21 in ‘21 Announces New Executive Board and Leadership Structure

As we begin 2020, the Board of 21 in’21 is pleased to announce a new leadership structure to steer the organization through its most critical year yet. 21 in ’21 is building a grassroots, women-led movement that will reshape city government by electing at least 21 women to the City Council. We have already activated and empowered a network that includes over 150 women who have expressed an interest in running for office, and hundreds more members who are determined to use their skills to help them win.

It is with immense gratitude that we announce that the co-founder and former Chair of the Board of the organization, Elizabeth Crowley, and fellow co-founder, Melissa Mark-Viverito, are stepping down from their roles. Their vision and early support was critical to the founding and growth of the organization and it’s only fitting that they are both now running for higher office. We wish them well, thank them deeply, and look forward to following their journeys.

We are excited about our new Executive Board, and proud that it reflects the diversity and vitality of this great city.

• Amelia Adams, Chair. Government affairs specialist advancing her clients’ goals in various issue areas such as transportation policy and criminal justice reform; previously an organizer with ACORN and NY Communities for Change, and in the office of former Speaker of the City Council Melissa Mark-Viverito.
• Yvette Buckner, Vice Chair. Managing Director at Tusk Strategies and Tusk Ventures with over 20 years of experience leading prominent political and policy campaigns in New York City and State.
• Camille Rivera, Secretary. Head of political, labor and community relations practice at New Deal Strategies; former national & legislative political director at the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union.
• Meredith Rose Burak, Treasurer. Vice President of Global Operations for Gynica, with over 12 years of executive lay leadership experience, entrepreneurial philanthropist, former financial executive at Merrill Lynch, adviser to political candidates on the local, state and federal levels.
• Melissa Lirtsman. Queens-based community leader, grassroots equity advocate, and former Chief Marketing Officer with 13+ years of creating award-winning digital and communications campaigns.

In addition, Sara Lind, who has been the Operations Director since June 2019, will serve as the Interim Executive Director. The Board will conduct a thorough search process for a new Executive Director.

As always, we will continue to promote gender equity in New York City’s government.

“With 35 open seats, 2021 provides a unique opportunity,” said Amelia Adams. “When we achieve our goal, our government will be truly representative and its actions will reflect the things that matter to the women of this city.”