A dedicated advocate for women, children and families, Matilda Raffa Cuomo has led state, national and international initiatives that heightened visibility to such causes as children's rights, volunteerism, and mentoring. As First Lady of New York State from 1983 to 1995, Mrs. Cuomo co-chaired the Governor's Commission on Child Care and chaired the NY Citizens' Task Force on the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. She founded Mentoring- USA and currently chairs the New York State Mentoring Program, recently reinstated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.