The Council of Women for Girls

Council Chair

With a dynamic career spanning over 15 years in marketing, business, and the trades industry, Sara Turoczy relocated to the Capital Region in 2015 and has since become a passionate advocate for young women in STEAM fields. Having worked in commercial construction and higher education, Sara is deeply committed to raising awareness about non-traditional career paths for the next generation of female leaders. Her role as a mentor with Girls Inc. is fueled by her love of seeing young girls develop confidence and embrace their full potential. Sara’s background in strategic planning and team-building makes her a valuable asset to the organization, as she works to inspire and empower girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

Tifanny serves as a brand ambassador for two businesses, The Planter LLC and Girls Upstate Official. She is also employed at Ellis Hospital and the Schenectady City School District, where she dedicates herself to her true passion: helping and caring for others. In addition to her professional roles, Tifanny volunteers at Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, where she is now in her third year as a mentor. Mentoring is something she holds close to her heart, as it creates a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space for meaningful conversations. The opportunity to support, uplift, and nurture the self-esteem of others is incredibly rewarding to her, as she genuinely enjoys helping others grow.

Whitney is passionate about fostering personal well-being through her hobbies, which include gardening, cooking, yoga, journaling and exploring by the lake. These activities not only nourish her own mental health but also inspire her approach to helping others find balance and peace in their lives. Her commitment to Girls Inc. and the Council of Women for Girls is driven by a profound belief in the power of mentorship. Whitney is dedicated to empowering young women to develop confidence and leadership skills, ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive in all areas of life.

Carrie is an ambitious and fun-loving leader who brings heart and purpose to everything she does. As a lobbyist, she’s passionate about driving positive change for New Yorkers through thoughtful policy and impactful legislation. She thrives on building connections, giving back through community service, and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. Carrie is wholeheartedly committed to Girls Inc., having experienced first hand the opportunities and magic that comes from female mentorship and she is dedicated to continuing that for future generations.

Calli is a seasoned community leader and nonprofit professional with over eight years of experience dedicated to empowering individuals and driving organizational success. Having served as the Executive Director & Association Operations Director at the Capital District YMCA, Calli has been instrumental in expanding programs that foster youth development and community engagement. Her participation with Girls Inc. is driven by her desire to uplift young women and provide them with the tools and confidence to shape their futures. Calli is excited to share her journey and encourage girls to be their strongest. smartest, and boldest self.

Susan Corah is a Senior Research Scientist and Innovation Team Lead at Electro Fiber Technologies, a division of James Cropper UK. With more than 40 years of professional experience, she has held diverse roles spanning materials research, quality management, and environmental health and safety, and is a named inventor on seven U.S. patents. A lifelong lover of science, Susan’s career has focused on chemistry and materials science with applications across healthcare, aerospace, and safety. She is passionate about mentoring young women in STEM, having championed initiatives like the Engineering Institute for Young Women and Job Shadow Day, and continues that work with Girls Inc. Outside of the lab, Susan enjoys travel, photography, and the thrill of roller coasters, always embracing new perspectives and adventures.

Nicole, a committed member of the Council of Women for Girls for Girls Inc., is a dedicated mentor who takes great joy in guiding young women to reach their full potential and inspiring them to be powerful, smart, strong, bold, and successful. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Childhood Education from the College of Saint Rose, Nicole brings her background and her role as a Product and Service Project Officer to her mentorship, using her enthusiasm to make a positive impact both in the workplace and in her community. Her passion lies in empowering young women to pursue their goals with confidence and purpose.

Meredith Estrada is the Chief Experience Officer at Broadview Federal Credit Union, where she focuses on bringing hospitality and care into financial services to ensure every interaction makes people feel seen and valued. She has built her career around service and experience, beginning at The Ritz-Carlton, spending more than a decade at Madison Square Garden, and now leading customer experience strategy in the credit union space. A bilingual leader who grew up speaking Spanish, Meredith is guided by integrity, growth, and empathy, values that shape her approach to leadership and mentoring. She is passionate about supporting young people, especially those who may be the first in their family to navigate the path to college, and is excited to bring that perspective to her work with Girls Inc. Outside of work, Meredith enjoys hiking with her partner and dog, traveling, SCUBA diving, and has even twice completed the NYC Marathon.

JoAnn Swapp is the co-owner of Saratoga Wine Exchange and a retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander with 22 years of distinguished service. She began her career as a Nuclear Electrician’s Mate in 1995, later commissioning as a Limited Duty Officer and serving in leadership roles that included deploying on multiple ships and commissioning the USS Coronado (LCS 4) as Chief Engineer. Her final tour at the U.S. Naval Academy focused on mentoring midshipmen as they chose their commissioning paths. After retiring in 2018, JoAnn built a civilian career leading engineering and operations in the fiber optics and solar industries, gaining expertise in marketing, logistics, and HR. Today, she brings that same dedication and leadership to Saratoga Wine Exchange, guiding the company’s growth and success.

Renaissance Majee, a second-year medical student at Albany Medical College, is  focused on a future in Medicine-Pediatrics and primary care. She’s originally from California, and graduated with a degree in Public Health from UC San Diego. She loves traveling and reading and has a goal of finishing a book each month. Growing up, Renaissance had the chance to participate in girl-centered STEM programs, and is thrilled to now lead the Paging Dr. Liz afterschool program at Girls Inc. Albany Center. She is proud to continue inspiring girls to pursue STEM careers with confidence.

Lizzy Minnerath is a second-year medical student at Albany Medical College, aiming for a career in OB/GYN. Growing up in Minnesota, Lizzy graduated from St. Olaf College with a chemistry degree, and loves staying active and connected to nature. She is even a leader of the AMC Run Club! As Co-Mentorship Chair for the American Medical Women’s Association at Albany Med, Lizzy is passionate about supporting and advising STEM students and anyone exploring careers in medicine.

Andrea J. Samide is the Office Manager at LISSMAC Corporation, where she oversees business operations with a focus on finance and human resources. A Capital Region resident for nearly three decades, she has built her career in management roles across industries while remaining dedicated to community service. Andrea has volunteered with programs supporting youth, underserved communities, and global initiatives, including Big Sister mentoring and humanitarian efforts in Central America. Inspired by her own experiences overcoming challenges with hearing impairment and learning differences, she is passionate about empowering young people to embrace their strengths. In her free time, Andrea enjoys cycling, yoga, live sports, and the arts.