Stewardship Masters International (SMI) convened its inaugural Family Governance Intimate Breakfast Roundtable on March 25, 2026, bringing together Hispanic business owners and experienced advisors for an initial dialogue on building enduring, multigenerational enterprises.
 

The gathering served as a foundational introduction to the discipline of family governance; the structured system of principles, decision-making processes, and roles through which families manage their businesses, relationships, and long-term legacy across generations.
 

The session opened with participant introductions, followed by a brief keynote framing the importance of establishing governance structures early; particularly for founders intending to involve family members and sustain their enterprises across generations.
 

While logistical constraints at the venue limited the full execution of the planned program, the response in the room reflected clear alignment and strong interest in the subject matter. The session naturally evolved into an engaged networking environment, with attendees remaining through the duration, actively building relationships and exchanging perspectives.
 

Distinguished Professionals in Attendance- Representing Their Enduring Enterprise

The inaugural convening was strengthened by the presence of respected professionals whose organizations reflect longevity, continuity, and deep engagement with business-owning families.

Their participation contributed meaningfully to the dialogue and relationship-building throughout the morning:
 

Doug Rowe, representing Certilman Balin, a firm with over 65 years of service to business owners and their families;
 

Anthony Citrolo, of The NYBB Group, bringing 23 years of experience in partnership succession and family business transactions
 

Jerry Laspisa and Robert Donovan, VPs of M&T bank, Long Island City and Forest Hills Branches - representing M&T Bank, a 170-year institution recognized for its resilience through multiple economic cycles;
 

Jacqueline Donado, of Queens Chamber of Commerce, whose leadership was instrumental in inspiring strong participation from Hispanic-speaking founders across Northern Queens
 

Recognized in absentia was Loycent Gordon of Neir’s Tavern, a 197-year-standing establishment with deep community roots. Neir’s Tavern serves as a living example of how shared stewardship and community alignment can sustain an enterprise toward the 200-year mark and beyond.
 

SMI Facilitation Team

SMI’s facilitation team was present and actively engaged with attendees, laying the groundwork for deeper, structured sessions to follow:
 

• Len Garza, Principal of Garza Law

• Perla Sultan Breziner of Sage Advisory Group

• Douglas F. William, of Bridge 6 LLC

• Winnie Benjamin, Founder of Stewardship Masters International
   

A Signal for Continued Engagement

“This inaugural convening confirmed both the need and the readiness among founders to engage in the deeper work of family governance,” said Winnie Benjamin.

"What began as an introduction will now advance into more structured working sessions designed to equip families with the frameworks necessary for long-term continuity.”
 

SMI will continue this initiative through upcoming roundtables, including planned engagements in Brooklyn, Westchester County, Manhattan and Long Island expanding the conversation and delivering more comprehensive facilitation for founders committed to building enterprises that extend beyond a single generation.

​