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

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 a leading voice for women's issues, locally and nationally, the WNY Women's Foundation relies on data-driven work that is credible, relevant, and actionable so we can effectively advocate for policies that promote women's economic self-sufficiency and leadership. To this end, Kim leads the data collection and analysis efforts as the WNY Women's Foundation's Knowledge Management Coordinator.

Kim's professional career has been dedicated to helping others use data to make decisions and influence policy and practice. Her research is focused on gender issues in education, including a recent research project on leadership for social justice in community colleges.

As a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences program at the University at Buffalo, Kim teaches research methods in the hopes of assisting others in conducting rigorous research to inform policy and practice. She also teaches courses in UB's academic minor in Nonprofit Leadership.

Kim holds a Ph.D. in higher, adult, and lifelong education from Michigan State University, a master's degree in higher education administration from Pennsylvania State University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Nazareth College.

Kim loves animals and writing and was able to combine these loves as the author of a children's book entitled, Running Down a Dream, about a Siberian Husky living in Buffalo who dreams of running the Iditarod.

kim@wnywfdn.org

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.

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