Meet the Team!
Executive Director
Jan holds an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Maryland. and a graduate degree from Syracuse University. After moving to Ithaca from Washington, D.C. in the 1970’s, she helped organize and served as a co-coordinator of the Ithaca Chapter of the National Organization for Women.
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She has worked in several local nonprofit organizations, including the Tompkins County Mental Health Association, Family & Children’s Services of Ithaca, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County. In addition to her work in the nonprofit world, Jan has been a freelance writer since 2008. Her stories and photos have appeared in numerous regional and national magazines. In March 2021, she accepted the position as Executive Director with the Women’s Opportunity Center and in June 2021, her book Begged, Borrowed & Stolen published by Rowman & Littlefield, was released. She has three very grown children, one perfect granddaughter, and co-habits in Freeville with a frenemy cat named Leslie/Luther.
Operations Manager
Mel serves as Operations Manager at the Women’s Opportunity Center, where she oversees the day-to-day systems that keep the organization running effectively. Her work spans financial management, payroll, human resources, and operational coordination, ensuring accuracy, accountability, and consistency across all programs.
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Known for her attention to detail and strong organizational skills, Mel plays a critical role in maintaining the infrastructure behind WOC’s mission. From managing complex data to supporting staff and program operations, she brings a steady, solutions-focused approach to every aspect of her work.
Mara mancini
Resource Navigator
A passionate advocate for empowerment, she joined the Women's Opportunity Center (WOC) to help further its mission. Her strong administrative abilities and diverse professional background provide a solid foundation for her work. As one of the first points of contact for WOC in Syracuse, she is dedicated to understanding the needs of those who reach out and collaborating with them on their journey to success. She feels honored and grateful to work for a non-profit and contribute positively to her community.
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Describing herself as a "big personality," she's known for being very animated. She sees herself as a perpetual work in progress, constantly adapting to new challenges. Her flexible nature extends to her personal style, which can range from a button-up and bowtie one day to a flowing summer dress the next. She has a wide array of interests, but her current passion is aggressive inline skating. An open book, she welcomes any questions.
WOC Cares Coordinator
Introducing Ronnise Way, the dynamo driving the Opportunity Boutique, where style meets social impact. As the force behind this chic second-hand haven, Ronnise crafts a space where fashion fuels empowerment. Her mission? To equip women reentering the workforce with trendy clothing and accessories while championing sustainability through reuse and repurposing.
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But that's not all—Ronnise is a multitasking maestro. Balancing her role at the boutique, she's pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Community and Human Services at SUNY Empire State College. Her studies reflect her dedication to nurturing communities, blending trendy fashion with a heart for community impact.
Trendy fashion meets social change in Ronnise's world. Her flair for style harmonizes seamlessly with her passion for empowering women. With each curated piece at WOC Community Closet, Ronnise amplifies the ethos of sustainability and upliftment.
At the intersection of fashion and social impact, Ronnise shines, proving that empowerment and chic style go hand in hand. Join her on this stylish journey where trendy threads meet a heart dedicated to making a difference. Together, let's weave a tapestry of empowerment, sustainability, and fabulous fashion!
Entrepreneurship Education and Innovation Coordinator
Stephanie King is an entrepreneurship educator, program innovator, and advocate focused on advancing women’s economic independence. As the Entrepreneurship Education and Innovation Coordinator at the Women’s Opportunity Center, she leads initiatives that equip women with the skills, resources, and opportunities to build sustainable income and long-term security.
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She is the creator of the Her+ Entrepreneurship Program, the Made by Her Marketplace, and She Can Academy—an initiative designed to teach women practical tools for independence across business, financial stability, and everyday life skills. Together, these programs support women in launching businesses, generating income, and building self-sufficient futures. Through collaborations with partners such as Shared Kitchen Ithaca, she expands access to training, resources, and market opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs.
Strategic Life Coach
Tere joined The Syracuse branch of WOC as a Strategic Life coach in January of 2025. She is passionate about helping people overcome obstacles through dispelling self limiting beliefs, developing a greater sense of self worth, and taking actionable steps to find their true north. Tere has been a personal coach and spiritual mentor for over a decade, and brings an accessible, holistic approach to working with WOC clients.