Daisy Leadership & Legacy Award
Andrea pincus
For Andrea, service to others is part of her family legacy. Andrea is a daughter and granddaughter of immigrants who suffered hunger and dislocation before landing in NYC in the 1950s. They instilled in her an unwavering belief in supporting families, meeting essential needs of food, housing and healthcare so that people have the energy and support to succeed.
That passion for community led her from early volunteer work with food pantries, youth programs and survivors of violence to a career grounded in justice and advocacy, and her work against food insecurity and for voters’ rights. As Executive Director & Associate General Counsel at Santander US Corporate & Investment Banking, Andrea channels that same purpose into her professional life. She serves as a Regional Leader for EmpowHER, Santander’s Women’s Network, and champions opportunities for employees to engage with local communities.
Andrea’s deep commitment to mission-driven work aligns with LSA’s commitment to community. Andrea became part of the LSA family by supporting LSA’s Food Pantry and meeting other community needs during the Pandemic, alongside her son Sam. Andrea introduced Santander to LSA in 2022, sparking a partnership that has brought dozens of volunteers, critical funding, and sustained support for East Harlem families. Since joining LSA’s Board in 2023, Andrea has deepened that connection—expanding volunteer efforts and inspiring colleagues to join the cause, leading to a grant from Santander for youth academic enrichment.
Together with her husband Andrew Multer, Andrea raised two sons, Jake and Sam, both devoted to public service and continuing a family tradition of compassion and commitment to community – making their parents very proud.
Daisy Heart of Spirit Award
Annie Berning
Annie Berning represents the best of LSA – a volunteer, fundraiser, and strategy partner who’s always there for the East Harlem families that rely on us.
As Co-Chair of LSA’s Associate Board – a team of caring emerging professionals who invest in LSA’s mission through volunteer service and fundraising – Annie has played a key role in growing both the group and its impact. Under her leadership, the Associate Board has nearly doubled in members over the past two years. She would be the first to say she doesn’t do it alone: thanks to her and the collective efforts of members, we pulled off a smashing success of a Masquerade Ball this fall, raising critical funds for educational services and essential supports.
Since joining the Associate Board in 2020, Annie has attended numerous direct service events, helped plan annual fundraisers, and introduced new people to LSA’s work to build lasting connections. Professionally, Annie works in media strategy and planning – a skill set that’s been fundamental in her efforts to grow and strengthen the group.
Annie first connected with LSA through a volunteer event and immediately felt drawn to the warmth and impact of the organization. That spirit of service has guided her ever since. And just as she challenges herself outside of work – competing in sprint-distance triathlons – Annie has brought that same drive to LSA, running the NYC Half Marathon in 2025 and fundraising to make an even greater impact for East Harlem families. Her leadership and heart inspire those around her, and we’re proud to honor Annie with the Daisy Heart of Service Award in 2026.
Daisy Community Partnership Award
cardinale smith, md, phd
representing Memorial sloan kettering cancer center
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has been a steadfast partner to LSA in expanding access to high-quality, culturally responsive health supports for families in East Harlem. Through hands-on collaboration, MSK clinicians and staff have led community workshops and educational sessions on breast and cervical cancer, health coverage, navigating the healthcare system, and more. MSK has also gone beyond education, offering appointments and direct services to community members, regardless of insurance coverage, to remove barriers to early detection and treatment. This sustained investment in community health reflects MSK’s deep commitment to equity, prevention, and ensuring that life-saving care is accessible to all.
Cardinale Smith, MD, PhD joined MSK as the inaugural Chief Medical Officer (CMO) in 2025. In this role, Dr. Smith oversees clinical quality, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and works with faculty and care teams to advance clinical operations across the institution. Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized thoracic medical oncologist, health services research scientist, and palliative medicine expert. As a specialist in palliative medicine, a field of clinical care that focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life for patients, Dr. Smith is deeply committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that aligns with patients’ values and goals.
Dr. Smith’s background is deeply rooted in advocacy and equity. Inspired by her mother’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a physician, she has dedicated her career to advancing health equity. Her research, including work funded by the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Health Research Center, focuses on reducing barriers to care and improving outcomes through novel models of care delivery and more effective communication between patients and physicians.
Dr. Smith earned her MD from Drexel University College of Medicine and PhD from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and most recently served as Chief Medical Officer for the Tisch Cancer Hospital and Vice President of Cancer Clinical Affairs at Mount Sinai and Professor of Medicine (Hematology and Medical Oncology) and Professor of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Smith is active in ASCO as a volunteer currently serving as a member of the nominating committee and Chair of the ASCO Annual Meeting Education Program Committee.