Two Chamber members were recognized as part of the 10 Minority and Women-Owned Business leaders for outstanding service to their communities on May 12 as part of the Five Chamber Alliance and TD Bank’s 2025 Five Borough MWBE Recognition Awards.

Danielle Raleigh, owner of Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor, and Miguel Aguaysa, owner of Real Madrid Restaurant, each received a Five Borough MWBE Award from the five boroughwide chambers of commerce for their contributions to New York City’s small business community. The event was hosted at One Vanderbilt in Midtown Manhattan.

A video highlighting the Small Business Resource Network (SBRN) was also unveiled. The video featured interviews with all five Presidents of the Chambers of Commerce, one business owner from each borough, and footage of the SBRN team conducting outreach and interacting with businesses in the community. The SBRN is a comprehensive approach to small business resiliency that offers free, personalized guidance and support to help businesses grow and thrive.

In a letter addressed to the Five Borough Chamber Alliance, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand stated: “I am grateful to the five borough Chambers of Commerce for their commitment to empowering and celebrating Minority-and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) in New York. For generations, the Chambers have supported local businesses through advocacy, networking, and initiatives like the NYC Small Business Resource Network. Since its launch in 2021, the Network has assisted more than 230,000 small businesses with grants and loans, digital marketing, online presence development, and legal negotiations. I commend everyone gathered here this afternoon for your dedication to recognizing the vital contributions of minority and women small business owners to our local, regional, and national economy. I sincerely hope your continued efforts will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs to pursue innovation and growth in New York.”

Miguel Aguaysa / Real Madrid Restaurant

Miguel Aguaysa is the owner and operator of Real Madrid Restaurant, located at 2075 Forest Avenue in the Mariners Harbor section of Staten Island.

Originally from Ecuador, Aguaysa immigrated to the United States in 1986 at the age of 15, when he started working at the newly opened Real Madrid Restaurant. After taking on various roles over the years, Aguaysa eventually purchased the restaurant in 2022 when the original owners retired.

Due to Aguaysa's continuous hard work and effort, Real Madrid Restaurant still stands as the oldest Spanish restaurant on Staten Island.

Danielle Raleigh / Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor

Danielle Raleigh, a West Brighton native, is the owner of Egger's Ice Cream. A graduate of Niagara University, 2025 marks her 10th anniversary owning and operating the historic Staten Island favorite ice cream parlor.

She has expanded Egger's footprint to include an additional location at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens. Additionally, Danielle and her team offer party and event planning services through her sister location, Chocolate and Balloons by Eggers.

When not in the stores, Danielle is a proud advocate and volunteer for the Seamen's Society for Children and Families, serving as co-chair of their Annual Gala, as well as a volunteer for numerous events held throughout the year.