Theme
Community in Motion: Moving Together for Better Health and Well-being
The COCA Benefit & Gala is in its 6th year and it is our flagship event, celebrating the achievements and contributions of our community to our mission.
Introduction:
Join us for an elegant evening at the Circle of Care Awards Benefit & Gala. This year’s theme, “Community in Motion,” celebrates our unwavering commitment to being an active presence in the lives of those we serve.
“Community in Motion” embodies action, engagement, and making a tangible impact on people’s lives. It’s about being actively involved in the community, addressing the most pressing needs, and working to improve health outcomes and overall quality of life for all.”
MEET THE COCA 2024 HOST
Toya Beasley
Her voice is unmistakable, her impact is undeniable. Toya Beasley is a champion for empowering people to live their best lives. She is an ambassador for some of the nation’s most recognizable brands, building positive connections and inspiring people to reach higher.
Toya Beasley headlines Sunday mornings on 94.7 The Block, hosting and producing
‘Inspirations On The Block’ New York’s number one station for Throwbacks.
Most recently, Ms. Beasley was the inspirational format content director and on-air personality for InspireU with Toya Beasley at Radio103.9FM in New York City. She also hosted the weekly In Focus community affairs talk show and was heard in 48 markets across the U.S. through her Westwood One syndicated show, Sunday Inspirations.
Prior to joining Radio103.9FM, Ms. Beasley was the well-loved voice of New York WRKS-FM, better known to fans as 98.7 KISS-FM. She hosted New York City’s number one Sunday morning gospel program, KISS Inspirations, as well as KISS-FM’s weekday gospel show, Morning Glory. With the station since 1989, Ms. Beasley started as a programming assistant and worked her way up to Program Director, a position she held for 10 years.Additionally, she is the Creator and Executive Producer of the annual Stellar Women of Gospel™ Awards, honoring outstanding women in the gospel music industry. Ms. Beasley is also Founder and CEO of SistaFriendz™, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established to educate, equip and empower women for success in their personal and professional lives.
Ms. Beasley has received numerous accolades and awards for her work in the media industry and in the community, including Keys to the City of New York for producing her Night of Healing events, which took place each year for 10 years after 9/11.
Ms. Beasley’s professional accomplishments are many, but nothing drives her more than her passion for God and His people. She works diligently to communicate that passion through every endeavor.
MEET THE COCA 2024 HONOREES
Eric Simon
Legacy Award HonoreeEric Simon is a principal lawyer in New York City who has been representing employers for over 40 years. He specializes in the long-term health care industry, including home health care and rehabilitation. He has negotiated contracts with many unions in this field.
Rona Shapiro
Legacy Award HonoreeRona Shapiro is a union leader and social justice activist who has worked for 1199 SEIU for over 40 years. She started as a paralegal and became a Vice-President/Area Director and then a Homecare Division Executive Vice President. She has helped to establish and manage various benefit and education funds for home care workers. She has also advocated for the recognition and dignity of homecare workers, especially during the Covid pandemic. Rona Shapiro is a union leader and social justice activist who has worked for 1199 SEIU for over 40 years. She started as a paralegal and became a Vice-President/Area Director and then a Homecare Division Executive Vice President. She has helped to establish and manage various benefit and education funds for home care workers. She has also advocated for the recognition and dignity of homecare workers, especially during the Covid pandemic.
Maria Lopez
Colette Drismond
Dr. Corinne Kyriacou
Innovation Award HonoreeDr. Corinne Kyriacou is the Vice Dean of the School of Health Professions and Human Services and an Associate Professor of Population Health at Hofstra University. She has been involved in developing and leading various public health programs at Hofstra since 2010. She teaches courses on health care policy, population aging, and integrative learning. She has received a Teacher of the Year award in 2013. Her research focuses on integrating medical, social, and long-term care for chronically ill adults and building Age Friendly Communities and Universities. She also co-authored a book on alternative economies such as Time Banks in 2012.
Garry Harvey
CaregiverDistinguished veteran of the United States Army, Garry Harvey brings a profound background in cybersecurity, warfare, and military intelligence. With over a decade of seasoned hands-on expertise in Information Technology, Service Management, and Operations, expertise lies in cybersecurity risk, regulatory compliance, and data privacy. He is also proficient in evaluating complex operational challenges, identifying inefficiencies, and crafting pragmatic solutions for productivity, cost savings, and enhanced service delivery. Garry's extensive experience, deep knowledge, and a commitment consistently contribute significant value to projects and initiatives. Known for effective communication and interpersonal skills, Garry's technical prowess is complemented by graduate studies in Management Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, enhancing analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Mr. Harvey is the Community Representative on the CABS Continuous Quality Improvement committee.
DESIREE PILGRIM
CaregiverCaregiver has been employed with the agency since 1986
JUANITA DAYMON
CaregiverCaregiver has been employed with the agency since 1998
YOLETTE FILS
CaregiverCaregiver has been employed with the agency since 1984