Staten Island Nonprofit Hosts Annual Cultural Mixer at Lighthouse Museum

The event brought together nonprofit leaders to celebrate diversity and foster collaboration across the borough.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Nonprofit Staten Island hosted its annual Cultural Spotlight Mixer at the National Lighthouse Museum in Staten Island, New York. The event brought together over 125 nonprofit leaders, community partners, and cultural institutions from across the borough to network, share best practices, and celebrate the diversity and shared values of the local nonprofit sector.

Why it matters

The Cultural Spotlight Mixer is an important annual event that strengthens relationships and collaboration among Staten Island's nonprofit organizations. By hosting the event at the National Lighthouse Museum, the organizers were able to highlight the role of cultural institutions in fostering community connection and highlight the history and significance of lighthouses as symbols of guidance and hope.

The details

The event featured remarks from Tatiana Sabatelli, the executive director of Nonprofit Staten Island, who emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures, histories, and voices that shape Staten Island's communities. Linda Dianto, the executive director of the National Lighthouse Museum, also spoke about the museum's mission and its role in the borough's North Shore renaissance.

  • The Cultural Spotlight Mixer took place on Thursday evening, January 30, 2026.
  • Nonprofit Staten Island is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

The players

Nonprofit Staten Island

A nonprofit organization that works to strengthen Staten Island's nonprofit sector and build the capacity of local groups through programs that foster communication, collaboration, and leadership development.

National Lighthouse Museum

A cultural institution dedicated to the history of lighthouses and their keepers, located in the heart of Staten Island's North Shore renaissance.

Tatiana Sabatelli

The executive director of Nonprofit Staten Island.

Linda Dianto

The executive director of the National Lighthouse Museum.

Michelle Bascome

The director of Programs & Development at Nonprofit Staten Island.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting the Cultural Awareness Winter Mixer at the National Lighthouse Museum is an opportunity to bring nonprofit leaders together in a space that celebrates diversity, shared values, and meaningful connection.”

— Linda Dianto, Executive Director, National Lighthouse Museum

“At a time when collaboration matters more than ever, this gathering strengthens relationships across our sector and reinforces our collective commitment to serving Staten Island's communities with understanding and inclusivity.”

— Linda Dianto, Executive Director, National Lighthouse Museum

“We host the mixer because non profits are always challenged to do the work they aim to do.”

— Michelle Bascome, Director of Programs & Development, Nonprofit Staten Island

What’s next

The National Lighthouse Museum will continue to host community events and programs that celebrate Staten Island's diverse cultures and nonprofit organizations.

The takeaway

The Cultural Spotlight Mixer demonstrates the important role that cultural institutions like the National Lighthouse Museum can play in bringing together nonprofit leaders and fostering collaboration and connection within a local community.