Staff

Heather A. Filipowicz, CFRE

Executive Director

Heather is extremely proud to have joined the WNY Women's Foundation in July of 2011 bringing with her more than a decade of experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She served as the Senior Director of Advancement at the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross where she was responsible for overseeing all fundraising efforts as well as external and government relations.  During her tenure she led a team that raised $1 million annually. She previously served as Director of Development at Planned Parenthood of Western New York where she successfully raised over $5 million during her tenure. Prior to her fundraising experience in non-profits, Heather gained government relations experience in Washington, DC at Lindsay, Hart, Neil and Weigler and Cassidy & Associates.  Ms. Filipowicz, who has achieved the designation of Certified Professional Fundraising Executive, also serves on a number of community Boards and committees.  She is the current President and past Treasurer of the Board of Directors of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Western New York Chapter.  In 2008 she was awarded the national "Planned Parenthood Fundraiser of the Year" award.  She received a Bachelor of Arts from Canisius College.

 

Misha Russo

Director of Development and Communication

A Buffalo native, Misha Russo returned home after studying at the University of Dayton and subsequently beginning her non-profit career in Cleveland at the National Conference for Community and Justice. Her passion for Buffalo's growth, as well as proximity to friends and family, brought Misha home in 2004. Since then, she has worked and volunteered in a variety of community efforts, including: managing the opening of Asbury Hall, Ani DiFranco's downtown venue, gallery, and offices; co-chairing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; and Managing the Special Events team for Roswell Park's Alliance Foundation. Misha lives in the city along with her husband, Jeff, and 1-year old son Henry. Her favorite activities are walking in the Elmwood Village and running.

Karyn Ventrilla, MS

Director of Program

 

Prior to joining the WNY Women's Foundation in October of 2011, Ms, Ventrilla served as Director of Strategic Planning and Special Projects at Planned Parenthood of Western New York.  There she was responsible for managing grants and contracts as well as the agency's strategic plan.  Ms. Ventrilla has also served as a Program Associate at Seedco, Institutional Relations Manager at Grand Street Settlement, and as Manager for Government and Special Projects at Henry Street Settlement.  Ms. Ventrilla received a BA in Sociology from SUNY Oswego and an MS in Social Work from Columbia University.

 

Lindsay Delmont

Operations Manager

Ms. Delmont joined the WNY Women's Foundation in July of 2010 bringing with her an office administration and marketing background.  Prior to joining the Women's Fund, Ms. Delmont served as the Office Coordinator at PFM Marketing; a Williamsville based promotional marketing company from 2008-2010. Lindsay had also worked at her family restaurant for over four years assisting the in office and banquet management.  Ms. Delmont received a bachelor degree in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo.