Three 2024 'Power Women of Long Island' have SUNY Old Westbury ties

Group photo of more than 40 women dressed professionally

When the 2024 “Power Women of Long Island” were revealed recently by Schneps Media, it had a bit of SUNY Old Westbury flair. In all, three of the leaders recognized are associated with the University.

Now in its 30th year, the “Power Women of Long Island” event organizers say celebrates leadership, resilience, and community impact while bringing together influential voices and local changemakers. The event was held on November 13 in Woodbury, New York.  

“Each one of you has put a dent in that glass ceiling, making a tremendous contribution,” said Schneps Media President Vicki Schneps during the event. “Relish your moment in the spotlight, because you have earned it.”

The three honorees associated with Old Westbury are alums, including one currently employed by the campus. They are:

  • Samantha Lawson ’12 (Psychology) is the president of Yung Hip Professionals, Inc., a not-for-profit organization that works to foster an inclusive and equitable healthcare landscape by empowering minority leaders to effect systemic change.  
  • Katie Reichel-Bielawski ’09 (Marketing) is assistant vice president for community and corporate engagement at Bethpage Federal Credit Union. Along with her professional responsibilities at the nationally chartered credit union, Bielawski serves on the board of the Child Care Council of Suffolk and was a member of the inaugural “Building Bridges Gala Planning Committee” for the EAC Network. 
  • Penny Jane Chin ’90 (Accounting) has for more than 30 years served at SUNY Old Westbury, for most of her career as the campus’ director of alumni affairs. Over the course of her career, she has played an integral role in managing relationships with the campus’ more than 36,000 graduates and been a member of the campus’ fundraising team.
Three individual portraits of women linked together
The 2024 Power Women of Long Island (from left to right): Samantha Lawson ’12, Katie Reichel-Bielawski ’09, and Penny Jane Chin ’90.

Schneps Media is a leading local media company serving New York City, Westchester, Long Island and Philadelphia. It’s award-winning content reaches more than 2 million consumers per week across two daily newspapers and a large group of community newspapers, magazines, websites, email newsletters, and social media channels.