Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins is proud to launch a free, weeklong Lunch and Learn series aimed at helping residents access the wide range of services available through the County and its partners. The series itself was developed by a team of summer interns in the County Executive’s Office, who took on the challenge of creating a community-focused resource. The webinars, held via Webex from August 4–7, will cover topics including social services, public health, LGBTQ+ care access, domestic violence prevention and youth employment.
Each session features expert speakers from County departments and community organizations, offering direct guidance on how to connect with benefits and support programs. Residents are encouraged to attend these free, informative sessions to gain the tools they need to navigate healthcare, public safety and career options with confidence.
County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “These sessions are an excellent way to provide residents with accurate and useful information on issues that affect their daily lives. I want to commend the summer interns who created and led this project from concept to completion.”
Lunch and Learn Session Schedule and Speakers
Social Services (SNAP and Medicare) – Monday, August 4 at 12 p.m.
This session will explain Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, discuss preventive services and highlight cost-sharing strategies. This session will also provide an overview of SNAP, including eligibility requirements and the application process. The goal is to help residents better understand the services available to them and how to access support.
Speakers:
- Marcia Bryan, Head of Medicaid Operations, Westchester County Department of Social Services
- Clyde Jones, Director of Temporary Assistance, Westchester County Department of Social Services
Intimate Partner Violence – Tuesday, August 5 at 3 p.m.
This session will include a presentation from the Westchester County Office for Women, which will provide a brief overview of domestic violence and resources provided by the County. Then, Hope’s Door and My Sisters’ Place will deliver a presentation highlighting the tools and resources they provide to residents.
Speakers:
- Robin Schlaff, Director, Westchester County Office for Women
- Luis Leon, Managing Attorney, My Sisters’ Place
- Shaire Gadson, Director of Outreach and Engagement, Hope’s Door
Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Awareness – Wednesday, August 6 at 12 p.m.
This session will focus on colorectal cancer, emphasizing risk factors, early detection and local screening resources. It will address the increasing incidence among individuals under 55, the benefits of early screening and common risk indicators.
Speakers:
- Dr. Parul J. Shukla, Regional Chief of Colon and Rectal Surgery for Westchester
- Krista Miller, Community Health Program Manager, Sun River Health
- Sara Hodgson, Population Health Manager, Open Door Family Medical Center
LGBTQ+ Health – Wednesday, August 6 at 3 p.m.
This session will focus on LGBTQ+ health. Dr. Bruno Villazhiñay Matute will deliver a presentation on addressing gaps in reproductive and OB/GYN care for LGBTQ+ individuals, including access to family planning, fertility services and affirming provider practices. The Loft will also deliver a brief presentation on the resources and tools they offer to residents.
Speakers:
- Dr. Bruno Villazhiñay Matute, Westchester County LGBTQ+ Advisory Board Member
- Darby Allison-Dugue, Program Manager of Community Engagement, LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center
Career Opportunities for Youth – Thursday, August 7 at 12 p.m.
This session is designed for youth communities exploring their next steps after high school or college. Participants will learn about a wide range of career opportunities, including pathways through trade schools, internships and other hands-on experiences. The speakers will be Elizabeth Oliveto and Frank Celetano. Both are part of career opportunities in the county for Youth.
Speakers:
- Elizabeth Oliveto, Program Administrator for Youth Services, Westchester County
- Frank Celetano, Recruitment Coordinator, Westchester County Department of Human Resources
The Lunch and Learn series was developed by student interns participating in the Westchester County Executive’s Summer Internship Program:
- Anna Barlis
- Nicole Berg
- Ian Wilson
- Lauren Reed
- Olivia Sundin
- Kota Demay
- Kevin Ring
- Hannah Ford
- Maya Clark
- Ahana Gadiyaram
- Emma Galgano
- Patricia Von Oiste
- Isabelle Ciriello
- Harrison Callaway
Westchester County thanks the summer interns and all participating departments and community partners for making this series possible.
