The Muses in Southampton was alive with energy as attendees gathered to honor remarkable women at the 2025 Dan’s Power Women of the East End event, hosted by Schneps Media on September 10. This sold-out gathering celebrated local leaders from various fields who significantly contribute to the vitality of the East End.

The evening shone a light on women from diverse sectors including business, healthcare, education, government, and philanthropy, emphasizing their essential role in shaping the community.

Highlights of the Event

The venue, St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church, was transformed into a vibrant celebration space filled with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and inspiring conversations. Attendees networked and honored each other’s accomplishments, as they prepared to be formally recognized later in the evening.

VIP Power Hour

The event commenced with a VIP Power Hour, where honorees interacted with fellow leaders and sponsors. They received special Schneps Media Star Networking pins, setting a collaborative tone for the evening.

“Every one of you, each of us, is a queen today,” stated Victoria Schneps-Yunis during her opening remarks, encapsulating the spirit of empowerment that resonated throughout the event.

A Night of Recognition

The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony, where each honoree was celebrated for their contributions. “It is an honor to be around strong women, women who support each other,” remarked Michelle Rizzo-Berg, Executive Director of the Patchogue Center for the Performing Arts.

With humor and enthusiasm, News 12 anchor Erin Colton served as the master of ceremonies, energizing the crowd while emphasizing the significance of uplifting women leaders.

Community Impact

The celebration went beyond recognition; a raffle held during the event raised funds for ECLI VIBES, a nonprofit that aids survivors of domestic violence, showing a commitment to giving back to the community. “We are the light in the dark, providing vital services to survivors,” shared Jennifer Hernandez, Executive Director of ECLI VIBES.

2025 Honorees

The evening recognized numerous women excelling in various fields, reflecting the diverse talents and leadership present in the East End. Among the honorees were:

• Jeena R. Belil, Law Firm Owner/Managing Partner, The Law Office of Jeena R. Belil, PC
• Sofia Blair, Assurance Principal, BDO USA, P.C.
• Bonnie Comley, Co-Founder, BroadwayHD (Legacy Award)
• Tina Toulon, Executive Director, New York Cancer Foundation (ICON)
• Aleksandra Kardwell, President, Hamptons Employment Agency, Inc. (Entrepreneur of the Year)

The gathering not only honored individual achievements but also emphasized the power of women working together to uplift one another and create positive change.

A Lasting Message

The sentiments shared throughout the evening encapsulated a powerful message: when women support women, extraordinary outcomes are achieved. This belief formed the core of the evening’s festivities, promoting a vision for continued collaboration and community impact among the East End’s leading women.

For further information about the Power Women initiative, visit this page.