The Groundwork Hudson Valley (GVH) in Yonkers creates sustainable environmental change in urban neighborhoods through community-based partnerships that promote equity, youth leadership and economic opportunity.
Its team continues to expand its staff and board, which include Ruth Walter; Julia Schonfeld, M.D.; Stephan Spilkowitz; and Fazeena Bacchus who have joined the board of directors just this year.
Walter grew up in Dobbs Ferry and has served in many civic roles, most recently as Westchester County Legislator (2020-2021) where she chaired the Environment & Health Committee.
Schonfeld is an ophthalmologist who has maintained her own private practice in Manhattan for over 20 years.
She is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and is also on staff in the Department of Ophthalmology at Northwell Health”™s Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.
Spilkowitz is a purpose-driven professional and advocate with more than 10 years of experience in the mental health and nonprofit sector..
Bacchus is an environmental engineer at Carollo Engineers. Her professional experience encompasses a wide range of projects involving design related to water and wastewater infrastructure, coastal resiliency flood protection and stormwater management.