May 2, 2018 -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced the appointment of fifteen new members to the Westchester County Women’s Advisory Board. Latimer will be appointing one new member from each legislative district, based on the recommendations of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.

Latimer said: “This newly constituted Women’s Advisory Board represents a wide and diverse cross-section of women from all corners of Westchester County. I look forward to working with this team to address the broad range of issues that matter most to women across our County.”

Director of the Office for Women Robin Schlaff said: “Westchester County’s Office for Women is unique, and is the only one of its kind in the country. I look forward to working with this re-energized board together with County Executive George Latimer, to provide a strong voice for women and families throughout Westchester.”

The new Women’s Advisory Board Members are as follows:

Lauren Smith of Katonah, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Smith has held many positions in psychotherapy, including as a Yoga Instructor, School Substance Abuse Prevention Counselor and Family and Child Therapist. 

Janice Lubin Kirschner of Pleasantville, is the Senior Director of the JCY-Westchester Community Partners and the Kinship Support Center, a Division of Family Service Society of Yonkers (FSSY). Lubin Kirschner is in charge of all programs focused on enhancing the educational experience of children, including managing staff, overseeing finances and grant writing, as well as public relations and fundraising efforts.

Kristen Browde of Chappaqua, is an attorney who works to develop creative solutions to the problems facing individuals and corporations. Browde’s primary focus is on Divorce and Family Law cases, but she also handles Civil Litigation, Trademarks, Director and Officer Defense and Media Law cases.

Myra Saul of Scarsdale, received her law degree from Brooklyn Law School, where she was a member of the law review. Saul worked in the law department of a Fortune 500 insurance company for many years, where she specialized in giving advice regarding securities based retirement products for individuals, groups and pension plans.  She started her career as an attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Patricia Rind of Rye Brook, is a professor with more than 20 years of experience in course creation and instruction in a university setting. Courses she is best known for include gender and women’s studies, sexuality and psychology. Rind is also a published writer and editor on topics related to gender, friendship and other women’s issues.

Susan Van Dijk of Rye, has a background in Communications, and is recognized as a productive leader with strong interpersonal and organizational skills. She has significant experience in the prioritization and oversight of multiple projects, and has been a volunteer on multiple local Westchester County campaigns.

Virginia Loughlin of Ossining, is the President of AppliedGood, Inc. The consulting practice helps its clients in organizational transition and assesses impact. Loughlin specializes in growing business relationships, planning and developing website content, designing communication systems and strategic planning.

Sarah DeRise of Tuckahoe, is a post-partum doula and lactation counselor who supports new mothers with their transition into motherhood. She also facilitates a weekly support group for new mothers, where they are free to express their concerns and feelings about parenthood in a safe and protected environment.

Cindy Kanusher of Irvington, is the Executive Director of the Pace Women’s Justice Center in White Plains, and a member of the Women’s Justice Center Advisory Board. Kanusher is a frequent speaker for domestic violence prevention and education programs, and works closely with law enforcement personnel, attorneys, medical professionals and community groups.

Lynda Bagley of Mount Vernon, is a Legacy Life Member of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW), responsible for twenty-one different NCNW sections of New York State. The mission of the organization is to lead, advocate for and empower women, their families and their communities.

Karla Diaz of Yonkers, is the Administrative Supervisor at the Westchester Institute for Human Development, responsible for the management and supervision of the Child Welfare Program. Diaz coordinates initial intakes, referrals and case conferences, working closely with the Westchester County Department of Social Services.

Reverend Margaret Coleman of Yonkers, is employed with Yonkers Public Schools as a Special Education Teacher, and is a member of the local Yonkers Women’s Advisory Board. Reverend Coleman has a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke Divinity School.

Tarshiena Diaz of Yonkers, has worked with children and families, and is an active member of her community.

Jewel Williams of Bronxville, is the Programs and Faculty Affairs Coordinator at NY-Presbyterian Hospital, Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Williams is responsible for managing Orthopedic Surgery’s 10 post-graduate training programs including planning, scheduling, recruitment and reporting for residency training program and fellowships.  

Judy Trolio of Port Chester, is the Executive Director of The LOFT: LGBT Community Services Center, Inc. The LOFT offers a wide variety of vital programs and services focused on Advocacy, Education and Celebration of the LGBT people, and the community as a whole. 

Anita Sharma of Irvington, is a Senior Consultant at Women Deliver, a leading global advocate for the health, rights and wellbeing of girls and women. The organization brings together diverse voices to drive progress for gender equality, with a focus on maternal, sexual and reproductive health rights.