Coalition Voice

Who am I and what motivates me? I am a mother of three amazing young adults, a proud member of the Penfield community, and a supporter of several local organizations, including the Coalition. I love to serve others and recently shifted my career to financial services, wealth management specifically, so I could feel the difference I make more directly. It is so rewarding to work with a team that has a positive impact on the comfort and confidence our clients have in their futures. 

 

This type of impact is one of the many things that drew me to the Coalition. I first came to learn of the Coalition through friends like Patti Cataldi, as well as ROCCREW, a cancer survivor’s rowing team that was formed in 2009 (formerly Naiades Oncology Rowing) to support survivors of any type of cancer. I became involved with ROCCREW after losing my mother to breast cancer in 2004 and served many roles from committee membership to Board leadership, and over time we built a strong partnership with the Coalition.  The partnership of these two organizations led me to get involved with the Coalition’s Nominating Committee, ACTober, and eventually, I joined the Board of Directors.

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on various committees over the past seven years. Each has brought me closer to the organization’s amazing team of staff members, to our sponsors, participants, and fellow board members. Several of my friends have become participants, and I hear and see first-hand how impactful the Coalition’s staff and programming are for each individual’s wellbeing at such a difficult time. 

 

One of the most notable roles I have been honored to serve was Chair of the Executive Search Committee last year for the new Executive Director. The selection of and transition to new leadership after a 23-year tenure of the predecessor was a large task, but I am grateful to have had the chance to form an amazing committee from whom I learned so much. 

 

The future of the Coalition is exciting. We are implementing a 3-year strategic plan, strengthening many of our programs, and working to address opportunities in our programming to better serve more segments of our community. I am also honored to be stepping into the role of Board Chair in July. The current and past Board Chairs have been inspirational, and I look forward to working with them and the rest of the Board to create deeper relationships in our community and within our team to provide the very best outcomes from each of our four pillars.