2018 YWCA Darien/Norwalk Women of Distinction

Meet Wendy Ward, 2018 Women of Distinction Nominee. Wendy also a Darien native, DHS ‘91, has dedicated much of her recent career to supporting the social, emotional, mental and behavioral health of youth and families. Wendy, a mother of two daughters, co-founded and is the co-CEO of the Youth Mental Health Project (YMHP). YMHP empowers families and communities to act with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to support youth mental health. Together with Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, Wendy wrote a booklet illustrating the ages and stages of youth mental health development, called “Understanding Youth Mental Health.” In partnership with Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County, she developed a 32-page guide for parents called “Understanding Youth Mental Health: Questions Parents Frequently Ask”. Wendy has also spent the last seven years educating parents and children on the need for social-emotional learning. She has traveled globally to speak at events, run workshops and training sessions. As a Kimochis facilitator, she has taught parents, educators, mental health providers, and physicians. Kimochis help children and adults identify and express feelings, working through them to live more resiliently.

In addition to her work with YMHP, Wendy is the co-chair of The Council of Darien School Parents, has volunteered with The Community Fund, is a board member of The Fairfield County Swim League and even volunteered on the town Recycling Advisory Committee. She has also worked with local stakeholders to bring speakers to the community including Kerry Kennedy (Stand Against Racism), Marina Parker (Domestic Abuse) and Jamie Nabozny (workshops on the dangers of bullying). Wendy has been an active and positive force advocating for social-emotional learning. Her work helps families navigate raising a whole child because just like physical health we all have mental health.

For the first time, our Young Woman of Distinction will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Donations collected in excess of $1,000 will be allocated to fund future scholarships with the goal of increasing the amount given each year. If you would like to contribute www.ywcadn.org/wod-scholar.

Our 2018 Young Woman of Distinction is Emma Dahlquist. Emma has been a member of the Community Fund’s Youth Asset Team for three years. In addition to her DHS YAT involvement, she helped lead bi-weekly YAT meetings for middle schoolers. Emma immediately connected with the students, and volunteered to increase her involvement when she saw the need for leaders.

Emma was an obvious choice when the Community Fund was asked to choose a youth representative to serve on Connecticut’s Youth Advisory Council on substance abuse at the state level. Her thoughtfulness, energy and creativity at Council meetings was appreciated!

Emma was elected as one of four Youth Asset Team Presidents for the 2017-2018 school year. She is a constant contributor, helping to plan multiple events such as the Chris Herren speaking engagements at DHS, and the panel/ presentation of the film “Haze.”

Emma’s community service extends well beyond the YAT organization. She has taught religious education for four years at St. Thomas More Catholic Parish, and is an active member of the Youth Group. Emma participated in the “Midnight Run,” distributing clothing and food to the homeless of NYC. Emma is a Link Leader at DHS, and a member of two national honor societies, helping tutor at the high school level. She is a varsity athlete, and spent last summer rebuilding houses and public gardens in New Orleans.

Emma is most definitely a Young Woman of Distinction, and is off to study at Bucknell University in the fall!