March 13, 2026 — When Region 1 Coordinator Vinny Cicatello into the position after winning a special election in June 2025, he aspired to reinvigorate several of the Region’s committees, including the Women’s Committee.
The first step, he said, was finding the right leaders.
“Kayla Mootry is enthusiastic, and she is a part of the statewide committee,” he said of his pick for co-chair, who works with him at Buffalo Psychiatric Center. “She is perfect for this role.”
There will be a relaunch meeting at 5 p.m. on April 7 and Cicatello and Mootry hope to get a good turnout.
“We are really trying to provide a safe space, to support and empower members,” Mootry said, “so people can be heard and grow in their personal, work and union lives. A lot of people don’t want to put themselves out there. We want to provide a space to support them and let them be heard.”
The Women’s Committee welcomes any participants, not just women, Mootry emphasized.
Cicatello said the kickoff meeting is just a start. From there, they hope the committee will grow, including selection of a co-chair to work with Mootry on the revitalized committee.
Feedback will be important along the way.
“Getting dedicated people and getting member input will be essential,” he said.
Reach out to Mootry with questions or to join the committee by emailing mootry0824@yahoo.com. RSVP to the April 7 event is required. It will be held at the Region 1 Office, 4950 Genesee St., Suite 150, Cheektowaga, N.Y. 14225.