In our Meet the Boards & Commissions series, MyRye.com will introduce readers to the boards and commissions of the City of Rye and the residents who run them. All volunteers, these residents give their time and expertise to keep our city running. The series is intended to bring visibility to what each board and commission does, its priorities and what might prompt a resident or another person or company to interact with the group.
We have made our best efforts to reach out to each board and commission chairperson directly or via City officials. If you are a board or commission chair and have not been contacted, or if you are a reader with feedback on this series, please get in touch with MyRye.com.
Meet the Human Rights Commission and its Chairperson Rita Capek.
Your Name: Rita Capek
Board or Commission: 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 2026, what will be your top initiatives?
Capek: Our initiatives include continuing to provide opportunities for fostering communication and educational events in support of the City Charter. 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 has again continued to strengthen our communication and relationship with the under 18 demographic in Rye. Maddie Morgan (RHS ’26) is our youth representative for the remainder of this year. Maddie was asked to participate on the impressive panel for the Human Rights screening in February for Black History Month. She joined local dignitaries such as Tejash Sanchala, Westchester County Executive Director, Human Rights Commission and Mayo Barlett, distinguished Human Rights Attorney (and Rye native) as well as Larry Epstein, the Emmy Award winning producer of “The Hidden History of Slavery in New York.” The Human Rights Commission was also invited to participate in the community service fair at Rye High School, and we had great support from the students to support our initiatives. We are so proud of our relationships with these incredible individuals and applaud their civic and community efforts related to Human Rights.
- We have established great continuity with hosting an event in February for Black History Month. This is our third year in a row, and we had our largest turnout ever from across the County. The documentary we screened in conjunction with the Rye Reading Room “The Hidden History of Slavery in New York” was originally conceived by a Rye Country Day student several years ago. It was an eye opening film and the discussion afterwards we hope engaged our community.
- We continue to recognize adults and youth members from our community with the Rye City Human Rights Awards. At the end of each calendar year, we solicit nominations and recognize the individual at the City Council meeting. This year, Autumn Terrill, owner and founder of “Give Good Parties” deservedly was the recipient for 2025. Her business employees differently abled young adults to assist her with her event planning business. What makes her model so unique, is that she fairly compensates these motivated individuals. Her busy season is just heating up with end of year activities, Galas and Graduations so please reach out!
We also just kicked off the nominations for the Youth Award. Nominations for an individual 18 and under who has made a significant contribution to fostering human rights in our community can be made through the commission’s website.
Would you be supportive of your meetings being broadcast and recorded by the City for public viewing?
Capek: The Human Rights Commission is open to the public. Our monthly schedule for 2025 is 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.
Are written agendas and written meeting minutes available?
Capek: Yes, minutes from the meetings.
Are your meetings currently recorded?
Capek: No.
What are your key performance indicators (KPIs)?
Capek: As a group, we look at our events and their attendance, are we engaging with our community, responding to them and most importantly, providing them with the resources they need to better understand Human Rights. It’s difficult to assign a KPI as we do not issue permits, generate revenue, etc. It is more social engagement and learning.
Who is the City Council liaison to your Commission for 2026?
Capek: Marion Anderson is the Human Rights Commission liaison. She is new to the “official” role in her capacity as a newly elected Rye City Council member. Marion is not new to the Commission or its members. She has previously attended the meetings and worked with the Commission in generating support for the renaming of Redd Plaza at the Metro North station.
Tell us about the residents or others you interact with at your Commission.
Capek: The residents that interact with our Commission are typically interested in hearing more about what our priorities are and/or have a suggestion for us to consider. We also interact with the Westchester County Human Rights Commission. We invited local leaders such as Commissioner Kopy, Rye Youth Council Executive Director Lisa Domenici, and the Rye City and Rye Neck Superintendents to attend our meeting.
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 2000s. It was re-established in 2016 and has been going strong since.
Looking back across 2025, what were your commission’s top achievements?
Capek:
- Creating continuity around some of our goals such as the Adult and Youth Awards which provide exposure to the good work and spirit that many are bringing to our community.
- Partnered with and supported RHS Senior Hayden Souza (’25) to bring the Smithsonian Exhibit “The Bias Inside Us” to the Rye Free Reading Room. This traveling exhibit was impactful in its message, Hayden and her classmate also secured several speakers over the course of a month that continued to raise awareness to bias.
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).
Who appointed you to this position, and what year were you appointed?
Capek: It is a mayoral appointed position.
Besides yourself, who is the longest serving person on your commission?
Capek: That would be Corey Stark and Meg Cameron.
When does your current appointed term expire?
Capek: December 2026
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. I also am a Board Member of the Greenwich YMCA.
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.
If I took you to Jerry’s or Oakland Beach Deli for lunch this week, what would you order?
Capek: Turkey with cheddar, lettuce, tomato and a bag of salty potato chips.
Where do you live in Rye and how many years have you lived in the City?
Capek: Milton Point.
Thanks Rita!
Learn More:
2025 Profile
Main Commission page on the City website
Youth Award Nominations
LinkedIn
Members of the Commission:
Rita Capek, Chair 12-31-26 (term expires)
Meg Cameron 12-31-26
Ingraham Taylor 12-31-27
Ali Hudspeth 12-31-27
Hanadi Zakour 12-31-27
Adrienne Mecca 12-31-26
Corey Stark 12-31-26
Laura Labriola 12-31-28
Maddie Morgan, RCSD Student Representative
