The Next Generation Remembers: Our Visionary Network

Conversation Series | The Lingering Toll: 9/11 Illnesses and Generational Impact
Wednesday, May 6 from 8 to 9:30 a.m.

As we approach the 25th anniversary of September 11th, this conversation will explore the enduring health impact of 9/11 and how the next generation is carrying stories about it forward. The program will be moderated by Visionary Bridget Gormley and will center on personal reflections from those profoundly affected by that day.  

RSVP here.

More About the Speakers 

Bridget Gormley, a member of the Visionary Network Leadership Council, is the producer and director of the documentary "Dust: The Lingering Legacy of 9/11." A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master’s degree from the University College Dublin in Human Rights, Bridget currently works for law firm Barasch & McGarry in 9/11 Community Affairs Outreach. In 2016, Bridget learned her father, William “Bill” Gormley, had been diagnosed with bladder cancer. Bill, an FDNY firefighter, responded on 9/11 and spent several months on the "pile" during the rescue, recovery, and relief operation. He died in June 2017.  
 
Beth Marr is a Human Resource Manager at FOX Corporation and a proud member of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum’s Visionary Network. She is a graduate of SUNY Morrisville and holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Development from Villanova University. She is the daughter of FDNY firefighter John “Johnny” Marr, who responded on September 11 and spent months on rescue, recovery, and relief efforts. He later passed away in April 2020 due to 9/11-related illnesses. In the years following 9/11, he remained deeply committed to supporting the families of those impacted, something that left a lasting impression on the Marr Family. Today, she is dedicated to carrying that legacy forward through community, storytelling, and connection, helping ensure that the ongoing impact of 9/11 is never forgotten. 

Kiara Badalamente is an Assistant Manager at Barasch & McGarry, where she has worked since April 2021. In her role, she guides her team in supporting clients through the claims process and ensures they receive the care and compensation they deserve. Her connection to this work is deeply personal. Kiara’s father served with the NYPD for 20 years and responded to Ground Zero on the afternoon of September 11, working on the pile for several months. Over the years, he has lost dozens of friends to 9/11-related illnesses and mental health challenges. Kiara is honored to serve in a role that allows her to give back to the community that means so much to her father and family.

Leah Betso is a Client Advocate at Barasch & McGarry, a law firm that assists 9/11 responders in securing compensation for their healthcare costs. She is the daughter of James Betso, an NYPD officer who served in the 23rd Precinct and later passed away from a 9/11-related cancer. Through her personal experience and professional role, Leah is dedicated to supporting members of the 9/11 community and advocating for those affected. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Bowery Mission
Tuesday, June 16
Tuesday, December 1

Join the Visionary Network at the Bowery Mission's Tribeca Campus (90 Lafayette Street) where we’ll help their chefs feed 100 residents. Tasks may include light meal and beverage prep, serving hot food, and clean-up. For additional information and to complete your registration to volunteer, please email visionary@911memorial.org.  

The Visionary Network was founded in 2020 by a group of individuals dedicated to preserving the memory of their loved ones and honoring the commitment to never forget. Meet the council.

Stories of Hope: A Proud New Yorker
“My experience on September 11, 2001 gave me a new perspective on life,” says Alex Zablocki. “And it showed me that there are so many people in this city willing to risk everything and do everything for someone else because it is who we are. It’s in our DNA.” 

Stories of Hope: The Power of Unity and Resilience
On September 11, 2001, Carlton Shelley II was a student at Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida. That day, President George W. Bush was visiting another class of students at the school when he was informed of the attacks.

Visionaries in Service: Shane Oravsky
Shane Oravsky shares his unique perspective on the relationship between the 9/11 attacks and military service - and lessons learned from both. 

Visionary Network Launches Memorial Beautification Initiative
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum Visionary Network has launched an initiative aimed at restoring and cleaning local memorials across the country. Volunteers are already hard at work, planting commemorative trees and connecting with their communities ahead of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. 

If you are between the ages of 21 and 45 and want to engage your community in service and remembrance, consider joining the Visionary Network. Get invitations to exclusive learning and networking events, enjoy our LinkedIn community and monthly newsletter, meet up with other Visionaries in New York — and across the country — as we grow our network in our shared promise to never forget.