LEADERS & CHANGE MAKERS

A tireless advocate for girls and women with over 30 years of experience leading and growing nonprofit organizations, Sheri volunteers her time to serve on the Board of Directors of SEFCU and the Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of WNY, as well as the Steering Committee of Save WNYCPC, Russell Sage College Annual Fund, and as a member of Leadership Buffalo.

Sheri is a licensed physical therapist (Russell Sage College), earned an M.S. Executive Leader degree in health systems administration (Rochester Institute of Technology) and has an advanced post-graduate certificate in palliative care (The Sage Colleges).

She is currently in the Health Foundation of WCNY Health Leader Fellowship and Trauma Informed Champion programs. Former roles include: Director of Cancer Services for the NYS Department of Health/Centers for Disease Prevention and Control; President/CEO of Gilda's Club Capital Region; Chief Development Officer at Bellevue Women's Hospital; VP/COO WNY Physical & Occupational Therapy Group; and Senior Administrator-Surgical Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

As a women's college graduate and mother of twins, Ms. Scavone is passionate about harnessing the incredible resources of women to strengthen our community.

As Director of Development at the WNY Women's Foundation, she leverages her strategic vision and event planning expertise to advance initiatives that empower women and drive social change.

Her career in nonprofit development began with the Hearing Loss Association of America, where she coordinated large-scale fundraising events, significantly expanding participation and revenue. She later served as the Director of Development for Kids Escaping Drugs, spearheading major fundraising campaigns, securing high-profile corporate sponsorships, and elevating the organization's brand and outreach.

Suzanne's background in the arts, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Voice from Carnegie Mellon University, has shaped her ability to perform under pressure and bring creativity to her work. She remains active in the arts as a private piano and voice instructor and as Musical Director for MoonMaxx Productions.

A proud wife and mother, Suzanne resides with her husband of 25 years, John, and celebrates the success of her two daughters, who attend Bentley University and the University of Connecticut. Passionate about making a difference, she is honored to contribute to the mission of the WNY Women's Foundation and collaborate with its inspiring team.

With a passion for community growth, mission-driven work, and supportive leadership, Hannah brings nonprofit experience in both the child care and medical fields. She is excited to blend these experiences to foster equitable leadership opportunities for women and gender minorities in Western New York. In addition to her nonprofit work, she specializes in building unique partnerships through collaborations with the Western New York Service Learning Coalition and the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Greater Buffalo.

Hannah holds a Bachelor's degree in English Adolescent Education from SUNY Fredonia and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University at Buffalo, where she focused on the intersectionality of motherhood, race, and ability.

A lifelong member of the Western New York community, Hannah is dedicated to this work with the support of her husband, Chris, and their young son, Jude, whom she is proud to raise as a gender-equity ally.

Bio Coming Soon!

Bio Coming Soon!

She and her husband reside in Amherst and are proud parents of two adult children and four grandchildren.

Her role is critical to WNYWF’s data-driven approach to advocating for policies that promote gender equity and economic mobility on a local and national level.

Mara holds a bachelor’s degree from Skidmore College in Government and a master’s degree from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy. Her professional career has included positions at Planned Parenthood of NYC and the Social Services Task Force in the NYC Office of Management and Budget.

In addition to her role at WNYWF, Mara serves as the director of People’s Park, a community park on Main St., and as a board member of Gardens Buffalo Niagara, chairing the Lunenfeld Beautification Grant program.

Outside of work, Mara enjoys traveling, gardening, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is excited to join the WNY Women’s Foundation and use her experience and skills to help make a difference for women in WNY and beyond.