Lorna Harris is a communicator, fundraiser, and strategist, and provides solutions that enhance performance, operational, governance, and fiscal success for individuals, and organizations. Her commitment to creating infrastructure and systems to house ideas in socially conscious facilities earned recognition at the 2016 Architecture Venice Biennale and with the 2018 Frame Award in the category of architectural social projects designed by architect Louise Braverman.

As a visionary, she held leadership roles at the Ford Foundation, and consulted with the Alliance of NY State Arts Organizations, NY State Council on the Arts, National Endowment of the Arts, National Performance Network, and others.  She worked for Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in the Office of Business Diversity and Civil Rights, where she was charged with creating financial opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.  Through her dedication to education and the arts she helped establish a sustainable arts-based public middle school in NYC as well as the first social-emotional curriculum K-5 charter school in Richmond County, NY.  She has also launched fundraising and public relations campaigns specializing in multicultural, multidisciplinary, legacy, and cause-related projects such as the Romare Bearden Homecoming Celebration and the Green Roof at Silver Cup Studios and produced many art exhibitions, convenings, and events.

Lorna is currently developing arts-based collaborative immigration and refugee projects in NYC. She holds a professional Certificate of Leadership from Cornell University School of Labor and is an alumna of Beloit College.

Mark Giacalone is VP and EDGE Concierge Business Relationship Manager at Empire State Bank. He provides tailored financial solutions to high-net-worth clients. Mark focuses on understanding the needs of businesses, ensuring they have support to navigate challenges while planning for future success.

Mark’s expertise lies in his understanding of the local economic landscape and diverse industries’ financial requirements. Drawing from over a decade of experience in private and business banking, his professional journey includes roles at institutions such as Israel Discount Bank of New York, Citi Bank, and Wells Fargo.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management & Entrepreneurial Studies from Paul Smith’s College. He serves as a board member for The Greenbelt Conservancy and holds key positions within the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, serving in the Young Professionals Group and as a committee member for the Police Officer and FDNY Firefighter of the Year Luncheons. He is also treasurer of the Italian Club of Staten Island Foundation and board member for the Staten Island YMCA and the Staten Island Center for Independent Living.

Outside of banking, Mark is involved in the maritime industry as a longshoreman. Mark’s passion for helping businesses thrive and his deep ties to the community drive him to make a meaningful difference in the lives of his clients and neighbors.

Marjorie has served as one of the theatre’s teaching artists for seven years. Prior to teaming up with Sundog, she worked for some 22 years at the Staten Island Advance – first as a reporter, then as an editor. She left full-time employment at the Advance in the summer of 2014, after serving for close to seven years, first as city editor, then as an assistant managing editor. For the next year and a half, she edited Q magazine, a publication of the Staten Island Media Group, handled freelance projects for the Advance, and wrote for Staten Island Parent magazine.