Schneps Connects

LaToya Williams-Belfort, Executive Director of The Bronx Community Foundation,  discusses her path into nonprofit leadership and her vision for creating long-term economic opportunity across the Bronx. With more than 20 years of experience advancing equity for historically excluded communities, she shares how the Bronx’s only community foundation is investing directly in grassroots organizations and strengthening community-led philanthropy.

Williams-Belfort discusses major issues impacting the borough, including the digital divide, workforce development, economic mobility, housing instability, and food insecurity, while highlighting the Foundation’s efforts to help drive sustainable change. She also reflects on the importance of changing outdated narratives surrounding the Bronx by spotlighting the innovation, leadership, and talent within the community.

Toni-Ann Sforza, Chief Operating Officer of Municipal Credit Union (MCU), shares her leadership journey and the strategy behind building a high-performing, people-first organization in New York’s competitive financial services landscape. With nearly two decades of experience, Sforza oversees a wide range of operations. From payments and digital services to human resources and fraud, Toni-Ann drives measurable growth across a workforce of more than 680 employees.

As COO, she reflects on her approach to leadership, placing a strong emphasis on team development, internal mobility, and a robust workplace culture. Sforza discusses the evolution of talent strategy, including the transformation of teller roles into Member Service Representatives to enhance customer experiences and enhance employee growth. She also highlights MCU’s focus on recruitment, retention, and future workforce planning, offering insight into how the organization continues to innovate while staying committed to its members and employees. Learn more here.

Stuart Wetanson, third-generation owner of Tony’s Di Napoli and Dallas BBQ, shares the story behind two of New York City’s most iconic family-run restaurant brands and the legacy that continues to shape their success. Built on decades of hard work, the Wetanson family has created a dining empire rooted in consistency, scale, and old-school hospitality. Dallas BBQ has served as a city staple since 1978 and Tony’s Di Napoli has served Italian family-style dining since 1990.

Wetanson reflects on growing up in the business and stepping into a leadership role, balancing tradition with the need to evolve in one of the most competitive restaurant markets in the world. He discusses the keys to longevity, from maintaining quality and high-volume operations to fostering a strong internal culture across multiple locations. He also shares insights on navigating major challenges, including economic shifts and the pandemic, while staying true to the core values that have defined the brand for generations.

Mark D. Shirian, founder and principal of Mark David Shirian P.C., discusses his career in litigation and the mission behind his Manhattan-based law firm. Shirian launched his firm in 2016 after more than 25 years in the legal field. His practice focuses on personal injury, employment discrimination and harassment, civil rights, and complex commercial litigation. Throughout his career, he has secured multiple seven-figure settlements while holding everyone from Fortune 500 companies to government entities accountable.

Shirian shares insights on what individuals should know when pursuing legal action, from personal injury and medical malpractice to employment discrimination and civil rights cases. He also discusses important legal protections, deadlines such as statutes of limitation and Notice of Claim requirements, and emerging opportunities for justice, including the look-back window under the NYC Gender-Motivated Violence Act. Learn more here.

Molly Eagan, Chief Executive Officer of VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, discusses her leadership journey and the mission driving one of the region’s most impactful nonprofit organizations.

VISIONS, founded in 1926, serves nearly 8,000 individuals each year across New York City, Long Island, Northern New Jersey, the Hudson Valley, and Rockland County, providing vision rehabilitation and social services that help people who are blind or visually impaired live independent, confident, and connected lives. VISIONS is also the leading organization in New York State for placing individuals with vision loss into employment.

Molly discusses insights from her prior leadership roles and reflects on the importance of access, health equity, and innovation in human services. She also spotlights VISIONS’ upcoming Centennial Gala at the New York Athletic Club and shares her vision for the organization’s next century of impact. Learn more here.

Assemblyman Steve Stern, who represents New York’s 10th Assembly District on Long Island, discusses his path into public service and the legislative work shaping his community.

Since taking office in 2018, Stern has played a leading role in advancing legislation focused on veterans’ services, environmental protection, public health, and community safety. As Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, he shares insights into his efforts to improve veteran benefits, expand opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Business Enterprises, and address veteran homelessness through initiatives like the Housing Our Homeless Heroes Act.

Stern also highlights his work protecting Long Island’s groundwater and sole-source aquifer, securing funding for schools, law enforcement, and transportation infrastructure, and championing critical public safety measures such as the Silver Alert system and the recently signed GUARD Act. He reflects on the responsibilities of leadership, collaboration at the state level, and the issues that continue to drive his work on behalf of Long Island residents.

Lenny Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, discusses how the organization is transforming organ donation and saving lives across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester.

As the federally designated organ procurement organization for the region, LiveOnNY serves more than 13 million people. Since Achan took the helm, the organization has achieved nearly a 70% increase in organ donation. Achan shares his career journey, what drew him to LiveOnNY, and how bold leadership, innovation, and hospital partnerships helped drive dramatic change.

Achan also discusses LiveOnNY’s groundbreaking work in placing medically complex kidneys, expanding donor opportunities for older adults, and addressing inequities in organ donation. With a strong focus on community outreach and honoring donors as heroes, he explains how changing the narrative around organ donation has led to greater awareness, trust, and lifesaving impact. Learn more at LiveOnNY.org

Michael Presser, Founder, President, and CEO of Inside Broadway, discusses how one nonprofit has been opening the curtain to live theatre for New York City’s public school students for more than four decades.

Founded in 1982, Inside Broadway has grown into a citywide arts education organization reaching over 100,000 students each year across all five boroughs. Presser shares his personal journey in the performing arts, how Inside Broadway evolved into a cornerstone of NYC’s cultural education landscape, and why access to the arts is essential for young people.

Presser also highlights Inside Broadway’s marquee programs and spotlights professional touring productions, in-school initiatives, new offerings and inspiring success stories from past participants. Learn more at: insidebroadway.org

Katie Culp, Chief Learning Officer at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), discusses how one of New York’s most iconic cultural institutions is reimagining science education for the next generation.

Founded alongside the 1964 World’s Fair, NYSCI has grown into a global leader in hands-on, imaginative learning, rooted in its signature Design, Make, Play philosophy. Katie shares her path to NYSCI, her vision for inclusive and engaging STEM education, and how the museum blends rigorous learning with creativity and fun.

Culp also spotlights CityWorks, NYSCI’s newest exhibit, how young people can help shape a more sustainable future, and what’s next for NYSCI. Whether you’re an educator, parent, STEM enthusiast, or simply curious, this conversation is an inspiring look at how learning, play, and innovation come together.

Kyle Markland, CEO of Municipal Credit Union (MCU), brings decades of financial leadership and a deep commitment to serving everyday New Yorkers. His experience guiding mission-driven banking initiatives gives him a clear view of the economic pressures communities face, from rising rents and inflation to childcare and cost-of-living challenges.

Now leading one of New York City’s most trusted credit unions, Markland is focused on expanding access to fair, affordable financial services and strengthening MCU’s role as a community anchor. Under his leadership, MCU is opening branches in underserved neighborhoods and deepening partnerships that support public servants and working families.

Markland shares insights on the trends shaping financial health today, from the rise of Buy Now, Pay Later to the balance between digital tools and personal service, and discusses how innovative products like high-yield savings accounts and no-fee credit cards fit into MCU’s vision of helping New Yorkers build stability and resilience. To learn more about MCU and how they support New Yorkers, visit nymcu.org.