COROLATION

IN THIS ISSUE

Volume V, Issue III - March 2006

Chinatown Today - March 26^th @ 12 - 3pm
Coro's Open House - a big hit!
Help us recruit for next year's Leadership New York!
Be a Judge for Exploring Leadership’s Selection Days – April 4^th & 5^th!
Coro seeking summer internships for our Exploring Leadership high-school students!
Join us at Coro's Lewis Rudin Awards for Civic Leadership: May 24^th, 2006
Leadership New York XVII tackles criminal justice, race, and leadership
Snapshot of a Coro Alum - Adrian Benepe
Coro Alum on the Move
Get your Coro On: Connect with Coro Alum
Opportunities to learn about civic and policy issues
Opportunities and Jobs in the Community
Contact Us

Corolation is published monthly (and once per summer) by the Coro New York Leadership Center. If you have submissions to be included in the next edition, please send them via email no later than April 7^th, 2006.

If you know someone who would like to receive this newsletter, are in touch with an out-of-touch Coro alum, or want to share information about recent developments in your life or career, please let us know.

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Upcoming Coro Alumni Events

Chinatown Today – March 26^th @ 12 - 3pm

Many of you began your Coro experience studying the “logic” of Manhattan’s Chinatown. Join the Coro Alumni Advisory Board (CAAB) in re-visiting the place “where it all started!” On Sunday, March 26^th, we will explore how Chinatown is emerging from centuries of social and political isolation and great economic upheaval after September 11^th – and learn how Chinatown’s communities are moving forward to realize their socio-economic potential. This program will include a brief visit to the Museum of Chinese in the Americas, a panel discussion with community leaders, and Dim Sum at a local restaurant.

Schedule:

Cost:  $25 including Chinatown tour, museum visit, and lunch panel. Families welcome!

RSVP: By Friday, March 24^th to rsvpny@coro.org

Chinatown Today – March 26^th @ 12 - 3pm
RSVP by Friday, March 24^th to rsvpny@coro.org

Heads Up…What's New at Coro

Coro’s Open House – a big hit!

On Wednesday, February 22^nd, Coro opened its doors to alumni and community members for a warm and cheerfully spirited Open House. A gathering of over 75 friends convened at Coro headquarters in Lower Manhattan; the wine was chilled, the cheese artfully sliced, the chat intelligent and engrossing – everything you would expect in a Coro event! Among the attendees were staff, Board members, alumni from across all programs and years, prospective participants looking to pick up information (or an inside track!), and numerous current participants. Some reminisced about their Coro experiences, while others – smelly markers in-hand – etched their memories in true Coro fashion onto wide sheets of white butcher paper. Throughout the evening, Exploring Leadership participants offered brief demos of their “peer education presentations,” discussing various facets of public education reform. Business cards were exchanged, new faces emerged, and fond memories revisited… setting the stage for the Lewis Rudin Awards Dinner on May 24^th! Mark your calendars, and don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with old friends and catch up with Coro New York!

Help us recruit for next year's Leadership New York!

It's time to tell the world about Leadership New York! YOU are the best way for your colleagues and friends to find out about Coro's dynamic mid-career program. For the past 17 years, mid-career managers and entrepreneurs working in the government, nonprofit and private sectors have investigated the most complex issues confronting the five boroughs while becoming more engaged in NYC's civic life through Leadership New York. Help keep the tradition strong for LNY XVIII! Please send referrals for members of next year's Leadership New York class to lny@coro.org. Or better yet, ask your colleagues to sign up for the Leadership New York mailing list for application updates, open houses and other LNY news!

Be a Judge for Exploring Leadership’s Selection Days – April 4^th & 5^th!

With the end of the Exploring Leadership recruitment cycle approaching, Coro New York is gearing up for a two-part series of Selection Days to determine the finalists for next year’s class of high-schoolers! Exploring Leadership selects a total of 24 students (six students per school) to participate in a year-long civic leadership program. Candidates represent four New York City small public high schools: Bushwick School for Social Justice; The School for Democracy and Leadership; High School for Public Service; and Urban Academy. We will be hosting two small-scale Selection Days here at Coro New York headquarters on Tuesday, April 4^th and Wednesday, April 5^th, from 4:00 – 7:00pm. If you currently work in education or have worked with young people, you’re invited to serve as a judge for either (or both!) events, where we will assess the students’ potential for a successful experience in Exploring Leadership. Each student will be asked to perform two group activities, and partake in one interview at the end of the day. Judges will either be assigned to an activity group or an interview. For more information or to volunteer as a judge, contact Laura Shmishkiss by Friday, March 24^th.

Coro seeking summer internships for our Exploring Leadership high-school students!

Our Exploring Leadership program’s high-school-age participants will spend their summer exploring the field of education from within! Beginning in July 2006, these internships will not only help the students relate their Coro explorations to real-world experience, but the internships also provide a unique opportunity for host organizations to gain the assistance of our talented youth for five weeks.

If you currently work for an education-oriented organization – whether it be in the nonprofit, government or private sector – contact us for more information on how you can become an internship host for one or two Exploring Leadership students! If you know anyone else who fits the bill, we would also like to hear from you! Please contact Laura Shmishkiss for more information on becoming an internship host this summer, or to refer us to a friend or associate!

LNY XVIII Application Deadline – June 2^nd, 2006
Have a friend or colleague who may be interested in LNY?
Refer them to us at lny@coro.org!

Upcoming Events at Coro New York

Join us at Coro’s Lewis Rudin Awards for Civic Leadership: May 24^th, 2006

This year’s Lewis Rudin Awards Dinner for Civic Leadership will take place at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers on Wednesday, May 24^th. Please join us to celebrate the achievements of this year’s honorees, re-connect with your friends and peers and “network” with other movers and shakers interested in the affairs of New York City. Watch your mailbox for more details! Please contact Heather Troup at (212) 248-2935 ext. 309 for more information or to make reservations now.

Lewis Rudin Awards for Civic Leadership – save the date!
Wednesday, May 24^th
For more information, contact
Heather Troup at (212) 248-2935 ext. 309.

Catch up with Coro New York Programs

Leadership New York XVII tackles issues of criminal justice, race, and leadership

Fresh off the heels of their mid-year retreat and with three months of intense issue day planning behind them, Leadership New York class members have much to share! The past few issue days have inspired lively discussion among participants as they grappled with challenging issues related to race, class, crime and justice.

In January, Leadership New York participants examined what women face in trying to reconnect with both their families and communities post-incarceration. The day began with a panel of distinguished experts from the NYC Administration for Children’s Services, The Village Voice, NY State Division of Criminal Justice Services, Women’s Prison Association, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. Participants spent the middle of the day meeting with various stakeholders from the private, nonprofit and public sectors including: La Bodega de la Familia, Kings County District Attorney, Single Parent Resource Center, South Bronx Overall Development Corporation, and NYC Mayor’s Criminal Justice Coordinator. Participants reconvened at the end of the day for discussions with formerly incarcerated women, where they were able to connect the human interest behind the policy discussions of the day. Congratulations to the members of the Leadership New York issue day team who pulled together a fascinating day: Latrise Ashford, Jennifer Feldschneider, Vicki Dawson, Debra Jean-Louis, Andrew Martin, Reshma Alva, and Adam Hellegers.

Motivated by a February 2004 study by the Community Service Society showing that approximately 50% of black males in NYC are unemployed, February’s issue day team assembled high school performing artists, academics, elected officials and community leaders to examine systemic barriers that affect black males seeking to gain employment or progress toward middle class status. The day began with an energizing performance by youth participants of the DreamYard Action Project, who shared their poetic talents and spent the day alongside Leadership New York participants. The afternoon was filled with site visits to, among others: NYC Human Resources Administration, Work Force One, NYC Employment and Training Coalition, NY State Attorney General, Debevoise & Plimpton, New Visions for Public Schools, Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment, Vera Institute of Justice, and the Center for Employment Opportunities. The day ended with a pair of engaging and charismatic speakers – Rae Linefksy (a nonprofit consultant and Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Board Member) and New York City Council Member Charles Barron, who chairs the Council’s Higher Education Committee. Congratulations to Dana DiPrima, Jeffrey Werner, Mike Holloway, Josh Kurland, Mary Beth Holman, Chandler Bazemore, Nitzan Pelman, and John Sanful on a hugely successful and engaging day.

Leadership New York participants also recently completed a mid-year retreat that focused on the dynamics of effective leadership and how they play out in the program. Under the guidance of enthusiastic participant planning team members Nora Ranney, Lisa Maluf, Mark Davis, Nathalie Bernal, Bob Zielony, Michael Seo, and Kim D’Abreu, the retreat allowed LNY participants to reflect on the roles that they play in the group process and also to identify key leadership moments in their lives.

For more information, contact Seth Hufford, Director of Leadership New York, at (212) 248-2935 ext. 304.

Snapshot of a Coro Alum

Beginning this month, Corolation will feature stories of Coro alumni in the news. Read on to learn about how one Leadership New York alumnus joined the Mardi Gras spirit and took his Coro skills to New Orleans.

Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of City of New York Parks and Recreation
(Leadership New York XIV)

“You have to know your environment,” says Adrian Benepe, Commissioner of New York City’s Department of Parks and Recreation, and Coro Alumnus. “It’s the most valuable concept I’ve learned.” As someone whose career is literally devoted to the environment, you can take his word for it.

Adrian came on to the New York City Parks & Recreation scene 30 years ago. Having worked his way up from modest Central Park Ranger to Commissioner of the Department (not to mention the many roles he played along the way), Benepe has a true understanding of every level of work involved within the department.

So when he says, “It’s not about just knowing what your job is each day, but knowing all the people and places that can affect your job, from local fiscal issues, to national trends, to world politics,” it starts to become clear why Benepe’s latest projects have encompassed the crisis in New Orleans. When Hurricane Katrina destroyed City Park, a major source of revenue and recreational green space in New Orleans, Benepe jumped to his feet to offer his services. With a company of 60 volunteers, he toured New Orleans after the devastation and participated in a volunteer clean-up and planting project in the City Park.

The experience motivated Benepe to offer continued support from New York City. “Being down there was an opportunity to find out what kinds of things they really needed,” he explains. “A lot of effort has gone into restoring the horticultural features, and now what they really need is staff to work on reopening the facilities that derive income…there is a possibility of sending city arborists and gardeners to volunteer services,” he said. The initiative needs to be approved by City Hall and would be costly, according to a recent article in Cranes.com, but Benepe wants to “make sure it’s a real need and we’re not just going to make ourselves feel good.”

Benepe continues to make his work felt across the country, applying the ideas he took away from his Coro experience over 13 years ago. “Concepts I learned…I can literally hear their echoes as I confront situations every day,” he says.

We are proud to count Adrian among our many distinguished Coro alumni, and look forward to reading more about him in the news!

Coro Alum on the Move

Jonathan Hoyt (Fellows Program 1989-90 and Former Board Member)

Jonathan Hoyt recently accepted a position with Heidrick & Struggles' leadership consulting practice in San Francisco. Heidrick & Struggles is principally an executive search firm with a subdivision in leadership consulting. Jonathan will be conducting in-depth assessments of top executives and managing several research projects, including one on leadership in China, and another on top management team performance. Kudos to Jonathan on this exciting new role!

Stacy Kass (Fellows Program 1988-1989)

Stacy Kass was recently appointed Executive Director of the National Council of Jewish Women. Stacy has played an integral role in the Council for ten years, working in various senior staff capacities. NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide. Please join us in congratulating Stacy and wishing her well in this exciting new endeavor!

Nitzan Pelman (Leadership New York XVII)

Nitzan Pelman recently became engaged to Joseph Braude. The two met through a mutual friend and plan to marry in January 2007. Please join us in wishing the happy couple continued happiness and success!

Tucker Reed (Fellows Program 2003-2004)

Tucker Reed, former Senior Advisor and Policy Analyst at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, will head a newly created Business Improvement District (BID) in Brooklyn’s up-and-coming Dumbo neighborhood. As the newly-appointed Executive Director of the Dumbo BID, Tucker says his top priorities will be “letting people know we are here and will assist in any way we can, helping to promote the area, and really trying to drum up more traffic and visitors to the area.” Through his year as a Coro Fellow, Tucker notes that he “learned how to navigate the city.” Hats-off to Tucker in taking this step forward and making his mark in Brooklyn!

Rebecca Skaroff (Former Director of Outreach & Communication at Coro New York)

Congratulations to Rebecca Skaroff – former Coro staff and member of the extended Coro family still – on her recent engagement to Larry Sernovitz. Larry is a rabbinical student at Hebrew Union College. The two are set to marry on August 13^th, 2006. We wish them endless joy on this wonderful occasion!

Are you a Coro Alum with a new job? New spouse? New baby? Please share your “On the Move” news by emailing us.

Get Your Coro On: Connect with Coro Alum

Coro New York Alumni Advisory Board (CAAB)

The Coro Alumni Advisory Board (CAAB) supports Coro’s work, raises awareness and funds for Coro and provides advice on Coro’s future. There are currently three CAAB committees: a Nominations and Strategic Partnerships Committee, a Program Committee and a Fundraising and Events Committee. Committees work with Coro staff to support key organizational priorities. To learn more about the CAAB, contact Helene Blieberg.

Visit the new Coro Blog!

Join the Coro alumni in Boston.

Join the Coro alumni in DC.

If you would like to be involved with the Coro National Alumni Association, subscribe to the listserv by visiting the website.

Opportunities to learn about civic and policy issues

The following are a few upcoming events that we think may be of interest. To suggest event listings for future issues, feel free to email corolation@coro.org. This month’s highlighted events are:

Reflections on Philanthropy
Thursday, March 23^rd @ 4:00 - 6:00pm
135 East 22^nd Street, Third Floor, Room 301

The Nonprofit Group at The School of Public Affairs at Baruch College offers an opportunity to hear two senior philanthropic executives reflect upon their years in this arena. Presenters include Hildy Simmons, Independent Philanthropic Consultant and former Managing Director and head of the Global Foundations Group at JPMorgan Private Band; and Mark L. Bodden, Vice President/Director, Rudin Foundations. Space is limited. RSVP by phone (646) 660-6743 or by email to nonprofit_workshops@baruch.cuny.edu.

Settlement Houses: Historic Relics or Contemporary Solutions?
Tuesday, March 28^th @ 3:00 – 5:00pm
Henry Street Settlement, Abrons Arts Center (Recital Hall), 466 Grand Street (Near Pitt Street)

A presentation and panel discussion with Louise W. Knight, author of Citizen: Jane Addams and the Struggle for Democracy. Panelists include: Daniel Kronenfeld, Former Executive Director, Henry Street Settlement; William Newlin, Executive Director, Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement House; Irma E. Rodriquez, Associate Director, Forest Hills Community House; and Stephen Russo, Executive Director, Goddard-Riverside Community Center. Hosted by Verona M. Jeter, Executive Director, Henry Street Settlement; moderated by Nancy Wackstein, Executive Director, United Neighborhood Houses of New York. Sponsored by United Neighborhood Houses of New York and Henry Street Settlement. Limited seating available, please RSVP to www.henrystreet.org/addams or (212) 766-9200, ext. 344. For directions, visit www.henrystreet.org/abronsartscenter.

Safeguarding New York City’s Children: A Conversation with New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner John B. Mattingly
Wednesday, March 29^th @ 8:00-10:00am
Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street, 2^nd Floor

As part of the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service’s signature Public Service Today discussion series, NYC's Administration for Children's Services Commissioner John B. Mattingly will provide an update on Children's Services' commitment to strengthening child safety and discuss agency efforts for the department to achieve long-term reform in child welfare. Registration required as space is limited. RSVP to wagner.events@nyu.edu or (212) 998-7546.

The Hurricane and the New Orleans Public Health Systems
Monday, April 3^rd @ 6:00 – 8:00pm
Puck Building, 295 Lafayette Street, 2^nd Floor

The NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service’s Women of Color Policy Network, the Taub Urban Research Center and the Office of Special Events present a panel series on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These panels were formed in an effort to bring together researchers, policy experts, and community organizers for an honest discussion of the factors which contributed to the scope of the disaster, the current situation in New Orleans, and the challenges that must be faced in moving forward. Panelists include: Jimmy Guidry, Director of LA Dept of Public Health; Ellen Lukens, VP for Policy at the National Assoc of Public Hospitals; and Ed Thompson, Deputy Director, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Moderated by Dr. Jo Ivey Boufford, NYU Wagner. Registration required as space is limited. RSVP to wagner.events@nyu.edu or (212) 998-7546.

Urban Conversations: Cities at Risk
Friday, April 7^th @ 8:00am – 1:00pm
Tishman Auditorium, 66 West 12^th Street (between Fifth and Sixth Avenues)

Urban leaders nationwide are focused on disaster planning, even as New Orleans and New York City continue to grapple with the challenges of recovery and renewal. What have we learned about preparing for, responding to and rebuilding after natural and man-made catastrophes? Is it even possible to plan adequately for such crises? Milano The New School for Management and Urban Policy presents Urban Conversations; Cities at Risk - a conference bringing together public officials, academics, journalists and other experts from across the US for a forward-thinking discussion of readiness, response and renewal. Panelists include: Peter K. Eisinger, Milano; Bob Kerrey, The New School; US Senator Mary L. Landrieu, Louisiana; Brian Lehrer, WNYC Radio; John Norquist, Congress for the New Urbanism; Soledad O’Brien, CNN; Mayor Martin O’Malley, Baltimore; US Representative Charles B. Rangel, New York; Judith Rodin, The Rockefeller Foundation; Lawrence Vale, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and James Lee Witt, former Director, Federal Emergency Management Agency. Attendance is free, but reservations are required. To reserve a seat, please call (212) 229-5400 ext. 1482 or email urbanconversations@newschool.edu.

Opportunities and Jobs in the Community

Brooklyn Public Library: Manager for Capital Project Budgeting and Reporting

Manager for Capital Project Budgeting and Reporting is a new position at the Brooklyn Public Library, so the applicant needs to be someone who can establish the function from scratch. Aspects of the job include the ability to produce accurate, timely, and useful reports on capital project budgets, and work collaboratively on cross-functional teams. Knowledge of the NYC financial system (FMS) and construction projects is a plus. The right person will pick up any systems quickly and be a big picture thinker who's good at understanding the needs of different audiences. Anyone interested should contact Barbara Logan at (718) 230-2170, or email b.logan@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy: Development Director

The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy seeks a Development Director to lead and coordinate fundraising for the Conservancy’s annual operating budget ($1 million and growing). Primary responsibilities include: create and execute multi-year development plan to support organizational growth, manage annual benefit, liaise with foundations, corporations, government and individuals, handle all proposals, contracts and reporting requirements, work to expand each area of giving, handle/supervise day-to day development needs, including acknowledgements, database entry etc. For more information, visit www.brooklynbridgepark.org.

Campaigns & Elections Magazine: Staff Writer/Researcher

Campaigns & Elections Magazine is the leading magazine for the political industry. They are looking for a writer to contribute to the magazine, website, and weekly newsletter. Writers must be able to meet tight deadlines, work independently, and have a strong knowledge of politics and the political consulting industry. Prior writing experience for a professional publication is a must; recent graduates will be considered. To apply, please e-mail cover letter, resume, and writing samples to mfelchner@campaignline.com with the subject line 'STAFF WRITER.’

Jobs with Justice: Development Director

Jobs with Justice is a network of local coalitions that connect labor, faith-based, community, and student organizations to work together on workplace and community social justice campaigns. They seek a Development Director who will have overall fundraising responsibility to manage a comprehensive fundraising and development program for the national office. The Director must have a proven track record of meeting or exceeding million dollar+ fundraising targets, and will work with the Executive Director and the Field Director to develop and implement yearly and long-term fundraising plans. For more information, please contact Sarah Morgan at sarah@jwj.org. To apply, send resume and cover letter to Jobs with Justice Development Director Search at jobs@jwj.org by March 27^th, 2006.

New York Restoration Project: Executive Director

The New York Restoration Project, founded in 1995 by Bette Midler, works to revitalize neighborhoods in New York City by restoring under-resourced parks and community gardens. In partnerships with those communities, civic groups and public agencies, the Executive Director will leverage NYRP resources to attract private and public funds to stimulate local economic development and foster stewardship of public open space for the benefit of all New Yorkers. It is critically important that the Executive Director have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of constituencies, including the Board of Trustees, the Founder, and members of the diverse communities the NYRP serves. Required skills include: proven senior-level managerial, problem solving, fundraising and management experience as an executive in the not-for-profit, public or private sectors; ability to balance internal management with external presence and relationships; a successful track record in raising money with a demonstrated ability to attract financial resources from foundations, corporations, individuals and government sources; the ability to personally interact with and cultivate donors is essential; experience with a strategic planning process, in collaboration with an engaged board; experience in developing and working with a board of trustees and other leadership volunteers; an advance degree (MA, MBA) is desirable but not required. Please send resume and cover letter to: Pamela Bol Riess at pamela@pbrsearch.com. Visit www.nyrp.org for more information.

NYC Department of Small Business Services: Internship

SBS is seeking highly-motivated and well-organized undergraduate and graduate students to work in a fast-paced and challenging environment. Interns are expected to contribute 35 hours per week during the Summer Semester. Interns will be paid by their academic institution, or a stipend from SBS, when applicable. Interns should have: strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills; a history of academic achievement; academic and/or professional references; proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. To apply, contact Mr. Cuong Nguyen at (212) 618-8943 or cnguyen@sbs.nyc.gov.

WellGood LLC: Project Manager

WellGood LLC is a fast-growing Manhattan-based consulting and marketing firm providing strategic planning, web implementation, and marketing services to incubate new non-profits and help existing ones fulfill their missions. We are recruiting a full-time Project Manager for Nonprofit Relations. The position involves coordinating the nomination, selection, due diligence and engagement process for “Featured Nonprofits” on the website of a new donation portal, which uses the basic principles of modern business to make charitable giving transparent, efficient and social. It will change not just how money is raised, but also how nonprofits fit into people's lives. For more information, please see www.WellGoodLLC.com/jobs/.

Women In Need, Inc.: Vice President for Finance and Administration

Women In Need is a major not for profit provider of services for homeless and disadvantaged women and their families. They seek a Vice President to fill an executive level policy and management position reporting directly to the President/CEO. Responsibilities include managing six departments, including the planning and administration of the annual budget of more than $35 million, the Controller’s office, human resources, facilities, purchasing, management information systems and office services. At least ten years of management experience in a complex operating organization, experience with financial administration, complex government funding and contracts administration is also preferred. An MBA, MPA or other relevant advanced degree is preferred. To apply submit a letter with salary requirements and a resume in full confidence to Hy Burton at hburton@women-in-need.org or mail to Hy Burton, c/o WIN: 115 West 31^st Street, New York, NY 10001.

YWCA of Brooklyn: Executive Director

The YWCA of Brooklyn is seeking an Executive Director who will champion the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, drive the execution of the strategic plan to expand low-income housing and women's health and social programs, and guide the organization forward as a leading voice for the girls and women of Brooklyn, NY. Ideal candidate will demonstrate capacity to: a) Expand, diversify and cultivate relationships with foundations, government officials, and corporate and individual donors, and b) oversee a complex $20 million building renovation project. Visit www.ywcabklyn.org for more information. Send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and references to: search@ywcabklyn.org. Deadline: April 1^st, 2006. Start date: June 2006.

Tell Us

Have a job, volunteer opportunity, or an apartment that you want announced to the Coro Community?  Please send an email to us no later than 5:00pm on April 7^th, 2006.

CONTACT US

Coro New York Leadership Center
42 Broadway, 18^th Floor
New York, New York 10004
212.248.2935 phone | 212.248.2970 fax
newyork@coro.org
www.coronewyork.org

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