Joan Karff’s Women on the Way Up’s volunteer Executive Director and working Board include a number of alumnae from the program itself. Leadership conducts fundraising, connects alumnae, and provides direct education to fulfill and expand Joan Karff’s vision. Joan Karff’s Women on the Way Up is a 501(c)3 program reliant upon donations to continue its mission.
Christine Laskin
Executive Director
Christine has been leading the JKWOWU program as a volunteer since the 2016-2017 school year and draws much inspiration from the standard set by Joan. Educated in business and financial management, and a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, Christine takes special joy in helping her students gain life skills, embrace wellness, and identify their calling, all the while keeping Joan Karff’s legacy alive. In addition to running the weekly meetings, Christine works with the board to fundraise and generate new ideas to promote and enhance the program.
Frances Brooks
Photo Coming Soon
Rita Graves
Principal, Lamar High School
Board of Directors
Cristina Betancourt
Secretary
Lauren Kaufman Blachman
Development Chair
Illneisha Davis
Alumnae Chair
Thu-Mai Ngyuen
Strategic Planning Chair
Dr. Gary Patterson
President
Lisa Pollock
Treasurer
Eboni Graham
Board Member
Shunney Nair
Board Member
Jaclyn Nguyen
Board Member
Ahna Ramos
Board Member
Regina Rogers
Board Member
Barbara Samuels
Board Member
Liz Seitz
Board Member
Gracie Padron Steimle
Board Member
Advisory Board
Zyania Benavides
Amy Karff Halevy
Ray Reiner
Rachel Karff Weissenstein
Amy Seigle
Interested in volunteering with Women on the Way Up?