Meet the Human Rights Commission and its Chair Rita Capek
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Meet the Human Rights Commission and its Chair Rita Capek.
Your Name: Rita Capek
Board or Commission you chair: Human Rights Commission
Your role: Chairperson
MyRye.com: What is the charter for your Commission?
Capek: Under the charter that was established over 50 years ago, some of the “duties” of the Commission have remained the same. Taking precedent is: to “foster mutual respect and understanding among all groups in the community.” Additionally, “conduct and recommend such educational programs as, in its judgement, will increase goodwill among inhabitants of the community and open new opportunities into all phases of community life for all inhabitants.” Since its inception, the Commission and its members have been faithful to the language in the charter.
Looking at 2025, what will be your top initiatives?
Capek: Nationally, state and local institutions engage international human rights standards to promote equality, dignity and fairness at a local level and overall, the Rye Human Rights Commission strives to promote these standards in our community. In 2025, our initiatives include continuing to provide opportunities for fostering communication and educational events. We are also dedicated to building partnerships within Rye where we can all jointly support each other on human rights topics.
- The Human Rights Commission was the first commission to appoint a youth representative and we are proud of this fact. We strive to strengthen our communication and relationship with this demographic. Ben Fritsche was our first representative and it has been a pleasure to watch his growth this past 1.5 years. Maddie Morgan will be our new representative for the remainder of this year and for the 2025/26 school year. Additionally, the Commission is partnering with Hayden Souza to support her efforts in bringing the Smithsonian Exhibit “The Bias Inside Us” to Rye. Hayden and her friend are the only two youths to be awarded the opportunity to host this national program in the country. We are so proud of our relationships with these incredible individuals and applaud their civic and community efforts related to Human Rights.
- We are pleased to host in conjunction with the Rye Free Reading Room a special event for Black History Month on February 6, 2025. Hosting an event for Black History Month has been a steady event on our Human Rights calendar. We are screening the Award Winning Film “The Right to Read.” 37% of US children read below the basic level and that covers all socioeconomic and racial backgrounds and kids with learning disabilities. This film has been screened repeatedly and the literacy crisis has been called “the greatest civil rights issue” of all time. We look forward to bringing this topic to our community.
- One of our initiatives this year is to introduce to all businesses in town a window cling featuring our Human Rights logo. It has been a priority of ours and this is our year! The window cling contains a QR code that when scanned, shows the individual that the establishment: 1) strives to strengthen the community that we operate in by protecting human rights in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business 2) welcomes customers, visitors and vendors of every race, ethnicity, ability difference, age, etc. to the place of business; 3) is an equal opportunity employer. The purpose is to illustrate to residents and visitors to Rye, our community’s commitment to Human Rights. Rye would be the first community in Westchester County to implement this initiative.
Who is the City Council liaison to the Commission for 2025?
Capek: Julie Souza.
Tell us about the residents or others you interact with at your Commission.
Capek: The Human Rights Commission is open to the public. Our monthly schedules for 2025 are posted on the Rye City website. We would welcome the opportunity for community participation and hope to hear firsthand some of the thoughts and ideas of our residents on how the Commission can help facilitate conversation and education surrounding Human Rights topics.
When was your Commission chartered by the City of Rye?
Capek: The Human Rights Commission was established in 1963. There was a period of inactivity in the late ‘90s/early 2000’s. It was re-established in 2016 and has been going strong since.
Looking back across 2024, what were your Commission’s top achievements?
Capek:
- Honoring community members with the Rye Human Rights Commission Awards to several individuals the past several years. We were especially moved by the efforts of the nominees in the “Youth/18 and Under” category. The contributions that all these individuals made in fostering human rights through volunteerism, dedication and commitment were inspiring.
- Strengthening our relationships with other entities in Rye. We have had Commission Kopy, Superintendents Dr. Byrne (RCSD) and Dr. Lutinski (Rye Neck School District), Lisa Domenici, executive director, Rye Youth Council and Tejash Sanchala, executive director, Westchester County Human Rights Commission all join our Commission meetings. The purpose is to share more with us on their respective entities and discuss how we can partner. Last year, we hosted our Black History Month event at Jay Heritage Center and again, it illustrated our community partnerships.
Tell us about you:
How long have you been in your current role?
Capek: I have been a member of the Human Rights Commission since November 2020. I was appointed Chairperson in December 2021. I was previously on the Heard in Rye Board and was also an executive board member with RAISE (Rye All Inclusive Special Education).
Is the role full time or part time? Paid or volunteer?
Capek: It is part time and volunteer. I am an independent human resource consultant and certified executive coach. I also am a board member of the Greenwich YMCA.
What is your day job?
Capek: I worked at a division of News Corporation for over 20 years where I started in sales and then was promoted to Chief Human Resources Officer and COO. Leveraging my previous experience, I currently work with businesses as an HR consultant and business strategy partner. I am also a certified Executive Coach helping executives and managers achieve confidence and purpose in their leadership. My personal and professional experiences are what led me to be part of the Human Rights Commission.
How much time does your role require in a typical month?
Capek: The Commission meets once a month in person. During the month, depending on the activity or event, the time is spent coordinating with other members and individuals in the community to progress our goals.
How would your friends and family describe you in one word?
Capek: Fun.
Where did you grow up?
Capek: I was born outside of Chicago, Illinois but grew up in a small town called Casa Grande, Arizona. My family still lives there and I love spending time at home.
What is your favorite unimportant thing about you?
I love to vacuum. It’s the instant gratification!
If the next five years is a chapter in your life, what is this chapter about?
Capek: This chapter is about listening to myself. I’ve revisited books that I thought were too “introspective” when I was younger and now enjoy them and the messages that I might have missed. I’m listening to podcasts and people whose messages are sincere and honest and wholistic vs. focusing on career, “how to’s” or scrubbing my LinkedIn profile repeatedly.
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Capek: I’d travel more. I have always loved to but kept it to familiar places and times. I’d pack a backpack and hit the road!
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Capek: We have lived in Milton Point since 2001.
Thanks Rita!
Learn more:
Are meetings recorded?: No.
Are written agendas and meeting minutes available?: Yes.
Main Human Rights Commission Page on City website
Members of Commission:
Rita Capek, Chairperson
Meg Cameron
Alison Hudspeth
Adrienne Mecca
Corey Stark
Ingraham Taylor
Hanadi Zakour
RHS Representatives:
Ben Fritsche; graduating June 2025
Maddie Morgan; graduating June 2026
