Long Island, NY — The Long Island community and the business world mourn the loss of Phyllis Hill Slater, a trailblazing entrepreneur, dedicated advocate for economic development finance, small business owners, and a visionary leader whose influence spanned local, national, and international spheres. Phyllis passed away surrounded by her two loving daughters and granddaughter, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, activism, and unwavering commitment to empowering small businesses – especially, those owned by women and people of color.
A Life Dedicated to Empowerment and Advocacy
Phyllis Hill Slater first worked for her father’s professional engineering and architectural firm, Hill, Jenkins, Gaudy & Associates. She later founded Hill Slater Inc., an engineering and architectural support system, established in 1984. Her business acumen, commitment to community service, and drive to foster economic opportunities made her a distinguished leader and role model.
As Chair of the Long Island Development Corporation (LIDC), Phyllis led one of Long Island’s premier economic development finance agencies, focusing on providing low-cost business loans. She also founded the Long Island Small Business Assistance Corp (LISBAC), a Certified Development Finance Institution (CDFI) recognized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Through her efforts, countless small businesses were given the financial support needed to thrive.
