EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NellyEpic@gpdw2.org

Where there is a Nelly...there is a way. Good people deserve wins too, where people are put before profits and are organized to strengthen our community by empowering and enhancing our youth.

My goal is to utilize athletics to develop well rounded youth, both in mind and body, through mentoring, training, and health and fitness activities. As a successful General Manager at Panera Bread, Co-Owner of Xcelerated Athletics Gym, and founder of Trifecta Sports Basketball Courts, I would consider my strengths to be my leadership and people skills along with the ability to promote a positive mindset, while accomplishing our goals.

I have come to realize over the years and being part of many different teams, the importance of connection and self-worth. Creating teams that promote positive mindset, healthy environment, and family style bonds in key in achieving sustainable change. With that realization, I have made it my passion and goal to continue this path working with our youth to guide their reachable potential and cause a positive ripple effect in our community.

FINANCE DIRECTOR
AshleyEpic@GPDW2.org

I’ve always been inspired by the saying “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I’ve lived my life thus far with the desire to do just that. This is what influenced my decision to be a part of GPDW2.

As the Director of Finance & Operations, I operate behind the scenes, to keep daily operations well organized and running efficiently. With close to 13 years of experience as an Administrative Assistant, I am skilled in the art of numbers and I’d consider myself an expert at my craft. I’m thrilled be part GPDW2, a women lead organization driven by the desire to make a difference, leave an impact, and be the change.

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Sharee is a journalist who seeks out the stories no one wants. Her passions are for the arts, the health industry and every now and then will find a story on how both collide.

As a graduate of Newhouse at Syracuse University, she has been given the chance to interview Kurtis Blow (godfather of hip-hop), NF, Frank Marshall (Hollywood's favorite producer of films such as Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones) and Matt Shakman (director of HBO's Game of Thrones) just to name a few. She has been a project leader for an NIH case study and is known for her advocacy locally for Sickle Cell anemia. As a patient of the illness herself, Sharee knows the tips, tricks, and hidden doors it takes to survive dealing with a chronic illness in a medical industry that sometimes doesn't even acknowledge her existence.

Her drive is now for those still here to make sure they live with dignity and for those to come who never have to question theirs. Her faith is her anchor and now she wants to tell people living with any disease or disability what she was never told: “live fearlessly.”

DIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING
Angel@GPDW2.org

I’m Angel Bunce, owner of Flour City Insurance Agency, a mom, entrepreneur, and someone who truly believes that good people deserve wins too.

I’ve worked hard to build my business and the life I have today, and I know firsthand that hard work matters, but so does having the right people in your corner. Sometimes all it takes is one person believing in you, giving you a chance, or opening a door you couldn’t open on your own.

Nelly, the founder of Good People Deserve Wins Too, is also a good friend of mine. I’ve seen firsthand how much she genuinely cares about these kids and how passionate she is about giving underserved youth opportunities through sports. When I had the chance to be part of that mission, it was an easy yes for me.

As Director of Fundraising, I get to use the relationships and connections I’ve built over the years to help bring people together for a bigger purpose. I’m persistent; I don’t take no very easily, and when I believe in something, I go all in.

At the end of the day, kids don’t get to choose the circumstances they’re born into, but those circumstances shouldn’t determine their future. If we can help open a few doors, create opportunities, and give these kids some wins along the way, then that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.

LOGISTICS DIRECTOR

Cassandra Thompson, a native of FarRockaway, NY; relocated to Rochester, NY in 2003 where I studied and received my BS in business administration with a concentration in accounting at Nazareth College, as well as MS in Human Resource Administration.

During my graduate studies I worked with student activities and food services. I loved every moment of my time working with the student leaders and giving them the assistance to bring their ideas and passions to the student body. Upon completion of my masters degree, I was given the opportunity to work as Nazareth College's Resident Dining Manager for their student dining program. Since then I have been in food services going on 12 yrs, working in many different sectors, servicing people through their stomachs.

Throughout my career I have always had the desire to serve and educate the underserved communities. GPDW2 is giving me the opportunity to help service our community through health, wealth, fitness and fun. One or all are important components for an individual or family, many do not have access to these things. I am excited that will be able to provide these services and opportunities. My dream is that we will be able to make an impact on our community one person and family at a time.

COMMUNITY & PROGRAM DIRECTOR

My name is Kaela Pitts and I was raised in Rochester NY. I am currently a Sergeant with the Rochester Police Department. I have been with RPD for 15 years.

While working with RPD, I have had the ability to learn many functions of the job rather than just patrol. I am very involved in training Police Recruits in Physical Fitness and Defensive Tactics. I have trained Police Recruits for 2 years in the academy as their Class Counselor which allowed me to oversee all of their training. I have been involved in the Recruitment portion and Backgrounds. With working with RPD, I believe that it's very important to be a part of the community.

I have had the ability to volunteer my time with our youth through fitness, summer camps, and reading in schools. I am very passionate about fitness and giving back to my community. I am passionate about showing our youth that they are worth more than they believe, and there are people out here who care about them and want to show them that there is so much more available to them.

SPONSORSHIP DIRECTORS

We are retired town justices. As such, we have seen firsthand the need for athletic and other programs for youth that would, otherwise, not be able to participate due to finances. These youth need to find their self-confidence and self-worth. Organized sports can help so much with building their self-esteem. We love the mission of GPDW2 and are happy to join this team as Donation Directors. We have extensive experience, over the years, organizing fund raising events for our local Hospice, Lion’s Club, High School Sports and College Sports.

We have always been inspired by this quote “Helping one person might change the world, but it could change the world for one person.” ~ Anonymous

Today Craig is a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with Hunt R.E. ERA. We are both Independent Optavia Coaches as well. In both businesses, we are devoted to helping others. Our 5 children, their spouses, and our 13 grandchildren are our whole life! We love attending their sporting events, concerts, dance recitals and traveling, especially cruising! We are very excited to be a part of this amazing organization!

RAFFLE CHAIR

Elizabeth Coveny is the owner of Alice’s Red Rose Boutique in Canandaigua, a mother of two, grandmother of four, and passionate community volunteer.

Her journey with GPDW2 began as a volunteer at the 2nd Annual Queen of Hearts Gala. She quickly found a meaningful connection to the organization and now serves as a committee member and Raffle Chair, helping collect donations and coordinate raffles to support its mission. Popping the cork is the highlight of the night for her, as it means the party is just getting started. 

Elizabeth’s passion for helping children discover the joy of sports comes from her own experiences. Growing up in the 80s & 90s in a one-room log cabin, organized sports were not readily available to her. Thanks to supportive teachers and coaches, she was eventually able to play softball. Softball became a lifelong love, creating friendships and memories that she still cherishes today. She continued playing as an adult through church leagues, workplace teams, and corporate challenges.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, Elizabeth had to leave softball behind for health reasons, but the friendships, lessons, and memories remain a treasured part of her life. Recently celebrating her longtime coach’s retirement after 30 years of coaching reminded her once again of the lasting impact coaches and sports can have on a person’s life. Her then 4-year-old Granddaughter picked up where she left off. 

Elizabeth is proud to support GPDW2, an organization that gives children opportunities she once wished she had—the chance to play sports, build confidence, make lifelong friendships, and pursue their dreams. She is excited to be part of an organization that continues to grow and helps more children every year.

EXECUTIVE EVENT PRODUCER

Stephanie was a troubled kid with a lot of energy and nowhere good to put it. Sports is what caught her, and youth services is where her heart has been ever since.

She played basketball all the way to nationals. She ran track and placed second in the state. She trained in martial arts, and she still lifts today, because the thing she found in athletics never really let go of her. What sports gave her was everything that came after. How to lead, how to lose, how to carry her share when a team is counting on her. She has built every business and every board seat since on things she learned in a gym.

Before GPDW2, she spent years on the board of Champion Academy, working with at-risk youth in Rochester. She joined GPDW2 in 2023 for the same reason: because a kid in this city should not lose a season over a registration fee.

Today she runs branding, marketing and public relations for the organization and produces Queen of Hearts Casino Night. She is the founder of Moxie Creative Studios, a Rochester branding and marketing studio that creates immersive brand experiences built to leave a lasting impression on everyone in the room and real impact on the community around it.