Meet The Team
SPENCER
COOK
Spencer Cook is passionate about helping people improve and progress in life and in business. He has been with Five Flags Company Inc.from the beginning and will see it to success. Spencer is currently the Technology Director of the Sugar-Salem School District, where he supports all the students and staff with technology and instructional tools. Spencer also has created TrelTech and Black Knight Networks a Company that consults for the web and other technology. Spencer has received his Business Management Degree from Brigham Young University.
President
CEO | Founder | Executive Director
MARJORIE PUGLIESE
Marjorie Pugliese is a graduate of Fordham University in New York. She received her doctorate at the University of Maryland. As an education professional, she was involved in teacher training, data analysis, budget management and grant writing. As a leader in her field, she became certified by the National Board. Presently, she is a social entrepreneur whose main objective is to stop poverty and create jobs. She and her team are dedicated to assisting those less fortunate in climbing the Ladder of Financial Empowerment.
KAREN JACKSON
Karen Jackson is a specialized minister ordained in the Reformed Church in America. She is the Director of Recovery and Community Initiatives at Project Hospitality, a comprehensive social service agency providing a continuum of care for the neediest Staten Islanders. Karen spearheaded the creation of the Staten Island Long Term Recovery Organization. She oversees Project Hospitality’s Single Stop Help Centers located in Stapleton and Port Richmond, which offer a variety of free services for the impoverished. Rev. Jackson serves on the Board of Directors of New York City VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster). She dedicates her life to social justice for all people.
Vice President
SHILPA PATEL
Director of Finance and Marketing
Shilpa joined the American Museum of Natural History in the Global Business Development department in 2013. Shilpa provided operational support to all revenue-generating and relationship-based channels in the Global Business Development department, including traveling exhibitions, planetarium and other digital content, publishing and licensing, and expeditions. Prior to her work at the Museum, Shilpa was a Financial Associate for 8 years with Wells Fargo Advisors. A Staten Island native, she is a Fordham University Lincoln Center graduate who currently resides in California.
AIMAN YOUSSEF
On the first day of the terrific hurricane, Sandy, Aiman Youssef was standing in water 8 feet high. He saved his nephew’s life. His bravery of facing raging waters despite his inability to swim saved 14 lives that day. Today, Aiman continues his work. His company, Half Table Man Disaster Assistance Relief is known for its contributions of needed items, distribution of food and sacrifice both here on the Island and abroad. His 501© continues the work of combatting poverty, hunger and homelessness.
Director of Food Distribution
KATRINA CARAS
Katrina Caras, has been a previous president of Five Flags Co. Inc. Mrs Caras. has a broad background in Technology, Business, Finance and Education. Currently, working on Financial Literacy and Empowerment classes for Five Flags Company. Recognized nationally as a Who’s Who Teacher for her work in academics. Retired Board Member for Virginia Business Education Association (VBEA) in Virginia. Involved in several Women’s Professional Groups. Her keen insight and determination to foster a grass-roots program designed to create jobs has brought her great success. As director of Financial Literacy and Empowerment, her passion, and commitment to Five Flags goals informed her leadership as an effective board member. Today she continues to act as an outstanding and excellent consultant for Five Flags.