Dear Friends and Supporters of Independent Living,
The Western New York Independent Living (WNYIL) Board of Directors is seeking passionate, dedicated leaders with disabilities to join our Board. Your lived experience is the foundation of our peer-driven philosophy, and your voice is essential to guiding the future of disability rights, community inclusion, and independent living across the region.
Why Your Leadership Matters
Serving on the WNYIL Board means contributing to meaningful, lasting change. You will help ensure that individuals with disabilities throughout Western New York continue to have the freedom to live in their own homes, the support to participate fully and equally in society, and the opportunity to be valued contributors in their communities.
What the Commitment Looks Like
We welcome individuals who can commit to:
- A three-year term
- One Board meeting per month (September–May), held in a hybrid format with online-only meetings during winter
- Participation in at least three Board committees
- Attendance at the Annual Meeting every June
How to Apply
To apply, please submit:
- A formal letter of interest addressed to the Nomination and Board Development Committee
- A brief introduction of yourself
- Your motivation for seeking a Board position
- A resume, if available
If selected, you will be invited for an interview. Upon recommendation, nominees will be forwarded to the full Board for ratification. Terms begin October 2026.
Other Ways to Get Involved
If serving on the WNYIL Board of Directors is more than you are able to commit to at this time, we encourage you to explore involvement within our family of organizations. Opportunities vary by agency and may include committees, advisory roles, volunteer opportunities, or project-based participation:
- Independent Living of Niagara County – Niagara Falls, NY
- Independent Living of the Genesee Region – Batavia, NY
- Mental Health Peer Connection – Buffalo, NY
- Niagara Frontier Radio Reading Service – Cheektowaga, NY
- Parent to Parent of New York State – Schenectady, NY
Submit Your Materials by March 16, 2026
Mail to:
WNYIL Nomination and Board Development Committee
3108 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14214
Attn: Katrina Jacobi, CAO
Or email: kjacobi@wnyil.org
Have Questions?
Contact:
Stephanie Orlando, CEO, WNYIL Inc.
(716) 836-0822 ext. 117
Email: sorlando@wnyil.org