CHAMPIONS OF CHANGE
2025 Honorees
Impact Award
Industrial Development Agency
Innovation Award
Philanthropy Award
Construction Inc.
Thursday, October 16, 2025
6:00 pm Reception
Rockland Community College | Suffern Campus
The RCC Foundation is proud to host Champions of Change, a signature event celebrating excellence, innovation, and the transformative power of philanthropy.
This year, we shine a spotlight on RCC’s Hospitality and Culinary Arts program and showcase the extraordinary talents within our Visual and Performing Arts programs. These areas exemplify the creativity, dedication, and interdisciplinary spirit that define our college community.
Our mission at RCC is driven by strategic partnerships, collaborative innovation, and a steadfast commitment to student success. This mission is continually inspired by our honorees—visionaries and changemakers making a lasting impact in their fields and across Rockland County.
Join the RCC Foundation for an elegant evening as we honor three outstanding Champions of Change and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Rockland Community College.
About Our Honorees
You can read more about these exceptional honorees and their incredible contributions.
Impact Award: Steven H. Porath
The RCC Foundation is proud to honor Steve Porath with the Impact Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership and meaningful contributions to Rockland County. His advocacy and vision have significantly advanced economic growth and opportunity across the region.
Steve Porath serves as Executive Director of Rockland County’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and President of its sister organization, the Rockland Economic Assistance Corporation. Since joining the IDA in 2002, Steve has spearheaded initiatives resulting in billions of dollars in new investment and the creation or retention of thousands of jobs in Rockland County, NY. His leadership has helped the position of the IDA as a vital force in promoting economic growth and enhancing quality of life through strategic development, workforce training, and public education on the role of IDAs with elected officials and the public.
Steve’s professional background spans journalism, corporate communications, strategic sales, and motorsports marketing, including time as a member of an Indy Car pit crew. His diverse career reflects a blend of private sector insight and public service commitment.
He is an active member of several economic and community boards, including the New York State Economic Development Council, Rockland Business Association, Rockland BOCES Foundation, and Rockland Meals on Wheels. A proud graduate of Marist College, Steve resides in Stony Point, NY, with his wife, Sheila. They have five children and six grandchildren.
Innovation Award: JPMorganChase
The RCC Foundation is proud to honor JPMorganChase with the Innovation Award in recognition of the Firm’s leadership and meaningful contributions to Rockland County. This award highlights the vital role our partners play in inspiring and empowering students to pursue their academic and career goals.
Rockland Community College is committed to preparing a skilled, future-ready workforce by collaborating with local organizations that drive economic development and support sustainable careers. JPMorganChase has made a positive impact in the region for over 200 years, and their presence and investments continue to make a difference today.
In particular, the implementation of the Money Smart Financial Coaching Program has provided RCC students with essential tools to build strong financial foundations—empowering them to make informed decisions and plan for long-term success.
JPMorganChase’s values are deeply aligned with RCC’s mission, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership in building a brighter, more financially secure future for students and our Rockland community.
Philanthropy Award: Susan Oelkers-Ramos
The RCC Foundation proudly honors Susan Oelkers-Ramos with the 2025 Philanthropy Award in recognition of her inspiring leadership and outstanding contributions to Rockland County. A dedicated advocate for education and community development, Susan has positively impacted countless lives through her generosity, mentorship, and commitment to student success.
Born and raised in Spanish Harlem and proud of her Puerto Rican heritage, Susan is the owner of Environmental Construction Inc., a Rockland County–based company she has led since 1988. As one of the few women in her field, she has built a thriving business specializing in gas and water main installations and land development. Her company has also played an essential role in Orange & Rockland Utilities’ Minority Vendor Program, supporting diversity and inclusion in the industry.
Appointed in 2004 by Governor George Pataki to the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College, Susan serves with distinction and passion. During her tenure, she created scholarships, supported cultural and educational initiatives, and in 2020, founded the President’s Society—an innovative program designed to promote leadership, mentorship, and community engagement among RCC students and local leaders. Her tireless efforts have helped countless students achieve their academic goals and build meaningful professional pathways.
Beyond education, Susan has made a lasting mark on the community through her hands-on support of local improvement projects. She has generously donated her time, equipment, and resources to restore Nyack’s Memorial Park and renovate Emanuel Welder Park in Monsey. In recognition of her community impact, she has received the Partner for Growth Award from Orange & Rockland Utilities and is also an active member of the Lions Club of Rockland County.
We are grateful to our generous sponsors
Champion of Education
Student Success
Wine Tasting & Culinary Education Sponsor
Valet Sponsor
Leadership Circle
Questions? Contact Kim Grace at [email protected] or 845-574-4489
The Rockland Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Event funds support scholarship assistance, faculty enrichment programs, educational equipment funding, and innovative programming.
TAX ID: 22-2680786
Event Details
Thursday, October 16, 2025
RCC Suffern Campus
145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901
5:30 pm VIP Reception
6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
7:30 pm Award Presentation
Business Attire
Live Music – Wine Pull
EVENT CHAIR
Irene Coughlin
CFO
The Portables Choice Group, LLC
Planning Committee
Fraxen Ait Belkacem ’20
IT Specialist
Environmental Construction Inc.
Paul J. Brennan, FNIGP, CPPO
Director of Purchasing
County of Rockland Purchasing Division
Bryson Leone, ‘25
Graphic Designer
Karen A. Lewis, Ph.D.
Executive Director of Development
RCC Foundation
William Mullaney, Ph.D.
President
Rockland Community College
Matthew Siciliano
Program Director
Rockland Community College
Heidi Vandiver
Director of Operations
Rockland County Industrial Development Agency
Stacey Yanosy
Business Development
Affinity Federal Credit Union
Patti Zodda
Professor/Program Director
Rockland Community College