Rev. Elena Delgado
President
Growing up on a lake in central Florida, Elena was surrounded by water. After a visit to Crossroads Springs Institute in Western Kenya many years later, she realized how precious a commodity clean water is. Seeing the effects of contaminated water on the lives of the children and staff, she was inspired to bring potable water to the community.
Elena is an ordained Presbyterian minister living in Buffalo, NY. She founded Water=Life in 2013 with the goal of nurturing the human spirit through the gift of clean water. Through her clean water projects in Kenya, Haiti and Uganda, she has witnessed the difference clean water makes in the lives of students and the health of their families.
She retired in 2019 from full-time congregational ministry, allowing her more time to focus on the mission and funding opportunities for Water=Life.
Susan Riley
Vice President
Susan Riley is a graphic designer who has provided creative solutions for her clients for more than 40 years. She has worked as a senior creative director and vice president for design/advertising firms prior to forming Susan Riley Design, Inc. in 1993. Celebrating more than 30 years in business, Susan Riley continues to serves local clients in Western New York and national clients based throughout the U.S.
When asked “Why Water=Life?”, she responded saying, “I have been blessed with a successful career and was looking for a way to give back to the universe. In 2013, I met Elena Delgado who shared her dream of starting a non-profit organization to bring clean water to the world. There it was! The perfect opportunity to donate my skill in advertising and graphic design to help establish the brand and marketing efforts to launch Water=Life!”
In 2020, Susan had an incredible experience as she led a Water=Life team to Uganda providing water filters and thorough training to 150 schools.
Reyne Jankowski
Secretary/Treasurer
Reyne Jankowski holds a BS Degree in Business Administration/Accounting from Medaille College. She currently works as Administrative Assistant at North Presbyterian Church, Williamsville, NY. Previously, she worked as Sr. Benefits & Compensation Analyst for International Imaging Materials, Inc. (IIMAK) in Amherst, NY and Dayco Products (formerly Mark IV Industries) for 25 years as Manager, Retirement Benefits.
A life-long resident of Alden, NY, Reyne has been married to Thomas Jankowski for 43 years. She is a member of Alden Presbyterian Church, currently serving as Treasurer and is a member of the Stewardship Team.
When asked "Why Water=Life?," Reyne responds, "I like that such a small donation can have such a huge impact on the lives of people who live in impoverished areas of the world. I like that each filter is personally distributed by our President and founder, creating a sense of community and international friendship. It’s not about sending money to a faceless entity. It’s about establishing a personal connection."
Donna Frank
Donna lives in the Rochester, NY area with her husband Ken. Donna and Ken have two fabulous children and two amazing grandchildren.
When asked “Why Water=Life?”, Donna explains, “Certainly, there are large, well established organizations that devote significant dollars and resources to supporting fresh water assistance to impoverished communities. However, Water=Life is a much smaller, targeted group, focused on making improvements one community, even one family, at a time using a cost-effective product where donors can easily see their dollars at work.”
Holding a BS Degree in Management from Roberts Wesleyan College, Donna also attended St. John Fisher College and the University at Buffalo, studying Human Resource Development and Library Science, respectively.
Rev. Crystal R. Sygeel
Rev. Crystal R. Sygeel is an ordained clergy person in the United Methodist Church serving in extension ministry as the Director of Hospitality Ministries at Union Presbyterian Seminary (Richmond, VA). She is also a self-taught liturgical artist who invites participants to explore issues of justice through art and sharing stories.
As a military kid, Crystal spent her formative years traveling and living abroad. She has continued to travel in her adult life and was able to lead a Volunteer In Mission Team to Meru and Maua, Kenya (‘06). The exposure to different people and cultures has inspired her awareness of social justice issues including the role of clean water in global health.
William Morrish
Bill Morrish is Customer Support Manager, Moog Inc., Industrial Group. A graduate of Canisius College in Economics, he also holds a MBA from SUNY Buffalo. When asked the question “Why Water=Life?,” Bill replied, “This is a mission that is so simple in its purpose yet has the capability to make a significant, life-changing impact for each recipient. Truly one person can make a difference in the lives of others through a small donation.”
He lives in the Town of Alden, NY with his wife of 42 years, Kim Aldinger. They have three children. He is an active member of Alden Presbyterian Church.
Julian Robison
Social Media Advisor
Julian Robison recently graduated summa cum laude from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Communication. His background is in theatre marketing and he currently works for Broadway On Demand, a new streaming platform for theatre. Julian has created website, email, social media, and video content for Water=Life since 2014.
When asked “Why Water=Life?", Julian said, “With clean drinking water being inaccessible worldwide, I believe that Water=Life has the power to change countless lives for the better. With just a Sawyer filter, a bucket, and simple training, Water=Life empowers community members to provide safe drinking water to children and their families.”