2015 Gala Program - Your Time For Creative Empowerment, Inc. | Page 9

Prisiding Officer DWayne Gregory

Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory is currently serving his second year as
Presiding Officer and his third term in the Suffolk County Legislature’s 15th district (which includes
Wheatley Heights, Wyandanch, North Amityville, Amityville Village, Copiague, parts of North
Lindenhurst, West Babylon, North Babylon, and East Farmingdale). In 2014, 15th District Suffolk
County Legislator DuWayne Gregory became the first person of color to be elected by his colleagues
as Presiding Officer of the County Legislature, continuing the landmark achievements that have
marked his career in public service. A native Long Islander, he enlisted in the United States Army in
1993. Soon after, he was accepted to Officer Candidate School (OCS). After completion of OCS,
Lieutenant Gregory was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in Field Artillery.
Since being elected to the Legislature, Legislator Gregory is first and foremost proud of the constituent
services his district office provides to the thousands of people every year who contact him for help on
a multitude of varying and complex issues. Legislator Gregory has combined his constituent services
efforts with numerous successfully championed legislative initiatives.
Legislator Gregory is spearheading efforts to bring back neighborhoods by creating a land bank that
will purchase blighted properties and help put them back on the tax rolls, while cleaning up serious
environmental problems. He’s working to ensure that public transportation—a vital link in Long Island’s
economy—continues to serve the thousands of people who rely on it. Says Legislator Gregory of his
work and career in public service, “What gives me the most satisfaction isn’t writing legislation. Don’t
get me wrong, I love looking for ways to make peoples’ lives better by implementing a new law to empower or protect them. But what makes
me proud is when, at the end of the day—while I’m closing up the office and packing my bag, getting ready to go home—I think about all the
calls that my staff and I received that day from people looking for help. Nothing makes me feel prouder than when I know we’re able to make a
difference for them.”

Terri Hall

Ms. Terri E. Hall and her parents were born and raised on Long Island New York. Her maternal
ancestors are from the Shinnecock Nation of Long Island. Her paternal grandparents moved to Long
Island from North Carolina and moved to Long Island. She lived in Suffolk and Nassau County and
enjoyed her teen years in Hempstead, eventually graduating from Hempstead High School.
Although Ms. Hall grew up on Long Island, she prefers the diversity of city living and has lived in
Brooklyn and presently Queens. Her family includes one sister, four brothers, two daughters, nieces
and nephews, and two grandsons. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in English in Secondary
Grades and minor in African American Studies at the SUNY Albany, and Masters Degree in Reading
(Literacy) at The University of Cincinnati. Ms. Hall later earned another Masters in Instructional
Technology at NYIT Old Westbury. She began her teaching career in Cincinnati as a Graduate
Assistant in the College Reading Lab. Throughout her career she worked as a Reading Specialist, and
as an English teacher.
Ms. Hall has an extensive volunteering history and enjoys volunteering in community activities
involving education of students of all ages. Currently, she volunteers as an Administrative Assistant in
the Antioch Bible Institute, which provides a place for students to attend courses for college credit. She
also volunteered in Queens Library's Mail-A-Book Services for homebound seniors, and tutoring reading in After School Programs for Junior High School students. She is also on the Board of Directors at
Blanche Community Progressive Day Care Center, and she has been involved in grassroots politics to support local, state and national
education reform. Her childhood passion for learning motivated her to guide others to also love learning.
“I volunteer for Your Time For Creative Empowerment because they also believe education means using your learning experiences, gifts and
talent to empower you to accomplish your dreams. And the best part is they offer you the tools to be successful. There is a whole world out
there. Live It!”

Gail King
Gail is a retired High School Teacher of English and adjunct instructor of Creative Writing. After
receiving many teaching awards, she was inducted into the New York State Academy of Teaching
and Learning. She then went on to win the title of Ms New York Senior America in 2009 and
became Ms. Senior America 2009-10. A 41 year Breast Cancer survivor, she has made over 550
appearances throughout the Country as a motivational speaker for breast cancer awareness, and is
working with veteran groups, seniors and an anti- bullying program involving military and law enforcement. She has been honored with over 28 Proclamations, nominated for Suffolk County Senior of the
Year and the Suffolk County Women’s Hall of Fame. Recently, she received the Woman of Distinction Award. Gail is a working SAG actress/model and has been featured on radio and television on various shows including Royal Pains, Law and Order, Pan Am, and movies including: Salt,
Did You Hear About the Morgans, Love on Ice, commercials, infomercials and has been seen on the
cover of three magazines, Her original choreographed ballet for love, hope and compassion has
been used to fight domestic violence. She can currently be seen on her TV show-“LooKING to
make a difference with GAIL” on Cablevision, as well as gailkingtv.com and You Tube (channelLooking to make a difference with Gail) - show about inspirational people who are inspiring others to
help others. Gail can also be seen on the Red Carpet, interviewing celebrities at Movie Premiers and
Charity Events. She has worked with Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Legislator Steve
Stern in making PSA