LEADERS & CHANGE MAKERS

A native Western New Yorker, Sheri is honored to have joined the WNY Women's Foundation in January 2014.

A tireless advocate for girls and women with over 30 years of experience leading and growing nonprofit organizations, Sheri volunteers her time to serve on the Board of Directors of SEFCU and the Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of WNY, as well as the Steering Committee of Save WNYCPC, Russell Sage College Annual Fund, and as a member of Leadership Buffalo.

Sheri is a licensed physical therapist (Russell Sage College), earned an M.S. Executive Leader degree in health systems administration (Rochester Institute of Technology) and has an advanced post-graduate certificate in palliative care (The Sage Colleges).

She is currently in the Health Foundation of WCNY Health Leader Fellowship and Trauma Informed Champion programs. Former roles include: Director of Cancer Services for the NYS Department of Health/Centers for Disease Prevention and Control; President/CEO of Gilda's Club Capital Region; Chief Development Officer at Bellevue Women's Hospital; VP/COO WNY Physical & Occupational Therapy Group; and Senior Administrator-Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

As a women's college graduate and mother of twins, Ms. Scavone is passionate about harnessing the incredible resources of women to strengthen our community.

sheri@wnywfdn.org

Suzanne D'Amico is proud to make the WNY Women's Foundation the next chapter of her nonprofit career of 12-plus years.

With a strong background in event planning and donor relations, Suzanne has helped successfully organize events to prioritize community building and growth. Her passion for educating parents and adolescents first manifested in her role as the North East Regional Walk Coordinator for the Hearing Loss Association of America. She later had the opportunity to use her skills to promote community education and awareness as the Director of Development for Kids Escaping Drugs.

Although Suzanne's educational background doesn't appear to lend itself to service work, her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Voice from Carnegie Mellon University shaped her ability to perform well under pressure and remain confident in high-stakes scenarios. As a beloved piano teacher, it is important to Suzanne to foster a love of music in today's youth. She continues to share her joy for music as Musical Director for MoonMaxx Productions.

Suzanne resides with her husband of 25 years, John, and has proudly raised two daughters who attend Bentley University and the University of Connecticut. She looks forward to furthering the mission of the WNY Women's Foundation alongside its incredible team.

suzanne@wnywfdn.org

An experienced LMSW and social justice advocate, Brandy Loveland is the former Director of Community Engagement at Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition. She also worked at various organizations, including Baker Victory Services, the YWCA, and the Salvation Army.

Brandy serves as a board member for the WNY Peacemakers and YK716. She was also part of the 2020 cohort for the Oishei Fellowship for Leaders of Color.

She earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Syracuse University and master's degree from the University at Buffalo. Brandy also holds a New York State Licensure.

Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, art, and gaming.

brandy@wnywfdn.org

As the ALL IN Coordinator, Sydney manages outreach, relationship building, and programming for the WNY Women's Foundation's ALL IN initiative. Her work centers inclusivity to create purposeful, lasting change that makes Western New York a place where women and gender minorities are empowered to live, work, and lead.

Sydney holds a bachelor's degree from SUNY Fredonia in Business Administration and Women's and Gender Studies, as well as a master's from Arizona State University in Social Justice and Human Rights. She comes to the WNY Women's Foundation from the University at Buffalo's office of Research and Economic Development, where she developed relationships with local businesses and changemakers through the team at Business & Entrepreneur Partnerships.

Born and raised in Central New York, Sydney moved to Buffalo during her undergraduate years, and has since developed a strong community in the area. Sydney is passionate about women entrepreneurs, local businesses, the local queer community, intersectional workers' rights, and the inclusion of underrepresented and overlooked communities in social justice work.

sydney@wnywfdn.org

Cynthia has a history of organizational results at People Inc., Uniland Development, and Rich Products, as well as a degree in Business from Villa Maria College. She and her husband reside in Amherst and are proud parents of two adult children and two grandchildren.

cynthia@wnywfdn.org

As the Communication & Development Coordinator, Angela Blask plays a critical role in sharing the stories of the WNY Women's Foundation. She illustrates the organization's impact and raises awareness of our mission.

A graduate of Trocaire College, Angela has several years of experience in the nonprofit sector including social media management, comprehensive communication, and event promotion. She joined the WNY Women's Foundation from her most recent role as Development and Communications Specialist at Kids Escaping Drugs.

As a new member of the WNY Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, she looks forward to engaging with and learning from other colleagues in the nonprofit community.

Angela and her husband, Kyle, reside in Alden where she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and outdoor activities.

angela@wnywfdn.org

As the Knowledge Management Coordinator, Mara conducts research, collects and analyzes data, and organizes information to support the work of WNY Women’s Foundation. Her role is critical to WNYWF’s data-driven approach to advocating for policies that promote gender equity and economic mobility on a local and national level.

Mara holds a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College in Government and a master’s degree from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy. Her professional career has included positions at Planned Parenthood of NYC and the Social Services Task Force in the NYC Office of Management and Budget.

In addition to her role at WNYWF, Mara serves as the director of People’s Park, a community park on Main St., and as a board member of Gardens Buffalo Niagara, chairing the Lunenfeld Beautification Grant program.

Outside of work, Mara enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is excited to join the WNY Women’s Foundation and use her experience and skills to help make a difference for women in WNY and beyond.

As the WNY Women's Foundation's Special Projects & Events Coordinator, Nicole supports the organization's programs, policy research, marketing, communications, and fundraising. Nicole also helps manage the Foundation's signature events, including Fall in Fashion and What She's Made Of.

Hailing from the Chicago area, Nicole found her way to Buffalo, NY through the Teach for America program, where she served as a special education teacher in the Buffalo Public School District for the past five years. Through this work, Nicole discovered a passion for teaching information literacy to empower others in all aspects of their lives.

Nicole holds a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a master's degree in Adolescence Urban Education from Canisius College, and a bachelor's degree in English, French, and Psychology from Bradley University. She currently works as a part-time Reference Librarian at Niagara University and an Adjunct Professor at the University at Buffalo.

While not originally from the area, Buffalo, NY has become a second home for Nicole. Like most Buffalonians, she has become a diehard fan of the Buffalo Bills and has a newfound love for wings. She is excited to join the WNY Women's Foundation in their mission to create opportunities for each woman to learn, earn, lead, and thrive.

nicole@wnywfdn.org