Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Grand Oaks Country Club
200 Huguenot Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10312
Get ready for the second annual SIEDC Elevate Tech Summit, Staten Island’s only conference dedicated to helping local businesses understand and leverage the power of technology today and into the future.
Featuring specialized tracks in artificial intelligence, marketing, and business operations, the Summit is a premier platform for problem solving, a hub for building valuable business relationships, and—most importantly—an opportunity to access the tools and resources your company needs to thrive in the 21st-century economy.
This event is FREE and open to the public
Keynote Lunch (Ticketed)
• Empire State of Innovation: NYC’s Rise as a Global Tech Hub
12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Featuring:
Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director, Center for an Urban Future
Jonathan Bowles is executive director of the Center for an Urban Future, a leading NYC-based think tank focused on building a stronger and more equitable economy in New York City, and expanding economic opportunity for all New Yorkers. During his more than 25 years at the organization, he has been the architect of the Center’s policy agenda and is responsible for making it one of New York’s most innovative and influential policy groups. His research has focused on a range of topics that are important to New York’s future, including boosting student and career success for CUNY students, expanding access to tech careers, supporting low-income entrepreneurs, increasing hours at the city's public libraries, and strengthening the city's nonprofit organizations. In 2024, he was named one of the 100 most powerful people in New York City politics and policy by City and State NY.
Robert Piascik, Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer, New York Power Authority
Robert Piascik is the New York Power Authority’s Senior Vice President and Chief Information and Technology Officer. He leads the development and execution of the organization’s technology services and capabilities, while enabling NYPA and Canals digital ecosystem, serving both customers and employees.
Rob began his career in the electric power industry at the Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC) by developing software and providing technology services and served as Senior Director at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals to implement and manage global shared technology services. Prior to joining the Authority, he served as Vice President of Planning & Strategy of Annuities IT at Prudential where he led the IT transformation to evolve the enterprise digital and diversified product development and analytics capabilities.
Clyde Vanel, Chair, New York State Assembly Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology
New York State Assemblyman Clyde Vanel serves as the Chair of the Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology and Chairs the Banks Committee. He has sponsored numerous landmark bills, such as legislation to create a robotics, automation and artificial intelligence commission; license high-risk AI systems; and create a cryptocurrency and blockchain study task force. He is focused on emerging technologies, working to close the digital divide among marginalized communities and expose the next generation to STEM careers.
Vanel is an attorney, entrepreneur, and pilot from Queens. He is the owner and operator of Vanel Law Firm, P.C., where he practices intellectual property and business law. Vanel is also an internet entrepreneur operating TrademarkReady.com, a service focused on trademark filings and intellectual property protection.
Silvia Garcia Codony, Assistant Vice President, NY Ventures, Empire State Development
Silvia is a venture investor, entrepreneur, and life sciences executive with over 20 years of experience in medical devices, biotech and digital health. Silvia is passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship being an active mentor and speaker at accelerators and events. Before becoming a venture investor, she co-founded a company in digital health. Silvia held several leadership and consultant roles in the industry, including biotech, medical device and digital health companies across therapeutic areas such as cardiology, urology, plastic surgery, rare diseases and diabetes among others. Silvia started her career in Europe and moved to the States years to build the US affiliate for a European company. She has worked in sales and business development, has a technical background in clinical and regulatory affairs and holds an MSc in Mathematics and an MBA from IE business school.
Chris Peña, Vice President, CIO Go-To-Market Industry Lead, Salesforce
Chris Peña is CIO Go-To-Market Industry Lead at Salesforce, where he helps global enterprises harness AI and data-driven technologies to accelerate transformation and growth. A former CIO and digital innovation leader, he brings more than 20 years of experience driving enterprise strategy, technology modernization, and customer experience initiatives across industries. A native New Yorker and proud Staten Island resident, Chris is passionate about advancing local innovation ecosystems and bridging the gap between technology and community impact. He has led panels at the MIT CIO Symposium, Gartner IT Symposium, and Bloomberg Tech Innovators Circle, sharing insights on AI, digital transformation, and the evolving role of technology leadership.
Non-SIEDC member ticket: $65.00.
Tickets for SIEDC members are free.
($30.00 per ticket is tax-deductible)
Track A: AI
• AI Hacks to Work Smarter, Not Harder
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Discover how to make AI your most efficient coworker. In this engaging session, you’ll learn simple, practical hacks to save time, spark creativity, and boost productivity—no tech background required. Walk away with real tools and ideas you can apply immediately to emails, reports, marketing, and more.
Mike Bloomfield, President, Tekie Geek
Mike Bloomfield is the President of Tekie Geek, a leading Managed Service Provider and the “IT Superheroes of Cybersecurity” based in Staten Island, NY. With over 20 years of industry experience, he is recognized for delivering innovative IT solutions and has co-authored multiple Amazon bestselling books on cybersecurity. Under his leadership, Tekie Geek ranked #48 on the 2025 Channel Futures MSP 501 list, was named one of the Top 100 Small Businesses in America by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and is a Finalist for Top MSP in the Northeast by MSP Titans. Mike also serves on numerous nonprofit and business boards, reflecting his commitment to clients, culture, and community. A frequent advisor to technology vendors, he is widely regarded as a trusted voice in IT security and business resilience.
AI and workflow automation are no longer out of reach for small businesses and nonprofits. In this session, discover how simple, affordable tools can handle scheduling, meeting notes, and customer follow-up so your team never misses a beat. You’ll also see how these building blocks connect into next-level automations that boost efficiency, improve service, and give small teams the capacity of much larger organizations.
• Leveling Up Small Teams & Startups with AI and Workflow Automation
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Chris Ferrera, President, Comserv Connect
Chris Ferrera, a tech leader with over 25 years of industry experience, founded Comserv Connect with roots in the belief that technology should empower and not exclude. Comserv is a community partner dedicated to keeping businesses and nonprofits secure, productive, and connected. In addition to MSP and cybersecurity services, the company builds and manages SaaS, CRM, and AI tools that streamline operations and prepare organizations for the future. Chris also serves on boards and committees for some of Staten Island’s largest organizations, reflecting Comserv’s commitment to local leadership and impact. Their mission is to ensure small businesses and nonprofits are not left behind in the AI revolution.
Track B: Marketing
Join this session featuring top digital influencers as they share their journeys to landing in content creation and provide tips for building an impactful, profitable online brand. They’ll also review audience-submitted videos live, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how to make your content go viral.
• Going Viral–On Purpose
2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Nicky Scarlotta and Jojo Scarlotta, Social Media Content Creators
Twin brothers Nicky and Jojo Scarlotta, born and raised on Staten Island, have turned their neighborhood humor and Italian-American heritage into a national spotlight. Known for their viral comedy videos on Instagram and TikTok, where they’ve built nearly a million followers on each platform, the Scarlotta brothers capture the essence of New York family life, blending stories of home, heritage, and even their early days working in construction, into content that resonates across generations. Their social media success propelled them from Staten Island streets to television, where they won Season 7 of Netflix’s The Circle. Today, they’re also frequent commentators on Fox News, weighing in on trending issues from social media apps to inflation.
More speakers coming soon
Moderators:
Julia Denmark, Marketing Manager, Tekie Geek
Julia Denmark is the Marketing Manager at Tekie Geek, where she brings the brand’s superhero flair to life through website development, social media, event planning, and engaging content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. Known for her creativity and energy, Julia makes marketing feel fun while keeping Tekie Geek’s message clear and bold. Outside of work, she loves shopping, dancing, and finding new ways to inspire audiences.
Julia Lepore, Marketing Coordinator, Tekie Geek
A proud St. John’s University graduate who grew up in Staten Island, Julia Lepore brings both local roots and fresh perspective to her role as Marketing Coordinator at Tekie Geek. She keeps the behind-the-scenes magic running by managing LinkedIn and email campaigns, supporting website development, and helping produce the Tekie Geek podcast. Julia’s thoughtful, organized approach balances the “geeky” details with the bigger picture, ensuring projects run smoothly. Outside the office, she enjoys discovering new ideas that make marketing feel fresh and relatable.
• From Connect to Client: Turning Online Leads into Business
3:15 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Learn how to turn online platforms into lead-generating powerhouses. This session covers profile optimization, content strategy, and how to leverage tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Canva, and Google Analytics insights to boost your visibility, engagement, and ROI.
Moderator:
Deana Jean, Founder, The Success Tribe Network
Deana Jean is Your Collab Queen - an award winning Business Strategist and International Speaker with over 15 years of Sales and Executive Leadership Experience, and a heart for community and collaboration. Think of her as your Business Matchmaker - connecting you to perfect-fit business relationships and opportunities. She’s also the Executive Director of the NY State Minority Chamber, a Breast Cancer Thriver, and the founder of The Success Tribe Network - a networking community for collaborative entrepreneurs.
Hala Maroc, Owner, Build a Dream Incubator
Hala Maroc is a multimedia personality, entrepreneur, and wellness advocate. She owns Build a Dream Incubator, a Staten Island coworking space for creatives and entrepreneurs, and has hosted shows on iHeartMedia, SiriusXM, Hot 97, and more. Today, she can be seen on Maino’s Kitchen Talk Podcast and Fox Soul, blending her passion for culture and wellness through content, events, and retreats.
Nika Stewart, Founder, The SHINE Squad
Nika Stewart is the founder of The SHINE Squad, a community for entrepreneurs who are done pretending and ready to build brands that actually feel like them. A TEDx speaker, author of Actually, I Can, and SHINE Anyway, Nika’s work is a rally cry for creators who’ve spent too long sanding down their edges to “look professional.” Through her signature SHINE Method, Nika helps entrepreneurs transform their so-called flaws into their most powerful brand assets - proving that your quirks, contradictions, and messy middles aren’t liabilities; they’re your competitive edge. Nika’s mission: to help purpose-driven business owners stop performing, start being, and grow authentic visibility that converts - without turning into a cliché, copy-paste, machine-written version of success.
Track C: Business Operations
• CRM 101: The Smart Way to Manage Relationships and Scale Your Mission
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
How can CRM level up your business game? In this session, discover how the powerful combination of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and AI can transform the way you manage relationships, automate tasks, and make smarter business decisions. You'll receive a comprehensive overview of what CRM platforms are, how they work, and the key benefits they offer for both nonprofits and businesses.
John Perez, Founder, CRM Experts Online & CRMCoPilot.AI
John Perez is a CRM, ERP, AI & SaaS Enterprise Technology Leader and Entrepreneurial Executive with 20+ years of experience leading transformative initiatives in CRM, ERP, Artificial Intelligence, and SaaS Development across internal and customer-facing technologies. He has proven success in building and scaling SaaS platforms, integrating AI-driven automation and analytics into enterprise systems, and delivering measurable ROI. John is experienced in leading large-scale CRM, ERP, and AI solution deployments across global markets.
More speakers coming soon
Discover the latest tools transforming how businesses operate in 2025 and beyond. This session will cover innovations in security technologies, payment systems, and customer experience platforms every business should know. Walk away with practical insights and an understanding of these system integrations to future-proof your workplace.
• Must-Have Tech Tools for 2025 and Beyond
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Brendan Kane, Channel Leader, Verkada
Brendan Kane is a channel leader with Verkada, where he helps partners deploy cutting-edge security technology to create safer, smarter environments for their customers. He works closely with integrators to strengthen their technical expertise, accelerate deployments, and deliver meaningful outcomes through Verkada’s cloud-based platform. Brendan is passionate about building trusted partnerships that drive innovation, customer success, and community safety.
Chris Peña, Vice President, CIO Go-To-Market Industry Lead, Salesforce
Chris Peña is CIO Go-To-Market Industry Lead at Salesforce, where he helps global enterprises harness AI and data-driven technologies to accelerate transformation and growth. A former CIO and digital innovation leader, he brings more than 20 years of experience driving enterprise strategy, technology modernization, and customer experience initiatives across industries. A native New Yorker and proud Staten Island resident, Chris is passionate about advancing local innovation ecosystems and bridging the gap between technology and community impact. He has led panels at the MIT CIO Symposium, Gartner IT Symposium, and Bloomberg Tech Innovators Circle, sharing insights on AI, digital transformation, and the evolving role of technology leadership.
Jared Cohen, Lead Sales System Engineer, AT&T
Jared Cohen is a Lead Sales System Engineer in Bedminster, NJ, with over 30 years at AT&T. He began his career in AT&T’s Commercial Market organization, later supporting enterprise-level initiatives, and for the past decade has focused on technical support—bridging sales strategy and engineering execution. Jared designs and implements complex multi-solution services such as SASE, SD-WAN, VoIP, Cloud Voice, and Integrated Solutions, helping clients secure and modernize their networks. A multi-year Gold Club honoree and three-time recipient of AT&T’s prestigious Diamond Club award (2022–2024), he ranks among the top 3% of sales professionals and is known for aligning technical innovation with business strategy to deliver results.
Get Connected: Networking Reception (Ticketed)
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This high-level discussion brings together leaders shaping technology, regulation, and investment in New York. Panelists will explore how New York City can foster responsible innovation, compete with Silicon Valley, and support the next generation of tech companies. Topics will include:
New York’s growing role in AI development, regulation, and application
Public-private partnerships driving innovation at the state and city levels
Building tech ecosystems with equity, talent, and sustainability in mind
The intersection of compliance, trust, and emerging technologies
Non-member pricing details to follow
Tickets for SIEDC members are free.
