2023 JUDGES

MATTHEW JAMES GRAZIANO, MSW, PHD, LP

Matthew is a private practice psychologist and a founding Police Psychologist for the City of New York Police Department (NYPD), Health & Wellness Division. He holds his Bachelor of Arts in English, Art History, and Humanities from the University of Colorado at Boulder; Master of Social Work from Rutgers University—New Brunswick; and his Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology from New York University. He is an expert in group dynamics, and has related professional experiences at Baruch College, the Chapin School, the Child Mind Institute, the Institute for Children and Families at Rutgers University, the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Charter Schools, the Lauder Institute, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, the New Jersey Public School System, New York University, The School at Columbia University, Seton Hall University, and the US State Department, Foreign Service Institute. Additional information about his practice, research, and scholarship can be found at grazianophd.com. He lives with his partner and labradoodle in Jersey City and Asbury Park, NJ.

YASMEEN GUMBS

Yasmeen was born on the beautiful island of St. Thomas. At a young age, she relocated from St. Thomas to New York City with her family. She attended college on a Division I Track & Field Scholarship. Yasmeen is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Leadership recipient and Sunbelt Conference Track & Field finalist in the 100-meter dash, 4x200 and 4x400 meter relays. She furthered her education by attending law school in Virginia and is now an Operations Attorney on the National Pre-suit Management team for the largest personal injury law firm. She was admitted to the New York State Bar, United States District Courts for the Southern, Eastern and Western Districts of New York and to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Yasmeen was crowned Mrs. New York America 2020 and has represented the state of New York at Mrs. America in 2021 where she placed top 15 out of 51 contestants! She sits on the board of the Salvation Army of Greater New York Harlem Division where she is a strong and effective contributor and leader and is a mentor with the Salvation Army Youth Division and partnered for the “Camp in a Box” and the “Back-To-School Campaign.” Yasmeen is an agency represented model and have been featured in numerous magazines. She also walked for Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.

EDSON ESTIME

Edson Estime is a certified Diesel Technician, trained by the New York Automotive & Diesel Institute the College of Transportation Technology in Queens, New York. Edson also received his Forklift Certification and Commercial Driver’s License with a tow endorsement in New York State. He has worked for notable companies like DeLorean, Tesla, Ryder, and ThermoKing to name a few, making him an expert on performing vehicle maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections on specialty, electric, and diesel engines. Edson is self-motivated and an excellent communicator, which allowed him to launch his own businesses. Tripside Transport LLC, is a local transportation, and delivery company and Whipped Lash™ New York, Inc. is a MWBE certified beauty brand, both based in Suffolk County, NY. Whipped Lash™ Premium Silk Magnetic Eyelashes, a vegan and cruelty-free beauty company offering an alternative to harsh glue adhesives and the tedious process associated with eyelash extensions and animal fur lash extensions. Whipped Lash™ inspires women to seek safer and healthier options for everyday use.

AMY AMATO

Amy Amato, Executive Director of Events and Corporate Relations of Herald Community Newspapers & RichnerLIVE, has over 34 years of expertise in the New York community newspaper and events industry having served as Art Director, Publisher, and Events Director. Amy’s diverse experience spans both business-to-consumer and business-to-business communications, boasting a broad range of expertise to include marketing strategy and implementation, sponsorship sales and development, corporate branding and promotion, event planning production and non-profit publicity and advocacy. From initial concept to final execution, Amy has produced over 200 business and community events throughout Long Island and New York City, widely praised and synonymous for their sold out attendance, attractiveness for high level sponsors and dynamic flair. Amy’s talent for organization, attention to detail, creative imagination, concept design and contagious enthusiasm have earned her a reputation for unparalleled excellence in the community. Amy is a member of the Hauppauge Industrial Association (HIA), board member of Nassau Community College Foundation and Compel CEOs, a high level master mind think tank for business owners and CEOs who are driven to grow themselves and their business. She actively supports the Moxxie Mentoring Foundation, The Book Fairies and partners with many Long Island not-for-profits. Amy lives with her husband in Suffolk County and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren. Her favorite motto is “Just do it!”

DR. PETER ANDOLINA, D.O.

Dr. Andolina’s major motivating force in life that led to a career in medicine were his parents. From a young age, they instilled in him the importance of a good work ethic and encouraged him to find his passion. As Italian immigrants, they came to America with big dreams and high expectations for their children. In school, he was always fascinated with science and knew early on that he wanted to pursue some sort of career in the field of medicine. Dr. Adolina enjoys cooking and watching movies (classics and new releases). He is working on perfecting his pizza making skills and of course living in the south has made me want to master the art of barbecue. He enjoys spending time with my family and his favorite quote is: If it were easy, everyone would do it.

JAMES DENAPOLI (Official Tabulator)
James Denapoli is an owner of a Nationwide Insurance Agency servicing the East Northport and Syosset areas. He is proud to be a part of a family owned business with over 50 years of experience specializing in all personal and commercial lines of insurance. James has participated in the NY Metro Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon, which recognized the good work of law enforcement professionals who have shown dedication to DWI enforcement, prosecution, and education. James graduated from Bryant College with a degree in finance. While attending Bryant, James was the captain of the soccer team and was awarded the William T O’Hara Leadership Award. This prestigious award was only given to only male and one female athlete. During his spare time James loves to spend time with his wife Cailey and his sons Cole and Caden. You can also find James working out at the gym, organizing, coaching, and playing softball with his friends.