our team
Since 2021, the three female founders of Ripple Creative PW, LLC have shared a clear vision of revitalizing and beautifying the Port Washington community through grassroots efforts, and producing cultural events that support and connect creatives, small businesses, and local nonprofits.
Amanda Khalil, Co-Founder
Amanda Khalil has been a dedicated community advocate and culture driver on Long Island for over a decade. After a career in private banking and management consulting, Amanda left the corporate world to focus on her family. Soon after, she launched Port Washington Mama, a website and social media account highlighting insider tips, local events, and more that’s become a trusted resource for thousands of followers. She also founded the Momtrepreneur Fair, a first-of-its-kind event to promote mom-owned businesses.
A creative, out-of-the-box thinker with a deep affinity for connecting people and resources, Amanda has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local nonprofits with a focus on families, small businesses, and women. She has served as an advisor and partner to local officials and been recognized for her community leadership and service by the Town of North Hempstead, the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy, and the Parent Resource Center.
Amanda is a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition and currently serves on the board of the Growing Love Community Garden of Manorhaven, on the Advisory Board for The Ed Foundation, as a Port Soccer parent manager, and as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. A graduate of Loyola University, she lives in Port Washington with her husband and two daughters.
Erika Stehl, Co-Founder
Erika Stehl is well known within the Port Washington community for making things grow. Not only has she raised five children (and two golden retrievers!) in town, she is also the founder of the Growing Love Community Garden of Manorhaven.
Her interest in gardening started while her children were in grammar school, when she received an Organic Gardening degree through Cornell Cooperative Extension and assisted with the gardens at St Peter's School.
After a stint volunteering at Island Harvest, Erika became interested in food insecurity issues on Long Island. The 46-bed Community Garden in the Manorhaven Preserve opened in 2018 for its inaugural planting year and has since added a Memorial Garden, a Vertical Garden that is harvested for food pantry donations, and a Children’s Garden. The garden has proven to be fertile ground for connecting with like-minded businesses, nonprofits, and individuals interested in making a positive difference in their shared community – including the future founders of Ripple Creative.
Erika received her BA in Urban Studies from Queens College and a graduate degree in Social Work (CSW) from Adelphi University; her previous career was in various medical fields including psychotherapy and discharge planning.
Stephanie Alongi, Co-Founder
Stephanie Alongi is a multifaceted entrepreneur, community advocate, and Port parent passionate about forming strong, meaningful connections. Stephanie is deeply rooted in her local community and plays an active role in Growing Love Community Garden as a sitting board member alongside Erika and Amanda. Her passion for creativity and connection extends to her involvement with Ripple Creative as co-founder, an initiative that fosters innovation and artistic expression within the community.
Additionally, Stephanie is the founder of SMA Dental Billing and has built a successful dental consulting firm. Her efficiency and excellent service has made SMA a trusted partner in the dental industry. Stephanie is committed to supporting her community in Port Washington by providing employment opportunities to local residents through SMA Dental Billing. By hiring and empowering individuals from the area, she strengthens the local economy and fosters a sense of community and collaboration within her team.
A graduate of Adelphi University, Stephanie earned a bachelor’s degree in history. She is now a proud parent of an undergraduate and the newly elected President of the Delta Upsilon Chapter at Elon University.
Eliza Mudge, Graphic Designer
Eliza began her career in wedding planning and quickly discovered a passion for graphic design while creating bridal showcase flyers. This sparked an interest in web design, where she found her niche—a perfect blend of creativity and technical skill.
In 2012, Eliza launched her own business, Eliza Web Design, with the goal of designing websites that are as functional as they are beautiful. From artists and authors to fitness professionals and consulting firms, her clients appreciate her ability to collaborate closely and bring their unique visions to life.
Eliza's connection with Ripple Creative began through her sister, Stephanie Alongi, and she loves using her skills to support organizations that contribute to the community. Eliza also lends her design talents to Ripple Creative’s marketing materials, further supporting their mission to foster engagement and connection.
A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, Eliza earned an associate degree in Culinary Arts and a bachelor’s degree in Business Entrepreneurship. She resides in Garden City with her husband and three children, finding joy in balancing family life and the creative work she does for her clients.
Irene Candela, Marketing
Irene is a dedicated professional in sports advertising and marketing, distinguished by her competitive spirit and ambition. She commenced her career in marketing and advertising in 2011 at a dynamic sports startup, where she excelled in various roles within a small, innovative team. With over thirteen years of experience in the advertising industry, Irene chose to take a ‘Power Pause’ from corporate America to prioritize her involvement with her two young children.
During this time, while cherishing family moments, Irene remained passionate about creativity. Her connection with the Ripple Creative team, made through the Growing Love Garden, reignited her entrepreneurial spirit. This inspiring team welcomed and valued her creative insights, fostering an environment of collaboration.
Irene is now in the process of establishing a consulting agency focused on empowering small businesses. She deeply values her time and contributions with the Ripple team and the positive impact Ripple has on the Port Washington and Sands Point communities. Known as a natural connector and an idea generator, Irene possesses a unique ability to engage with others and foster lasting relationships.
An alumna of American University in Washington, D.C., Irene earned a degree in Communications with minors in Psychology and Marketing. She currently resides in Port Washington with her husband and two children, gradually embracing the balance and fulfillment that her intentional ‘Power Pause’ has afforded her, as eloquently articulated by Neha Ruch’s book.