YWCA CORTLAND BALLOT
May 13, 2024

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Governance Committee of YWCA Cortland is pleased to report that the following members have agreed to serve an additional three (3) year term: Cathy Bischoff and Gina Sikora.

The Governance Committee is also pleased to present the following slate of nominees for election to the Board of Directors to serve three (3) year terms:

Elizabeth Brando, an enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation, is a thoughtful and visionary management consultant working with tribal governments, Native-led entities, and Native American allies. She is actively involved in the community, serving on WSKG Public Media’s Community Advisory Board and volunteering with the Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, who honored her as a 2021 Rising Star Award recipient. She has her MBA from the University of Arizona, Eller College of Management, and will bring senior-level business management skills in financing, fundraising, marketing, and strategy.

Katrina Hodge is the Assistant Director of the Multicultural Life and Diversity Office at SUNY Cortland. She is a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is excited to uphold her values and work with an organization whose mission aligns with hers. She serves on many SUNY Cortland committees, including the Committee for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Committee for Supporting Men of Color Impacted by Sexual Violence, the Student Staff Recruitment Committee, and the Professional Staff Recruitment Committee. She has also served as Multicultural Life Diversity Liaison for Residence Life.

Laura Lusk has a passion for connecting community members with resources. She considers herself an out-of-the-box problem solver and upholds the YWCA mission in all areas of her life. She has been a member of the YWCA, where her family has benefited from licensed daycare services and swim lessons to name a few. She holds a Bachelor’s in English, BASS Multicultural Studies, a Minor in Women’s Studies, and a Master’s in Library Science.

Dr. Nimisha Muttiah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders & Sciences at SUNY Cortland. She obtained her Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University, and her dissertation topic was Evaluating AAC Training for Special Education Teachers based in Low-Resource Developing Countries. She is an active YWCA member and is interested in getting involved in the community and the activities at the YWCA. She has lived in many places and countries and will bring a set of diverse, innovative ideas to the organization.

Katherine Stemm recently relocated from the Massachusetts area, where she worked as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. Upon her arrival in Cortland, she joined the YWCA Health and Fitness program and now attends classes four days a week. She is eager to learn the inner workings of the YWCA and apply her skills to its vital programs and services.

Jennifer Turck serves as an AVP of Operations for Cayuga Health. With an MA in Public Administration from Binghamton University, she possesses a deep understanding of organizational management, business development and strategic planning. A dedicated member of the Cortland community for 25 years, Jennifer currently serves on the board of directors for the TC3 Foundation, and previously on boards for Racker, JM Murray, and the Homer Education Foundation.

Kathie Wilcox is a NYS Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker for SVR Reality as well as several other real estate firms in the Central NY area. She is a Leadership Cortland graduate and holds a BS in Human Services from SUNY Cortland. A geriatric SW for many years specializing in brain injury rehab and Alzheimer’s and dementia care, she currently assists people with home and companion care through Care.com. She is excited to bring her skills and talents to the YWCA as an active volunteer in the community and a former Cortland County Legislator in District 5.

Continuing Members of the YWCA Cortland Board of Directors:
Cathy Bischoff, Susan Cerretani, Binh Phuong-Duong, Gloria Gartenlaub, Barbara Henza, Mackenzie Lyman, Kristina Marty, Suzette Pace, Gina Sikora, Jennifer Soprano, Kim Stevens, Carrie Whitmore, Susan Williams, Deb Wines, Ginny Wright

 

GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

The Governance Committee shall consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of nine (9) voting directors. The term of office is two (2) years.

Continuing Members of the YWCA Governance Committee:
Elizabeth Brando and Gina Sikora

The Governance Committee is pleased to present the following nominee for election to the Governance Committee to serve one two (2) year term:

Gloria Gartenlaub joined the board in 2023 and serves on the Program Committee and the Golf Event Workgroup. She is a Customer Relations Specialist at New York Hemp Oil and is active in her community.