board members

Press Release:

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge held its annual meeting Saturday, Nov. 23, to elect officers and several new board members.

Elected to a two-year term as president was Richard Moss of Medina. Emma DeLeon of Williamsville was elected vice president; Betsy Black of Lockport was elected treasurer; and Kim Mansfield of Newfane and Joe Fell of Buffalo were elected to the nominating committee.

Members also voted for five new board members and re-elected one board member, Seneca Wolf Clan Elder Marve in Jacobs of Cheektowaga. The newly added board members are Chris Hollister of Cheektowaga, Bernadette Clabeaux of Orchard Park, Tim Elliot of Medina, and Pamela Reed Sanchez of Rochester.

Moss replaces Garner Light of Gasport, who led the group through the lean pandemic years and was instrumental in developing and installing the refuge’s new eagle nest camera https://youtu.be/tOa3f2cS9yc, among his numerous accomplishments while president.

“The last four years were challenging and invigorating at the same time,” said Light. “The first two years of my term were during the pandemic. Everything changed. In the time since, we have worked hard as an organization to revitalize, reconnect and become even more active and relevant. I am greatly encouraged to pass the reigns onto Dick Moss, who I'm confident will be an excellent president for FINWR.”

Moss said he is looking forward to working with the board and the group’s volunteers.

“I’ve been walking the refuge trails for more than 30 years,” Moss said. “I don’t think enough people, in the immediate area or across Western New York, know what a gem this place is. I hope to be part of changing that.”  

Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, Inc. (FINWR) https://finwr.org/ has about 150 members and is a not-for-profit corporation organized by volunteers dedicated to supporting the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (INWR) via fundraising, education, enhancement and preservation of the refuge and its wildlife.

“Friends of Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge  have been an intricate part in accomplishments at the refuge, both in funding for projects but also their volunteerism,” said refuge Manager Tom Roster. “I look forward to working with the newly elected officers and board members to continue this partnership.”

Press Release:

The YWCA of Genesee County is thrilled to announce the addition of four outstanding women to its Board of Directors, marking a full board of 13 members. Each of these new members brings a wealth of experience in empowering individuals and serving the community. 

Georganne Elia, Board Chair, emphasized the significance of the new members’ backgrounds, "Each of these women brings a unique skill set rooted in empowering others and raising up those in need. From advocacy and justice to supporting vulnerable populations, their collective experience aligns perfectly with the YWCA’s mission. We are excited to have them join us as we continue making an impact in the community." 

Diana Prinzi, Program Coordinator for Genesee Justice, has an extensive background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and working with diverse populations. 

Prinzi expressed her enthusiasm for joining the board, stating, “With my background in law enforcement, victim advocacy, and diverse populations, I feel I can be a valuable asset to being a part of the solution. In my daily work, I strive to empower and strengthen women through obtaining justice. I welcome the opportunity to join this group and continue making a difference.”

Anneliese Aliasso (Anni), who joined DelPlato Casey Law Firm in June, focuses on transactional real estate and estate planning. She is passionate about diversity certification applications, including the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program, and is eager to contribute to the YWCA of Genesee County.

"I am deeply committed to giving back to the community and helping women in need. Joining the YWCA Board gives me the chance to extend my efforts to uplift and support women facing challenges. I look forward to making a meaningful impact," Aliasso said.

Marianne Lampart (Mare), Vice President of Residential Services for Lifetime Assistance, Inc., has dedicated 27 years to supporting individuals through her work. 

Lampart says, “The most rewarding part of my career is the amazing people we support daily. Supporting, encouraging, assisting, and loving these exceptional people is the reason why I started in this field. I will never forget why I am still here — it’s all about them.” 

Mare’s dedication to supporting vulnerable populations emulates the YWCA’s vision and purpose, and her passion for advocacy will be an asset in advancing the organization's goals.

Sandy Wojtaszczyk, recently retired after 25 years in social services, spent the last 15 years as the supervisor of Child Protective Services. She brings extensive experience in child welfare and family advocacy to the YWCA board. 

"Throughout my career, I've seen the impact that community support can have on individuals and families. I am deeply passionate about helping others and am committed to giving back to the community that has given so much to me. Joining the YWCA Board is an incredible opportunity to continue making a difference in people's lives," Wojtaszczyk said.

These four women complete a full board of directors for the YWCA of Genesee County, joining a dynamic leadership team that includes:

• Georganne Elia, Board Chair, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
• Emily Marling, Vice President, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
• Lauren Casey, Treasurer, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
• Dr. Emily Fraser-Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
• Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
• Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps 
• Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
• Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps
• Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance

"We are honored to welcome these talented women to our board," said Jamie Rada, Executive Director of YWCA of Genesee County. "Their dedication to empowering individuals and advocating for justice echoes our agencies purpose and mission. Their collective experience will help drive our organization forward in creating a stronger and more inclusive community."

For more information about the YWCA of Genesee County and its services, please visit www.ywcagenesee.org or contact us at 585-343-5808 or ywca@ywcagenesee.org.

Submitted photos.

Press Release:

YWCA of Genesee County is growing! Executive Director, Jamie Rada, announces several new board members carefully chosen to meet the needs of the agency.

“Our community has some incredible resources, agencies, and people. Our goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to work with community members to fill in gaps and assure that there is an intersectionality of services and support for the people we help. We have an amazing team of staff and an incredible, dedicated board," says Jamie Rada, Executive Director.

The Executive Board includes:

• Board Chair - Georganne Mott-Lang, Community Integration Specialist for Lifetime Assistance, Inc.
• Vice President - Emily Marling, Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch
• Treasurer - Shannon Ford, Service Director of Communications and Development for Uconnect Care

Board Members include:

• Dr. Emily Fraser Branche, Pediatrician and Practice Owner for Three Little Birds Pediatrics
• Cassandre DiPiazza, Licensed Clinical Social Worker for Veterans Health Administration
• Chris Fix, retired
• Laurie Pfaff, Senior Manager of Marketing Support for Liberty Pumps
• Lisa Smith, Senior Employment and Training Counselor for Genesee County Job Development Bureau
• Lauren Casey, Financial Assistant for the Genesee County Economic Development Center
• Ashlee Reigle, Human Resources Manager for Liberty Pumps 
• Anita Strollo, Coordinator for Genesee County Business Education Alliance

“Each of these women brings an incredible and unique skillset to the table, allowing us to enter into a period of agency and program growth and development in order to expand our reach and support more people”, says Rada.