Lana Gifas joined Women’s Mentoring Network as Executive Director in 2015. Women’s Mentoring Network, a nonprofit located in Stamford, CT, focuses on economic empowerment of women and their families, providing support services that focus on finding better employment and educational opportunities.  Ms. Gifas earned her MBA and undergraduate degree from The Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University.   Ms. Gifas has worked at various financial institutions throughout her career prior to transitioning to her current role at Women’s Mentoring Network.    

Lana serves on several committees to help support the efforts of the organization, including Co-Chairing Stamford’s Food Collaborative, serving on a committee for Stamford Cradle to Career’s initiative, and serving on the 2Gen, Financial Literacy, and Internship committees for the CT’s Governor’s Council for Women and Girls.   

Under her leadership, Women’s Mentoring Network was awarded Moffly Media’s Light a Fire Women’s Impact Award in 2020, and both the National Association of Social Workers of CT Latino/a/x Award and the SHero Award from the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity in 2021. 

Tasha Green-Watson, LMSW joined Women’s Mentoring Network as the Client Services and Program Director in September 2016. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Hofstra University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Community Health. Her academic journey continued with a Master of Arts in Developmental Psychology from the City University of New York, and she later completed a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Fordham University. 

Tasha has worked in the non-profit sector, professionally, since 2005. She has dedicated her professional career to working with diverse populations. Her experience spans various demographics, including aging adults, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, criminal justice involvement, substance use disorders, chronic medical conditions, as well as members of LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals and families at risk for or experiencing homelessness and food insecurity. 

In addition to her professional endeavors, Tasha is committed to community service. She has volunteered at the Hempstead Park Nursing Home, contributed to the Annual Holiday Mall with DOMUS, and supported organizations such as the United Way, Bronx Jewish Community Council, Inc., Special Olympics CT, the Met Council on Jewish Poverty, and the NAACP. 

At the core of Tasha’s mission is a dedication to serve underrepresented and marginalized groups. Tasha is committed to empowering individuals within these communities, supporting them in overcoming barriers to unlock their full potential and lead productive, sustainable lives.