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About Us

Mission

Our original charter states that there shall be a Division on the status of women. It is hereby declared to be the policy of Erie County, New York, to eliminate discrimination in any form that may exist on account of gender; to fully utilize the potential of each citizen, regardless of gender, to preserve our democratic way of life; and to provide equal opportunities to all citizens, regardless of gender, in employment, education, health, and mental health, housing, senior and social services, and before the law.

The director of the said division shall be appointed by and shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner. 

The division shall:

  1. Work to ensure that the women of Erie County participate fully in matters that impact their lives.
  2. Share information about services relating to the needs of women and develop collaborative relationships with community partners  and other networks that  support the  advancement and empowerment of women.
  3. Investigate and analyze resources and services available for women within county government and programs funded by the county and recommend measures to coordinate, consolidate or expand those resources and services to provide maximum efficiency.

Priority Areas

Education, and Public Awareness:

  • Annual Calendar of events, including educational and networking events commemorating Women's History Month
  • Collaborative programing and events focusing on pay equity
  • Research on economic and civic issues impacting women’s quality of life

Health and Well-Being:

  • Annual "Break the Cycle" event to raise awareness about domestic and interpersonal violence held at the Tribute Garden in Isle View Park, Tonawanda, NY
  • Annual Healthy Relationships/Teen Dating Violence Awareness Summit
  • Annual DV/IPV  Resource Guide.

Civic Engagement, Leadership and Empowerment:

  • Education and Awareness events on the issue of Pay Equity
  • Girls Civic Engagement Program
  • Annual Women of Color Summit
  • Trailblazing Women of WNY Monument Project

The Commission was established by a unanimous vote of the Erie County Legislature in 1987 to remove gender-based inequities for women. In 1988, the Commission became a department of the Erie County government.

The Commission conducts policy studies; analyzes current legislation, programs, and trends impacting women; develops collaborative programs with local and regional organizations and public officials; provides educational awareness; and recommends measures to coordinate, consolidate or expand the resources and services available to women in Erie County. 

Read recent Commission Reports

Advisory Board 

The Commission Advisory Board is currently composed of six community members.

Executive Director: Karen L. King, PhD

Advisory Board Members 2025-2026

Advisory Board Chair: Kelly Dumas

Board Members:

  • Gaia Bistulfi Amman
  • Kelly Frothingham
  • Ellie Gainey
  • Stephanie Peete
  • Sophia Roberts
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