2017 Roots & Wings Award Recipients
Our annual Roots & Wings award was established in 2014 to formally recognize WGGS members who have labored with love in service to our girls (our roots) and, our community partners who have consistently supported us. Roots & Wings recipients have changed girls’ lives for the
better, and we’re so pleased to share why they’ve earned our gratitude & admiration.
This year we’re proud to honor Miriam Butzel, Ebony Belmar, and the clinicians of the Schenectady City School District.
Miriam Butzel : If you’ve ever attended Girls’ Day Out or a Celebration Dinner, you would instantly recognize the kindness and compassion that Miriam has for the girls. She can always be found chatting away with them, showing her genuine interest in their lives and aspirations. Miriam’s ability to make connections with the girls embodies our mission to help girls feel valued and connected. Her generous donations over the years have helped our circles make a difference.
Ebony Belmar: Ebony is one of the founding mothers of the WGGS. In truth, her boundless energy, strength of character, creative vision, and deep understanding of the needs and
challenges the girls face are the core of the organization. Ebony is the tie that binds the WGGS and the SCSD. Her deep love for this community and it’s youth are at the foundation of all she does.
The Clinicians of the Schenectady City School District: These wonderful women have volunteered countless hours on behalf of our program and the girls we serve: assisting us with chaperoning field trips, collecting permission slips, and organizing circles. We could not provide the support, connections and inspiration to the girls in Schenectady without the support of these
dedicated women.
Ebony Belmar, Eileen Berlanti, Kenia Bustillo, Jean Borger
Aubrey Clements, Julie Cleveland, Melanie Farina
Amanda Fiske, Colleen Guy, Lisa Maselli
Ellen Mueller, Tymesia Nabors, Bridget Skopas
Amanda Dray, Cathy Snyder, Ellen Tremblay
(Pictured: Ebony Belmar, Ellen Tremblay, Melanie Farina, Cathy Snyder, Julie Cleveland, Kenia Bustillo, Tymesia Nabors.)