Greater Rochester 40 Under 40 African American Leaders
Greater Rochester 40 Under 40 African American Leaders
Greater Rochester 40 Under 40 African American Leaders
GREATER ROCHESTER
40 African
American
UNDER
40 LEADERS
SpeCIaL aDVeRTISINg SeCTION to MeSSeNgeR pOST NeWSpapeRS for February 24, 2011
To read the full nomination letters of all the nominees included in this section, please visit www.MPNnow.com
D
uring Black History Month, the country joins together to remember
African Americans’ history and recognize the people—from Frederick
“Black History Month
Douglass writing accounts of an abolitionist to Rosa Parks refusing to
is very important to me.
give up her seat to Barack Obama becoming the first African American Black History Month
president—who have stood up against adversity, broken down barriers lingers the rest of the
and ultimately changed the face of our country. other months in the year.
Rochester, too, has a rich history of The contributions that blacks
African American leaders. Douglass, have made are not confined
one of the most prominent abolitionists to one month. It’s not just
during the Civil War, spent most of his the month of February.”
time as an activist in Rochester, where he —L. Andrew Evans, owner of
was a newspaper editor and orator. He Hospitality House in Rochester
also authored the famous literary work on
slavery, “Narrative of the Life of Frederick
Douglass, an American Slave.”
As we honor African American heroes of “During Black History Month,
garth fagan
the past, Messenger Post Media is saluting I celebrate all the positive
some of the most influential local African things I’ve achieved and all the
positive things people of color have
Americans of today in its 40 Under 40
achieved. It started with our own
tribute. Forty prominent local African
Frederick Douglass. I’m not saying
Americans under the age of 40 have been
“Black History Month is a chance when we can reflect on what our ancestors made
for us to excel in the United States and across the world. It’s a time to do research “For me, it’s remembering both the struggles and, most importantly,
and just reflect on so many great leaders of the past and also put in perspective the triumphs from those struggles. Nothing comes without pain.
what needs to be done in the future.” We are overcomers. That’s what Black History Month means to me.”
—Lovely Warren, president of the Rochester City Council —Rev. Marlowe Washington, founder of the You Bet I Told campaign in Rochester
Tickets subject to applicable service charges. Performance prices, dates, times and cast are subject to change without notice. Single-ticket purchases limited to 8 tickets per person. Other restrictions may apply.
Our nation is a rainbow—red, yellow, brown, black, and white—and we’re all precious in God’s sight. —Jesse Jackson, Democratic National Convention, San Francisco, 17 July 1984
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for February 24, 2011 • PAGE 2
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope... and crossing each other from
a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. —Robert F. Kennedy
Congratulations
Michael Patterson on Your
Recognition as one of
Rochester’s “40 Under 40”
African-American Leaders.
As a Ph.D. candidate and faculty member at Bryant & Stratton College, you
prove that education can be an enormously powerful tool for change.
As an institution dedicated both to educational excellence and
diversity among our students, staff and faculty, we at Bryant & Stratton
College are particularly proud that Michael is being recognized for his
academic achievements as well as his skills as a teacher and mentor.
Congratulations Again!
Established in 1996 by owner Karen
Iglesia, Iglesia Educational Centers
has steadily expanded into a thriving
educational, tutoring, and consulting
business. Iglesia serves a large number
of city and suburban students, as well
as adult learners, and seeks to address
the often unique challenges and needs
facing each of these populations.
Karen Iglesia, President/CEO
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, “There lived
a great people—a black people—who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization.” This is our challenge and our overwhelming responsibility. —Martin Luther King, Jr.
Congratulations
on being named among Rochester’s 40 Under 40
African-American Leaders in Rochester!
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.
Because someday in your life you will have been all of these. —George Washington Carver
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
LaTanya Nick
Chambers Harmonson
April Jermaine
Purdie McGowan
Thank you
shelter
structure
strength
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
LEADERS
I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence. —Frederick Douglass
Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom. —George Washington Carver
Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. —Abraham Lincoln
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION to MESSENGER POST NEWSPAPERS for February 24, 2011 • PAGE 8
UNDER
GREATER ROCHESTER
LEADERS
In all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress. —Booker T. Washington
TIMe WaRNeR
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
STORE WITH MORE.
www.topsmarkets.com
GREATER ROCHESTER
Congratulations!
40 African to all the Greater Rochester
40 Under 40 African American Leaders nominees.
American
UNDER Thank you for your leadership and volunteerism
40
in making our communities a better place to live
for today and future generations.
I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up. —Rosa Parks
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Henry Favor is a 32 year old employee of the City of Rochester and resides
in Greece, New York. Born into a military family, he has had the privilege Henry Favor
of traveling the world and living in various places across the United
Age 32
States. He graduated with honors from West Coast Academy in Vista, Sergeant, Rochester Police Department
California. After which, began his secondary education in Pensacola, Undergraduate Studies - MCC
Florida studying Criminal Justice. Time spent in different countries has
contributed in making Henry a unique and multicultural individual. After successfully completing the academy, he
was assigned to Patrol Division East. While there,
Henry moved his residence to New York in the spring of 1998. His desire the Business Association recognized him for his
to follow the path of law enforcement led him to join the Monroe County help in addressing the quality of life issues of the
citizens who reside in this neighborhood. Henry
Sheriff’s Department in 2001 which was in the Jail Bureau. This was an is also an active member of the Emergency Task
opportunity to observe unique attributes related to incarceration and Force, a specialized unit which solves high risk
lifestyle of inmates. Seeking more and varied opportunities, Henry and volatile situations safely. He has become Henry’s goals include
joined the Rochester Police Department in March of 2002. certified in Dignitary Protection by the U.S. State increasing communication
Department. Henry was also a part of the detail between officers and
After successfully completing the academy, he was assigned to Patrol which protected the President of the United States the community, raising
Division East, formerly known as Clinton Section. While there he was when he came to Rochester and spoke at a local community awareness, and
high school. Henry’s passion has led him in the being a good role model
recognized by the North Clinton Business Association for his help in direction of training. He is an instructor in several that children can look to
addressing the quality of life issues of the citizens who reside in this areas of the Rochester Police Department. and aspire to be one day.
neighborhood. Henry is also an active member of the Emergency Task
Force which is a specialized unit which solves high risk and volatile
situations safely. He traveled to Washington D.C. and became certified
in Dignitary Protection by the United States State Department which
protects all foreign dignitaries currently in the United States. Henry was
also a part of the detail which protected the President of the United
States when he came to Rochester and spoke at a local high school.
Henry’s passion has led him in the direction of training. He is an
instructor in several areas of the Rochester Police Department. He
teaches Firearms, Defensive Tactics, and Emergency Vehicle Operation
and Control to both recruits and current officers during their in-service
training. He has assisted in rewriting parts of the Defensive Tactics
program which increase safety for both the officer and citizens.
He does not only use these skills for the police department. He volunteers
at a local church assisting in teaching self defense programs. Through
his time working in the jail, Henry realized that reaching children at a
young age is an important part of helping the community. Utilizing
this knowledge Henry has been to local elementary schools teaching
children the role of police officers. He has also helped local Boy Scout
troops tour a working police station and learn the proper procedures
for calling 911.
In 2009, Henry was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant. He is currently
assigned to Patrol Division West where he supervises officers assigned
to the Northwest sector. His goals include increasing communication
between officers and the community, raising community awareness,
and being a good role model that children can look to and aspire to be
one day.
—Chief James Sheppard, Rochester Police Department
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Kala Gause’s everyday job is working as the Fitness Director at World Gym
Rochester. But during his off-hours, he focuses on making connections Kala Gause
in our local community to help as many people as possible reach their Age 36
goals. Through his knowledge of exercise and physical fitness, Kala Fitness Director, Personal Trainer,
has worked with Junior High and High School kids who are training CrossFit Coach - World Gym Rochester
as competitive athletes, to 70+ year old women who just want to live Graduate of East High School and
a healthy lifestyle, and everyone in between. The relationships Kala Elizabeth City State University
creates with his clients are what really makes everyone he works with Kala’s everyday job is working at World Gym
successful. They trust him and his knowledge, and by working together, Rochester. But during his off-hours, he focuses on
they achieve results most people never thought possible. making connections in our community helping
as many people as possible reach their goals.
Kala has worked with and trained many of our local high school athletes Through his knowledge of exercise and physical
in order to help them get to the next level of their sport. Not only does fitness, Kala has worked with teens training as
he put their workouts and nutrition together, but it’s the extra mile he competitive athletes, to older women who just Kala’s true passion is
want to live a healthy lifestyle, and everyone in not just educating people
goes outside of the gym to help them in any way possible. Kala makes between. The relationships he creates with his about exercise, but
arrangements for his athletes to travel to different combines and clients are what really makes everyone he works teaching them about life
national exposure camps so they have a better chance of receiving a with successful. They trust him and his knowledge, skills that will make
and by working together, they achieve results them successful forever,
college scholarship. He helps them put highlight videos together and
most people never thought possible. not just in their sport.
guides them through the recruiting process. These are all things Kala
does on his own, just to see the satisfaction his kids feel when they
achieve something great. He has worked with his nephew, Quentin
Gause, in and outside of the gym since Quentin was in 6th grade, which
has helped him achieve a full scholarship to play football at Rutgers
University.
Kala’s true passion is not just educating people about exercise, but
teaching them about life skills that will make them successful forever,
not just in their sport. He motivates in a way that encourages mental
toughness on and off the field, hard work in the classroom or at work,
and dedication to whatever his clients set forth as their goal. One of
Kala’s 73-year old clients has said of Kala, “He has me doing things in
the gym that I never thought I would be able to do. And it’s because of
his motivation and my trust in him that has allowed me to achieve my
goals.”
Kala is a great leader in this community because of his desire to help
anyone who crosses his path. He will unselfishly do whatever it takes
to help his clients succeed, even if it means sleeping less, traveling
around the country, and working around the clock. If anyone is looking
to become more successful in their sport or just in their life, Kala Gause
is the person to see.
—Ron Sember, World Gym Rochester
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Eddie Hammonds III is one who exhibits many leadership traits and has
proven himself as a leader over the years. Eddie’s selfless commitment Eddie Hammonds III
to enrich the community explains why I nominate him as a 40 under Age 33
40 African-American Leader. Born and raised in the City of Rochester, Executive Director, Team E Foundation
Mr. Hammonds is a graduate of Edison Technical and Occupational High Edison Tech, B.S. Business Management
School and holds a B.S. in Business Management with a concentration St. John Fisher College
in Marketing from St. John Fisher College. As a child, Mr. Hammonds In 2009, Eddie founded Team E Foundation Inc.,
was raised in a single parent home along with 4 older sisters. The early a non-profit organization fully funded through
childhood struggles that came along with being raised in poverty gave personal income—a way to become more
him the DRIVE and AMBITION to succeed and help others with similar tangible, touch the community, and to prevent
ongoing cycles with students in particular.
backgrounds. He aides accelerating students who have had
In return, he strategically planned to be an influence on the city that had struggles in the classroom and/or community,
and provides opportunities making positive The early childhood
an influence on the man he is today. Eddie possesses many leadership strides in their day-to-day lives. Eddie is a leader struggles that came along
skills, that he acts upon thoroughly throughout plans, and always because he thinks strategically, has a passion for with being raised in
produces results. At the age of 20, Mr. Hammonds opened his first his vision, brings change, and most importantly poverty gave Eddie the
business, Bombay’s Hair Salon on Dewey Avenue, which later moved to builds relationships with others. He has gained DRIVE and AMBITION
the respect of the community by bringing change to succeed and help others
Hudson Avenue. At the age of 23, he purchased his first piece of real and making a difference in the lives of others. with similar backgrounds.
estate property, in which to date, his investments have expanded and is
his primary source of income. At the age of 29, Mr. Hammonds opened
his second business City Shoes, a women’s shoe store. He operated both
businesses, continued to invest and manage property, and strategically
planned future business ventures. These business ventures helped build
relationships amongst community members and business owners. As
to date, he continues as a self-employed real estate investor, owns
a recording studio, runs an entertainment company, and non-profit
organization.
For many years, Mr. Hammonds reached out to those in need and
adopted families during the holiday seasons. In 2009, he pondered
upon ways to become more tangible and touch the community, and
to prevent ongoing cycles with students in particular. During this
time, he founded Team E Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization
fully funded through personal income. Team E Foundation Inc. aids
accelerating students who had previous struggles in the classroom
and/or community, by providing opportunities to make positive strides
in their day-to-day lives. The primary means is through the provision
of college scholarships (The 2nd Chance Impression Scholarship) to
deserving high school seniors who have overcome adverse situations
in their lives related to personal, scholastic, and/or legal struggles, and
have demonstrated a commitment to excel in his/her scholastic pursuits.
In addition, Team E Foundation hosts several programs throughout
the year such as a Thanksgiving food drive, winter coat drive, and a
yearly basketball tournament weekend in which all correlates back to
education and student grades.
Eddie Hammonds III is a leader because he thinks strategically, has a
passion for his vision, brings change, and most importantly builds
relationships with others. Mr. Hammonds has gained the respect of the
community and is viewed as an individual whom is in the business of
bringing change and making a difference in the lives of others.
—Ashante’ Hammonds, Team E Foundation Inc.
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Sincerely,
Judy McCarthy, Human Resources/Pittsford Wegmans
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Karen Iglesia was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. At the age of 10, Karen
immigrated to the United States where she attended Charlotte High Karen Iglesia
School and later Wilson Magnet High School. As a proud graduate of Age 38
the Rochester City School District, Karen went on to study Chemical President/CEO Iglesia Educational
Engineering at the University of Buffalo and Integrated Sciences and Chemical Engineering at the University
Math at the University of Rochester. of Buffalo and Integrated Sciences and
Karen worked at Bausch and Lomb as a chemist, working with liquid Math at the University of Rochester
gold and platinum and helping to improve the chemical process for Karen worked at Bausch and Lomb as a chemist,
plating Ray Ban sunglasses. In the late 90’s Karen took a position as working with liquid gold and platinum, helping
improve the chemical process for plating Ray
Director of Education for Baden Street Settlement, working primarily Ban sunglasses. In the late 90’s Karen took a
with youth programs. In her new position, Karen oversaw a large budget position as Director of Education for Baden
and several youth programs geared at increasing the graduation rate Street Settlement, working primarily with youth
of city students. During her 6 years at Baden Street, Karen worked programs. At 23, Karen began Iglesia Tutoring in
her basement, tutoring students in the evenings Karen Iglesia currently
exclusively with youths, developing one of the first Pre-Engineering and weekends when she left her day job. Within employs over 300 people
Program for urban youths. One hundred percent of the students from 2 years, the Iglesia Educational Center outgrew in Upstate New York,
this program graduated from high school, with 75 percent attending its first location. IEC now has 2 freestanding primarily in Rochester.
4-year colleges and universities. Many of these students have returned, buildings in Rochester, with 16 additional rented
spaces in schools and other city locations.
and several of them are employed at the Iglesia Educational Centers, as
tutors or coordinators.
At the tender age of 23, Karen began Iglesia Tutoring in her basement,
tutoring students in the evenings and weekends when she left her
day job. Karen also worked as an adjunct professor for Brockport’s
Educational Opportunity Center, helping to develop the first free SAT Karen also developed the first RCSD Pre-Engineering
prep for city youths. Karen taught over 3,000 students in the free SAT Summer Academy, exposing students to Science,
Prep class over a five-year period. Finally in 2002, Karen decided to move Technology, Engineering and Math. Karen is a member
her business from her home, opening up her first tutoring center across of the National Society of Black Engineers, and served
from the Aquinas Institute. as the Rochester Area advisor for high school students.
Within two years, the Iglesia Educational Center outgrew its first location. Iglesia now has contracts with the RCSD, City of Rochester,
IEC now has two freestanding buildings in Rochester, with 16 additional Monroe County, State of New York, Syracuse Central
rented spaces in schools and other city locations. Schools, Utica School, Auburn Central Schools, Rochester
In 2009 Iglesia expanded to Syracuse and North Syracuse with locations Institute of Technology and Catholic Family Services, just
there in the heart of the city. In 2010, Iglesia opened in Utica, serving to name a few. Iglesia currently employs over 300 people
ESOL students and refugees from Burma and Croatia. Iglesia has served in Upstate New York, primarily in Rochester.
more than 26,000 students since its inception, concentrating primarily Karen is married to Gerard Iglesia, basketball’s Section
on inner city youths. Five Coach of the Year, and currently coach of the
Karen Iglesia currently serves on the MBS Board of Directors, working National Championship AAU team, Primetime Ballers.
to improve graduation rates amongst Rochester City School District Karen and Gerard have two sons, Anthony Iglesia, 10 and
athletes. As a member of the Urban League Black Scholars Committee, Allen Iglesia, 7.
Karen is an advocate for this program as she herself was a Black Scholar. —Wandah Gibbs, American Women In Communications
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Paul Miller for the past
six years. During that time, I witnessed extra ordinary work performed Paul Miller
by Paul, but most important, I observed a transformation within Paul Age 32
the person—one that validates this nomination I am writing. During the Assistant Principal - RCSD
time of Paul’s arrival as Assistant Principal of Operations at our school, B.S., M.S. ED, Doctoral Candidate
we were acknowledged as one of the most dangerous schools in the
During the time of Paul’s arrival as Assistant
country. Within a year of his arrival and instituting new policies and Principal of Operations at our school, we were
operating practices, our school was taken off that list. Paul was very acknowledged as one of the most dangerous
instrumental and was one of the leading change agents for creating a schools in the country. Within a year of
safe environment at our school during that time. instituting new policies and operating practices,
our school was taken off that list. Paul was
Energetic and enthusiastic about his position, Paul began to take leading very instrumental and was one of the leading
roles in other areas that expanded beyond his responsibilities: Planning change agents for creating a safe environment. Paul’s most precious
Energetic and enthusiastic, Paul began to take contribution is that he
an African American assembly for students, Engineering a Community
leading roles in other areas that expanded gives back to society.
Carnival as an end of the school year-an event that emphasized literacy beyond his responsibilities. He began to reach It cannot be measured,
as its theme and donated over four thousand dollars worth of books deeper and deeper into the lives of the students it is a gift that comes
and leading our PTO, exemplify some of many things he has done. As he was leading. Paul is a hardworking individual from his heart, when
that cares about his community and believes in he reaches back and
his tenure proceeded, I noticed Paul began to reach deeper and deeper continuous self-improvement. inspires someone.
into the lives of the students he was leading. I cannot began to count
how many lives, especially young African American males (high school
teens) that Paul took under his tutelage. It is safe to say that he became
more than a school administrator; he became a counselor, mentor,
advocate, big brother, uncle, father figure and a hero to many. I have a (not letting a child accept failure); words cannot describe
vivid account of a former gang member with unlimited potential, but it nor can money measure this type of contribution. I
yet faced with unmanageable obstacles in front of him (a story that believe the type of volunteerism I described represents
is often told and one that often finds our youth dead or in prisons). astounding work by Paul.
Paul began to counsel, guide and direct this young man down a path Currently, Paul is the lead administrator of a Small
that is promising. Proud to say that the student graduated early from Learning Community, a small school within a school. He
high school and went directly into the Marines. After finishing his first is responsible for supervising 20 staff and managing the
assignment in the Marines, he bought a home and currently is enrolled academic and social development of 300 students. In this
in college while enjoying the American Dream. He acknowledges Paul setting, Paul observes and evaluates teachers, monitors
as the one who saved his life. data to improve instruction and manage students’
Paul’s philanthropic work is worth acknowledging. As a member of a behavior. After an arduous day’s work, Paul devotes
Fraternity, Paul seeks out students to offer them an opportunity to earn additional hours pursuing a doctorate in executive
a scholarship. In addition, Paul serves on the Board of Directors for a management. Paul is a hardworking individual that
not-for-profit organization that gives scholarships, pays full tuition for cares about his community and believes in continuous
students and provides free food and clothing to the impoverished. His self-improvement. It is my pleasure to write this
most precious contribution is that he gives back to society, it cannot be recommendation for a very deserving individual.
measured, it is a gift that comes from his heart when he reaches back and Sincerely,
inspires someone. He does it with grace, compassion and determination Redell Freeman, Rochester City School District
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
It is with great pride that Bryant & Stratton College nominates Michael
Patterson for Rochester’s 40 Under 40 African American Leaders. As a Michael Patterson
local college, we recognize Michael’s outstanding leadership in the Age 32
classroom which is at the heart of what we do. Instructor - Bryant & Stratton College
Michael has been with the college since September 2009. Michael is not B.S. Psychology, B.S. Business Admin.
only a stand out instructor; he is a fine example of life-long learning, Michael is not only a stand out instructor; he is a
fine example of lifelong learning. A motivational
one of the college’s visions standards. He has an MS in Psychology, a BS speaker in the classroom, he wants his students
in Business Administration and is currently working toward his PhD. in to think critically and be successful in their
Psychology from Walden University. He is a full-time instructor teaching careers. He consistently receives outstanding
Psychology and Sociology. student evaluations. His energy spills out into the
hallway when his door is open causes others to
Michael is a motivational speaker in the classroom. He wants his students take notice of the dynamic instruction going on
to think critically and to be successful in their careers. He exhibits in the classroom. Michael finds a way through
his teaching to get his students to contribute
dynamic interactions with all of his students. He consistently receives As a local college, we
to making something special happen each day, recognize Michael’s
outstanding student evaluations. learning. What fine testament to his classroom outstanding leadership in
Both staff and students alike light up when he is around. His energy spills leadership. One can’t help but wonder what kind the classroom which is at
of world it would be if it was filled with more the heart of what we do.
out into the hallway when his door is open causes others to take notice caring, energetic and emotionally intelligent
of the dynamic instruction going on in the classroom. He exemplifies educators as Michael.
what the college regards as an outstanding educator. He commands
respect from his student and peers, not by title or position, but because
of his passion for learning and his belief that everyone deserves a
chance to be successful and that you can make learning fun. He lives
that every day he is on campus, always smiling regardless of the day’s
challenges. Michael has the unique ability to take what some would
regard as boring and dry and turn it into a highly interactive discussion,
drawing on real life examples so students can relate. He meets them
where they are, to encourage stimulating dialogue in an environment
that everyone wants to share and take something away.
Michael finds a way through his teaching to get his students to contribute
to making something special happen each day, learning. What fine
testament to his classroom leadership. One can’t help but wonder what
kind of world it would be if it was filled with more caring, energetic and
emotionally intelligent educators as Michael.
—Maria Scalise, Bryant & Stratton College
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
I have had the privilege of having April Purdie report to me for the
past five years as director of Internal Audit, and as a member of my April Purdie
department for the past ten years. She is a highly motivated manager Age 37
with the utmost integrity and dedication, and considered very highly Director, Internal Audit - Wegmans
promotable. April is completely committed to her extended family, her A.S. Monroe Community College
church, serving her community, the people she works with at Wegmans B.S. St. John Fisher College
and her profession. She embodies Wegmans five values: respect, caring
April is a highly motivated manager with
for people, commitment to community, empowerment of her staff and the utmost integrity and dedication. She is
dedication to high professional and personal standards. This is the way completely committed to her extended family,
of life she lives every day. her church, serving her community, the people
she works with and her profession. She has
April has tremendous people skills, making people comfortable working tremendous people skills, making people
April embodies Wegmans
with her and is persuasive in presenting solutions to complex problems. In comfortable working with her and is persuasive
five values: respect, caring
her position, April demonstrates unending leadership, even beyond her in presenting solutions to complex problems.
for people, commitment to
April demonstrates unending leadership. April community, empowerment
duties as Internal Audit Director. April is highly respected at Wegmans at is highly respected at Wegmans at all levels and of her staff and dedication
all levels. Her advice and leadership is in constant demand in all areas of her advice and leadership is in constant demand. to high professional and
Wegmans. She has actively served on a number of company committees She has actively served on a number of company personal standards.
committees focused on the development of our This is the way of life
focused on the development of our people, setting the future course
people, setting the future course of Wegmans. she lives every day.
of Wegmans. She is currently working directly with both the CEO and
President of Wegmans on separate projects of great importance to each
of them. They are thrilled to be working with her.
It is my opinion, without doubt, that April Purdie truly exhibits all the
leadership, volunteer and professional track record qualities to qualify
her to be named a 40 under 40 African-American Leader. I am proud to
nominate her for this prestigious award.
Sincerely,
James J. Leo
Sr. Vice President
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.
MESSENGER POST MEDIA
Tariq Spence was born and raised in Bronx, New York. After graduating
from John F. Kennedy High School, he made the decision to travel Tariq Spence
upstate and attend the State University of Brockport. Starting out as Age 34
Liberal Arts major, Tariq discovered a love for radio his freshman year. He Wake-Up Club Host and Music Director
started working for the campus radio station, WBSU, covering sporting WDXK 103.9 FM
events. His junior year, Tariq earned the Sports Director position and B.S. Communications - SUNY Brockport
was also an on-air d.j.
Tariq discovered a love for radio his freshman year
The summer before his senior year, Tariq interned at WDKX radio in of college. He started working for the campus
Rochester, where he learned all aspects of radio. After graduating and radio station, WBSU, covering sporting events.
His junior year, Tariq earned the Sports Director
earning his B.S. Degree in Communications, Tariq decided that the
position and was also an on-air disc jockey. The
Rochester area was a great place to settle down. He applied for a full summer before his senior year, he interned at
time position at WDKX and the rest is history. WDKX radio, where he learned all aspects of
radio. After graduating, Tariq decided that the
Now at the station nearly ten years, Tariq’s creative mind and warm Rochester area was a great place to settle down.
personality have been an asset to the station’s morning show. The He applied for a full time position at WDKX and
WDKX Wake-Up Club has earned the highest ratings in the station’s 37 the rest is history. The WDKX Wake-Up Club has Tariq’s creative mind
year history and is the highest rated morning show in the Rochester earned the highest ratings in the station’s 37 year and warm personality
history and is the highest rated morning show in have been an asset to the
area. the Rochester area. station’s morning show.
Tariq now lives in Rochester with his wife and two children.
—Marietta Avery, WDKX Radio
MESSENGER POST MEDIA