MEDIA CONTACT:
Valerie Sandoval, President
vsandoval@weabalt.org
(520) 256-4221
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Women’s Education Alliance Announces New Board Members
New Board Members will further strengthen board effectiveness
through significant expertise in areas of Law, Finance, and Education Leadership
Baltimore, MD: October 26, 2026 – Women’s Education Alliance (WEA) announces four new board members who bring significant career experience in Law, Finance, and Education Leadership to the nonprofit work that supports and enhances the ability of students in Baltimore City to receive a quality education.
The WEA Board recently welcomed Francis (Fran) Contino as a member, elected to serve as Interim Chair for a one-year term due to the untimely passing of his wife, co-founder, and Board Chair, Betty Contino. Fran will guide the Board through this transition, completing the restructuring and succession planning that Betty and the Board began. He will also help strengthen WEA's fundraising and development efforts, expand support for donor relationships, and identify his successor to ensure strong Board leadership for the future. Fran Contino adds, “It’s my honor to join the WEA Board as Interim Chair to ensure Betty’s mission will carry on with new leadership. We’re excited to expand the board by three additional members who bring essential expertise and insight to our work and a sustainable organization now and in the future.”
The Board also established a new Vice Chair position and elected Kathleen Filippelli to serve as Vice Chair. Kathleen will also continue her leadership role as Chair of the Education Committee and as a member of the Executive & Governance Committee.
In addition to Fran Contino, WEA also named new officers for the Board positions of Treasurer and Secretary. The new board members have begun their three-year terms with WEA and can serve a maximum of two terms. The three new board members are:
Steve Endres, CPA – Treasurer; Chair, Finance, Audit & Investment Committee; Executive & Governance Committee
Katherine Lawler, Esq. – Secretary; Executive & Governance Committee
Mary Beth Lennon – Finance, Audit & Investment Committee
Betty had a wonderful gift for bringing people together, and these newest members reflect her thoughtful vision for WEA's future. While we deeply miss Betty's energy, enthusiasm, and extraordinary spirit, her vision lives on through the dedication of our Board, our WEA team, and the generosity of our WEA family. As Betty so often reminded us, it's all about the children!
Please visit the WEA website to learn more about the Women’s Education Alliance.
Women’s Education Alliance (WEA) assists in the education and formation of qualified Pre-K through 12th grade students by providing scholarships to Catholic Community Schools serving economically disadvantaged families in Baltimore City. In addition to a quality academic education, WEA also provides school support services which enhance each student’s total learning experience on a cultural, spiritual, physical, and social level.
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