VERO BEACH — Lalita Janke, a Vero Beach entrepreneur, has been named new president of the U.S. National Committee for UN Women (USNC-UN Women), a volunteer based non-profit that supports UN Women’s global initiatives via their 15 chapters throughout the United States.
At the organization’s annual conference this year in Long Beach, Calif., Janke was introduced as the group’s new leader. Among chapter leaders ad representatives, members of the public, as well as local government officials, activists and celebrities, the group reported on work they are doing in support of gender equality issues, prevention of gender based violence and the connection of those issues to the global work being supported by the organization.
The unanimous election of Ms. Janke as president of USNC-UN Women came as no surprise to members attending the national event. Janke was the VP of Strategic Planning for the organization’s national executive board. Prior to that, she represented all chapter presidents on the board and also served as president of their East Florida Chapter for three years.
“Lalita’s working background is extensive and diverse to say the least. She is bringing a plethora of knowledge and experience gained from a variety of industries including financial, medical and 501(c)(3) nonprofits,” said Maggie Foster Schmitz, the immediate past president of USNC-UN Women, in introducing Janke.
Janke graduated summa cum laude from Nova Southeastern University with a degree in communications. Before her retirement, Janke was CEO of Medical Resources, Inc. and, subsequently, President of Embracing Changes, Inc., a consulting firm that works with individuals and organizations to maximize their talents, efficiencies and experiences.
Ms. Janke is currently Board President and Interim Executive Director of Camp Haven, Inc., a transitional shelter for homeless men. She and her husband previously opened a similar program for women.
Janke was a member of the Board of Trustees of Indian River Hospital District as well as of Florida Atlantic University where she currently sits on the Advisory Board of their College of Arts and Letters. Ms. Janke was selected Volunteer of the Year and awarded the Woman of the Year 2014 by the Junior League of Indian River County, where she and her husband have resided since 1998.
Janke, a US citizen who was born in Goa, India said, “Crimes of violence against girls and women can never be excused or tolerated. Every women and girl has the right to live in safety and expect the opportunity to pursue an education.” She concluded, “We women are conduits of change, progress, peace and prosperity in our communities.”