Meet the team
Sam Bennett, President/CEO
Sam joined the WCF team as President/CEO in March 2009. Sam looks forward to building on the great work of WCF and expanding our presence, support, and membership throughout the country. Her experience as a leader and candidate will serve WCF well. In 2008, Sam ran one of the most successful challenger campaigns for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 15th district. In addition to her political pursuits, Sam also currently serves as the Statewide Director and CEO of Properties of Merit of PA, Inc., a non-profit organization that works to spur citizen involvement and “bottom-up” private and public investment in the critical work of revitalizing communities. Now a 20-year resident of Allentown, Pennsylvania, Sam is married to Martin Estrada, a computer professional and has three children; a seven-year-old son, and two college-age daughters.
Erin Cutraro, Vice President & Political Director
As the Vice President and Political Director of WCF, Erin is responsible for leading WCF programs and political operations including the highly successful She Should Run program to encourage women to become involved in the political process. In addition, Erin leads all candidate endorsements made by WCF PAC and the research efforts of the WCF Foundation. Before joining WCF, Erin designed and implemented a variety of strategic programs for companies, campaigns and organizations that traverse the public policy, non-profit and financial business arenas. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Missouri and a master’s degree in Communication from Saint Louis University.
Tanya Batalska, Finance & Operations Director
As the Finance and Operations Director, Tanya is the backbone of WCF and WCF Foundation. She manages the financial operations and ensures that the office procedures and systems meet the organizational objectives. Prior to joining the WCF team, Tanya redeveloped and maintained the operational and financial systems of IMEX Management Inc., recreated their database, improved the computer network, and reprogrammed the company’s phone system. By executing those various projects, Tanya ensured the impeccable operation of the office. Tanya holds an MBA in Finance from Winthrop University in South Carolina, a bachelor’s in Administrative Systems Management and a bachelor’s in Hospitality Management from Concord University in West Virginia.
Niya Apostolova, Research & Operations Coordinator
Niya is the Research and Operations Coordinator for Women’s Campaign Forum and WCF Foundation. She is a graduate from Concord University, WV and has a degree in Marketing and in Management. Niya has also been awarded “Marketing Scholar” for 2008 from Concord University and was a finalist at WVU 2008-2009 Business Plan Competition. She has conducted various research projects and completed an internship program at a top 10 Consulting Company in Washington, DC.
Lauren Martin, New Media Manager
Lauren manages WCF’s online communications efforts, including the website, social networking, new media, and email campaigns. Prior to joining the WCF team, she handled video production, social media, and data maintenance for NARAL Pro-Choice America. Before entering the nonprofit world, she worked on outreach and conference planning for Tetra Tech, Inc., an environmental contracting firm. Originally from Albany, NY, Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Ithaca College.
Sebastian Dawiskiba, Development Coordinator
In his position, Sebastian manages individual donor relations as well as all scheduling for WCF President/CEO, Sam Bennett. Prior to joining the team at WCF, Sebastian worked on two Congressional campaigns, helping with finance and fundraising. He was an intern with Denver Mayor John W. Hickenlooper, Denver City Councilwoman Carol Boigon, and the Colorado State Senate. Sebastian graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science.
Melanie Stickle, Development Coordinator
As the Development Coordinator for WCF, Melanie collaborates with the rest of the development team to maximize membership through events. Annual events include Parties of your Choice, Hail to the Chiefs, and Hail to the Future Chiefs. In the 2007-2008 election cycle she campaigned in Iowa during the Presidential primary for Chris Dodd. Melanie continued to Florida to coordinate fundraising efforts and plan events nationwide for Congressional Candidate Christine Jennings. She graduated from The Ohio State University in three years with a Political Science degree.
Julie Daniels, Program Manager
Julie manages the operations and
marketing of the award-winning She Should Run program. She also assists with
outreach and management of the WCF PAC endorsement program, WCF Fellowship
Program and Next Generation program. Julie is a recent graduate of Salem College where she majored in
Not-for-Profit Management and International Relations.