Make-A-Wish Central New York

Make-A-Wish Central New York announced its newest team members: volunteer and community outreach manager Jennifer Snyder, and PR/communications manager Dyana Smolen. Prior to Make-A-Wish, Snyder was vice president for Terax Hair Care, a luxury beauty-care company in Syracuse. Her professional experience includes higher education counseling and administrative work. In addition to Make-A-Wish, Snyder also serves as an independent advisor for Lia Sophia. She is a graduate of St. John Fisher College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and James Madison University, where she earned a master’s degree in counseling and student personnel. Prior to Make-A-Wish, Smolen served as director of communications and grants at YWCA Mohawk Valley in Utica. She has extensive experience in nonprofit communications and her professional experiences include work in media and state politics. Smolen earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Utica College. In 2009, her work garnered New York State ARC’s “Best Human Interest Story” award.