Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘I truly enjoy helping others; I get more out of it than I give.’

Eileen Minogue, Freeport

“As the youngest of nine siblings — eight girls and one boy — raised in Massapequa Park, family, faith and gratitude were deeply ingrained values in my upbringing. Growing up surrounded by my close-knit family, most of whom still reside on Long Island, including our extended family of nieces, nephews and their children, taught me the importance of community and compassion.

“From a young age, my mother instilled in me the value of helping others, often having me assist neighbors or friends in need. It was through these experiences that my passion for giving back was fostered. This passion was further ignited when I met a young girl named Christina Cowan, who was battling cystic fibrosis and undergoing a double lung transplant at Duke University.

I’m truly fortunate to have a village of supporters who stand by me every step of the way.

“Organizing a fundraiser for her family inspired me to dedicate myself to nonprofit work, where I found fulfillment in helping those in my community facing challenges. Currently, I am honored to hold the position of executive director at Book Fairies, a local nonprofit dedicated to sourcing books for upcycling to support our neighbors in need. My accidental journey in the nonprofit sector has been marked by a deep sense of community and a commitment to making a positive impact. It brings me immense joy to wake up every morning knowing that I am contributing to making a positive difference in the world. While there may be chaos and challenges around us, my small corner of the world allows me to concentrate on fostering positivity. Witnessing the expressions on kids’ faces when they realize they can keep the books, and hearing them share their love for reading, often marking the first book they can call their own, is truly heartwarming.

“I truly enjoy helping others; I get more out of it than I give. These moments affirm the impact we can have, one book at a time, in shaping a brighter future for these children. Making a difference is a collective effort, and I’m truly fortunate to have a village of supporters who stand by me every step of the way. I can’t thank them enough for being an integral part of the positive impact we’re making together. Reflecting on my journey, I often joke that I stumbled into my role as a nonprofit executive director, but it’s a path I am grateful to have found.”

Interviewed by Starr Fuentes

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Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.