ESTHER LOK, P.M.P, MPA, M.ED.

The first time Esther learned about NWPC was at a roundtable discussion she organized on HIV and employment in 2009. At the time, she oversaw the city and state HIV/AIDS portfolio at FPWA, an antipoverty membership-led organization, and brought together a group of peers and service providers to discuss non-medical needs for people living with HIV to maintain a healthy, productive life. Subsequently, she collaborated with NWPC to establish an HIV Employment Network in NYC in 2014, a relationship NWPC has maintained till today.

Between 2006 and 2015, Esther organized numerous legislative visits urging the city and state government to invest in health and human services, including funding for HIV prevention, 30% rent cap for HASA recipients, HIV Health Homes, and social support services for children, adolescent, and the elderly. In 2015, she served on NYS HIV Advisory Body and chaired the Emerging Issues Committee. The same year, Esther successfully led the development of the New York City Council Access Health NYC Initiative. Since then, it has become a funding source for organizations to provide health care education, access, and resources to low-income and immigrant communities.

Esther is currently the Chief of Staff at Bridging Access to Care, the first HIV/AIDS organization in Brooklyn formed in 1986. Previously, she held leadership positions at Start Treatment and Recovery Centers and Sheltering Arms Children and Family Services, where she expanded her knowledge in board management and strategic planning. Esther received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from Baruch College, City University of New York, and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Manchester, U.K. She is also a certified Project Management Professional. 

As the Chair of the Development Committee of the NWPC’s Board of Directors, Esther works closely with the Executive Director and Board Officers to identify and solicit resources critical to the growth and sustainability of the organization.