Hope’s Door Welcomes New Board Members

Hope’s Door is excited to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors. “The Hope’s Door Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Dan Lipka, Marisol Sanchez, and Melissa Szot to its Board,” states Kristen Gizzi, Hope’s Door Board President. “Each with their diverse experience and vast knowledge brings a new point of view and voice to the Board. I am excited for their contributions and the benefit they will bring to the Board and to Hope’s Door.”

Dan Lipka has been working in the non-profit sector for over 20 years and is currently the Executive Director of Making Headway Foundation, an organization dedicated to children with brain or spinal cord tumors. He has extensive non-profit experience in management, finance, research, and grants. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from SUNY Albany, and an Executive Master in Public Administration from Columbia University, Graduate School of International and Public Affairs. Dan is honored to join the Hope’s Door Board of Directors.

Marisol Sanchez holds a Bachelor of Science in Speech from Northwestern University and a MBA from New York University. She has held numerous positions as a marketing executive in the beverage, snacks and media industries. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in French, Marisol brings cultural sensitivity and marketing expertise to the Hope’s Door Board of Directors.

Melissa Szot Melissa Szot, CPA, CGMA, is a Senior Manager with PKF O’Connor Davies LLP in Harrison, New York and has been doing governmental auditing for 13 years. Melissa is originally from Southern California, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from California State Polytechnic University- Pomona, and moved to New York in late 2014. Melissa is an active member of the New York State Society of CPAs by being a member of the Government Accounting and Auditing Committee and the Public School Committee. Melissa is delighted to be a part of such a wonderful and meaningful organization like Hope’s Door. She experienced trauma throughout her life, starting from when she was a young child through her young adult years. She believes no one should have to experience any violence or trauma in their life. She is committed to Hope’s Door and its mission to end domestic violence and assist victims in healing from the trauma of abuse.

Michele Goldmeer holds a Juris Doctorate from Emory University and has been a practising lawyer for 38 years. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Kings County and has held several litigation and business strategy positions in law firms and financial companies over the last several decades, including at Kelley, Drye and Warren; Faegre Drinker; Bank of America/ Merrill; and JP Morgan Chase.