DONNA R. KAPES, LCSW-R, PRESIDENT

Self-Employed Psychotherapist

As a member of the Board of Directors of The Women’s Fund, I have been afforded the opportunity to share my passion of empowering women to be the best they can be with other like thinkers.

Employed women offer the next generation of females a role model of empowerment, self-sufficiency and independence which will prevent a multi-generational pattern of poverty.

CARA FENSTEMACHER, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Former Teacher
Currently Small Business Owner (Women’s Clothing)

I am “empowered” by being part of an organization that does so much to improve the lives of women and girls.  I am so proud to be a part of this group and to work with such a wonderful group of women.

Women are the primary caregivers of both young and old and both men and women.  Our community is certainly blessed to have an organization such at The Women’s Fund to empower our caregivers.

JOYCE M ASTAFAN, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Assistant to the Director, Utica Public Library

I was inspired by President John F. Kennedy when I was a teenager (now is that aging me) to do what I can for others. I have tried over the years with my different projects and now the Women’s Fund helps me to fulfil that desire.

Young Women learn that they can do whatever they want. When I was starting out in the education/work world there were only certain occupations a women was allowed to enter and now the sky is the limit. This will help many generations of women and their families to live a life they wish if they work hard for it. This makes for a better family life as well as a good work life and most certainly a better community.

CYNTHIA McLEAN, RECORDING SECRETARY

Partner in Telecommunications Agency

Given the inequities women face in our society, it is a pleasure to be associated with an organization that helps to equalize opportunities.

Women are the mainstay of families covering the spectrum from children to aging parents. When we provide support it helps to keep their families together and sustain continuous employment.

CAROL STEELE, TREASURER

Investment management, retired

How are you fulfilled by the work you do with the women’s
Fund? As it has been said - one woman can change everything. Many women can change everything. In numbers, we find our greatest strength. I am honored to be a small part of this endeavor.

When one’s needs for food, shelter, health and education are addressed and met, the whole of society benefits for one is then free
to realize her maximum potential. As it has been said - one woman can change many things. Many women can change everything. In numbers, we find our greatest strength. I am honored to be a small part of this endeavor.

LINDA ALLEN

Retired

Being part of The Women’s fund keeps me in touch with the heartbeat of our community.

According to The World Economic Forum, “countries (and communities) with higher levels of female secondary school enrollment have lower infant mortality, lower rates of HIV and AIDS infection and better child nutrition.” By improving the lives of women, the overall health and welfare of a community benefits.

MARJORIE M. CARTER

Marketing Consultant

It is thrilling and gratifying to help and support women and girls, as I was supported growing up.

It is my hope that women and girls realize how very precious they are and how important it is to their community that become healthy and whole in every respect.

LAURA CASAMENTO

LARAINE DELL

Retired, Human Resources Credentialist

The words “to help somebody along life’s way” and “pay it forward” came to mind.  Through The Women’s Fund there is an opportunity to help women by working with agencies which assist women in making life changes/choices. Through our Annie’s Fund we have an opportunity to make a difference at a critical time in someone’s life.

Issues facing women are not just women’s issues; these issues have an impact on family income and child care.  To empower women is to empower change in their lives. which in turn leads to changes in the community.

HEDY ANNE HYDE HAGE

Retired Social Worker: 
Former College Professor, Director Of Community Services for Oneida County, Probation Department

Working together with a group of smart, caring, thoughtful and generous women with a common mission is an incredibly empowering experience;  being able to use this common energy to work toward empowering others is a uniquely fulfilling experience.

MARTHA HANNO

Owner, Rough 'N Tumble and Wells Therapy Services LLC

I am personally fulfilled by my work with the Women’s Fund. It allows me the opportunity to engage women and girls to be active philanthropists and mobilizing them for action.  We possess to abilty to help individual women during times of great need as well as support programs that empower girls and women.

Once empowerd, successful women possess the ability to give back and change the lives of less fortunate women in their community.  Empowering these women with the opportunity to make better choices for themselves and their families. These changes can have positive effects not only on their children but their community as a whole.

KRISTY NOLE

AVP Marketing and Communications,
First Source Federal Credit Union

My mother is a very strong woman and she taught me to be independent, to always stand up for myself, to never give up hope, to fight for what I believe in and most importantly to love. I believe these traits have led to my successes in my career, in motherhood and in life in general. To be a part of an organization whose mission is to offer this same opportunity to those who may not otherwise be given the chance is so inspiring.

Women stay connected to their roots and are natural caregivers. When women are empowered, they will seek opportunities to give back even more to others than what has been given to them. The women we are empowering may be our current or future CEOs and leaders, they are teachers, they are mothers, they are our neighbors, they are our community members. So you see when you empower a woman, you in turn empower a community.

JANICE LUCK O’CONNOR

DYANN SCHARF

Formerly Graphics and Advertising Design, Publishing
Currently Family Caregiver, Volunteer

My work with The Women’s Fund fosters personal pride and satisfaction through my commitment and dedication supporting the needs of women and girls. It is an opportunity to give back and pay it forward to women and girls who reside in the wonderful communities of Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Individually it is a meaningful, rewarding, and unselfish manner to contribute and be an integral part of society and community.

Through empowerment, women and girls build the foundation of their selves and lifestyle. They as recipients of our grants and funds experienced the value and benefit of philanthropy to adopt and practice in their future and community citizenship.

NANCY SELLER

Vice President, Early Childhood Services
Upstate Cerebral Palsy

The opportunity to be involved with a group of women focused on making a difference in the lives of women and girls is energizing and fulfilling. In partnership with our donors and sister agencies, we are truly empowering women and girls in our community to achieve and succeed.

Women are crucial to the future of our community as mothers, workers, executives, wives and friends. They balance their responsibilities and impact the potential of others in our churches, schools, businesses and in our homes. Strong women can nurture, challenge, partner and lead. They contribute their time, their passion and their energy and are integral to our future.

HELEN ESHENOUR STEPOWANY

Heath and human services administrator

The women’s Fund is an example of community philanthropy at its best. I find that the visions, commitment and generosity of our founders to be a daily inspiration to me as a board member, setting a standard for women supporting women in meeting challenges and realizing their potential.

The role of women in assuring a vibrant and nurturing community is well documented. When women are successful personally, economically and professionally, we build a strong foundation for the future of the community, our children and the women leaders to come.

AILEEN TOWNSEND, MSW, DPA

Retired social worker and mental health administrator

As co-chair of the Grants committee, I have become aware of the tremendous needs in our community for women and girls.  With adequate funding, there are programs that can help women and girls improve their level of functioning at home and in the community.  I can see how our funds are used by the agencies that receive funding from us, and how they make a difference in the lives of their clients.

How does a community benefit when women are empowered?
The energy, skills, and initiatives of women who are empowered, contribute to an informed, productive community, enhance the standard of living of families, and provide for a more positive environment for everyone.

DIANE WOLFE

Retired, Former Program Director at Central New York Community Arts Council

It is fulfilling to me to enable women and girls in our community to become independent and grow to their capacity.
It has been proven that when women are educated and independent, their communities benefit and their children are more likely to complete their education and live successful lives. It is inspiring to see women become empowered to transform their lives and begin giving back to the community, helping other women to do the same.