Working Waters Celebrates Staten Island’s Waterfront During City of Water Day

Written By Nadia Adam

On Saturday, July 25, the Staten Island Industrial Alliance (SIIA) and Shagara proudly welcomed more than 200 residents, families, maritime professionals, artists, and community partners to the Richmond Industrial Complex for Working Waters, a City of Water Day celebration.

Designed to bring the public behind the gate of Staten Island’s working waterfront, Working Waters invited visitors to experience the industries, careers, organizations, and people that have shaped New York Harbor for generations. Throughout the afternoon, guests climbed aboard the Kraken tugboat with Captain Frank and the Enchanted Charters crew, explored interactive exhibits, enjoyed live music from Makerspace Radio, participated in hands-on art activities with Art Lab, connected with local organizations, enjoyed food from local vendors, and experienced the rich maritime heritage that continues to define our borough.

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the unveiling of six permanent public art planters fabricated from reclaimed ship steel by Ali Fayed and transformed into vibrant works of art by Anastasia “Stas” Kuznetsova. The installation celebrates Mariners Harbor’s industrial heritage while creating a lasting public space that reflects the neighborhood’s maritime identity. To learn more about the artists, the inspiration behind the project, and the story behind the installation, visit Shagara’s feature on the planters here.

Working Waters also provided an opportunity to recognize the leaders whose work continues to strengthen Staten Island’s maritime community. The Staten Island Industrial Alliance proudly presented the Industry Partnership Award to Glenn Vickers II of LocalContent.com and the Maritime Excellence & Leadership Award to Yousry Ghonem of May Ship Repair Contracting Corp. in recognition of their outstanding leadership and commitment to our waterfront community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton for presenting Certificates of Recognition to both honorees, and to Assemblymember Charles D. Fall and his team for presenting the Staten Island Industrial Alliance with a New York State Assembly Proclamation recognizing our continued commitment to workforce development, community partnerships, and advocacy for Staten Island’s maritime and industrial industries. Assemblymember Fall’s office also recognized Ali Fayed and Anastasia “Stas” Kuznetsova for their exceptional work on the public art installation unveiled during the event.

Working Waters was made possible through the partnership of SIIA and Shagara, the support of our Harbor Sponsors, and the incredible collaboration of community partners, volunteers, artists, exhibitors, and local organizations who helped create an unforgettable day on Staten Island’s waterfront.

As we look ahead, Working Waters represents more than a single event. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving Staten Island’s maritime heritage, strengthening workforce opportunities, supporting local industry, and creating meaningful connections between our community and the waterfront that has long defined our borough.

Working Waters was made possible through the generous support of our Harbor Sponsors:

  • Orenda

  • Sandy Hook Pilots Foundation

  • Ankora Marine Transport

Community Partners & In-Kind Support

We extend our sincere appreciation to the organizations, businesses, artists, exhibitors, and community partners whose time, expertise, programming, and in-kind contributions helped bring Working Waters to life:

  • Anna Management

  • Art Lab

  • Beverage Island

  • Enchanted Charters

  • La Cocina Tropical

  • LocalContent

  • Makerspace Radio

  • NAACP Staten Island Branch

  • Noble Maritime Collection

  • Spectrum Designs

  • Virginia Maitland Sachs Foundation

  • Youth WINS

Thank you to our volunteers, elected officials, performers, exhibitors, artists, vendors, and the more than 200 community members who joined us in celebrating Staten Island’s working waterfront. Your support made this event possible, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.

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Nadia Adam
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