By Connie Pinilla, Esq.
Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews will be honored with the Leadership Award at the chamber’s upcoming Latin Fiesta Business Expo. Stevenson-Matthews is a distinguished community leader, former Glen Cove Councilman and Founding Member of the NS Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
The event will take place on July 18, 2024, at the Sea Cliff Yacht Club, located at 42 The Boulevard, Sea Cliff, NY, starting at 6:00 p.m. In addition to the awards ceremony, the event will include music, entertainment, dancing, raffles and vendor tables featuring area businesses.
Stevenson-Mathews, a freelance communications professional and speech coach, has a long history of service and leadership in the community. In addition to having served the people of Glen Cove as a City Councilman and his extensive experience in arts administration, he is also the founder of three non-profit organizations: an acclaimed theatre company in Dallas, TX, known for its premieres and innovative programming of opera and musical theatre; The Flora Macdonald Legacy Foundation in North Carolina, dedicated to preserving a historic building; and, most recently, the Tribute and Honor Foundation based in Glen Cove.
The Tribute and Honor Foundation honors veterans and veteran supporters from across Long Island and, with the help and support of the community, raised close to $50,000 to help with the rebuild of VFW Post 347 following a devastating fire. The foundation has also honored nearly 20 veterans and veteran supporters through its annual awards ceremony held in February of each year and has supported initiatives such as the Glen Cove Library’s VetNOW program, which provides critical resources for veterans.
Stevenson-Matthews unwavering dedication to serving our community and his ability to inspire and mobilize others are truly remarkable. His contributions and leadership skills have made a lasting impact on countless lives, and we are honored to recognize him with the North Shore Hispanic Chamber’s Leadership Award.
“As a SAGE Foundation Board Member, a volunteer and Founding Member of NOSH Delivers, and a tireless organizer and supporter of many charitable endeavors, Gaitley brings creativity, compassion, and leadership to every aspect of his service to the community,” said Christine Rice, Executive Director of the Glen Cove Senior Center and Chair of NOSH Delivers. “I was delighted to hear that Gaitley is being honored with the Leadership Award by the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. It is well-deserved.”
In addition to his aforementioned involvement, Stevenson-Mathews has served the North Shore Hispanic Chamber as both a Founding Board Member and as Second Vice President. He is also actively involved with several other organizations, serving on the boards of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, SAGE Foundation, and Glen Cove EOC, and as a Trustee of Loggia Glen Cove #1016 Sons of Daughters of Italy.
Stevenson-Matthews is on the Advisory Boards of the Morgan Park Summer Music Festival and Age-Friendly Glen Cove, a Lifetime Member of the North Shore Historical Museum, an Associate Member of Calvary AME Church where he sings in the choir, a Founding Member of NOSH Delivers and recently invited to become a Community Ambassador for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.
The Leadership Award will be presented during the Latin Fiesta Business Expo, a celebration of Hispanic culture and business excellence. The event will feature networking opportunities, cultural performances, and a showcase of local businesses.
For more information about the event, including opportunities to purchase tickets, secure a vendor table, or become a sponsor, visit the chamber’s official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nshchamberny, call (516) 521-8274, or email cpinilla@nshchamber.org.
Connie Pinilla, Esq. is the president of the North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
