Who is Safe Horizon?

Safe Horizon provides advocacy and support to victims of crime and abuse, including domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, homeless youth and sexual assault, in all five boroughs of New York City. As the nation’s leading victim assistance organization, we work with partners at the City, State and Federal level to provide services and advocate on behalf of victims nationwide.

What is your mission? 

Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families and communities.

What is your organization up to at the moment?

Safe Horizon is executing its Strategic Plan, which calls for us to build upon the excellence of our work, ensuring that our programs and operations are of the highest effectiveness.  Some of our current goals include:

• >With a budget of $50 million, currently 90% government funded, we seek to increase the amount of private funding we receive.
• >As the largest victims’ services organization in the country, Safe Horizon is working to more prominently position our work on the national stage.
• >What makes your organization so unique in the non-profit space?

Safe Horizon is the nation’s leading victim assistance organization, touching the lives of more than 250,000 children and families affected by crime and abuse each year. Operating in the largest urban city in the country,we manage more than 150 contracts at City, State and Federal level.  Safe Horizon has more than 30 years of experience providing advocacy and support to victims of crime and abuse and we provide services including case management, legal services, mental health counseling, training, and practical assistance that put the needs of our clients first.

Safe Horizon is a recognized leader in responding to the changing needs of clients, and is sought out as experts on issues of violence and victimization across the country and around the world. We provide training to local community-based organization and partnering service providers throughout the world. Safe Horizon experts are often called on to weigh in on important changes to City, State and Federal policy that impact the supports available to victims of crime and abuse.

Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit provider of domestic violence services in the country with 725 beds in the emergency and transitional shelter network for victims of domestic violence and their families. Safe Horizon operates three 24-hour hotlines for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault and other crimes.  In addition, Safe Horizon provides services to victims of domestic violence in community programs, court programs, and police precincts throughout New York City, making the services offered truly comprehensive.

How can CUP Members be involved?

CUP members can be involved in several ways:

• >We are seeking a very small number of Board members who can help our organizion rise to the next level in terms of funding diversification, national profile development, and overall advancement. Safe Horizon is part of the CUP Board matching program.
• >We have a range of hands-on volunteer opportunities, and would be delighted  to discuss possibilities with individuals who are interested. The type of work depends on the interest  the volunteer and the time that he/she can commit.
• >Volunteers help Safe Horizon raise funds or other resources in many ways, and we are tremendously appreciative of this type of support. Possible avenues include our Junior Council, being a Table Captain at one of our fundraisers, or holding drives or events that raise resources for Safe Horizon. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss possibilities with any interested CUP members!

What is your occupation and how did you come to work in this field?      

1) Do something you are passionate about.  2) Never stop learning, which includes where & how you learn and who you learn from.  3) Life is long, be patient!

1. What motivated you to get into politics?
Public service was the only thing that ever really interested me.  I don’t remember wanting to do anything else.  At St. Patrick’s elementary school library on Long Island, where I grew up, there was a rack of paperback biographies of trailblazing figures, and I read them until they were dog-eared.  I remember being amazed at the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and making the world a better place through their work and their actions.

After college I got a job as a housing organizer before working as Chief of Staff to then Council Member Tom Duane.  I then ran a group called the Gay and Lesbian Anti-Violence Project.  When Tom left the Council to run for the Senate, I ran for his seat and have been lucky enough to represent the third Council District ever since.

2. What were some of the highlights in the city during 2011?
As has been the case for the last few years, our number one priority at the City Council in 2011 has been job creation and economic development.  Unemployment is still way too high, and we’re working to solve that problem in a number of key ways.

We’re continuing to support small businesses as the backbone of our economy.  And one of the biggest problems we hear from small business owners is that government permits and inspections can really slow you down and keep you from opening or expanding.  So we’ve been working on an initiative called NYC Business Link, which will be a one stop shop for everything a business owner needs from government.  Instead of having to go to six different agencies to schedule inspections, or get licenses and permits, you’ll have a single point of contact whose job it is to navigate the process for you.  This will build on the success of programs like our New Business Acceleration Team, which has already helped hundreds of small businesses reduce their wait time for inspections by an average of nine weeks.

This year we also opened a food business incubator at La Marquetta in East Harlem – a shared commercial kitchen space that will help dozens of small businesses get started each year.  And we launched a program called the Municipal Entrepreneur Testing Service – or METS – which will allow green tech businesses to test their products in city owned properties, and help create more of these green jobs in the five boroughs.

The launch of our new East River Ferry is helping relieve congestion on some of our streets and subways, and helping spur economic development along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfront.  And our HARP program has started turning dozens of units at stalled construction sites into affordable housing for middle income families.

I’m also very proud that we passed a balanced, on time budget without raising taxes.  And while we had to make some tough choices, we were able to save the jobs of thousands of teachers and keep firehouses open in neighborhoods all over the city.

3. What are some of the challenges you foresee in 2012 and how are you working to address those issues?
Unemployment continues to be a big issue going into 2012, so we’ll continue to focus on sectors that have some of the greatest potential for job growth – like the tech industry.  We’re building a Center for Innovation at CUNY to serve as a tech incubator, connecting researchers, entrepreneurs and business experts who can help turn new ideas into new businesses.  We’re also going to be creating certificate programs at CUNY for the most in-demand programming languages, so more New Yorkers can qualify for jobs in tech.  And we’re working with a group called hackNY to create a job placement service, connecting hundreds of New Yorkers with jobs in growing tech companies.

We’ll also grow our small manufacturing sector by making it easier for businesses to export their products across the country and around the world.  And since New York City is more than anything a service based economy, we’ll partner with industry leaders in key sectors like green construction and design and market their services to other cities as well.

Also, while we’ve seen some progress, too many of our school are still underperforming.  So in 2012 the Council will be focusing on ways we can make every school in New York City a good school.  And we’ll continue to focus on expand access to pre-K, so every child enters school ready to learn.

4. What is the outlook on your five-year plan?
Right now I’m focused on my current job, and not worrying so much about where I’ll be in five years.  But as far as what I hope New York City looks like in five years, I hope it’s a place that’s more economically diverse, a place where people have better job prospects.  I want to make this a more affordable city, where people don’t have to spend so much of their income on rent.  I want this to be a city where parents don’t feel they have to take their kids out of public school when they reach middle school age, a place where all our schools are doing a great job educating the next generation of New Yorkers.

I want this to be a place where all women can feel safe walking down the street, where we’ve put an end to gun violence, and made domestic violence and hate crimes things of the past.  I want it to be a city where people can raise their families in the neighborhoods they grew up in.  That’s the kind of city my colleagues and I are working every day to build, and I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to partner with so many people in communities in every borough to build an even better New York.

What is your occupation and how did you come to work in this field?
I am currently a principle within the hedge fund group of Investcorp, a $13 billion alternative asset management firm.  I joined Investcorp in 2005 at the inception of the Firm’s North American and European hedge fund distribution business.  As a member of a team that serves the investment needs of pensions, insurance firms, endowments and foundations, I focus on business development strategies designed to increase firm assets and brand awareness among institutional investors.

Prior to joining Investcorp, I spent time as an associate in UBS’ Private Equity Secondary Group, focusing on buying and selling private equity interests in the secondary market. Prior to that, I was an analyst in the Investment Banking Division of Credit Suisse First Boston, focusing on mergers, acquisitions and project finance within the energy sector.

I was initially drawn to Investcorp to because of the entrepreneurial aspect of the role. When I joined Investcorp in 2005, the firm had very little assets from North American and European institutional clients.  As the second person hired to oversee the build out of Investcorp’s North American and European distribution business, the role presented an opportunity to be part of a start-up within a successful existing business structure. Thus far, it has been an amazing journey. Since 2005, Investcorp’s North American and European hedge fund distribution team has raised several billion dollars for Investcorp’s various hedge fund products

What is the biggest challenge of your work?
The greatest challenge of my job is clearly articulating sometimes very complicated hedge fund investment strategies to my clients and relating these strategies to my clients stated risk and return objectives.  I find that rather than trying to pitch a particular product, clients seem to react better to a discussion of different investment views and corresponding ideas around how best to implement these views into their portfolios

What is your proudest achievement?
Outside of work, I spend a considerable amount of time working with a national non-profit that provides intensive mentoring to students from difficult background.  When I first became involved in the program four years ago, my wife and I hosted a mixer at our home to introduce some of our friends and family to the students and staff of the program. It has been remarkable to watch the young people who came to our home, and the many others students who admitted into the non-profit’s program, transform into confident and articulate young adults.  Many of whom became the first in their families to attend college.

What leaders, thinkers or doers do you admire most?
I am drawn to leaders with a strong moral compass.  Individuals who clearly define right from wrong and consistently choose a morally and ethically just path

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, if I can look back at the preceding ten years and say that I have reliably acted in the best interest of my family, friends, colleagues and community I think that would be an ideal place to be.  Projecting the route I will take to get to that point is near impossible.  However, adhering to solid moral tenets and principles should aide me on that journey

What is one thing you’ve learned from the CUP Fellows Program that you would pass along to young people who want their careers and lives to have an impact?
NEVER GIVE UP.  In my office, I have a cartoon on my wall that depicts a stork as it is trying to consume a frog.  The stork has nearly swallowed the frog.  However, the frog clutches the stork’s neck with its hands preventing the bird from completely swallowing the frog.  Above the picture are the works “Don’t Ever Give Up”. From the frog’s vantage point, he could release his grasp and allow the stork to completely swallow him.  He does not. The frog does not give up.

I know it may sound somewhat silly, but I look at that cartoon each day.  I remind myself no matter what happens I will not give up.  The Fellow Program reinforces this view by providing training and introductions to leaders who continue to work tirelessly to achieve their stated goals.  If young people want their careers and lives to have impact, it is important for them to never give up when faced with a difficult challenge.

The Council of Urban Professionals’
5th Anniversary Leadership Gala
@ Espace
New York City

For sponsorship information, please contact:
Samantha E. Erskine, Director of Development, at serskine@nycup.org or 646.619.5187

Who should apply?

CUP is looking for talented professionals of color and women who are interested in learning about civic engagement and becoming leaders in their communities. Strong candidates are ambitious, dynamic, and creative and have a desire to strengthen and build platforms that will enhance the lives of others.  Candidates should demonstrate a track record of commitment to leadership and service.  CUP membership is not required to be considered for the program.

How do I apply?

Interested applicants must submit the following:

1. 1. Electronic Application Form
2. 2. Letter of Recommendation*
3. 3. Resume or Curriculum Vitae
4. 4. Personal & Career Goals Statement
5. 5. Statement of Interest in the CUP Fellows Program

Read More & Apply Today…

“I am excited to have joined such an innovative and progressive organization. CUP’s 21st century model of building leadership falls completely in line with my values and ‘Theory of Change.’ I’m looking forward to utilizing my development and strategic communications skills as vehicles for social change!” ~Samantha

Samantha’s Bio

As the Director of Development of The Council of Urban Professionals, Samantha is responsible for CUP’s fundraising initiatives as well as creating and implementing new strategies to both maximize and diversify CUP’s revenues.

Prior to joining CUP, Samantha was the Manager of Development at the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health, where she helped build the Development Department’s infrastructure, grew and diversified the organization’s revenues, and expanded its visibility. Samantha has also worked at the Applied Research Center and at Legal Momentum, where she used various technologies, media sources, and fundraising tools to solicit donations, cultivate supporters, and engage communities and stakeholders.  In addition, Samantha has had a lifelong commitment to, and passion for, the performing arts.  She has trained in ballet, jazz, Latin and Afro-Diasporic dances, and has taught and performed in Russia, England, Spain, France, Australia, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, all over the U.S., and on a salsa cruise to the Bahamas with a Bronx-based dance company, opening for El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.

Samantha holds a Master of Arts degree in Women’s History from Sarah Lawrence College, where she received the Gerda Lerner Award. Her Master’s Thesis is titled, “Slavery’s Echo on the Lives of Erotic Laborers: Racism, Stigma, and the Politics of Respectability.” Samantha also holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees, in Psychology and Women’s Studies, as well as a certificate in Spanish from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals; Women in Development, New York; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. A native of Brooklyn, NY, Samantha attended the prestigious Brooklyn Tech High School and is an Afro-Latina of Costa Rican and Panamanian descent.

Get to know more about the CUP staff background on our Staff page.

Moderator

David Saltzman

Executive Director – Robin Hood Foundation

Panelists

Bridget Fawcett

Managing Director and CFO, Global Banking – Citi

MASS MoCA Foundation

Berkshire Theatre Festival

Stephanie Mann

Director of Global Banking – Citi

New York Needs You

Luis Penalver

Partner – Cahill Gordon & Reindell LLP

NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Gregg Walker

Senior Vice President, Corporate Development – Sony Corporation of America

Harlem YMCA

Event Cost: Free for CUP Members

For more information please contact Ijeoma Obilo iobilo@nycup.org

Click Here to RSVP

Holiday Party Sponsor

The Beautiful Experience

Beauty. Luxury. Cutting Edge Interior & Floral Design

The Council of Urban Professionals connects, empowers, and mobilizes the next generation of diverse business and civic leaders.

What motivated you to get into diversity and civil rights?

Diversity found me.  I’m originally from Harlem but grew up in Chicago.  One of my first positions out of college was at the NYC Housing Authority, where I was a senior procurement officer.   The Honorable Laura Blackburn became Chair of the NYC Housing Authority and I was challenged with creating opportunities for small minority and women-owned firms.  Then I had the opportunity to meet one of my heroes, the late great Harold Washington, Mayor of Chicago.  Mayor Washington gave me some great advice when he told me, “If you are not planning, you’re being planned”.  When Harold Washington became Mayor of the City of Chicago, within the first year of his administration, minority and women-owned businesses flourished and many millionaires were created within the City of Chicago.  Mayor Washington’s vision and initiatives has led to the emergence of firms like Loop Capital, M.R. Beal and Siebert, Branford and Shank, who are directing billion dollar of municipal bond deals.

Thus after creating opportunities for minority and women-owned firms at the NYC Housing Authority I received an offer from the NYC School Construction (SCA).  After a couple of years, we were well on our way in establishing innovative and aggressive small business development programs that led to billions of dollars in construction and construction related contracts being awarded to minority and women-owned firms.  In fact, the SCA’s Mentor Program became a national model.

After a great run at the SCA, the MTA created the position of Chief Diversity Officer reporting to the Chairman and CEO and offered me the position.

How are you using your position at the MTA to increase opportunities for minorities and women?

I was hired by the MTA to create the same small business development programs that we successfully created and implemented at the SCA.  These programs include the MTA’s Construction Mentor Program, Small Business Loan, Surety Bonding Assistance and Construction and Information Technology Programs.  However, unlike the SCA, where we only focused on construction and construction related opportunities, at the MTA, the focus is broader.  We are focused on professional services opportunities including the issuing of municipal bonds, asset management, legal services, and vendor and supplier opportunities.  In fact, during our most recent request for proposal for municipal underwriters, we were able to hire Siebert, Branford and Shank and Ramirez as senior underwriters, which represents 20% MWBE inclusion.  For the first time in history at the MTA, minority and women-owned firms are now able to run the books.

Under the directive of Governor Andrew Cuomo, we are going to increase contract spend with NYS Minority and Women-Owned firms from 10 to 20% in all categories.  In fact, we are currently creating a MTA Minority Supplier Development Program for all of our bus and subway manufacturers.  NYS certified Minority and Women-Owned vendor and suppliers will now have the opportunity to supply parts, supplies and services for the buses and subways that we procure.

What are some of the challenges facing the New York City workforce?

According to the lastest census, the New York City workforce is becoming more and more minority.  Therefore, government and the private sector’s hiring should reflect the market that it serves.  Part of my portfolio at the MTA is to ensure that our workforce is diverse.

Part of the challenge for government and the private sector is prioritizing workforce diversity and implementing programs that will ensure a diverse workforce. In a downward economy, costs may be an issue in creating and implementing programs and strategies.  However, the solution lies with executive management.  Effective change always occurs at the top.  If the CEO and government leadership prioritize supplier and workforce diversity and fund the initiatives, then it will happen.

How are you working to address those issues?

As you know, the MTA consists of  seven different distinct operating agencies, including New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Railroad, Bridges & Tunnels, MTA Bus, Capital Construction and Long Island Bus.  We are developing one singular process for the recruitment of a diverse workforce as a way of ensuring workforce diversity.

What is the outlook on your five-year plan?

My five-year plan is to maximize contract opportunities for New York State Minority, Women-Owned and MTA certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, by creating innovative business development and inclusion programs.  The MTA procures billions of dollars annually in capital construction projects, goods and services.  It is our mission to procure in an inclusive manner.  Our diversity efforts are aligned with Governor Cuomo’s directive of doubling the amount of contract awards that we procure from minority and women-owned firms.  This mission is also supported by the MTA Board and executive management.