As part of Women’s History Month, the Westchester County Youth Board hosted the fourth Annual Shero Awards virtually on Tuesday, March 22. This year’s
“Sheros” were executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau Debbie Burrell-Butler, executive director of the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Inc. Joanne Dunn, and coalition coordinator of the Ossining Communities that Care for Open Door Family Medical Center Alice Joselow.
“Westchester County is fortunate to have no shortage of women who are seen as every day sheros in their communities,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “This year’s honorees are noted for their tireless work in the areas of positive youth development, juvenile justice, and alcohol and substance abuse prevention. Wethank them for serving as excellent resources and role models to the children, youth, and families that they serve.”
Youth Board President Dr. Alexandria Connely added, “the 2022 Sheros are recognized as true collaborators and key influencers in their respective agencies and have ensured effectiveness within the programs that they oversee. The Board and Bureau appreciates their dedication particularly for their partnership with the Westchester County Youth Bureau, Board, and community at large.”
About the 2022 Sheros:
Burrell-Butler attended the Mount Vernon City Schools and graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 2001. For the past 21 years, she has worked various roles within the city of Mount Vernon government until her appointment to her current role in August 2018. Today, she continues to drive changes within the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau and her community by providing youth and young adults ages 6-24 with a voice to advocate for themselves and others. She also continues to write and apply for grants that provide paid internships and work experiences for youth, which have led to careers within high-demanding fields.
Dunn is a human service professional who has more than 15 years of experience creating and executing programs throughout the Westchester County. She is the first women to lead the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, an alternative to incarceration program that serves young men between the ages of 16-21, awaiting disposition or who have been sentenced for various criminal convictions. She has served as a troop leader for the Westchester Putnam Girl Scouts,
a member of the Peekskill City School District’s Parental/Community Involvement Committee, a parent coordinator for the Peekskill Pop Warner Football League and as an executive board member for the Peekskill NAACP. Her leadership philosophy is to lead by example. Dunn embraces the notion that an organization moves forward when its staff feels empowered and appreciated and provides her staff with many opportunities to learn and grow.
Joselow is a community advocate. She has lived in Ossining for 24 years and currently works for the Open Door Family Medical Center where she coordinates and chairs a federally funded (SAMHSA Drug Free Communities grant) coalition called Ossining Communities That Care, which is focused on reducing
teen substance abuse and the promotion of positive youth development in Ossining. Joselow has volunteered in the PTA where she organized many activities including storytelling festivals, afterschool programs, and assemblies and served as president for several years. Joselow was elected to the Ossining Board of Education in 1999 and served for 12 years on the board. (Submitted)
