Since 2012, the McCarren 5k has brought all levels of athletes together for a 5k run or walk around the neighborhood in order to raise funds for community services. In addition, St. Nicks Alliance, the organization that founded the run, acknowledges community members who have given back to the community.
2024’s Dime McCarren 5k honoress are: Migdalia Otero (Lindsay Park Naturally Occurring Retirement Community – NORC), Cassundra Forbes-Jewell (director of nursing education and research at New York Health + Hospitals/Woodhull), and Sandra Noyola (principal of P.S. 147).
Migdalia Otero — Lindsay Park NORC
Migdalia Otero has been a resident of Williamsburg since she was 14. In 1986, she moved into Lindslay Park Co-op as a single mother and raised her family there. She is an active member of the St. Nicks Alliance Lindsay Park NORC and is active in the community. Migdalia is always looking out for other seniors in need of services and refers them to the Lindsay Park NORC. She attends all community events and is the first to volunteer for everything. Ms. Otero describes herself as generous, kind, loving, active, healthy, and creative. Ms. Otero goes above and beyond for all in need whether it’s going for long walks to get the seniors to exercise, cook food to feed those in need, or enter in a state dance competition.
Dr. Cassundra Forbes-Jewell — Director of nursing education and research at New York Health + Hospitals/Woodhull
Dr. Cassundra Forbes, or as the students called her Dr. C, goes above and beyond toensure that the young adults enrolled in St. Nicks Alliance’s North Brooklyn YouthBuild training for certified nursing assistant (CNA)/patient care technician (PCT) receive not only entry level experience as health professions but also tangible skillsthrough working on various units at WoodhullHospital.
Sandra Noyola — Principal of P.S. 147
For the past 13 years, Sandra Noyola has lead P.S. 147, The Isaac Remsen Elementary School. St. Nicks Alliance partnered with Principal Noyola in 2016 to implement their school success model, which provides academic, social and emotional supports during afterschool to enable children to thrive during the school day. 30 years ago her former elementary school Principal Albert Goldstein of P.S. 196 and District 14 school board member discovered her talent working with students; thus began her path to a career as an educator. Principal Noyola has served as educational paraprofessional, elementary and middle school teacher in both general and special education, District 14 early childhood staff developer, literacy coach, assistant principal, and principal. When tapped to become deputy superintendent of District 14 and 32, she respectfully declined. Throughout her career, Principal Noyola has demonstrated the power of community to help manifest the full potential of others.
Debra Sue Lorenzen, director of St. Nicks Alliance Youth and Education, said, “We are honored to celebrate Principal Noyola’s decades long commitment to the children and families of Community School District 14. She is a stellar partner of St. Nicks Alliance who deeply understands the invaluable role of community-based partners in a child’s educational life.”
The Greenline 