3JsCreation Event Space, President of non profit organizations Beautiful Heartbeats in which she co-founded with her 2 best friends and has held a career as New York State employee for the last 18yrs And Council Leader of Public Employees Federation union. She has been able to provide mentorship, as well as, build long term relationships. Due to her ability to effectively lead and inspire, Shaquana is able to positively impact those around her. While being able to effectively lead.
Working within the community has allowed Shaquana to establish the gift of patience as well as selfless service. She is always wanting to give back to the community, as well as, those in need. One of her role models was her dad late Father Vernon , who was always involved in his community. His positive presence and impact has shifted upon her and now she’s sure to be involved within community events. Life hits us all, but it’s not always about the fall. It’s about how hard you get up swinging. We are in this fight together, we just have to realize our strength is in our togetherness.
Working within the community has allowed Shaquana to establish the gift of patience as well as selfless service. She is always wanting to give back to the community, as well as, those in need. One of her role models was her dad late Father Vernon , who was always involved in his community. His positive presence and impact has shifted upon her and now she’s sure to be involved within community events. Life hits us all, but it’s not always about the fall. It’s about how hard you get up swinging. We are in this fight together, we just have to realize our strength is in our togetherness.
Tara L. Martin
Tara L. Martin is the founder & CEO of TLM Strategic Advisors (TLMSA), a full-service boutique firm specializing in social impact strategic development. Being one of New York’s most sought-after social impact strategists with a proven track record, she has dedicated more than 20 years to resolving the most complex issues facing her clients in both the public and private sectors. Tara is one of the most prominent voices within the organized labor community designing and executing winning issue advocacy, legislative, and strategic messaging campaigns. She has decades of extensive political campaign experience including five Presidential elections (Howard Dean, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Hilary Clinton, & Joe Biden) and numerous federal, state, and local elections.
Tara is the former Head of Public Affairs for the Northeast United States for a $10B tech-enabled startup. She is also the former Director of Public Outreach at Madison Square Entertainment and principal decision-maker for a $5M political action committee dedicated to electing pro-business candidates. She is a skilled and tactical PR professional, who drafted communications plans and organized media placement in local, regional, and international press to support some of the most prominent labor union organizing campaigns.
Tara is the former Head of Public Affairs for the Northeast United States for a $10B tech-enabled startup. She is also the former Director of Public Outreach at Madison Square Entertainment and principal decision-maker for a $5M political action committee dedicated to electing pro-business candidates. She is a skilled and tactical PR professional, who drafted communications plans and organized media placement in local, regional, and international press to support some of the most prominent labor union organizing campaigns.
Madison Gattullo
Madison Gattullo is a NYC based singer, creator, performer, voice actress, and playwright. She graduated magna cum laude from SUNY New Paltz with a major in Theatre Performance and a minor in Law & Politics and is pursuing her MBA. She has appeared on motion picture soundtracks and has performed at many local theaters including St. George Theatre, The Music Hall at Snug Harbor, and The Little Victory Theatre. Madison is the 2023 Miss Richmond County, representing Staten Island on a local level within the Miss America Organization centered on spreading her initiative of advocating for inclusivity and accessibility within the arts. She has a fundraising background taking part in charity productions with ImpACT Theatre, serving as the Vice President which helps to raise over $10,000 each year for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. She is in the process of founding the Vincent N. Gattullo Legacy Foundation in honor of her grandfather, which she hopes to debut by the end of 2024. She is grateful to have the opportunity to continue positively impacting the lives of students within the media industry with being on the board of the NYC Digital Media Center.
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