Board of Directors

Su Chen

Board Chair
Board Chair, Urban League of Long Island
President, National Urban League Council of Board Chair
National Urban League Board of Trustees
Owner & Vice President, TeamLogic IT
Licensed Real Estate Broker
Licensed Cosmetologist
Interior Design, Staging Specialist
Construction, Electrician and Entrepreneur
Licensed Notary Public

Su Chen is a dynamic leader whose care, warmth, and unwavering commitment to people define her approach to leadership. Appointed Board Chair of the Urban League of Long Island on April 13, 2023, Su has been tasked with revitalizing the affiliate guiding it back to its founding principles of service, empowerment, and equity, while ensuring it operates like a well-oiled machine.

As President of the National Urban League Council of Board Chairs and a member of the National Urban League Board of Trustees, Su brings a spirit of collaboration and unity that energizes both the Board of Directors and staff. She believes that when the governing body is motivated, inspired, and willing to roll up their sleeves, they provide the President and CEO with the tools and support needed to lead affiliates to new heights of success.

A Leader Rooted in Service and Excellence

Beyond her leadership in the Urban League movement, Su is Co-Owner and Vice President of TeamLogic IT, a thriving information technology firm, and a multi-faceted entrepreneur. Su is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Licensed Cosmetologist, Interior Design and Staging Specialist, and a professional in construction and electrical work. She also serves her community as a Licensed Notary Public.

Her entrepreneurial vision, combined with her corporate acumen, gives her the unique ability to blend strategy with creativity, operations with heart. She is known for her exceptional leadership, deep empathy, and a rare gift of connecting people to purpose.

Beyond her professional expertise, Su’s foundation is one of faith, honor, and service. Married to her husband, Darryl, a decorated NYPD Detective with over 30 years of service and a 9/11 first responder, Su understands sacrifice, resilience, and the meaning of true dedication. Coming from a proud military family, she was raised with the values of integrity, accountability, and the belief that one’s word is a bond, principles that guide her leadership and her life.

Building a Future Together

Su’s vision for the Urban League of Long Island is both bold and compassionate. She sees the affiliate not only as a service provider but as a pillar of empowerment a place where children are mentored, families are supported, entrepreneurs are uplifted, and seniors are cared for. Her leadership is about more than strategy; it is about inspiring collective action.With her steady hand, compassionate heart, and unshakable belief in community, Su is determined to revitalize, restructure, and reignite the Urban League of Long Island. She is committed to building strong relationships, fostering trust, and ensuring the affiliate remains a beacon of hope and transformation for generations to come.

“When one person rises, we all rise. When one family thrives, our entire region grows stronger.”

– Su Chen

Travis Jackson

Vice Chair, Urban League of Long Island
CEO & Owner, City Publications of Long Island
Licensed Realtor | Marketing Strategist | Community Advocate

When Travis Jackson was tapped to join the Urban League of Long Island, he was already building momentum as the founder of City Publications of Long Island, a firm dedicated to bold, high-impact marketing that helps businesses not just get seen, but get remembered. With over 15 years of experience as a Licensed Realtor, more than a decade in the Department of Education, and now as a marketing strategist and entrepreneur, Travis brings a rare combination of discipline, insight, entrepreneurship, and vision to the table.

Marketing isn’t just what Travis does it’s what he lives. At City Publications, he leads a team of seasoned professionals who specialize in direct mail and digital campaigns that drive growth, elevate brands, and connect businesses with the audiences that matter most. That expertise is exactly what the Urban League of Long Island needed: a leader who could amplify outreach, expand visibility, and ensure every community across Long Island hears the call to equity, empowerment, and opportunity.

A Voice for Strategy, A Heart for Service

Travis has always dedicated himself to serving people. As a realtor, he guided families through life-changing decisions with trust and care. As an educator, he worked to open doors of opportunity for students and communities. As a marketing leader, he equips businesses with tools to thrive. Now, as Vice Chair of the Urban League of Long Island, he brings those same values to the mission of transforming lives across our region.

A former athlete, Travis knows the power of teamwork that success isn’t achieved alone but through collaboration, grit, and vision. At the Urban League, he uses that same playbook, motivating staff and leaders alike to reach further, think bigger, and deliver results.

Rooted in Community & Family

A proud resident of Suffolk County for over 15 years, Travis has built deep roots on Long Island. He and his wife, Nadine, have been married for 20 years and are raising two beautiful daughters. Known as a true family man, Travis loves exploring Long Island’s diverse food scene, traveling, catching movies, and cheering at sporting events with his closest friends.

Energizing the Urban League’s Mission

Travis Jackson is more than a strategist he’s a catalyst. His leadership at the Urban League of Long Island is about giving staff and the Board the “extra gems” they need to succeed, ensuring the organization runs not just effectively, but powerfully. With his voice, vision, and unwavering commitment to people, Travis is helping to write the next great chapter in the Urban League’s history: one of outreach, growth, and transformation that touches every corner of Long Island.

“Success is built on service. If the community rises, we all rise.”

 – Travis Jackson

Ray S

Treasurer

Since joining Jovia Financial Credit Union in 2008, Raymond Schwetz has become a trusted resource and a valued and respected member of the Jovia family, the community, and the commercial banking industry. Ray currently serves as Assistant Vice President of Business Banking, where he applies a wealth of expertise gained over 30 years in financial services, commercial banking, and community outreach in managing all aspects of Jovia’s Business Banking Unit. Prior to being promoted to his current position, Ray was the Community Relations Director, and was originally hired to promote business development for Jovia. Throughout his tenure, Ray’s unique ability to connect people has made him a strong relationship builder for the Credit Union and its members. He is actively engaged as a business leader in the Long Island community, and clients gravitate toward his creative approach to keeping their best interests in mind while providing solutions to their banking and financing needs.

Dennis Bulger

Board Member
Attorney | Advocate | Community Builder

Every coin has two sides and Dennis Bulger embodies both. By day, he is a dedicated attorney specializing in real estate and estate planning, guiding clients through life’s most important decisions with precision and care. By night, he’s a kickball fanatic, reminding everyone that hard work and joy can coexist, and that the best results come when we bring energy and fun into the mix.

Dennis’s journey has been shaped by service and persistence. Before entering private practice, he supervised programs at a nonprofit supporting adults recovering from mental illness an experience that deepened his compassion and sharpened his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Now, as an attorney with The Girtz Firm, he combines his legal expertise with his client-first philosophy to build lifelong relationships rooted in trust.

What Dennis brings to the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Long Island is more than legal know-how. He brings the mindset of an athlete: that showing up, giving your best, and supporting your team is what truly matters. He believes that even if you strike out, the win is in the effort, the presence, and the commitment to the greater good. That energy inspires those around him to roll up their sleeves, push forward, and believe that all things are possible.

When Dennis is not serving clients or contributing to the mission of the Urban League, he is a devoted husband, a full-time dog dad, and a passionate advocate for wellness through mediation, nutrition, and exercise.

Laid back but laser-focused, professional yet approachable, Dennis embodies the belief that no matter what room he walks into, the bases are covered. His presence on the Board strengthens the collective, ensuring that the work of the Urban League of Long Island is done with heart, determination, and a spirit of joy.

“It’s not about striking out it’s about showing up, giving your all, and lifting others as you go.”

– Dennis Bulger

Stacie Murray

Board Member
Quality Assurance Training Manager | Entrepreneur | Mother

For Stacie Murray, life has always been about turning challenges into opportunities and transforming obstacles into something beautiful. “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, or some amazing hair and body products.” That outlook reflects her resilience, creativity, and ability to nourish both her family and her community with love, care, and vision.

With a career spanning over 20 years, Stacie has dedicated herself to both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, specializing in quality assurance, policy development, fiscal management, regulatory compliance, and training facilitation. Her professional journey has been defined by a commitment to ensuring that individuals particularly those with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the dignity, care, and resources they deserve. She is known for her expertise in audit compliance oversight and incident and complaint investigations, but even more so for the compassion she brings into every role she serves.

Stacie holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, grounding her work in both professional rigor and an understanding of human needs. Beyond her career, she is an entrepreneur and the proud founder of Brooke’s Hair and Body Butter, LLC, a brand inspired by her daughter, Brooke, and her own lifelong journey with alopecia. The product line, made with all-natural, organic ingredients, is more than skincare; it’s a labor of love designed to heal, nurture, and empower. From soothing sensitive skin to promoting healthy hair growth, Stacie’s creations are a testament to her belief in making wellness accessible and affordable for all.

At her core, Stacie is a mother first. Her two children are her greatest pride and motivation, and they inspire her every step forward. She understands what it means to balance career, family, and community service, and she leads by example showing that success is not just about professional achievements, but about lifting others along the way.

As a Board Member of the Urban League of Long Island, Stacie brings not only her expertise but her heart for people. She is a reminder that leadership is not only about policies and procedures, but about compassion, understanding, and the willingness to meet people where they are. Her voice on the Board is one of care, strength, and vision, reminding all around her that when families are supported, communities thrive.

“Family first, community always. My mission is to turn challenges into blessings and make sure no one is left behind.”

— Stacie Murray

Ativia Sandusky

Board Member

I was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised majority of my life in Laurelton, Queens. I graduated from Hillcrest High School in 1989 and furthered my education at John Jay College graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 1995. As the oldest child, I always knew the importance of being a strong role model and used that to inspire my career as a child advocate and educator.

As the first member of my family to graduate from college, education has always been a top priority in my life. Initially, I wanted to be a criminal justice lawyer to advocate and represent children. Growing up in an urban community, I witnessed first-hand the injustices and inequities of our criminal justice system and it was my goal to make a change. I did not become a criminal justice lawyer but as faith would have it; I would be an advocate for children and help to correct the injustices and inequities of another system, the educational system.

In 1998, I started as a substitute teacher in Harlem, New York and in 1999 became a career teacher in Brooklyn, New York. In 2006, I graduated from Mercy College with a Master’s Degree in Middle School Education. I immediately returned to Mercy College and graduated with a Master’s Degree in School Building Leadership. Shortly thereafter in 2009, I began my career as an Assistant Principal and quickly accelerating to a Principal in 2012. As a principal, I am humbled to say that I inherited two schools on the state list for closure and was able to help bring the schools to good standing, thus earning the title “School Improvement Guru”.

Currently, I am the proud principal of Catherine and Count Basie Magnet School for Multimedia & Performing Arts MS 72 located in South Jamaica Queens. With over twenty years of experience in the New York City Department of Education, my love and passion for education continues to grow exponentially on a daily basis. I have a quote that firmly lives within me: “There is no magic to achievement. It’s really about hard work, choices, and persistence.”-Michelle Obama. I ensure that I exemplify and exude the words of this quote everyday throughout my entire school community.

Lance Ware

Board Member
Financial Services Executive | Risk & Compliance Leader | Internal Audit Specialist

Lance Ware is a proven leader in compliance, risk management, and internal audit with more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Known for his integrity, precision, and principled leadership, Lance has built a reputation for ensuring that every process, regulation, and standard is met with absolute accountability. For him, doing things right isn’t optional it’s the only way forward.

A Career Built on Compliance & Oversight

Lance has held key roles across some of the most respected institutions in global finance, including:

• Supervising Risk Management Specialist New York State Department of Financial Services
• Aligned Risk Manager Operational Risk Management Team The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC)
• Controls Testing Lead Enterprise Compliance & Operational Risk USAA
• Risk Compliance Manager Morgan Stanley
• IT Auditor III Global Compliance & AML

TD Bank

• Audit & Regulatory Manager

American Express

Throughout his career, Lance has led internal audits, strengthened internal controls, overseen regulatory compliance, and advised executives on balancing risk and reward. His work has always been guided by one principle: protecting reputation through integrity and accountability.

Credentials & Expertise

• MBA, School of Management Binghamton University
• Bachelor’s in Business Administration & Marketing  LIU Post
• Certificates in Risk Management Frameworks, Operational Risk Management, Fraud Prevention, and Leadership Excellence (Harvard Business School Online)
• Additional training in FinTech and Strategic Artificial Intelligence

Above Board, Every Time

Lance believes reputation is earned in the details in the audits that catch what others miss, the processes that protect organizations, and the decisions made when no one is watching. His career reflects a steadfast dedication to doing things above board, by the book, and without compromise.

Whether guiding financial institutions, leading compliance teams, or advising organizations on governance, Lance brings the same unwavering commitment: to ensure that standards are met, processes are followed, and trust is never compromised.

“Reputation is built one decision at a time. Do it right, do it fair, and do it with integrity.”

– Lance Ware

Hercules Nikolopulos

Board Member
Banker | Husband | Father | Community Advocate

When you hear the name Hércules, two images immediately come to mind: the strength of the Greek god and Eddie Murphy’s jubilant “Hercules! Hercules!” from The Nutty Professor.

Somehow, Hércules Nikolopoulos embodies both. Built with the commanding presence of a warrior and carrying the softness of a teddy bear, he lives in the balance between strength and compassion.

As a husband and father, Hércules leads with love. At home, he is the steady protector, the gentle teacher, and the heart of his family. He is devoted to finding middle ground, listening first, and always putting people’s feelings and emotions at the center of every decision. Those who know him understand this truth: Hércules is as mighty in empathy as he is in principle.

Professionally, Hércules has spent over two decades in the financial industry, serving as a trusted Bank Manager and Business Developer at institutions including Citi, TD, M&T Bank, and now Dime Community Bank. For him, banking is more than numbers, it is a privilege. He sees each client not as an account but as a story, a dream, a legacy waiting to be built. His mission has always been to strengthen bonds between banks and the communities they serve, especially by championing small businesses. He is a pillar of support to entrepreneurs, a lifeline for families, and a steadfast advocate for economic growth.

But Hércules is more than a banker. He is a man who knows that life is like riding a Harley you may not know where the next road will take you, but the ride itself is what matters. It’s about showing up, embracing the journey, and finding freedom in the balance of strength and vulnerability. That’s the energy and spirit he brings to the Board of Directors of the Urban League of Long Island: fearless, steady, and always ready to move forward, no matter the road ahead.

With his Greek heritage, Hércules carries forward a legacy of resilience, honor, and faith. He embodies the lesson that true strength is not measured in muscle or title but in compassion, humility, and consistency.

Hércules Nikolopoulos is proof that you can be both powerful and tender, strategic and empathetic, unshakable and kind. He is the rock that steadies the room, the heart that softens it, and the voice that reminds us all: with love, unity, and effort nothing is impossible.

“I ride with faith, lead with love, and live with purpose.”

— Hércules Nikolopoulos

Cherice Vanderhall

Board Attorney

Cherice is the youngest child and only daughter of the late Jesse W. Vanderhall and Dorothy M. Vanderhall. Before her formal training she was educated at home by values steeped in southern roots and the A.M.E. Zion church. Her lessons learned at home proved to be the most valuable “classes” she would ever take and formed the foundation for which she would become an attorney and community advocate. Cherice currently serves as the Counsel to the Receiver of Taxes for the Town of Hempstead and practices as a sole practitioner in the areas of family and matrimonial law, and employment discrimination. Cherice gained invaluable legal experience in all areas of complex civil litigation including commercial and employment disputes, professional liability, insurance defense, wills, trust, sand estates, labor and employment, and family law. She is a tough litigator who has helped clients to achieve successful resolutions in race, age, gender, and religious discrimination cases, sexual harassment, hostile work environment, wrongful termination, as well as wage and hour violations. In Family Court she considers a parental right to be a civil right and has reached many successful resolutions on behalf of parents, and their children, since her fight always included what is in the child’s best interests. Cherice thrives in competitive environments and litigates with uncompromising dedication, patience, and a relentless desire to achieve justice on behalf of her clients. Cherice graduated from Touro Law Center in 2009, cum laude, where she was the Notes and Comments Editor of the International Law Review and a CALI Excellence Award recipient. In law school she studied International Human Rights Law in Xiamen, China and was the recipient of the prestigious Thurgood Marshall Fellowship from the New York City Bar Association where she worked for the City Bar Justice Center’s Elder Law Project. Before entering law school and graduating from the University at Albany where she obtained a B.A. in Political Science and Africana Studies, and a M.A. in Africana Studies with a concentration in West African History, Cherice worked as a labor union organizer for 1199/SEIU. She studied West African History, Culture, and Politics at the University of Ghana at Legon in Accra, Ghana in 2001 and 2002, and cites her extensive travel and embrace of different cultures, and ability to organize and mobilize groups as one of her greatest assets. Cherice is committed to community and the future of the young people who will be tomorrow’s leaders. On occasion, she serves as a Panelist or Guest Lecturer for both schools and community events speaking on various legal and community issues. Cherice has been featured on Long Island News 12 Diverse Long Island, served as a mentor at Turtle Hook Middle School, and serves as a volunteer track coach for the Uniondale H.S. Girls Track and Field team. Cherice serves as president of the Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, the co-executive director of the Amistad Long Island Black Bar Association and is a member of a number of bar associations including the National Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, and Nassau County Bar Association. She is also member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, LI Chapter, the NAACP, National Council of Negro Women, the Board of Directors for Nassau Suffolk Law Services, and a member of the Jackson Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church Board of Trustees.