About Us
StayUNITED is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Mark & Ismini Svensson with a mission to create a brighter future for children and youth in New York by improving access to education and promoting civic engagement. It is our belief that every kindness, every moment of empathy and compassion, every act of true sharing, elevates humanity's potential and all of our actions are aimed to influence the progress of our world.
Our Story
When founders Ismini & Mark Svensson decided to get married, they came up with the idea instead of having a big wedding reception and honeymoon to use all the funds in order to perform charitable acts all across America. This journey is a tribute to Ismini's father who passed away suddenly at the end of a charity event he organized. '50 Acts of Giving Back' has gone on to be featured on the most prominent news media in the United States and across the world and their story has inspired countless citizens worldwide to perform social good. Through the support they received along this journey, they founded StayUnited as a vehicle to continue their philanthropic efforts.
Founders
Ismini Svensson is a civil engineer and the founder and President of the real estate investment firm Svensson Investments. Prior to establishing Svensson Investments, Ismini worked in Washington, D.C at the Democratic National Committee's Department of Finance. Her involvement in the American political scene allowed her to work alongside senior government officials in the Obama administration. For her leadership and philanthropic work, Ismini has been recognized by officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government across America. She has been featured on prominent news media networks and talk shows worldwide including CNN, NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, People Magazine and more. Ismini received her Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees in civil engineering from the National Technical University of Athens. She is a grade 9 pianist. A ballerina since the age of 3, she received multiple honors from the Royal Academy of Dance. Ismini and her husband Mark have one daughter, Rafaela, and reside in New York.
Mark Svensson is an attorney, community organizer and philanthropic leader. A member of the All-USA Academic team, Mark studied Government at Georgetown University, Political Management at George Washington University and received his juris doctorate from Seton Hall University School of Law on full scholarship. Mark is an attorney, community organizer and philanthropic leader. Currently licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey and the District of Columbia, Mark works in private practice. Previously, he worked for the United States Small Business Administration as an Attorney Advisor in the Office of Capital Access, where he helped rebuild and strengthen American businesses and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, he worked for the New York State Office of the Attorney General, the United States Attorney's Office, and The United Nations Office of Internal Oversight Services. Mark is a member of the American Bar Association, where he serves on the Pro Bono and Public Service Forum Committee. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association where he serves on the President's Committee on Access to Justice. Additionally, he is a member of the Rockland County Bar Association and New York Democratic Lawyers Council. For his community leadership, Mark has received special recognition from the White House as well as recognition from officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government across America. He has been featured on prominent news media and talk shows worldwide including NBC Nightly News, CNN, ABC News, Fox News, CBS and more. Mark and his wife Ismini have one daughter, Rafaela, and reside in New York.
Recognition
StayUNITED has received awards and recognition for its charitable work from officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government. Here are some examples of honors we have received:
United States Senate
Certificate of Recognition in recognition of your steadfast commitment to your community through the work of StayUNITED - Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
Certificate of Recognition for exemplary achievements and invaluable service to the community through the work of StayUNITED - Senator Charles Schumer (NY)
Letter of Recognition - Senator Dianne Feinstein (CA)
United States House of Representatives
Congressional Record recognition - Congresswoman Nita Lowey
Congressional Record recognition - Congressman Henry Waxman
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding contributions to our community - Congresswoman Nita Lowey
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community - Congressman Eliot Engel
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community - Congresswoman Nita Lowey
State Government
Certificate of Recognition in recognition and appreciation of service to the community and countless points of inspiration - State Senator Ted Lieu (CA-D28)
Certificate of Achievement in recognition of exemplary achievements and invaluable service to the community through the work of StayUNITED - State Senator David Carlucci (NY-D38)
Certificate of Merit in recognition of outstanding contributions to the community in the areas of health, education, and the environment through the work of StayUNITED - Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee (NY-D95)
All contributions to StayUNITED are tax-deductible. StayUNITED is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with Federal Tax ID Number 46-1703447.