Meet the Girls Inc. of Westchester County Board and Staff

BOARD

Valerie Adelman, 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, Treasurer. 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.

Cheryl Campbell, 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, Executive Recruiter, Sequitor 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, Secretary. Chief Human Resources Officer, Ford Foundation. 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, 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, Chair. 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, Director of Membership, APOGEE Life Style. 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.

Felecia Webb Brown, 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. White Plains.
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!