Exhibit (16)

POWER OF ATTORNEY

The undersigned Trustee, on behalf of the Registered Investment Company listed below, constitutes and appoints Todd Modic and Joanne Osberg, each of them individually, the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, to execute for the undersigned Trustee, and in the name, place, and stead of such undersigned Trustee, in the capacities indicated below, the Registration Statements of such entity on Form N-14 and any amendments thereto and all instruments necessary or incidental in connection therewith, and to file the same with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; and any of said attorneys shall have full power and authority to do and perform in the name of and on behalf of the undersigned Trustee, in any and all capacities, every act whatsoever requisite or necessary to be done in the premises, as fully and to all intents and purposes as such undersigned Trustee might or could do in person, said acts of any said attorneys being hereby ratified and approved.

Registered Investment Company	Form N-14 Registration Statement
Voya Equity Trust	Proposed reorganization of Voya SmallCap
	Opportunities Fund with and into Voya Small
	Cap Growth Fund

This Power of Attorney, which shall not be affected by the disability of the undersigned, is executed and effective as of March 24, 2022, and shall be deemed an original.

Dina Santoro

Interested Trustee and President