Nonprofit Westchester Celebrated
Keep Westchester Thriving Awards

Nonprofit Westchester (NPW) celebrated the 2021 Keep Westchester Thriving Awards during its annual meeting on Wednesday, December 8, 2021. The event took place virtually with more than 150 participants tuning in. Welcome remarks were given by NPW’s Executive Director, Jan Fisher, which was followed by the organization’s year-end recap and look ahead by Anahaita Kotval, President of NPW and CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. The program acknowledged the success of both the organization as a whole and its members featuring remarks by some of Westchester County’s leading nonprofit organizations.

The Changemaker Awards were presented by Michelle A. Nicholas, Vice President of NPW and Senior Vice President of PCSB Bank. All changemakers were honored for the innovation, collaboration, and impact they demonstrated in helping all Westchester residents confront one of the most challenging times in recent history, and to move forward. 

The Organization Changemaker Awards were presented to both The Child Care Council of Westchester and The Community Resource Center. This award acknowledges organizations who have committed to always thinking and acting in the most generous way to address the intersecting issues faced by the nonprofit sector. The Child Care Council of Westchester was recognized for fostering partnerships that met the unprecedented needs of childcare providers and the children and families they serve, as well as other essential workers. Based in Mamaroneck, The Community Resource Center was honored for its ingenuity and resilience in supporting immigrants through the pandemic and Hurricane Ida.

Judith Watson, CEO of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center was awarded the Individual Changemaker Award in recognition of her leadership quality, for furthering the mission of providing quality care to the communities served by her organization, and for her steadfast commitment to advancing racial equity in healthcare and other systems. She is a veteran of the United States Army and served active duty for three years as a Specialist E-4 at Ford Island, Hawaii, and in the U.S. Army Reserve for five years as a Sergeant E-5 in Orangeburg, New York. She also serves on the board of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS).

“Our annual meeting brought together some of the best minds and agencies in the nonprofit sector,” said Jan Fisher, Executive Director at Nonprofit Westchester. “We look forward to hosting this meeting every year, and especially this year, as we honor individuals and organizations who have brought exceptional expertise, strength, and fortitude to our County.”

Additional highlights of this meeting included Danté Hudson, Chief Operating Officer at YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester and Chair of the 2021 Emerging Leaders Program, leading the graduation of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2021. Nonprofit Westchester also took this opportunity to unveil its new branding initiative including a logo, mission, and vision statements for 2022 and beyond. Lastly, Anahaita Kotval and Jan Fisher welcomed the newly appointed 2022 board members and gave closing remarks that left attendees inspired and empowered to continue to thrive in the new year.

For more information on how to get involved in Nonprofit Westchester’s initiatives in 2022, visit www.npwestchester.org.

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 250 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.