Launched in 2000 by Long Island Business News, the Top 50 Most Influential Women in Business program recognizes the important role women play in Long Island's economy. The honorees represent the most influential women in business, government, education, and the not-for-profit fields, and are selected by a panel of business leaders based on professional accomplishment, mentoring and community involvement.

Elected in 2009, Viviana Russell holds the distinction of being the first African American woman elected to the North Hempstead Town Board. She serves New Cassel/Westbury, Carle Place and the Villages of Westbury and Old Westbury.

Concerned, committed and involved Viviana possesses powerful grassroots community building skills as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the community's needs and governmental functions. Viviana is noted for her compassionate connection and leadership as a young role model to the community. "I am humbled to be amongst such an elite group of women who are champions for women and girls" said Russell.

Gary and Viviana Russell, Lisa Kaplan Miller - NAMC Program Director at LIBN Awards Dinner
Viviana is the Communications Project Manager for the National Association of Mothers' Centers, holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science, is a certified Para-Chaplain, and licensed real estate agent. She currently serves on the board of the McCoy Center Family and Youth Services and the Unity Circle Mothers' Center, is a member of the NAACP, National Association of Business and Professional Women, Samaritan Women of God liturgical dance ministry and is also a member of the First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury where she serves as a Deaconess. Viviana lives in New Cassel with her husband Gary and their three children.

Russell and the other 49 honorees received a unique crystal memento at the elegant dinner attended by more than 700 of the Island's top business leaders, on May 20 at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

The guest speaker for the evening was Nancy Rauch Douzinas, President, The Rauch Foundation , who was presented with the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award. Past guest speakers have included such national figures as Cokie Roberts, Gloria Steinem and ABCNews Anchor Robin Roberts. Support for this program is provided by Event Presenting sponsors: Hofstra University, Jaspan Schlesinger LLP, LISTnet, Bank of America, Crest Hollow Country Club, Island Financial Group/A Member of the MassMutual Financial Group.