Nonprofit Westchester Announces Carola Otero Bracco as Recipient of the Keep Westchester Thriving Award

Elmsford, NY (July 17, 2026)— Carola Otero Bracco, Executive Director of Neighbors Link, has been named the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award by Nonprofit Westchester. The award will be officially presented at NPW’s annual Keep Westchester Thriving celebration, on December 3, 2026.

The Keep Westchester Thriving celebration is the premier gathering for Westchester County’s nonprofit sector, bringing together hundreds of community leaders, advocates, and supporters. Last year’s event drew more than 350 people to celebrate the visionary leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment of changemakers shaping the future of the region.

As a first-generation American born to Bolivian immigrant parents, Bracco has a deep personal connection to the immigrant experience that has inspired her transformative leadership at Neighbors Link, an organization dedicated to empowering immigrant families and advocating for personal growth through education, legal services, and economic development.

Under her guidance, the organization has grown to include three community centers, the largest immigration legal practice in the mid-Hudson Valley, and critical programming that serves immigrants across 150 towns in 28 New York counties. Before leading Neighbors Link, Bracco had a career in financial management with General Electric Corporation, Ford Motor Company and Time Warner. She holds an MBA from Duke University.

"Carola Bracco exemplifies the absolute best of Westchester’s nonprofit sector. Her ingenuity, brilliance, and relentless resolve strengthen our entire community every single day," said Jan Fisher, Executive Director of Nonprofit Westchester. "At a time when community-driven leadership is more critical than ever, Carola’s work at Neighbors Link serves as a masterclass in how to build bridges, foster deep integration, and create sustainable, positive change. We are thrilled to honor her extraordinary contributions to our county."

Bracco said that she was honored to be among those changemakers to receive Nonprofit Westchester's Keep Westchester Thriving Distinguished Service Award.

”This award is especially meaningful because it shines a light on the resilience, dignity and contributions of immigrant families who continue to enrich our community despite facing fear and uncertainty. This recognition also reflects the work of countless colleagues, partners, volunteers, donors, and community members who share the Neighbors Link vision that strong communities are built when everyone has the opportunity to be included. Every day at Neighbors Link I am inspired by people who choose to show up for one another with compassion, courage, and hope. Together, we are building a Westchester where every neighbor has the opportunity not just to belong, but to thrive.’’

Ron Abad, NPW Board President, said Bracco is the type of leader NPW had in mind when they created this award.

"The NPW Board of Directors is incredibly proud to present her with the Distinguished Service Award. She embodies the very spirit of the Keep Westchester Thriving mission—ensuring that every single member of our community has the opportunity, resources, and support to truly thrive."

The December 3rd celebration is more than an awards ceremony; it serves as a vital moment of unity and recognition for the extraordinary, everyday efforts of Westchester’s nonprofit workforce to address pressing local challenges and expand opportunities for all residents.

For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please visit Nonprofit Westchester - NPW's Keep Westchester Thriving Awards & Emerging Leaders Graduation

About Nonprofit Westchester (NPW)

Nonprofit Westchester is the county’s only membership organization solely dedicated to advancing the needs and interests of Westchester’s nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. With a membership of more than 380 organizations. NPW provides a unified voice for the sector through advocacy, professional development, and the promotion of cross-sector collaboration to build a more equitable and resilient Westchester.

About Neighbors Link

Neighbors Link is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the whole community through the healthy integration of immigrants. By offering education, empowerment, and employment opportunities, Neighbors Link helps immigrant families successfully navigate and contribute to their local communities.

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