NEW ROCHELLE, NY (AUGUST 20, 2023) – The Honorable Cynthia Isales, a Bronx, NY judge, and New Rochelle-based, best-selling author Rhiannon Navin and have joined the board of directors of Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR).
According to Becky Mazzanobile, BGCNR CEO, “The board plays a critical role in our success and continues to grow and change along with our organization. Cynthia and Rhiannon join a number of accomplished individuals who inspire us with their professional and personal success stories, and their commitment to service.”
A graduate of Fordham University Law School, Judge Isales began her legal career as a paralegal and advocate at the Legal Aid Society. She then served as an assistant district attorney in Bronx County. After leaving the DA’s office she worked for DC37, providing city employees and union members with legal services and representation in landlord-tenant matters; and then worked as a court attorney/law clerk for housing, civil and supreme court justices in both the criminal and civil courts.
Due to her commitment to equity in the justice system, Judge Isales acted as the borough coordinator for the Court Navigator Program under the New York State Access to Justice Program in New York County, and as a member of the New York State Unified Court System’s Anti-Discrimination Panel. She is an adjunct professor in Monroe College’s Criminal Justice Program, taught continuing legal education courses for the New York State Judicial Institute, and served as a CLE instructor and mentor for the New York County Lawyers Association’s Legal Counseling Program.
A member of several local, community-based organizations, Judge Isales is on the board of ACACIA Network and vice chair of its Transitional Housing Branch; is secretary of the Latino Alumni Association of the City University of New York at City College; and was an executive officer of Bronx Community Board #10. She also is a member of the Bronx Women’s Bar Association, Bronx County Bar Association, and other bar associations and civic organizations. On a more personal note, Judge Isales is an ordained minister in the Christian faith.
Navin’s career in advertising brought her from her native Bremen, Germany to New York City, where she worked for several large agencies before becoming a full-time mom and writer. Her debut novel, Only Child, is an international bestseller published in 20 languages.
After moving to New Rochelle in 2014 with her family, Navin quickly became involved in the community and local politics. When Covid struck New Rochelle, she worked as part of a team at the Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WestCOP), and, for her contributions during the Covid crisis, was honored as a “2020 Woman of Distinction” by New York State Senator Shelley Mayer.
Navin currently serves as the co-chair of the New Rochelle Democratic Party and co-chair of the Westchester Democratic Party Voter Outreach Committee, and is a member of the New Rochelle Public Library Board of Trustees.
About Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle
Founded in 1929, Boys & Girls Club of New Rochelle (BGCNR) has been an integral part of the community, offering quality, achievement-driven programming focused on the whole child – encompassing academics, mental wellness, fitness, leadership, and civics. Today, the organization serves over 7,000 youth annually at 15 school sites and two clubhouses, offering them a safe place to learn and grow, ongoing relationships with caring professionals, life- enhancing programs and character development experiences, and hope and opportunity.