Leadership Team
👥 Meet the Leadership Team
The League of Women Voters of Ocean County is powered by a dynamic team of volunteers who bring passion, integrity, and deep local knowledge to every initiative. Our leadership reflects the League’s commitment to nonpartisan civic engagement, transparency, and community empowerment.
🌟 What We Do:
- Guide the Mission: We uphold the League’s core values—empowering voters, defending democracy. Through voter outreach, education, and services such as VOTE 411, the League of Women Voters of Ocean County connects with community.
- Build Partnerships: From town halls to voter registration drives, we are prepared to collaborate with schools, municipalities, and community organizations to amplify impact.
- Ensure Accountability: We prioritize ethical leadership, inclusive decision-making, and clear communication with our members and the public.
💬 Why It Matters:
- Multi-Faceted Leaders: Our leaders are not just organizers—they’re advocates, educators, and bridge-builders. They work tirelessly to ensure that every voice in Ocean County has the opportunity to be heard and counted.
- Committee Leaders: Our leaders are also Chairs for Committees, such as Voters Services, Membership, and Advocacy. These areas are the cornerstone of League involvement.
Together, we’re shaping a more engaged, equitable, and resilient community—one vote at a time.
🌟 Leadership Spotlight
The League of Women Voters of Ocean County thrives under the guidance of a passionate, purpose-driven leadership team. Each member brings unique strengths to our shared mission of empowering voters and defending democracy.
👩💼 President: Tiffany M. deSousa
Tiffany leads with vision, collaboration, and a deep commitment to civic engagement. Together with the Leadership Team, Tiffany steers the League’s strategic direction, foster inclusive partnerships, and ensure our work reflects the values of transparency, equity, and community resilience. Their leadership energizes every initiative—from voter education to advocacy—and keeps us grounded in purpose.
Tiffany Marie deSousa is a local youth advocate, founder and Board Chairperson of CLCL Foundation.
Tiffany is also a Member of the Ocean County Youth Services Commission, Ocean County Advisory Board, and a Board of Trustee for Seamen's Society for Children and Families in Staten Island, NY.
A passionate and fierce champion for youth, family, housing, and mental health issues, Tiffany lends her talents to fostering meaningful local connections, community collaboration, and grassroots advocacy.
If you are a community resource, provider, agency, or group, please contact Tiffany at tmdLWVoc@gmail.com.
🧭 Membership Chair: Karen Plaskow
As an educator, Karen Plaskow encourages youth and adults to value and preserve the natural environment.
Karen is the welcoming heart of our League. She ensures that every member feels informed, valued, and connected. Whether onboarding new volunteers or strengthening ties with longtime members, Karen cultivates a vibrant, engaged community that’s ready to take action. Karen enjoys gardening, reading and family days at the beach.
Karen continues this work as Chair for the Membership Committee and focuses on ensuring all members feel welcomed! A priority for Karen is establishing more ways for members to connect in positive, fun, and meaningful ways.
If you are interested in joining the Ocean County Chapter of the LWV of NJ, please contact Karen at kpLWVoc@gmail.com.
🗞 Communications Chair: Sarah Plaskow
Sarah Plaskow is the creative force behind our monthly newsletter—an essential resource for members and allies alike.
Sarah brings her passion for creative writing and clear communication to the League’s outreach efforts. With clarity, warmth, and a keen eye for detail, she keeps our community informed about events, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved. Her work ensures our message reaches far and wide. When she’s not crafting newsletters or social posts, she’s likely spending time with her cats or enjoying a well-earned long weekend.
Sarah is available to support members by sharing new volunteer, training, or local event opportunities and highlighting the hard work of League members and intiatiaves. Sarah also manages social media handles for the LWV of OC.
If you are looking to share an event, opportunity, image, or more, please email Sarah at spLWVoc@gmail.com.
🎓 Youth Engagement: Pat Schmiedel, Energizing Young Voters
Pat Schmiedel leads our Energizing Young Voters initiative with passion and purpose.
She builds bridges to the next generation of changemakers, empowering students with the tools and knowledge to become active participants in democracy. Her work is planting seeds of civic engagement that will grow for years to come.
If you are looking to get involved with this amazing program that teaches both civics lessons and provides hands-on opportunities to learn how to vote, please email Pat at energizingyoungvoters@gmail.com.