Our History

 ​WE DO (Women Empowered Democratic Organization) is a grassroots political organization in Bergen County who support Democratic women to run for office or to become involved in local political issues. We are a diverse and inclusive group of volunteer from all parts of Bergen County who believe women should have a greater voice in government and shaping a Democratic agenda.
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WE DO began in Passaic County in 2009 and the Bergen County chapter was formed in 2015. Our membership continues to grow as more and more women realize the best way to fully engage in the political process is to throw their hat in the ring and run.

Download our By-Laws Here
Services We Provide
  • Educational Programming
  • Campaign Donations
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Mentorship Program
  • ​Trainings ​​

Executive Board

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Julia Guttilla-President
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Nvair Beylerian- 1st Vice President 
Nvair is an Adjunct Professor of History at Bergen Community College. She teaches Western Civilization and American History and also serves as Co-Director of the Center for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation. The Center fosters awareness about mechanisms of social conflict, political and ethnic violence and genocide through educational initiatives, exhibitions and dialogues.
 
Nvair was elected as an Upper Saddle River Democratic County Committee representative in 2016 and ran for Borough Council in 2018. She recently has been selected to join the Bergen Leads Class of 2020, a year-long learning and leadership experience throughout Bergen County.
 
Nvair earned her bachelor’s degree in history and master’s in education at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. She is a lifelong Bergen County resident having grown up in Teaneck and Cresskill. Her husband, Zareh is an attorney in general practice at Beylerian & Associates in Clifton. They raised their two daughters in Hackensack, Paramus, and the Northern Highlands District. 
Ellen Busteed-2nd Vice President
Ellen Busteed graduated from Wells College with a degree in history. She has worked for United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and large financial services firms in a marketing leadership role.
 
Ellen has lived in River Edge with her husband and two children since 1998 and has been an avid volunteer in the community.

Ellen was first elected to the River Edge Council in 2013. She served three terms on the River Edge Council and also served as the Mayor.
Michelle Kaufman-Secretary

Michelle Kaufman graduated from Bryn Mawr College with a degree in Economics. She worked in business for twenty years. She then studied Studio Art and Art History at Hunter College. She is a multidisciplinary artist working in painting, drawing, and installation.

Michelle has lived in River Edge for twelve years with her husband where they raised their two (now adult) children.
Michelle served two terms on the River Edge Council, including two years as Council President and six years as Chair of the Finance Committee. She restarted the River Edge Farmers Market post COVID which has been quite successful with many wonderful vendors and an excellent live music program. She is also on the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women.
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Debra Amato-Treasurer
Debra graduated with a dual bachelor’s of science degrees in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Illinois University. She also has her masters’ in Educational Psychology and post masters School Psychologist certification from Montclair State University.

Debra is currently a psychologist for Bergen County Special Services and serves as a County Committeewoman in Ramsey.
Donna Abene-Advisor
Donna Abene is a former Councilwoman and Board of Education Trustee from Woodcliff Lake.  


She currently serves as the Vice-Chair of the Bergen County
Community Development Board, Vice-Chair of Legislative District 39 Democratic Committee and Board Member and Treasurer to a non-profit organization called Keep NJ Safe.


She is an advocate for good government and a lover of New Jersey.
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Julie O’Brien-Advisor 
​Julie O’Brien has dedicated much of her life to making change happen; whether it was having the dress code changed in middle school or saving the front lawn of Ramsey High School from becoming a parking lot, serving as a member of the Municipal Council or as a Bergen County Freeholder.
 
Being a part of forming WE DO of Bergen and its mission has been a passion of hers for many years. “Empowering women to seek public office and ensuring that their voices are heard will make government stronger.” Julie also served as WE DO's vice president since 2015.

Currently as the Director of the Office for Children, the County of Bergen’s Childcare Resource and Referral agency, Julie has built upon her years in public service, as a Legislative staffer and at Greater Bergen Community Action; Bergen County’s designated anti-poverty agency to help families access quality, affordable childcare through a Federally funded subsidy program allowing them to work and attend school in order to build a better future for their families.
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​Julie’s strongest wish for WE DO is to encourage young women to get involved in the political process where they can take their rightful seat at the table.
Cristina Cutrone-Past President & founder of WE DO of Bergen County.
Cristina is the Mayor of Fair Lawn, NJ and has served on the council since 2017. Cristina has been a public school educator since 2005. She taught high school social studies for 19 years and currently is the Social Studies & Business Department K-12 Supervisor for the Tenafly Public School system. Cristina previously served as a trustee to the Bergen County Board of Education for Special Services. In addition she previously served as the Municipal Chairwoman of Fair Lawn’s Democratic County Committee. 
 
She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in Government and Politics and Secondary Education and a master’s degree from New Jersey City University in Educational Leadership. She resides in Fair Lawn with her husband, a fellow Maryland Terp, and their two children.

​Cristina is dedicated to helping and supporting women who want to get more involved in the political process. She believes now is the time to truly empower women across this county, state, and country because the political future of this country is definitely female.

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​Sophia Traphagen, Director of Communications
Sophia is a Training Technician at Bergen County Department of Human Service’s Division of Alternatives to Domestic Violence. At ADV, Sophia implements educational workshops, advocates for survivors navigating the court system, conducts focus group research and program evaluation and utilizes her skills in digital design to develop educational content. Prior to her current role, Sophia worked as a Residential Assistant at the Center for Hope and Safety's safehouse, where she provided critical support services to survivors of domestic violence, including housing advocacy, hotline screenings, and direct support services. Her experience also includes Community Outreach Coordinator for the Bergen County Office of Food Security, where she spearheaded projects promoting food security in Bergen County and forged relationships with local food pantries and organizations.
 
Sophia holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Marist College, with a minor in social work and a focus in gender studies. She also earned a master’s in social work from Fordham University. Sophia was raised in Oradell, NJ and is a current resident of Ridgewood, NJ.