Center for Women in Government & Civil Society (CWGCS) Staff

Dina Refki, D.A., is the Executive Director of CWGCS. She oversees implementation of the Center’s mission, vision and objectives. Dr. Refki provides leadership in developing the Center’s strategic planning, and in preparing operational and financial plans. She establishes partnerships with stakeholders, including: community groups, nonprofits, state agencies and regional businesses to advance the Center's goals. She represents the Center and its programs with agencies, organizations and the general public. She received a doctorate in Humanistic Studies and a Master of Arts in Africana Studies from the University at Albany. She is an adjunct faculty, teaching world history, women's studies and immigration studies. Her research is focused on advancing gender equity in leadership positions and facilitating the integration of immigrant women. Dr. Refki is a 2000 Fellow on Women & Public Policy. Email Dina

Diana Abbas is Senior Research Aide at CWGCS, conducting research on the Role of Women in Government in Uganda, working on writing grant proposals, and assisting with event planning. Diana has a BA in Public Administration and Policy and a minor in Psychology from the American University of Beirut. A  Fulbright Scholar from Lebanon, she is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (Global Affairs and Policy Analysis) at Rockefeller College. Email Diana

Amy Barasch, Esq. is a Senior Research Associate at CWGCS. Ms. Barasch is the former Executive Director of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. Prior to her appointment, Director Barasch worked for the New York City Mayor's Office to Combat Domestic Violence, where she developed programs and policy, ultimately running the State’s first Family Justice Center. Ms. Barasch received her J.D. from Columbia University in 1996, and her B.A. from Brown University in 1986. She is a recognized expert in the areas of domestic violence, trafficking, and gender, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to research and program development.Email Amy

Bonnie Beard is Program Director of CWGCS. Ms. Beard has 25 years experience working with diverse and multicultural groups, both in the United States and abroad, designing and implementing educational program in the professional nonprofit world. Utilizing national and international networks and resources, she works in all Center program areas with an emphasis on the development and management of Women & Leadership. Ms. Beard holds a BS in Cultural Anthropology with graduate study in Multicultural Service, Management and Leadership from SIT/World Learning. Email Bonnie

Abigya Eshete is a Project Coordinator at CWGCS, providing support for all programs and projects. Ms. Eshete previously worked for the Center as a Research Assistant on the Charitable Barometer Study. She received her B.A. in Globalization Studies from the University at Albany. Email Abigya

Sue Faerman, Ph.D. is Academic Chair of the Women's Leadership Academy and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Distinguished Teaching Professor of Public Administration and Policy in the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy at the University at Albany – SUNY. Her teaching and research interests focus on the paradoxical nature of managerial and organizational performance. Within this area, she has focused on leadership, including managerial transitions and management education and development; and conflict and interorganizational collaboration, particularly under conditions where organizations are, by definition, in an adversarial or competitive position. She has authored or co-authored several books, articles, and book chapters that develop the notion of paradox in managerial or organizational performance. In 2000, Dr. Faerman received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2003, she received the Leslie A. Whittington Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration. She received her B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University, her M.S. in Applied Mathematics from George Washington University, and her Ph.D in Public Administration from the University at Albany – SUNY. Email Sue

Cara Long is the Deputy Director at CWGCS. She works on several program areas at the Center including; Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Women's Leadership. Ms. Long is responsible for planning and creating the Center's outreach and marketing plans and materials, as well as planning and implementing the outreach component of all center programs. She holds a M.A. in Media Production from Emerson College. Email Cara

Judith Saidel, Ph.D is a Senior Research Associate at the Center. Dr. Saidel served as the Center's Executive Director for 18 years. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Public Administration, University at Albany. Dr. Saidel is a renowned expert in nonprofit management and governance. Her research focuses on gender, race and ethnicity of appointed policy makers in state government and understanding the factors that influence advancement of women to leadership positions in appointed policy making and influencing positions. Email Judith