HSA Evening of Impact
We held an Evening of Impact at Yara Restaurant to support the Harlem School of the Arts (HSA). We are grateful to our business partners and members for your support, presence and contributions and to the CORE Team and all of our event volunteers for their time and effort in making this event a success. Thank you to everyone that attended. We had a record number of attendees! A huge thank you to Yara Restaurant for making this event possible. We are pleased to share that together we have raised $20,000 for HSA! Your support will help HSA continue the important work of delivering high-quality arts education to kids throughout New York City. View photos from the event: About Harlem School of the ArtsArts education builds vital skills, yet access is limited. For 60 years, HSA has fostered youth development and artists. To expand access, HSA partnered with Nicole Avant, creating the Jacqueline and Clarence Avant Scholarship and Arts Access Fund. This fund provides crucial financial aid and educates scholars on the Avants’ legacy of supporting Black artists. HSA now ensures more students, regardless of finances, can pursue arts education and continue that legacy.
Episode 11
Business Partner Resources for Our MembersPresident Elect Tirek Gayle sits down with our Business Partners from Globe Moving and Storage, The Bachrach Group, iSolved, Sorbis and Forrest Solutions to discuss all of the resources available to our members that can enhance their firms and law firm operations.
Sustainable Steps: September 2025 Action of the Month Challenge
Oria Aponte, ALANYC Vice President, encourages packing zero-waste lunches using reusable containers, cloth napkins, and metal utensils. The average school-age child produces 67 pounds of lunch packaging waste annually. To participate, prepare waste-free lunches, choose bulk snacks, and share your zero-waste lunchbox photo on social media for a feature.
fitALANYC Races for the Cure
fitALANYC partnered with our amazing Business Partners—Innovative Computing Systems, Inc., Afinety, Kraft Kennedy, Sorbis, and All Covered—to form Team ALANYC for this year’s Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure! This year’s race was a blast as our team members joined together to help end breast cancer. We Reach Our Fundraising Goal!This year the team set a fundraising goal of $1,500. We are happy to share that through the generous donations from friends, family, and colleagues we surpassed that goal! Special ThanksA heartfelt thank you to: Your organizations’ sponsorship makes this all possible! At fitALANYC, we’re dedicated to supporting the full well-being of our members. This cause is close to our hearts—1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The work of Susan G. Komen is critical, and we’re proud to walk, run, and rally behind it. Join us. Fundraise. Make a difference. View photos from the event:
Episode 8
What’s New in Your Industry? We are continuing to create connections with our Business Partners. Board Member Oria Aponte talks with First American, Leob Leadership, LDI and Afinety. We learn what’s new in their industries that our members need to know and how they are helping law firms navigate the latest industry trends.
ALANYC is a SHRM Provider!
We’re thrilled to share that ALANYC is now recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs)! We are excited to provide this new opportunity to gain valuable credits while deepening your skills, connecting with peers, and advancing your career. As a SHRM Recertification Provider ALANYC can offer approved learning activities that out HR professional members need to maintain their SHRM-CP/SCP credentials, helping them to stay ahead of the curve in HR education. For our HR professional members this new certification will help with:
fitALANYC in August: Updates, Events, and Community
National Wellness Month, celebrated each August, is dedicated to promoting self-care, stress management, and healthy routines that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being—established by the National Wellness Institute (NWI), a nonprofit founded in 1977 to advance wellness as a national priority. National Wellness Month was created to encourage people to be proactive about their health before problems arise. It highlights how wellness is more than the absence of illness; it’s a holistic lifestyle incorporating exercise, balanced nutrition, mindfulness, and adequate rest. The month serves as a reminder that small, consistent changes can lead to long-term improvements in health and quality of life. In New York City, National Wellness Month is recognized through community workshops, free outdoor fitness classes like yoga in the park, workplace wellness challenges, mindfulness events, and social media campaigns that encourage residents to focus on healthy habits. Organizations such as the NYC Department of Health, local wellness studios, and nonprofits often host events and share resources to make wellness accessible across all five boroughs. These efforts foster a culture of prevention, resilience, and balance, aligning with the observance’s mission to inspire healthier communities. More information can be found at Be Well @ NY.Govand The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Resetting for the Fall marks the transition from summer’s relaxation into the structured rhythm of autumn. It encompasses both the Back-to-School period, where students, parents, and educators refocus on learning, routines, and emotional adjustment, and Caregiver Support, recognizing those caring for children or elderly family members who may face added responsibilities during the shift. While not designated as an official “month,” this seasonal observance reflects a culturally acknowledged time for reestablishing healthy routines, emotional preparedness, and support systems. Its informal roots lie in traditional calendars and community health messaging that emphasize the importance of planning and self-care as routines tighten, and stressors may return. This seasonal reset is essential because it promotes smoother transitions, reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed, and supports mental wellness during a period often marked by heightened demands—be it homework loads, scheduling conflicts, or caregiving tasks. New York City recognizes this time by hosting local schools’ orientation sessions, family resource fairs, and counseling services; community centers offering workshops on time management or stress relief; and caregiver organizations hosting support groups and informational seminars (primarily through elder-care centers or parent networks). Public libraries, health clinics, and local nonprofits may expand their programming in early fall to include back-to-school readiness and caregiver refreshers. fitALANYC has compiled resources to support your back-to-school needs and caregiver resources. Mindfulness Minutes fitALANYC provides our members and business partners with holistic education and programming that focuses on your physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Mindfulness Minutes is a series of on-demand sessions where we explore all forms of mindfulness. Check out Mary Micari, Vice President and co-team lead for fitALANYC, as she leads us in a meditation that covers Loving and Kindness. Coming in September 2025 Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Breast Cancer Race for the Cure | Saturday, September 7 | Central Park fitALANYC is thrilled to partner with our amazing Business Partners—Innovative Computing Systems, Inc., Afinety, Kraft Kennedy, Sorbis, and All Covered—to form Team ALANYC for this year’s Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure! Last year’s race was a blast, and we’re gearing up for an even better experience this year. Whether you walk, run, or participate virtually, your involvement matters. Together, we can help end breast cancer. Register now on our team page – TEAM ALANYC 2025 Chapter Members: There’s even more good news: No matter when you sign up, your registration is FREE! Thanks to the generosity of our Business Partners, your fee is completely covered. Just use code ALANYC2025 at checkout. Special ThanksA heartfelt thank you to: Mathew Mendel of Innovative Computing Systems, Inc.; Brian Monahan of All Covered; Gene August of Sorbis; Tommy Rotunno of Afinety; and Tracy Kraft and Caesar Rodriguez of Kraft Kennedy. Your organization’s sponsorship makes this all possible! At fitALANYC, we’re dedicated to supporting the full well-being of our members. This cause is close to our hearts—1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. The work of Susan G. Komen is critical, and we’re proud to walk, run, and rally behind it. Join us. Fundraise. Make a difference. Let’s Race for the Cure—together. Long Island Crisis Center (LICC) 17th Annual “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk: Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide”Sunday September 21st, 2025 | Long Beach, NY September is National Suicide Month and Long Island Crisis Center (LICC) has been a dependable community resource since 1971, continually providing compassionate 24/7 crisis and suicide intervention services to residents during the most critical times in their lives. In 2024 alone, their dedicated counselors answered nearly 25,000 calls from individuals in crisis on our eight different hotlines, which include: Join ALANYC as we support LICC on its 17th Annual “Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk: Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide” in Long Beach, NY. More details we be forthcoming!
The Seasonal Advantage: Understanding the Importance of Local and Seasonal Produce
In an age of global food availability, the importance of seasonality and locality in food production is often overlooked. Seasonal produce is nutritionally superior and environmentally sustainable. Supporting local farmers enhances economic resilience and biodiversity. Embracing seasonal eating encourages creativity in cooking and fosters a deeper connection to food and nature.
Inaugural Sustainable Solutions Showcase
The Sustainability Team hosted the inaugural Sustainable Solutions Showcase series on Wednesday, May 14. We kicked off this powerful new initiative with a fresh format designed to spark ideas and highlight a ALANYC’s business partners. The showcase included organizations that are making practical, achievable—and inspiring! This was more than a panel discussion; it’s the start of a movement within our community to spotlight real eco-friendly solutions, share resources, and take action together. Look out for more programs from the Sustainability team to connect, learn, and lead with purpose.
15 Steps to Host a Sustainable Event this Summer
Camille Gallardo emphasizes sustainability in event planning, focusing on minimizing environmental impact through careful vendor selection and collaboration. Key strategies include choosing eco-friendly venues, managing waste, conserving water, using energy-efficient practices, sourcing local foods, and promoting transportation accessibility. Implementing these tips can help create a greener event experience.