Board of Directors

The Mothers & More Board of Directors is required to demonstrate commitment to the entirety of the Mothers & More Mission and Beliefs, actively participate in governance activities of the Board, and exercise judgment in overseeing the organization's affairs. The Board of Directors has ultimate financial and legal responsibility for the health and success of the organization and its mission.   

Elections for the Mothers & More Board of Directors are held in May, however the Board can fill vacancies as they become available and volunteers can be considered at any time. Please view the Board of Directors job descriptions and apply through the Volunteer Application. You may also view policies that govern the Board’s operations.

Estelle Sobel Erasmus

   Currently resides in: Fort Lee, NJ

   With: husband Werner and daughter, Crystal

   Member of Mothers & More since: August 2009

   Chapter affiliation: Bergen, NJ Chapter 40

   Past volunteer positions with Mothers & More: Chapter 40
   Advocacy Coordinator (2010 and 2011) for Power of a Purse themed
   Mother’s Day campaign. Developed a partnership with Dress for Success
   Hudson County for Power of a Purse 2011 campaign.

   Currently: Advocacy Coordinator, Programming Committee, Newsletter
   Copy Editor (2011/2012)

Educational Background: BA in Communications, minor in advertising and public relations, Boston University, Boston, MA

Work Background: Journalism, Magazine and Website Publishing, Author. Currently I write a weekly parenting column for AOL/Patch Fort Lee called “Mom’s Talk Q & A,” and I am the Teachable Moments Reporter for examiner.com (Jersey City location).

Estelle says:  Mothers & More provided me with a starting point with which to create my new life as a mother after the birth of my daughter in 2009. The organization has helped me meet new friends, has focused my attention on important issues and regulations impacting women and mothers, and has enabled me to use my skills to help my Chapter (40) support mothers in need.

I believe that serving on the Board, I can combine my passion for addressing financial and emotional issues facing mothers and the often incorrect perception of the “value” of a mother, with my journalism background and experience in developing partnerships. In addition, I would like the opportunity to use my network of contacts to enable our organization to continue to fulfill its mission and to build a better future for all women and mothers.

Wokie Nwabueze

   Currently resides in: South Orange, NJ

   With: husband, two daughters and furry dog

   Member of Mothers & More since:2008

   Chapter affiliation: Maplewood/South Orange, NJ Chapter 128

   Past volunteer positions with Mothers & More: Co-leader,
   Mom-Owned Business Group

   Currently: Mothers & More Board Director since May 2011

   Educational Background: Bachelors of Arts in International Relations
   from Wellesley College and Juris Doctor from Columbia University School
    of Law

Work Background: Attorney, certified mediator and conflict coach. Small business owner.

Wokie says: Mothers & More has helped me to connect with amazing women as I assumed and embraced my new identity and role as a mother. The connections I've made have been invaluable and I will always cherish this organization for making those connections possible. As the mother of two girls, I am fully conscious of how important it is for me to be my best self as my daughters watch me to learn how to be a girl, a woman and quite possibly, a mother in the future. The support and resources I've gained through Mothers & More have only made it easier for me to be the role model for them that I want to be.

As a Director on our Board, I hope to use my corporate, legal and entrepreneurial training to help Mothers & More expand its reach, enhance its membership, continue to secure its financial footing and work to impact mothers by sharing our voice in various legislative, educational and social arenas.

Alkistis Callaizakis Meimaris

Currently resides in: Fort Lee, NJ

With: husband Vassilios, daughter Eleni, parents Helen and Alkis and dog, parrot and beta fish!

Member of Mothers & More since: February, 2013

Chapter affiliation: Bergen, NJ, Chapter 40

Educational Background: Juris Doctorate, Brooklyn Law School, M.A. in International Political and Economic Development from Fordham University

Work Background: Has worked as Head of Global Corporate Development and Training and Deputy Compliance Officer for a former NASDAQ listed International Full Service Shipping Company. She also worked as a Special Advisor to the Permanent Greek Mission to the United Nations. Alkistis has been involved in many philanthropic efforts. One of her proudest is being one of the founders of an organization for the female family members of the crew and officers of the shipping company in the Philippines. The organization provided, training, support and resources for the woman to empower themselves personally, educationally, financially and emotionally. This in turn, enabled them to support each other, their families and Philippine society while their husbands were away at sea. She also taught and developed International Law and International Relations courses at various Universities. She is admitted to the New York Bar.

Alkistis says: “Having a child later in life has been the most important and rewarding achievement of my life. As a Board Member I hope to share some of my passion, enthusiasm,and experience in women’s issues, whether or not we are working for pay, with Mothers & More. It is my belief that when women stand together and support each other, our potential for achievement is endless.” Alkistis will be an asset on legal issues, and use her contacts to help Mothers & More make more philanthropic connections and grow as an Organization. She also mentors college students and has participated in fundraising for the Children’s Cancer Society.

Personal Interests and Hobbies: Politics, Composing Music, Writing, and running a company in which she designs and creates jewelry.

Paula Marcotte

Paula's term concludes June, 2013. We are grateful for her dedicated service as our Board President, and we bid her a fond farewell.

   Currently resides in: Poughkeepsie, NY

   With: husband Scott, daughter Camille, and son Phil

   Mothers & More member since: March 1995

   Chapter affiliation: Currently unchaptered, former member of
   Broome/Tioga, NY Chapter 52

   Past volunteer positions with Mothers & More: Chapter 52 Co-leader,
   Book Club Coordinator, Seasoned Moms Coordinator, Advocacy Chair,
   Playgroup Coordinator, New Member Contact Liaison; Regional Manager

Currently: Seasoned Moms Loop Moderator, Writing Moms Loop Moderator

Educational Background: BA in English, journalism minor

Work Background: Worked as nursing assistant for 10 years, currently freelance writing

Personal Interests/Hobbies: politics, reading, walking, theater, concerts, entertaining.
 
Paula says: From the time that I joined, Mothers & More has been such a valuable resource to me. From helping me to cope with the early years, and continuing support and encouragement during the “terrible teens,” fellow members have always rallied to my side and each other’s sides. Lifelong friendships have been made and new friendships await. As an unchaptered member, the fun and advice I have received from members from all over the country on any and every subject on our Member Loops keeps me feeling refreshed and as if I am on the right track in both mothering and life. The camaraderie and non-judgmental nature of “my” Seasoned Moms Loop is truly a beautiful thing!
 
I hope to give back to the organization that has given so much to me. I am eager to see us move forward in using new technology and at the same time keep our mission alive; that of support for women as both mothers and people. As a long time member, I hope to focus on member retention, and as a loop moderator I have a special interest in seeing our loops continue to provide a place for members to seek advice and feel at home.

Julia Porterfield

Currently resides in: Highlands Ranch, CO With: husband Rusty, daughter,and son Mothers & More member since: I first joined Mothers & More in 2007, but moved away in 2009. I rejoined in 2011 when I moved back to Colorado. Chapter affiliation: Currently unchaptered, former member of Highlands Ranch/Centennial, CO Chapter 357 Past volunteer positions with Mothers & More: Chapter 357 Fundraising Chair Currently: Mothers & More Treasurer

Educational Background: BA in Journalism from Colorado State University and MS in Forensic Science from the University of New Haven

Work Background: Currently employed as marketing/practice specialist at a local surgeons office. Previously with a large regional physical therapy company at an executive level. Also small business owner.

Julia says: Mothers & More changed my life both personally and professionally. My son was still an infant and I was at that place of “now what?”. I attended one meeting and was pleasantly surprised to see the overwhelming support each member gave to one another as well as to me — a new member. Being involved as a volunteer at the local level also allowed me to apply my experiences to my work which helped advance me in my career.

As a board member I hope to apply my management, marketing and financial experience to help evolve the organization. I believe the mission of Mothers & More is still an important one to cherish and want to introduce it to new mothers with the same “what next?” mentality that I had 5 years ago.

If you have any questions about the Board, please contact us at info@mothersandmore.org.