Young Christian Leaders Scholarship

Dan Buttafuoco

Dan Buttafuoco has handled over 100 juried and non-juried trials involving all aspects of personal injury, negligence, product liability and medical malpractice cases. Dan has won for his clients many millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in these areas. Dan has the third highest recorded personal injury settlement in New York State history. Dan has the highest recorded settlement ever for a police officer.

He hosts a weekly radio talk show entitled "Christian Legal Concepts" for WMCA station 570AM radio. The program features discussion of listeners' call-in questions about their faith and its connection with the law specifically, personal injury law. Dan also completed his Masters degree in Theology at Alliance Theological Seminary and is often invited to speak at churches of all denominations throughout the tri-state area (including Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal and others). Dan has shared his ideas on the Bible, religion and law with many congregations and groups.

Dan is actively involved in many New York area ministries: New York City Relief: Board member for over 20 years – Mission which assists poor and homeless in the NYC metropolitan area. Historical Bible Society: Founder/President Dan--Established this public charity which funds programs for the care, preservation, display and education about ancient and historically significant Bibles, important religious Artworks and study of Christian scriptures. Pave the Way Foundation: Board member-inter-faith organization that monitors relationships between the three main religious groups of the world and advocates for peaceful exchange instead of violence in the name of religion. Bethpage Assembly Church: Elder

BAR ADMISSIONS: New York- All Courts; United States District Court (Federal Courts): Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; United States Court of Military Appeals; United States Court of Appeals- Second Circuit; United States Supreme Court; United States Claims Court; Admitted pro hac vice in other states.

MEMBERSHIPS: New York State Bar Association; New York State Trial Lawyer's Association; American Trial Lawyer's Association; National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives; National Board of Trial Advocacy- Certified Civil Trial Lawyer since 1989 - Christian Trial Lawyers Associations -Christian Legal Society. PROFESSORSHIPS: Adjunct Professor of Trial Law – National Injury Trial Attorney's Program Hofstra Law School; PERSONAL: Elder and Bible Studies Teacher at Bethpage Assembly in Bethpage, NY; Former School Board Member and President of South Shore Christian School a/k/a Long Island Christian Academy from 1987 until 2004. Dan is married with 3 children, one of whom is a practicing lawyer.

FAVORITE QUOTE: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly." – David, King of Israel (Psalm 1:1).

Liz Black

Liz brings sunshine, happiness, and pure elation to massive listeners throughout the NY/NJ/CT Tri-State area with a 10 market share on Sunday Mornings on 107.5 WBLS 7am-9am and 1190 WLIB 12pm-3pm. She can also be heard every day Monday-Friday on the new K107FM Jamz Toronto Canada. She is a 2012 Stellar award nominee for "Radio Personality of the Year".

Born in New York, Liz' journey into the entertainment arena is rooted in her gift of gab. Her parents said they knew she was destined to use her voice professionally. Since she was a toddler, Liz was very vocal and by the age of 5 she'd already developed a passion for emceeing talent shows and other events.

Liz started her career as a model appearing, in TV commercials and Billboard ads. She eventually became a member of the Screen Actors Guild and began to audition for various television roles. Most recently Liz appeared in VaShawn Mitchell's "Nobody Greater" music video.

In 1990 Liz began the second phase of her life when she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and committed herself to the ministry of Kingdom Building. Shortly after her spiritual rebirth, Liz began honing her "talking" skills while touring with the Al Dixon Life Games - a group of athletes determined to make a difference in the lives of young people. During this time she established the Christian Jam Network as a creative means of providing a social outlet for young adults. In 2001 Liz founded New Mercies Café, a Gospel Experience & Showcase (www.LizBlack.com). From New Mercies Café the very popular Liz Black's Gospel Variety Show & Open Mic was spun-off. For nearly four years Liz ran an internet radio station which she started in 2002 when the concept wasn't even popular. The station had regular listeners in 98 countries.

Liz graduated from the National Broadcasters Training school and has worked with the likes of radio veteran Kevin Cottrell of Salem Communications, Donnie McClurkin and Hezekiah Walker. She has hosted KISS Inspirations (98.7-KISS FM), Gospel Grooves 89.1FM, Entertainment News 970am, Bishop Hezekiah Walker's Afternoon Praise 1190am and Friday Night Praise Party 1190am.

Liz's favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Liz uses this scripture as her mantra as she goes about her daily ministry of talking to the masses.

Beverly Caesar

Beverly Morrison Caesar epitomizes the phrase 'every woman'. In addition to being a wife, mother and grandmother, she is also a philanthropist, business woman and artist.

Beverly's philanthropic endeavors include: Serving on the Executive Committee of the Women's Prayer Summit, a tri-state prayer ministry attended by thousands of women from all denominations and ethnicities; Creator of Jamaica, Jamaica: Hello Freedom. Hello Hope, a missions trip organized in 2009 and again in 2010, sending professional men and women, as well as inner city youth, to work in poverty stricken areas in Jamaica, West Indies; Founder and Executive Director of the Veronica Morrison Foundation serving women and children around the world, providing scholarships, housing, food, education and clothing; Assisting in the March of Dimes Faith-Based initiatives.

Beverly's businesses include: Founder and Executive Director of Arts and Christian Theater (A.C.T.), a faith-based theatrical company which produces over 10 plays per year and includes members of the communities in all facets of the production; Founder and Executive Director of A.C.T. Studios, a theater program which provides training and exposure to the dramatic arts to inner city communities.

Beverly's artistic achievements include: Producing five off Broadway plays, the most recent being the blockbuster hit titled The Hedge – a 21st Century Adaptation of the Life of Job; Author of a book titled Experiencing the 25th Hour.

Beverly has a B.S. Degree from Hunter College and a B.Th. Degree from Bethel Bible Institute, of which she is now a professor.

Scott Caesar

Scott Caesar, Social Entrepreneur, Head Coach and Founder of God4me Men's Network, speaks to thousands of men each year at business conferences, churches and his own "Men's Discipleship Boot Camps" The events equip men to be more effective leaders in their homes, churches and communities. A business leader, speaker and writer, Scott's passionate calling is to assist men in their spiritual growth by replacing the lies of the world with the truth of the Bible. (Romans 12:2)

Friends and Mentors, Rich Galloway, Bishop Rod Caesar, Pastor Steve Milazzo, along with the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole and Promise Keepers Founder Bill McCartney have shaped and molded Scott as he stands in the gap with the North East Church as advocate for Christian Men, not ceasing till a reformation in ministry to men takes place.

Men's Discipleship Boot Camp is a masculine school of transformation that has seen unprecedented growth in the Northeast due to the message –driven main events that then hold men and their churches accountable to the WAPE Follow-through strategyll done in partnership with the local church.

Over 25,000 men from over 1000 churches have been trained at Discipleship Boot Camp.

One of Scott's joys is the God4me Men's Network's "Businessmen of Faith" luncheons held throughout NY. Men come from all venues of business to hear the message of Christ in the marketplace of Faith.

Scott's greatest thrill is that God calls him Son, Debbie calls him hers' and Kimberly, Vincent and Nicholas call him Dad. He resides in Massapequa Park, NY.

Link to Interview of Coach Scott with Pastor Floyd Flake. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXjvYUy8P34

George Flores

George Flores has been talking about Jesus on the radio in the NYC area for over 35 years. This New Jersey native is now a top-rated DJ in Christian radio. He has worked with WFMU 91.1FM, WWDJ 970AM, WMCA 570AM & is currently a radio personality and afternoon drive host on STAR 99.1FM. George has played an important part of many causes and events within the Christian community—including evangelistic outreaches, Christian concerts, and missionary trips.

Initially a voice and guitar music major in junior college, he went on to gain an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management at Nyack College.

George has served as a Music Therapy Assistant in a Psychiatric Ward. He has strongly believed that the power of music can be used as a tool for healing and the message is important to fueling our faith.

He knows firsthand the importance of well-crafted music and the need for life affirming lyrics. George has had the unique opportunity to MC or DJ at over 1000 celebrations in the NYC tri-state area over the last 30 years primarily through his company Music For Joyous Occasions.

George grew up in inner-city apartments but after becoming a Christian, God let him see new places and, more importantly, new people. He says, "While they are in different parts of the world, they are really the same as you and me - hungry for something valuable and eternal." It is his heart to share the love of Jesus every opportunity he gets. He has had the great opportunity to travel to Jamaica, Peru, China, Ecuador, Israel and most recently India and Haiti to share the Good News of Jesus. George and his wife, Maryanne, have 3 daughters and 3 sons.

David Hertweck

David is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and serves as District Youth Director for the New York branch. Previously, David served for twelve years as senior associate pastor of Trinity Assembly of God in upstate New York, where he was the lead pastor of inside-Out Student Ministries and Element Young Adult Ministries. David also served regularly with the worship team and preached monthly at the Sunday morning services.

David has also served as the Central Section youth representative for the NY District AG and as the NY District Fine Arts Coordinator. He also directed the Syracuse Area Youth Workers network for five years and he continues to serve on their advisory board.

David has traveled to eight countries, leading and co-leading teams of students on mission trips. He has also traveled and ministered in many settings as a worship leader. He has been a featured speaker at many retreats, youth worker training events and at Christian schools in Upstate NY. David loves his family (his wife, Erin, and daughters, Lilia and Caraline), extended his family, his friends, Syracuse basketball, the NY Yankees, Liverpool FC, good music, good food, his Macbook Pro, his Weber grill, the Food Network and the Gospel.

Sam Mikhail

Sam has over two decades of marketing and recruitment experience in media and radio broadcasting. As president and CEO of Jungle Communications, Sam enjoys providing lean and innovative advertising solutions in the broadcast, print, online and outdoor markets. For the last five years Sam has grown a two-person marketing consulting firm into a full service ad agency and significant contributor to the New York tri-state business community.

Sam has also seen fit to use Jungle to support the gospel in such programs as Prayer in the Square, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Good with God, Young Christian Leaders Scholarship Program and a host of other ministries. Jungle has also used their signature guerilla DNA style of marketing to grow hundreds of organizations like American Financial, Veggie Tales and Harley Davidson.

His vision is two-fold—on one hand, to collaborate with other passionate individuals accustomed to doing extraordinary work for extraordinary clients and on the other, attracting businesses and organizations committed to being positive agents in their field.

The mantra he follows is simple...

Positively Wild Individuals creating Positively Wild Results for clients that are POSITIVELY WILD.

Wendy Andrea Calderón Payne

Wendy Andrea Calderón Payne is a Colombian-American native of Brooklyn and married to Shayne Payne, with whom she proudly parents four boys. She is also an honors graduate from Brown University, where she earned an A.B. in Latin American Studies; and a graduate of the Executive Level Program of the Columbia Business School Not-for-Profit Institute.

Since 1989, Wendy has served as Urban Youth Alliance's College Coordinator, Assistant Director, and eventually, Executive Director. Urban Youth Alliance has grown from a grassroots youth organization to a well-respected faith-based organization. The Leadership School has grown to include a yearlong schedule of training events, and the number of students involved in the Seekers Christian Fellowships has grown from 400 to 1000 on more than 30 high school and college campuses in New York City and Long Island. Under her leadership, BronxConnect was created in 1999 to serve youth involved with the Bronx Family and Supreme Courts, and sustains an 83% success rate. The program has the respect of multiple court-affiliated agencies, including the City of New York Law Department, and the Department of Probation, both of which have entered into formal partnerships with UYAI. In 2005, UYAI was awarded a 3-year $1.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to aid ex-offenders aged 18-24 and a highly competitive Supreme Court Alternative-to Incarceration contract from the Mayor's Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator for $1 million. In 2007, the organization also won a $3.6 million contract for an after-school Family Court Alternative-to-Detention program from the Mayor's Office of the Criminal Justice Coordinator.

Currently, UYAI serves approximately 1,000 students in its urban campus ministry Seekers Christian Fellowships, 200 youth and young adults in its BronxConnect program for court-involved youth, and 15 middle-school students through its SUCCESS Tutoring Program.

Rob Taormina

Rob C. Taormina is the Worship Leader and Youth Pastor at Bethpage Assembly of God where he founded 180 Youth Ministries (DoA180.org), iCarry, '12 in 12' Movement and Rainbow Jack & Melody children's ministry (RainbowJackandMelody.com). He has served with Fine Arts Festival (faf.ag.org) of the Long Island Section for Jr. & Sr. High students for the past three years. As an active youth pastor Rob has his hand on the pulse of students on Long Island.

Rob, alongside Matt Margiotta, fronts for the new rock-worship band NINTH HOUR (NinthHourMusic.com), which released its debut album Come Home (available on iTunes) and have led worship at various retreats and conferences throughout the Eastern U.S..

In his spare time he is the volleyball coach at Smithtown Christian School, organizes fundraising events for Love146, Speed The Light and World Vision, considers himself an antique archeologist and loves spending time with his wife and newborn triplets.