About
JOIN OUR MISSION AND LIGHT UP THE WORLD ONE SPARK AT TIME. BE THE SPARK, CREATE A BETTER WORLD.
Be the Spark is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring positive change and enriching the lives closest to you. Through our interest in localized causes, special needs individuals, families facing challenges, and community outreach, Be the Spark is your way to directly ignite, influence, or participate in a cause that is near and dear to your heart! We do this by supporting and encouraging leaders to Be the Spark of a positive movement, and help organize people, and offer leaders the resources they need.
Be the Spark encourages leaders (individuals) in our communities to select a cause utilizing Be the Spark’s fundraising expertise and resources to provide financial support. We look to you to be the spark by suggesting a cause, donating money, donating time or supplies. Our purpose is to help you make an immediate difference in people’s lives.
OUR VALUES
Collaboration
Collaboration is all about unity. Working together as a community, with mutual support in mind, we will change someones world. Be the Spark helps bring individuals, families and communities together to support one another.
Excellence
By passionately working together with individuals, families and communities, Be the Spark develops, provides and maintains the highest degree of excellence as our standard. Our higher purpose is to realize an outstanding quality service to those we help.
Service
From the heart, in a loving and passionate way, Be the Spark is charitable and centers on the well-being of the individual, family and community.
Creativity
With insight and imagination, Be the Spark works with individuals, families and communities in creative ways at all levels, (both small and large scales) involving various projects and fun activities!
OUR TEAM
Stephanie D. Conte
Chairperson & Founder
Starting from a young age, Stephanie has proven her entrepreneurial skills as a successful business woman. Stephanie worked as a line pilot flying large privately owned aircraft, a flight instructor and an Aviation Safety Inspector for the FAA. Stephanie’s pilot certificate is qualified at the highest level of certification a person can receive in the aviation industry.
No stranger to charity, Stephanie currently serves as a board member for several non profits. She has served on the host committee for United Cerebral Palsy of NYC’s Santa Project Reception & Auction, and assisted in a children’s aviation event hosted by Kiwanis International Foundation. She also assists in various fundraisers while simultaneously donating time as a pilot for Miracle Flights and private families. In all of her endeavors, Stephanie has learned that dedicating goodwill to helping individuals, families and neighbors will make this world a better place and so Be The Spark was born.
Henry J. Fiorillo
Treasurer
Henry Fiorillo’s experience spans over 30 years of accounting, tax planning and business consulting. As President and Founder of Sampson, he has built an organization which provides businesses with accounting services as well as CFO Services. Henry is a director and board member for several Not-For-Profit and Private Foundations organizations.
Prior to founding Sampson, Henry held CFO, COO, Controller, CAO and Vice President of Operations roles at various dynamic companies. His career is garnished earning his MBA with a concentration in Leadership and Management from Townsend School of Business. It is this experience that uniquely qualifies Henry to provide Be the Spark with leadership and financial guidance.
Michelina J. Mandarano
Secretary
Michelina earned a B.S. in Finance, Accounting, and Sport Management from Syracuse University. She has spent the last 8+ years with Goldman Sachs where she is currently a Vice President within the Investment Management Division, where she manages multi-asset class portfolios for Institutional Clients, with a focus on endowments and foundations. During her time at GS, Michelina has served as a Captain and Co-Captain for GS Community TeamWorks (CTW) projects partnering with the Hudson Guild Elliot Center, Sanctuary for Families, Prospect Park Alliance, and Bowery Mission. CTW partners with local nonprofit organizations on team-based volunteer projects to help the organizations achieve their missions. Michelina has also served on the host committee for United Cerebral Palsy of NYC’s Santa Project Reception & Auction for the last four years. Michelina has been involved with Be the Spark since its inception serving as a board member and currently serves as Secretary.
Thomas A. Conte
Vice President
Allison P. Prigozen
Officer of Public Relations
Thomas Conte is a recent graduate of St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington Following his 2016 graduation he intends on pursuing a degree in history, followed by a degree in law.
Thomas is a natural leader, serving as the president of St. Anthony’s comedy club for three years he uses comedy to help brighten the lives around him. Thomas plans to bring his youthful perspective to Be the Spark to help us broaden the spectrum of lives that we are able to touch.
BIO COMING SOON