Local Leaders Invited to White House Forum On Strengthening Communities (Copy)

On December 14th, Buffalo Common Councilwoman elect Zeneta Everhart (shown at right) and WNY Women’s Foundation CEO Sheri Scavone (left) traveled to Washington, D.C. to represent Western New York at a White House event called, Communities in Action: Building a Better New York. The event was part of a White House series that features local elected officials and community leaders working on behalf of their communities to create opportunities and improve people’s everyday lives. The program also highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s investments and impacts in communities across New York.

Both Everhart and Scavone had an opportunity to speak at the gathering. Everhart, a long-time community advocate prior to her November election to the Common Council, focused on gun violence and inequities on the East Side of Buffalo.

his opportunity to meet with the White House administration is a game changer for the city of Buffalo. As the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for NYS Senator Tim Kennedy and in my new role as the Councilwoman elect for the Masten District, it is imperative that I continue to make these connections with the federal government to ensure that they understand the needs of our residents first hand,” explained Everhart.

“This is about building a nationwide network that will help in building a better Buffalo for everyone. The East Side of Buffalo deserves representatives who are willing to foster these relationships and go to work for them. I want to thank the Biden-Harris administration for keeping Buffalo at the table and I know that this relationship will only get stronger,” she added.

Scavone delivered remarks on the impact of federal policy and stimulus dollars on child care for working women, child care small businesses and on advancing intersectional gender equity.

"We're honored to have been selected as one of two representatives from Western New York for this event," said Sheri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women's Foundation. "As the leading women's advocacy organization for issues impacting women in our region, the WNY Women's Foundation educates and engages decision makers to advance policies and funding at all levels of government.”