The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces Addition of Ray Telang and the Honorable Victoria Roberts (Ret.) to Board of Trustees
Detroit, MI / Buffalo, NY (April 4, 2025) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Ramesh “Ray” Telang and the Honorable Victoria A. Roberts (Ret.) to its Board of Trustees. Telang, a seasoned financial expert, and Judge Roberts, a highly respected former federal judge, bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the Foundation as it continues its mission to make a lasting impact in Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
Telang, a longtime leader in financial and business consulting, has served as a non-trustee member of the Foundation’s Finance Committee since 2020 He will assume the at-large board position previously held by Gerald “Jerry” Mazurkiewicz, who will transition to a non-trustee member role on the Finance Committee. Telang brings more than three decades of experience in auditing, business risk management, and internal control consulting. As Lead Client & Senior Relationship Partner at PwC, he has earned a reputation for his strategic approach to complex business issues, particularly within the transportation and consumer markets sectors.
Judge Roberts, a distinguished legal professional and Detroit native, joins the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, filling the at-large position previously held by Frank Fountain. She was commissioned as a U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan in 1998 by President William J. Clinton and served with distinction for over two decades. She has been a trailblazer in the legal field, advocating for justice, inclusion, and community engagement. Prior to her federal appointment, she managed a prominent Detroit law firm, served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, and held leadership roles in numerous legal organizations. Judge Roberts has also been a dedicated educator, mentoring young lawyers and training legal professionals both domestically and internationally. She currently serves as a neutral mediator/arbitrator at JAMS.
“As we enter the second half of the Foundation’s limited lifespan, Ray’s financial expertise and Victoria’s legal acumen will be invaluable in guiding our strategic grantmaking and governance,” said Mary Wilson, Life Trustee and Board Chair of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Ray’s deep understanding of financial systems and business strategy will support our efforts to maximize impact, while Victoria’s commitment to justice and inclusion will ensure that our initiatives remain aligned with the communities we serve.”
A lifelong resident of the Detroit region, Telang has been actively involved in economic development and education initiatives. His leadership roles at the Detroit Regional Chamber, Detroit Regional Partnership, Business Leaders for Michigan, Detroit Economic Club, and Downtown Detroit Partnership reflect his commitment to strengthening local communities. With a B.B.A. from the University of Michigan and a CPA license in Michigan, he has held several key positions within PwC, including U.S. Automotive Leader and Detroit Office & Market Managing Partner.
Judge Roberts’ career has been defined by her dedication to public service and legal excellence. As the only Black female president of the State Bar of Michigan, she has paved the way for countless aspiring lawyers. Her work as a mediator in Detroit’s bankruptcy case, along with her extensive contributions to legal education and international training, underscores her ability to foster collaboration and drive meaningful change.
With their appointments, Telang and Judge Roberts join the Foundation’s three life trustees, Jeffrey C. Littmann, Mary Owen, and Mary Wilson, along with at-large trustees David Colligan, and Elizabeth Woike. Non-trustee committee members include Thomasina “Tina” Stenhouse, Monique Wells, Howard Morris, and Jerry Mazurkiewicz.
Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation Announces New Staff Hire & Promotions in 2025
Foundation adds Nicole de Beaufort to the staff; and promotes Sarah Truax, Marissa Rossman, Kate Partington, Kari Pardoe, and Eric Phamdo
Detroit, MI – (April 4, 2025) – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is pleased to announce a series of staff promotions and a key new addition to its leadership team. Marissa Rossman and Kate Partington have been promoted to Program Officers, while Kari Pardoe and Eric Phamdo have advanced to Senior Program Officers. Sarah Truax has stepped into the role of Learning Manager. Additionally, the Foundation welcomes Nicole de Beaufort as Senior Director of Communications and Learning.
As the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation reaches the midpoint of its spend-down timeline, the need for enhanced communications and deeper learning has become increasingly important. In an exciting advancement in strategy, the communications and learning teams have joined forces into one unified department aimed at enhancing storytelling and providing crucial resources to grantee partners that will help advance and extend the work of the Foundation. Nicole de Beaufort, with her deep expertise in philanthropy, communications, and learning, is a uniquely skilled leader that will guide the bespoke department. Her background in consulting and strategic storytelling will be key in helping the Foundation share powerful stories of the communities they support and advance their mission in the most meaningful way.
“We recognized early on how important communications and learning would be to our work. Over the past 10 years, we’ve learned that they achieve their greatest impact when working together as one team,” said David Egner, President & CEO of the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. “Bringing on a Senior Director of Learning and Communications at this pivotal moment, approaching the halfway point of our foundation’s lifespan, is a strategic decision. Our staff faces the unique challenge of keeping our eventual exit in mind as we move forward. By merging these two departments, we’re excited about the opportunity to coordinate storytelling, enhance transparency, and streamline information sharing in a unified, cohesive way.”
Sarah Truax joined the Foundation in 2022 as a Council of Michigan Foundations fellow, later serving as a Learning Associate. She now takes on the role of Learning Manager. Kate Partington joined the Foundation in 2022 as a Program Associate and has been promoted to Program Officer. Marissa Rossman joined in 2021 and has been elevated to Program Officer. Kari Pardoe has also been with the Foundation since 2021 and has been promoted to Senior Program Officer. Eric Phamdo joined the Foundation in 2020 and now steps into the role of Senior Program Officer.
The Foundation congratulates all newly promoted staff members and welcomes Nicole de Beaufort to the team. These strategic shifts will further support the Foundation’s mission to make lasting and meaningful contributions to the communities it serves.
Community Foundation Announces 2024 Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts & Culture Initiative Grants Supporting Small to Medium-Sized Arts Organizations
Organizations supporting local entrepreneurial space get needed boost
National Comedy Center Launches Memory Café
Exhale, The Family Caregiver Initiative Invests in Establishing Memory Café Programs at Arts and Culture Institutions Across Buffalo and WNY
The initiative is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Health Foundation for Western and Central New York to serve caregivers and their care partners living with memory loss.
BUFFALO, NY, December 3, 2024 – Today, Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative, in partnership with the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York, announced more than $323,000 in grant funding to 11 arts and culture organizations across Buffalo and the Western New York region to support the development and launch of new memory café programs. With the increase in Americans who have or are expected to have Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in the coming years, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, memory cafés are expanding across the United States and now in WNY, to offer a welcoming and inclusive environment that provides essential support to caregivers and their loved ones.
Memory cafés are regularly occurring gatherings tailored to bring together caregivers and their care partners living with dementia-related illnesses, including Alzheimer’s, for programming that encourages connection and other life enrichment that can lead to better health and wellbeing for all participants. Replicated worldwide, the memory café model can be offered in a wide range of settings and feature a wide range of programming.
“Caregivers often share that the demands of appointments, planning and medication schedules can overshadow the heart of their relationship with their loved one,” said Misha Stallworth West, Program Officer for Caregivers at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Memory cafés give caregivers and their care partners a space to set those responsibilities aside, even if just for a moment, and to center joy and connection instead. They offer a breath of relief – a place for caregivers and their loved ones to reconnect through shared laughter, art and music, while building mutual support with others on the same journey.”
The 11 Exhale grant recipients include: Artpark & Company; The Ashford Hollow Foundation; Buffalo History Museum; Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences; Burchfield Penney Art Center; Cradle Beach, Inc.; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House Corporation; Hispanic Heritage Council of Western New York, Inc.; National Comedy Center; Niagara Arts & Cultural Center and Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, Inc.
“The Health Foundation is proud to collaborate with The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation on Exhale, the Family Caregiver Initiative,” said Nora OBrien-Suric, PhD, President of the Health Foundation for Western & Central New York. “As more people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, memory cafés can serve a powerful and innovative role in supporting caregivers and the people they care for. Whether through music, art, or even comedy, these special cafés will provide a meaningful respite and an expressive outlet.”
Memory café programming within arts and cultural institutions offers an opportunity for caregivers to reengage in their interests, while also nurturing their relationship with their loved one. While the focus of the gatherings is not on the illness, activities and programming may benefit overall health, keeping older adult attendees mentally and socially active while also providing a positive, supportive and bonding experience for caregivers of all ages. Memory cafés can also be a conduit to other resources, referrals and networks of caregiver support.
“The connection between health and art is very important to us at the Burchfield Penney Art Center. Thanks to the generous support of the Ralph Wilson Foundation and the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, we are proud to offer Memory Café programming, creating meaningful opportunities for individuals experiencing memory loss and their caregivers,” said Kathy Shiroki, Outreach and Adult Programming Educator at Burchfield Penney Art Center. “The positive feedback from participants has been inspiring, and we are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and creative space where art is a source of comfort, connection and joy.”
After a scan and survey soliciting interest from art and culture organizations across the region in 2023, these 11 organizations joined Exhale’s Memory Café Collective, an 18-month program designed to provide training and support for participating organizations to plan, implement and sustain vibrant and successful memory cafés.
With each organization’s memory café plans and concepts completed and grant funding issued, some organizations have already begun roll out their memory café programming — like Café Del Sol at the Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY – and with all programs up and running by early 2025. Participation for caregivers and their care recipients will be completely free of charge for people with memory loss and dementia-related illnesses.
“Café Del Sol reflects the core mission of the Hispanic Heritage Council by celebrating and preserving our rich cultural heritage while fostering inclusion and community engagement. By offering culturally meaningful music, performances, and activities inspired by the traditions of the Caribbean and Latin America, we provide a supportive space where Spanish-speaking and bilingual individuals who are experiencing memory or cognitive challenges, can connect with loved ones through shared cultural experiences. This initiative strengthens cultural identity, promotes social connection, and honors the legacy of our vibrant Hispanic community,” said Casimiro D. Rodriguez Sr., President of Hispanic Heritage Council of WNY
The funding is structured to give each organization the investment needed to not only ensure a strong launch, but also provide a foundation for these memory cafés to thrive over the coming year and beyond with guidance from Exhale on long-term sustainability.
Exhale’s Memory Café initiative is part of the organization’s expanding network of caregiver respite programs across Southeast Michigan and Western New York. First launched in 2019, Exhale is an opportunity for businesses and organizations to work together to find innovative solutions that provide local caregivers an opportunity to breathe a little easier. To date, Exhale has helped 135 partner organizations create 38 caregiver respite projects in New York and Michigan.
To learn more about Exhale and the Exhale Memory Café Collective initiative, visit www.exhaleforcaregivers.org.
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About Exhale
Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative funds innovative collaborative projects that are reimagining respite and increasing respite opportunities for family caregivers of older adults. Respite, a period of rest or relief, can play a key role in reinforcing caregiver well-being and effectiveness, leading to better health, social-emotional outcomes, and lower costs of care for family caregivers and older adults they care for. Read more about Exhale at www.exhaleforcaregivers.org.
About Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue his life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information, visit www.rcwjrf.org.
Health Foundation for Western & Central New York
The Health Foundation for Western & Central New York is an independent private foundation that advocates for continuous improvement in health and health care by investing in the people and organizations that serve young children and older adults. For more information, visit www.hfwcny.org.
Media Contact:
Maura Trigilio
Crowley Webb for Exhale
maura.trigilio@crowleywebb.com, 716.856.2932