Harvest Heroes

PSEG

SEG Long Island is committed to more than just providing electricity—it’s about being an essential part of the community and striving for excellence across all areas of service. As an industry leader, PSEG Long Island is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring that residents and businesses on Long Island and in The Rockaways enjoy best-in-class reliability. This means proactively maintaining infrastructure, continually upgrading the electric grid, and responding rapidly to outages, especially during storms, to keep communities powered and safe.

Their commitment extends beyond operations; PSEG Long Island’s employees are deeply involved in the communities where they live and work. They actively support local initiatives, from energy efficiency programs and sustainability projects to community events and educational outreach. This local involvement helps PSEG Long Island stay attuned to the specific needs and challenges of its service areas, making them not just a utility provider but a trusted community partner.

At the core of their mission is a dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship. PSEG Long Island is focused on integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, reducing carbon emissions, and building a smarter, more resilient electric grid. Their storm response systems are also industry-leading, incorporating advanced technology to minimize outages and enhance communication with customers during emergencies.

For PSEG Long Island, “keeping the lights on” isn’t just about operational success—it’s about supporting the well-being and progress of the entire community. That spirit of dedication drives their employees to bring their best to work every day, ensuring that reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction are always at the forefront of their operations.

Kevin Alexander, MPA
President and CEO

Alexander has served as President & CEO of Rockway Development & Revitalization Corporation (“RDRC”) since 2006. He along with his management team are responsible for developing programs and services focused on youth development, adult workforce development, homeownership, and commercial revitalization. During his tenure, RDRC has provided paid employment opportunities to over 15,000 youth, job training and placement services to over 5,000 adults, and HUD certified housing counseling services to over 2,000 first time homebuyers, and homeowners in need of foreclosure assistance.

Under his leadership, he has expanded RDRC’s community economic development impact by establishing the Rockaways Business Resource Center to  provide entrepreneurs with the business tools, training, mentorship, and resources to compete for contracts and procurement opportunities on projects such as the $19B JFK Redevelopment Project. RDRC has successfully established a network of local, statewide, and national business assistance collaborations with entities such as York College New York State Small Business Development Center, Local Initiatives Support Corporation,  Citi’s CR Small Business Coalition Network, and Interise Organization.

Prior to RDRC, Alexander served as Chief Financial Officer for Harlem Dowling Westside Center for Children and Family Services and Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement.

Alexander currently serves as a JFK Advisory Board Member and Co-Chair of the Career & Workforce Advisory Committee. As Co-Chair he is responsible for working with terminal project developers, PANY&NJ, and community partners to ensure residents benefit from jobs and career opportunities, and training programs that can lead to employment.

For his advocacy in addressing health disparities during the Pandemic in the Rockaways Alexander was recently appointed as a member of the NYC Pandemic Response Institute. The Institute is a public-private partnership focused on developing a Citywide health-disaster preparedness network that includes City agencies, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health  and City University of New Yor Schools of Public Health & Health Policy.

Alexander earned his  Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from St. John’s University, Master’s Degree in Public Finance & Management from the Robert Wagner School of Public Service at New York University, and an Advanced Certificate in Executive Management from the John F. Kennedy School of Public Service at Harvard University.

Kevin resides in Long Island wife his wife Lorraine.

Florence Ferguson
 President and Co-Founder of Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association

Florence Ferguson is a proud resident of Far Rockaway who is passionate about volunteerism and developing a culture of service. Ms. Ferguson is always thankful for the opportunity to share in and support organizations that promote the love, life, welfare, and growth of her community.

Most notably, Ms. Ferguson spearheaded the 11-year community advocacy for reconstruction of the Beach 59th Street Playground, resulting in the 2023 completion of a fully accessible $5 million playground made for children of all abilities. She was instrumental in forming alliances between the community and the ICARE Foundation to support its successful Dollars for Doulas crowdfunding campaign in 2022. After a successful 35-year career in corporate communications, she is currently a retired insurance executive, serving her community in many areas of social advocacy and governance. She currently serves as President and Co-Founder of Friends of the Beach 59th Street Playground Association. She is a longstanding member of the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Community Advisory committee, a Board  Vice President and ardent supporter of Perfect Piece of the Puzzle, and a member of the NYC Department of Youth & Community Development Neighborhood Advisory Board Queens 14.

She is the daughter of Keith and Kathleen Ferguson, a pharmacist and a registered nurse from the Island of Jamaica where she spent her formative years. During this time, she was ingrained with the importance of giving back to and serving others. She attended the Anglican All Girls St. Hugh’s High School. Upon immigrating to New York City with her mother after the death of her father, she continued her higher education, receiving a Baccalaureate in Communications and Political Science from Hunter College.

Her core beliefs are aptly summed up in one of her favorite quotes from the late Jackie Robinson, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others’ lives.”

Nancy Martinez
Founder of New York Career Training School in Far Rockaway

Nancy Martinez is a longtime resident of the Rockaways in Queens who has also lived abroad and traveled the world, but her heart has always led her back to the Rockaways.  She is a dynamic entrepreneur, business owner and philanthropist who possess the tenacity to launch successful business and the compassion to help those in need.  She experienced a traumatic change in her life due to an accident which resulted in her brother becoming a paraplegic.  This trauma instilled a deep sense of helping others in need by “sharing what we had rather than worrying about what we didn’t have” stated Ms. Martinez.  Her experiences both at home in the Rockaways and in other countries have cultivated her desire to assist children, especially the poor, orphaned and ill by establishing charitable campaigns and causes that provide more than medical supplies, food, and clothing.

Nancy spent over a decade in the health care industry learning about health care regulations, designing patient care standards, and learning how to run a successful business.  Her goal was to establish a business that could assist people in starting a career path in the health care industry, not just looking for a job.  In 2010, she opened the New York Career Training School, LLC in Far Rockaway.  Today, the New York Career Training School offers courses in three different languages- English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese because of the diversity of students representing over 25 countries and nationalities.  To date, the Training School has graduated over 24,000. students and with an estimated rate of over 98%, has employed close to 23,520 of her graduates.

Nancy’s compassion and commitment to her community includes the founding and development of Rockaway Adult Social Center in Far Rockaway as a tribute to many of the seniors who supported and stood by her when she launched her business.  Also, she established in September of 2016 an international foundation “Tocando Corazones” (Touching Hearts) that will provide educational and health care needs worldwide.

In March of 2017, Ms. Martinez was elected to the Board of Directors of the Joseph P. Addabbo Health Clinics.  In 2019, she was appointed Chair of REMA 4 US in which she has helped the organization achieve their 501C3 status which enabled them to get the N360 grant in the amount of $900,000.  to help the downtown community develop a BID formation.

In the past years, Nancy has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the community and has been a recipient of the following awards and honors:

• Woman of the Year from The National Association of Professional Women 2011/2012
• Project Hope Certificate of Appreciation February 2014
• Joseph W. Stehn Community Builders Award May 14, 2014
• New York State Senate Proclamation for distinguished citizen and devoted member of the community May 2014
• New York State Assembly Citation from Assemblywoman Michele R. Titus
• Senator James Sanders JR. Certificate of Recognition for Philanthropic Work in the Community March 19, 2016
• Queens Power Women in Business Award June 2016
• James E. Davis Stop Violence Foundation Entrepreneurship November 17, 2016
• The Council of the City of New York Proclamation for Donovan Richards 4th Annual Women’s History Month March 4, 2017
• The Trademark Women of Distinction Honors Edition 2018
• New York City Police Department Denean Ferguson Community advocate award in 2022

Emmanuel Loncke
Security and Compliance Engineer

Emmanuel Loncke is a community business owner, advocate, father, and true inspiration to those around him. As the youngest of six siblings, he was raised in a home where integrity and love were non-negotiable values, instilled by his parents, Dennis and Roslyn Loncke. His father not only nurtured his musical talent with lessons but also taught him the importance of hard work by introducing him to the construction industry at a young age. This dual exposure helped shape Emmanuel’s relentless drive and work ethic.

Growing up in New York, Emmanuel attended P.S. 42, Junior High School 198, and Beach  Channel High School. While excelling in art—sketching characters and later mastering oil painting—it was business that truly captured his heart. After earning a degree in Business  Administration from A.I.U., Emmanuel set out to create opportunities that would have a lasting impact on his community, especially for the youth.

As an entrepreneur, Emmanuel has transformed his passion for business into a force for good,  founding Smoothie Haven, Haven Has Wings, Savvy Business Inc and taking over Arverne By the  Bay Community Center from his father Dennis. His businesses aren’t just ventures—they are  lifelines for the youth of New York. Through mentorship and employment opportunities,  Emmanuel guides young people toward success, helping them focus on where they want to be without losing sight of why they started. His deep belief in purpose-driven success is a reflection of his own journey, one inspired by his father’s selfless contributions to the church and community.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Emmanuel also gives back by offering financial literacy seminars, and partnering with local and national banks to help educate the next generation.  Moreover, in collaboration with Tauris Tech and Senator James Sanders, he has launched HVAC  trades training to provide valuable skills and job opportunities to the community.

A father, a mentor, and a dedicated advocate for positive change, Emmanuel Loncke’s story is  one of passion, purpose, and unwavering commitment. He not only opens doors for others but  builds pathways that ensure their success. For Emmanuel, the greatest achievement is not what  he accomplishes alone, but the lives he helps transform along the way.

The Rev. Dr. Les Mullings
Founder and CEO of Challenge Charter School

The Rev. Dr. Les Mullings is Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Challenge Preparatory Charter School. As Founder, he led the school through every stage of its development. As Lead Applicant, he chaired the Planning Team and navigated the team through the extensive charter process. He is also a Senior Pastor and has been a faithful and visionary leader. He has led the once-small church through several expansions and remodeling projects. The latest stands at 1414 Central Avenue, a testimony to God’s provision, promise, and potential. Rising from the corner of Central and Nameoke, the building houses an affordable housing complex, community spaces, and a new church facility, including a state-of-the-art sanctuary.

Focused on serving the long-term needs of the Far Rockaway community, he brought along trusted advisors to develop and create Challenge Preparatory Charter School. The extensive, decade-long charter process was won. Challenge Charter School currently serves almost 1000 students in grades K-10, and the CTE and Early College high school opened in August 2020. Graduates have the chance to get 2 free years of college credit or trade certification in a number of exciting careers.

He is an active community leader serving New York City through multiple initiatives. He served former Mayor Michael Bloomberg on the Mayor’s Fatherhood Initiative. He helped provide counseling for children and adults around the clock after 9/11. He led the Far Rockaway community’s response to the American Airlines crash in November 2007 for NYC, and spearheaded Project Sandy after Super Storm Sandy devastated the Rockaways. He has also been active in responding to various crisis situations involving public schools, race relations, and police actions on behalf of NYC. In 2013, Mullings spoke as part of the State of the State Address in Albany. He opened the 2014 NY State Democratic Convention. He also served as host for the 2016 Regional State of the State Address.
Under Mayor de Blasio’s administration, Mullings hosted multiple city events, including the Resource and Recovery Job Fair, which brought together a few thousand people from across the borough.

The Rev. Dr. Les Mullings a recipient of multiple awards in recognition of his passionate service and faithful ministry to Far Rockaway and the city beyond.

“For over thirty years Community Church has served the underserved in New York City and in particular the Rockaways! The next thirty years will be no different except we will reach more via affordable housing, ongoing education efforts and community health programs!”

Rev. Dr. Les Mullings, Senior Pastor

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers
NYC Councilmember

Selvena N. Brooks-Powers represents the 31st District which includes the communities of Arverne, Brookville, Edgemere, Laurelton, Springfield Gardens, Rosedale, and Far Rockaway. She was elected in a special election in February 2021.

A fierce advocate for equity in city resources, Selvena Brooks-Powers helped to secure $95 million in restoration to fund the 116th Precinct, expand the Cure Violence program into the 105th Precinct, and establish a permanent COVID-19 vaccine site.

A dedicated public servant for 17 years and lifelong resident of Southeast Queens,
Selvena Brooks-Powers is the proud daughter of immigrant parents and devoted to
fighting for what’s right and delivering results. As a community organizer, Selvena drove high-impact initiatives on critical issues, including education, voting rights and empowerment, racial and economic justice, relief efforts post-Hurricane Katrina, M/WBE opportunities, and workers’ rights.

Immediately prior to elected office, Selvena was a manager for M/WBE compliance, external affairs and community outreach on the $13 billion JFK International Airport Redevelopment Program.

Previously, Selvena worked for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) family as a communications director for various campaigns, including the Fight for $15 campaign across numerous states, and on one of the tightest Congressional races to win back the majority in the U.S.

A proud HBCU alumna, Selvena is a graduate of Wilberforce University, the first privately owned and operated HBCU. She also holds an M.S. in International Law from New York University.