officer candidates for 2020-2022 biennium (vote for 1 ... bios. 2019.pdfparticular focus on homeless...

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Officer Candidates for 2020-2022 Biennium (Vote for 1 person in each of the offices)

Theresa Harris Candidate for Zonta District 2 Governor, 2020- 2022 Biennium A charter member of the Zonta Club of Skaneateles, Theresa Harris has two grown children and is retired from an independent jewelry-marketing career of 30 years where, as a work-from-home sole-proprietor, she recruited, trained, retained, and managed a sales team that grew from one person to approximately 3000 women with annual revenue of nearly $17 million dollars. Harris resides with her husband Lloyd Wescott (who is also retired) in Cicero, NY. Lloyd has two married children and three grandchildren. Attracted to the mission of empowering women and girls, Theresa joined Zonta 16 years ago at the invitation of Candace Edwards, and became a member of the Zonta Club of Syracuse. Theresa enjoys working with like-minded professionals to help achieve the objects of Zonta. She has chaired multiple club committees; served on the board of the Zonta Club of Syracuse as director and officer for several years, presiding as President from 2012-2014. In 2016, she transferred to the Zonta Club of Skaneateles to provide ongoing support for the first new club in the District since 1986. Her District activities include 2015 D2 Conference Committee Chair; working with the UN Committee to organize the 2017 & 2018 District bus trips to the United Nations Headquarters; PR/Communications Committee Chair (2014-2018,) IT/Web Chair (2014-2020,) and Membership Committee Chair (2018-2020,) and serves on the District 2 Leadership Development & the D2 Centennial Committees (2018-2020.) Theresa was instrumental in spearheading the evolution of District 2’s commitment to “going green” utilizing digital delivery of documents and coordinated the launch of the district’s Annual Area Workshop via webinar. She has developed the District’s YouTube channel to facilitate visual communications for the members and clubs of D2, designed to inform, educate and inspire. In the 2016- 2018 Biennium, Theresa held the position of Area 2 Director and enjoyed visiting clubs, supporting their goals (especially membership growth) and worked to strengthen a club’s connection to the District and to Zonta International. Theresa attended two Zonta International Conventions as a delegate: Orlando, Florida and Yokohama Japan. Serving as the District Lieutenant Governor in the 2018-2020 Biennium, Theresa supports the goals of the Governor & Zonta International, works with district clubs to continue to increase membership and visibility, especially through centennial celebration activities. If elected to the position of Governor, Theresa is committed to lead the District forward to be well positioned for the next 100 years.

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Elizabeth (Liz) Tesiero Candidate for Zonta District 2 Lt. Governor, 2020- 2022 Biennium Liz Tesiero joined Zonta in January 2008. She currently a member of the Montgomery Fulton Club. She has served as District 2 Secretary for the 2014-2016 biennium and District 2 Area 1 Director for the 2016-2018 biennium. She was the Jane M. Klausman Scholarship District 2 chairperson for the 2012-2014 and 2016-2018 biennium. She also held the offices of Secretary, Vice President, and President in her local club. Her club is small but she feels that they continue to make a difference in her community as well as international projects.

Liz started in the mailroom at Noteworthy (a large printing Company in Amsterdam New York) at the age of 18. She worked her way through many facets of the company over a 25-year period. Her knowledge and experience helped shape the procedures and practices throughout the company, helping the company to become ISO 9000 compliant. She retired in 2010 as Executive Assistant to the President.

Since her retirement, Liz is involved in the family movie theater business. Liz volunteers her time to many non-profit organizations. She helps manage a soup kitchen in Amsterdam that serves over 200 people twice a week. She’s involved with her Church teaching Sunday school and serving on the Capital Restoration Committee. Liz enjoys golfing, bowling and trips to the casino.

Liz is the mother of four children and currently resides in Broadalbin, New York with her husband Joe.

As Area 1 Director for Zonta District 2, Liz will dedicate her time and compassion to Zonta and the district. She wants the possibility to advance the status of women on the local as well as international level combined with the possibility to have new friends and contacts.

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Joyce Newkirk Candidate for Zonta District 2 Treasurer, 2020- 2022 Biennium Current Business/Profession: Self-employed

Pension Consultant/Administrative Service Tax Practitioner 1996 to Present

Previous Business/Profession: Banker – Pension Finance/Administration Vice President, Manager of Corporate Pension Department

Zonta Activities: Member of the Zonta Club of Schenectady for 35+ years Offices Held at District Level: District Treasurer 2004 to 2008

Area 1 Director 2000 to 2004 Offices Held at Club Level: Club President: 1992 to 1994; 1997 to 1999; 2015 to 2018

Club Treasurer: 1988 to 1992; 2002 to 2006 Civic, Community and Professional Organization Involvement:

Trustee/Treasurer: Empire State Aerosciences Museum Past Board Member: National Retirement Plans Training Conference, Inc. Member: National Tex Practitioners Association National Notary Association Treasurer of the Schenectady Day Nursery (non-profit organization providing affordable child care to young women and families in Schenectady County)

It is an honor to again stand for the office of District 2 Treasurer. Over the last six years I have had the distinct pleasure of service and working with three great governors who have been dedicated to serving our District and International. The District is the vital link between each club and International. During this biennium-2018-2020- I am serving as District Finance Chairman. I believe my experience in finance along with my past service to Area Director, Club President and Treasurer will enable me to perform the duties of this important position. It is imperative that our district officers have not only the experience for their office but know and understand what is happening at the local level. As a past Area Director I know the challenges each club faces and how hard our members work to raise service money. I am aware of the importance and value of the office I seek and would like to serve the district by assisting our club treasurers in meeting their financial goals. As District Treasurer I will continue to provide them guidance in setting budgets, maintaining records, and thus meeting their financial goals. The dollars we raise can and have literally changed women’s lives. Zonta’s mission is one we all believe in professionally and personally and that makes our “service” infinitely more valuable and rewarding. I look forward to serving you.

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Area Director Candidates for 2020-2022 Biennium (Vote for 1 person in your Area)

Patricia Polan Candidate for Zonta District 2 Area 1 Director, 2020- 2022 Biennium Patricia, a member of the Zonta Club of Albany, joined Zonta in 2011. She currently serves as District Service Committee Chair for the 2018-2020 biennium. She served as co-chair for the District Conference in October, 2017. She represented her club at the Zonta International Convention in Orlando in 2014. In her local club, Patricia has held the offices of Secretary and President; most recently she was elected to serve as Treasurer. She also has worked on the website and the Facebook for the club. The Zonta Club of Albany has been very involved in the local community, with a particular focus on homeless women and children and victims of domestic violence.

Patricia was an educator, holding a variety of positions in her over 30 years in the field, including middle school social studies teacher, a computer teacher and student activities coordinator, an assistant principal, part-time elementary teacher in an orthodox Jewish school, youth minister and remedial math and reading teacher in a Catholic school, and her career concluded with service in the New York State Education Department. She worked in test development for social studies, including the Regents Exams in Global History and Geography and as the Social Studies associate for Curriculum and Instruction. She retired in March, 2017.

Since her retirement, Patricia and her husband have been enjoying traveling together. They have served as PGA volunteers for the US Open at Shinnecock Hills and the PGA Championship at Bethpage. They have made many trips to Nashville, as their daughter, Evangeline, lives there, was married last July and just recently had a baby boy—Ashton Jethro Tubb. Patricia serves as president of the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at her church, and also serves as a cantor for some Sunday Masses. She also is a member of the League of Women Voters.

As Area 1 Director, Patricia will visit each club, help them achieve their goals and strengthen the club’s connection to the District and Zonta International.

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Eleanor Marsh

Candidate for Zonta District 2 Area 2 Director, 2020- 2022 Biennium Biography Not Available

Photo Not Available

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Deborah Vecchio Candidate for Zonta District 2 Area 2 Director, 2020- 2022 Biennium I have been involved in women’s advocacy organizations in my community for over 30 years as a member and current President of the Zonta Club of Syracuse and Past President of New York State Women, Inc, formerly Business and Professional Women (BPW).

I am passionate about giving back to my community and supporting organizations and activities that empower women and girls to be strong, educated and independent.

My experience as Club President as taught me much about Zonta on the District and International level. For the past year, I have been pleased to lead an active, involved, and dedicated club of Zontians in contributing to the growth of women’s groups in the Syracuse area.

As Vice President and Financial Advisor for Wells Fargo Advisors, I have been in Investment Services for 32 years and specialize in Retirement Planning, educating my clients financially and helping them meet life goals.

I am married with two daughters, ages 24 and 20, and live in the Onondaga Hill area of Syracuse.

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Jessica Cosentino

Candidate for Zonta District 2 Area 3 Director, 2020- 2022 Biennium Jessica Cosentino is a 4th generation florist who has spent the last 11 years learning how to take over her family’s flower shop, that is now celebrating its 86th year, in Auburn, New York. Jessica works day to day with father Carmen at Cosentino's Florist. Prior to coming back to the family business, Jessica served two years in AmeriCorps and worked 6 years at Total Care in Syracuse. Her daily tasks include, but are never limited to, managing a professional staff, working with customers for their wedding celebrations and funeral services and building a business brand which one day she will call her own. Jessica served as Vice President of her local Zonta Club in Auburn for one year and three years as President. She was President of her State Teleflora Unit Board for 2 years and was elected to the National Retailer’s Council of Society of American Florists for 4 years. She also serves on the SAF Government Relations Committee and has been elected to the American Academy of Florists. She graduated from Cazenovia College and has attended George Washington University and Syracuse University for post-graduate courses. She regularly takes design and floral business classes at Teleflora’s Education Center in Oklahoma City. Jessica completed the Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders Program in Syracuse in 2014. She was awarded the Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce Terri Bridenbecker Young Processionals Award in 2015. Jessica was very active in the early days and formation of Ignite and was a member of the 1996 Leadership Cayuga class.

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Kiran Omar Candidate for Zonta District 2 Area 4 Director, 2020- 2022 Biennium Hi my name is Kiran Omar and live in Montreal, Canada. I am 59 years old, married with three adult children. I have been a member of Zonta for close to 10 years. I am presently the president for the Montreal club for the year 2019/2020. I have a background in education, with a Masters degree in Adult Education and Global Change from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelors in Social Sciences from Western Michigan University. Originally from Pakistan, I have worked with the UN/ILO for over 10 years in Pakistan and was looking after regional research projects on skill development, women's rights in the workplace, labor market adjustment due to new technologies and child labor in Asia. Since moving to Canada in the late 1990s, I have been self-employed and run a small business in Montreal. I have been active with women's groups since the time I lived in Pakistan, and was among the first members of the Women's Action Forum (WAF) an advocacy and lobby group for women's rights. In Canada I have volunteered with the South Asian Women's Center (SAWC) a service and advocacy organization that offers immigrant women and families a wide range of social and legal services. I also volunteer as a board member of an alternative theater company in Montreal, Teesri Duniya (Third Word ) which mounts plays and play readings on a variety of social issues related to marginalized communities like First Nations, immigrants, refugees, etc.

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Candidates For Nominating Committee,

2020- 2022 Biennium (3 To Be Elected)

Frances Bowen Candidate for Zonta District 2 Nominating Committee I have been a member of Zonta since 1995 and am currently serving as appointed President. It is my second term of office as I was honored to be elected President 2014-2016. On the Club level, I have served on various committees throughout the years, most recently on Scholarship/Awards. In addition, to holding the offices of Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Board Director, I am proud to have served as the Initial Club Foundation President in 2003. Having been fortunate to attend several District Conferences, Workshops and Seminars, I look forward to Chicago, next July and now wish to serve, once again, on the District 2 Nominating Committee. My previous term was 2013 – 2015 and at that time the Nominating Committee selected Irene Orton as Nominee for Lieutenant Governor!

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Patricia Corbett Candidate for Zonta District 2 Nominating Committee I have been a member of the Upper Hudson Valley Zonta Club for over 30 years. I have served in this small club as a board member, a secretary, a Vice President, and a President, more than once. I served as a member of the District YWPA Committee. I have attended several District Seminars and Conferences and have met many fellow District 2 Zontians. Zonta’s mission of empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy keeps me an active and enthusiastic member of Zonta.

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Dianne DiMeo Candidate for Zonta District 2 Nominating Committee Dianne DiMeo has been a member of the Zonta Club of Utica since 1991. She has served as Club Treasurer, Club President and is currently the Club’s Recording Secretary. Dianne has chaired Zonta Club of Utica's annual fundraiser (Champagne Brunch) and is the Centennial Chair for Utica as well as for District 2. Dianne has attended several District workshops and conferences. Dianne works for Mosaic Health, a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers in upstate New York, where she is currently the Training & Staff Development Coordinator, after having served in other roles over the past 8 years with the organization. She is also a long-time member of League of Women Voters. Dianne lives in Utica with her husband. She has 3 adult children, and 2 granddaughters.

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Irene Orton Candidate for Zonta District 2 Nominating Committee Irene has been a Zontian for 25 years and is very humble and proud to have served this biennium as our District 2 Governor. She has been a past club president, member of their Leadership Committee and Chairman of United Nations Committee, as well as Chairman of Country Faire, club fundraiser for 3 years. Irene was the District 2 Conference Chairman in 2009 and 2013. In 1998 and 2009 she was given the honor of being nominated as Zontian of the Year by her home club of Glens Falls. Irene has been very active in numerous organizations in the Warren and Saratoga counties. She earned her Masters Degree in Special Education in 1997 from The College of Saint Rose and went on to teach in the Queensbury School District for over 15 years. She was coordinator of their Career Pathways program in the high school and Class Advisor for the Classes of 2008 and 2012. During those years she also served as Council President in her church for several terms, church historian, volunteer usher at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for 23 summers and member of The Battenkill Chorale for 5 years. Her hobbies are visiting with her 12 grandchildren, music, reading and an occasional golf or kayak outing. You may remember her as Irene Consolagio as she married John Orton in 2016 and currently resides in Gansevoort, NY. Irene will be honored to serve on the nominating committee for District 2 this upcoming biennium.

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Ellen Wernecke Candidate for Zonta District 2 Nominating Committee Biography Not Available

Photo Not Available

Theresa Harris

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Theresa Harris

Theresa Harris

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officer candidates for 2020-2022 biennium (vote for 1 ... bios. 2019.pdfparticular focus on homeless...

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