HONOREES ANNOUNCED FOR THE 2023 NONPROFIT WESTCHESTER KWT Awards

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is proud to announce the 2023 Keep Westchester Thriving Awards winners in both the individual and organizational changemaker categories. Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace; Limarie Cabrera, Director of Data, Operations & Finance, at Westchester Children’s Association; and Sister to Sister International, Inc. have all been chosen for going above and beyond in their work to address the needs of our county’s most vulnerable members and for advancing needed change to confront a myriad of social issues.

Kathy Halas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW), will also receive the first-ever Keep Westchester Thriving Distinguished Service Award.

“We are proud to honor these changemakers for all they contribute to fortifying the social and economic fabric of our communities, and for enhancing the well-being of all residents,” said Jan Fisher, Executive Director of NPW. “We look forward to celebrating all of them at the Keep Westchester Thriving Awards ceremony and to recognize the work done by Westchester’s nonprofit sector.”

Individual Changemakers

Horace E. Anderson, Jr., Dean, Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, is being honored for creating a culture of collaboration, community service, and innovation at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University. His access to justice initiatives, outstanding dedication to student engagement and wellness, focus on global sustainability, and commitment to social justice and improving diversity in the legal pipeline have enhanced academic excellence, and enriched Westchester County and the nonprofit sector.

“Horace Anderson is a visionary leader, a skillful advocate, and a devoted colleague,” said Marvin Krislov, president of Pace University. “Under his deanship, the Elisabeth Haub School of Law has cemented its reputation as a force for social justice and a center for innovation in legal education. By harnessing the energy of our faculty, staff, and students, the law school has increased enrollment, launched new efforts like our Access to Justice Program, and maintained our ranking as the No. 1 environmental law program in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report. We congratulate Dean Anderson and the other 2023 Changemakers for earning this well-earned honor.”

Limarie Cabrera, Director of Data, Operations & Finance, at Westchester Children’s Association, is being honored for her leadership in utilizing data to improve the lives of children and families in Westchester County. Her data product innovations and enthusiasm for assisting community partners have helped other nonprofits understand the value of data to set priorities, understand outcomes, inform challenges and solutions, and improve programs and services.

"Westchester Children's Association (WCA) empowers community leaders, organizations, and parents by providing them with the tools they need to speak up for Westchester’s children. Our data work provides our fellow advocates with the quantifiable evidence they need to ensure that attention and resources continue to be dedicated to our children’s priorities. I am honored that NPW, whose mission it is to also empower Westchester non-profits, finds WCA’s work and my role useful as we all endeavor to make Westchester and New York State a place where all children and youth can survive and thrive regardless of race or zip code,” said Cabrera.

Organization Changemakers

Nationally, maternal mortality is 3 to 4 times higher for Black women than for White women. Sister to Sister International, Inc. (STSI) is being honored for successfully elevating and promoting Black maternal health as a key public health issue in Westchester, New York State, and nationally. Through partnerships with Black and Brown birthing people, healthcare, academia, elected officials, and the general public, and their seminal research reporter, Still I Rise: The Status of Black Women and Girls in Westchester County (2019), STSI is leading the way on solutions to this and other problems resulting from the social determinants of health and systemic racism.

“STSI is pleased to be selected as the 2023 Nonprofit Changemaker Award recipient for our work, with various community partners in support of elevating and promoting Black maternal health as a key public health issue in Westchester County and beyond,” said Cheryl Bannan, Founder. “We thank Nonprofit Westchester for this esteemed recognition.”

Distinguished Service Award

Kathy Halas, executive director of the Child Care Council of Westchester (CCCW), will receive the first-ever Keep Westchester Thriving Distinguished Service Award. With Kathy at the forefront, the Child Care Council of Westchester has helped the community understand the importance of safe, affordable, and sustainable childcare facilities for children, parents, members of the workforce, and businesses of all types. She is a steadfast and respected advocate who has successfully brought together the nonprofit, business, and government sectors as stakeholders in advancing quality early care and education. Along with her team, Kathy has been a one-of-a-kind training and informational resource for childcare professionals across the county and State. Always willing to collaborate and learn, she also lends expertise to like-minded organizations, including the Westchester Women’s Agenda, the Westchester County Families Task Force, which she co-chairs, and the Welcome Home Westchester Campaign.

“I’ve always thought myself so lucky to live, raise my children, and work in Westchester County which offers energy, resources, and a level of collaboration among nonprofits, government, and business that I think is rare,” said Halas. “I’ve been with NPW from the beginning and it’s remarkable to witness its growth, not just in numbers but also in the complexity of the issues it’s tackling. I thank everyone at NPW for the support and inspiration along the way.”

This year’s winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony on November 29, 2023, at the Sonesta Hotel in White Plains from 5:30 pm to 8 pm. Tickets are $90 per person for NPW members and $150 per person for nonmembers. There are also numerous opportunities to sponsor this inspiring event or to purchase a journal ad.

The event will be hosted by NPW and opening sponsors:

Westchester Library System: "The Westchester Library System is proud to sponsor NPW's Keep Westchester Thriving Awards, an event that acknowledges and celebrates the diversity, skills, and community impact of the region's current and emerging nonprofit leaders,” said Terry Kirchner, Executive Director.

Hudson Valley Credit Union: “Being an agent for change often comes with high risk, but also so many rewards. Each one of the 2023 Nonprofit Changemakers have been courageous and steadfast in making our communities stronger, and Hudson Valley Credit Union is proud to salute their accomplishments,” Lisa Morris, VP, Director of Public Relations.

Mutual of America: “Being a partner to so many nonprofit organizations, we have a front-row seat to see the impact Nonprofit Westchester makes every single day. Jan and her team are tireless advocates for the nonprofit sector in Westchester County, we’re proud to support the association as it works to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals for its members,” said Matthew Saidman, VP.

Westhab: “Westchester is strengthened in all ways by its vibrant and dynamic nonprofit sector that meets the myriad needs of our community. The Nonprofit Westchester Keep Westchester Thriving Awards is our community's marquee nonprofit event and will offer an incredible opportunity to celebrate our collective impact, the distinguished Changemaker award winners, and the graduates of Nonprofit Westchester's Emerging Leaders Program. Nonprofit Westchester really does Keep Westchester Thriving,” said Richard Nightingdale, President & CEO.

Maier Markey & Justic LLP: “Empowering communities, igniting change, and nurturing dreams – that’s what NPW does best. The Keep Westchester Thriving Awards celebrate the many unsung heroes who keep Westchester thriving,” said Anthony Justic, Partner.

About Nonprofit Westchester

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) is Westchester’s only membership organization dedicated solely to advancing and advocating for the needs and interests of the county's nonprofit sector, the people and populations served, and the nonprofit workforce. Representing more than 300 members, NPW’s vision is to build a thriving county with vibrant nonprofits and resilient, inclusive communities that value equity and inclusion, innovation, and integrity. The mission of NPW is to strengthen Westchester’s nonprofit organizations as they transform lives, empower communities, and drive positive change. This mission and vision are strengthened through advocacy, education, and connection. To learn more about Nonprofit Westchester, visit their website at www.npwestchester.org.

# # #