Leadership and staff

Jerry serves as the Center’s President, where he guides and oversees the executive responsibilities of the Center. He also provides strategic direction and day-to-day management of the organization’s functions.

Jerry founded the Center in 2009 after the untimely death of his wife, Barbara McDowell, from brain cancer. Read more

Maria serves as the Center’s Vice-President, where she assists in guiding and overseeing the executive responsibilities and strategic direction of the Center.

Maria previously served as the Commissioner of the New York State Division of Human Rights, CEO of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and Executive Director of the New York City Bar Justice Center.

She is a graduate of Harvard University, the NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and Harvard Law School. Throughout her career, Maria has been dedicated to increasing access to justice and community building. 

As a first chair trial and appellate attorney, George has over four decades of diverse commercial litigation experience at AM Law 100 and 200 law firms, including Quarles & Brady, Nelson Mullins and Wilmer Hale.  He has represented public and private companies in federal and state judicial, administrative and arbitral proceedings throughout the United States in connection with a variety of franchise/distribution, e-commerce, shareholder, contract/business tort, bankruptcy and real estate disputes. He also has served as litigation counsel for several internet platforms, including the world’s largest family care on-line marketplace, in connection with Section 230 immunities and safety issues.

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Danielle manages the operations and administrative functions of the Center including external relations, internal systems, and board management. Danielle holds her Master’s degree in Social Work with a Community and Policy focus from Temple University, and has over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

Wyndy leads our development team and comes to us with fifteen years of experience in fundraising, communications, and strategic development. She holds her Master’s in Fundraising and Philanthropy from New York University and her Bachelor’s in Advertising from The University of Texas

Gia is a seasoned brand marketing manager with 15 years experience in the dynamic and fast-paced advertising industry. Throughout her career, she had the opportunity to work in diverse and vibrant locations such as Dubai, Beirut, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Passionate about equality, Gia joins us as our Social Media Administrator to create powerful storytelling and engaging visuals. She aims to amplify voices, spark conversations, and drive meaningful change.