Page 14 - Rising Stars 40 Under 40

40UNDER40 | RISING STARS OF WESTCHESTER
ALEX MARRERO, 38
Ed.D., Interim Superintendent
City School District of New Rochelle
What do you enjoy most about your
chosen profession/industry?
Education is foundational – an essential need. Education provides the tools to improve
the quality of life in modern society both economically and sociologically. Education
is power. Education has the power to change one's entire life. As an educator, I am afforded the incredible responsibility and opportunity to impact lives, the lives of our future leaders of the world.
If you won $20 million in the lottery,
what would you do with the money?
Philanthropy in the field of education. I would open up academies of learning (schools) in third-world countries. It would enable students who would not normally receive excellence in education, an opportunity to have access to resources of all sorts to spark creativity and ultimately make a global impact.
Name one habit of a highly successful
person.
The desire to keep learning. Being a lifelong learner enables a highly successful person to continue growing, adapting and sharpening his/ her saw. Learning is a never-ending process, every human being keeps on learning till the end of
life. Learning modifies thinking capabilities and conception.
ASHLEY MAYER, 36
Partner
TODD MERRITT, 33
Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA-NY, Director of Behavioral Services
The Arc Westchester
What is your anticipated legacy?
I hope to be known as a strong advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who helped to advance the field of behavior analysis through the delivery of innovative services and supports.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Motivated. Genuine. Optimistic.
What is your definition of success?
My definition of success is making a meaningful difference by helping people to reach their greatest potential and inspiring others to do the same.
VALERIO MORANO-SAGLIOCCO, 37
CEO/President/Director/Owner/Founder
Morano Landscape Garden Designs/Ridgeway Garden Center/Weaver Gardens/Lago Ristorante & Wine Bar/Café La Fondita/Oliveto Morano
What is your most cherished hobby?
Gardening of course. I have over 100 house plants that I tend to with my daughters every Sunday.
I am teaching them young to know how to care for plants and I am hoping the passion sticks.
We also love to plant and care for our vegetable garden. It is nearly 1,000 square feet and during the season we harvest enough for our restaurant and neighbors.
Name one habit of a highly successful
person.
A habit of a successful person is doing what you say you will. One of the most successful people that I know who is a luxury residential home builder told me he has been doing this work for 30 years and his basis of success is just doing what he says he will.
If you could have lunch with one historic
figure, who would it be?
If I could have lunch with a historic figure, I would certainly select someone who is intriguing and ahead of his/her time. I think being a visionary
is a word that has described me so I would look to find someone with that trait. I would choose Leonardo Da Vinci and I would insist that the lunch be at my restaurant LAGO.
PKF O'Connor Davies LLP
How would you describe yourself in
three words?
I would describe myself as kind, thoughtful and energetic. I feel these three words have helped me succeed both professionally and personally.
What is your favorite inspirational
quote?
‘The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.’ – Henry Ford
Provide one business tip that has helped
in your success.
One business tip that has helped in my success is being organized. Working with multiple clients throughout the year has taught me to structured and prepared.
S14 | WESTCHESTER COUNTY 40UNDER40 | 2021