Meet the Girls Inc. of Westchester County Board and Staff

BOARD

Valerie Adelman, Co-Chair. Certified Financial Planner. Scarsdale.
As a mother of two daughters and an advocate for financial literacy for women, I was excited to learn of an organization that champions the empowerment of girls. I feel very strongly that all girls need the type of programming that Girls Inc. has to offer and I am motivated to bring those programs to my area. Getting involved with Girls Inc. has not only been a rewarding experience but has enabled me to meet a lot of terrific and interesting women.

Judy Bartlett, Secretary. Associate General Counsel, New York Life Insurance Company. White Plains.
Girls today have so many opportunities available and I want them to have the necessary confidence and self esteem to pursue their ambitions. Girls Inc. can help girls through dynamic programming and dedicated personnel. I am thrilled to be a part of bringing Girls Inc. to Westchester County.

Jean Brewster, Finance and Administration Committee; Fundraising and Volunteer Committee. Vice President, Competitive Analysis, MasterCard Inc. White Plains.
I am thrilled to be on the Board of Girls Inc. of Westchester County. Girls Inc. offers programs that can help girls learn and excel in a pressure-filled society. I have been very fortunate to have mentors who have helped guide my career, and I welcome the opportunities Girls Inc. provides to share my experiences and perspectives with young women and girls across Westchester County.

Cheryl Campbell, Fundraising and Volunteer Committee. Eileen Fisher Inc, The Eileen Fisher Foundation, Project Coordinator & Social Consciousness Team. Irvington.
I am delighted to be a part of Girls Inc. of Westchester County. It is inspiring to witness the way in which Girls Inc. is able to effect change for young women and in turn, their communities. Developing one’s voice and obtaining the confidence to speak is important for all women and I am grateful to Girls Inc. for developing these skills in our girls.

Kay Cioffi, Co-Chair. Executive Recruiter, Texzen Partners, LLC. West Harrison.
As one of four sisters, I have experienced the power and results of being STRONG, SMART & BOLD. Girls Inc. – through its research-based programs, highly competent executive team and members, national reach and influence – provides the vision and means for all girls to achieve their goals. The group’s mission, history and impact as well as the association with the most amazing women and girls are what attracted me to Girls Inc. of Westchester.

Lisa Cribari, Fundraising Committee. Former Vice President, Global Human Resources for The Reader’s Digest Association. Bedford
I’m proud to be a part of the initiative underway to bring Girls Inc. programs and services to all Westchester girls. I’m also inspired and energized by the team of talented, dedicated women working hard to make Girls Inc. Westchester a reality. I believe that every girl deserves a chance to succeed in life – a fair chance. Girls Inc. increases the probability of success by helping build confidence and self esteem, providing a safe, supportive environment and caring, trained role models, and teaching girls the skills they need to make good decisions and successfully navigate life. Our work today will help build Westchester’s leaders of tomorrow.

Madi Ferencz, PR/Marketing Committee. Entrepreneur & former Board Member of Girls Incorporated. Larchmont.
I had joined the Girls Inc. national board 12 years ago because I very much believed in the mission. I became passionate about the work and stayed involved even after my board terms expired because I saw, first hand, the incredible impact their outstanding programs has on girls. I am now working to help start a Girls Inc. affiliate in Westchester because I cannot think of any girl who would not benefit from these programs. I am also really enjoying meeting the interesting and accomplished professional women who are a part of this effort.

Barbara Langione, Fundraising and Volunteer Committee; Co-Chair, A Man Is Not a Financial Plan Conference. Vice President & Executive Underwriter for Chubb & Son. Hastings-On-Hudson
The enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by the staff, volunteers and Girls of this organization is contagious. I feel fortunate to be a part of this association and am very excited to see the impact as we continue to empower all Girls of Westchester County to be Strong, Smart and Bold.

Wanda Meyers, Vice Chair and Co-Chair PR/Marketing Committee. Media Sales Executive. White Plains.
After I attended the Girls Inc. annual National luncheon a few years ago in NYC, I knew I had to find a way to get involved with this organization. The girls that spoke that day each overcame different personal challenges yet stayed focused on their education; demonstrated their strength and were articulate in expressing their experiences. These Girls were strong, smart and bold. I am proud to be part of the Board of Directors for Girls Inc. of Westchester County and look forward to serving girls in my own community.

Whitney Pickering Bullard, CFP®, Co-Chair, Fundraising and Volunteer Committee; Co-Chair, A Man Is Not a Financial Plan Conference. Certified Financial Planner, Smith Barney. Rye Brook.
In my career as a financial planner, I am passionate about helping women become empowered to take control of their own financial futures. As a working mother – with a daughter we’re raising to be strong, smart and bold - I am passionate about helping girls become empowered. Girls Inc. combines both of my passions within an organization dedicated to helping all of the girls of Westchester County become strong, smart and bold and take control of their own futures. I look forward to serving and supporting Girls Inc. Westchester for many years to come!

Doreen Stephens, Treasurer. The LEAGUE. Port Chester.
Today as much as ever communities need to provide the tools and resources that enable young girls to make smart decisions about their future and to control their destiny. Girls Inc. is the organization with the tools, resources and network of women that can help to make a difference with today's young girls as they try to navigate through complex issues and experiences. I am thrilled to be on the Board working to bring Girls Inc. to Westchester County to inspire all girls to dream, aspire and realize their full potential.

Sara Werder, Co-Chair, Fundraising and Volunteer Committee. Attorney. Scarsdale.
When I learned about the history of Girls Inc and the range of its research-based programs, I was very impressed. I was equally impressed by Sally Baker’s passion for these programs and her lengthy experience with the NYC Girls Inc., and by the thoughtful and professional way that Girls Inc. Westchester was established. My life has been enriched by the many strong, smart and bold women I have met while practicing law and elsewhere, and I look forward to helping Girls Inc. Westchester as it assists girls in attaining the self-confidence and knowledge they will need to become strong, smart and bold women.

Felecia Webb Brown, Co-Chair, PR/Marketing Committee; Fundraising and Volunteer Committee. Senior Design Director, Polo Ralph Lauren. Rye.
I am proud to be a part of an organization that promotes self-esteem and empowerment for girls. Growing up in a family of strong women, I have always been an advocate for girls and women. I am excited about Girls Inc. Westchester bringing essential programming to Westchester County and having the opportunity to serve the girls in my own community as a Board Member and volunteer.

STAFF

Sally Baker, Executive Director. Hastings-on-Hudson.
I first joined Girls Inc. almost 10 years ago, because the mission resonated for me and I wanted to work for a cause that I believed in. After 7 years with Girls Inc. of NYC, and after seeing the profound impact these programs have on girls, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So, when I moved to Westchester and wanted to invest in my own community, there was no question in my mind about how best to do it, and I’ve been working to bring Girls Inc. to Westchester ever since. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to serve as the first Executive Director of Girls Inc. Westchester.

Pavithra Kathanadhi, Program Director. Mt. Kisco
I have been a youth worker in New York City for the past five years - running girls empowerment workshops, incorporating an appreciation for the body and movement in overall wellness, developing curriculum that speaks to the particular strengths and needs of young women today, and training adults who work with youth. I have come to understand my role in young women's lives as a support - to listen when needed, to offer information when asked, and to help them learn to make sense of their lives so they can choose their own life paths. I am excited to be a part of bringing Girls Inc. to Westchester County now!