May 3, 2018 -- Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced the appointments of thirteen new members to the Westchester County Youth Advisory Board. The Board is comprised of a diverse group of community members that are tasked with advocating for the needs of children, youth and families. At least five of the members are between the ages of 15 and 21, providing a strong voice for young adults and raising awareness about the issues that affect them.
Latimer said: “This newly constructed Youth Advisory Board brings a fresh perspective to address the challenges facing our teens and young adults. I am looking forward to working with this dynamic group of people, to develop the youth services that are necessary to improve the lives of our children and families County-wide.”
Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau Dr. DaMia Harris Madden said: “The intentional recruitment of a diverse set of new Youth Board members is a key strategy for increasing the Youth Bureau’s capacity and furthering this administration’s vision for improving outcomes for Westchester’s children, youth, and families. We are excited by the engagement and appointment of stakeholders who range from youth to adult executives, and demonstrate leadership in various community sectors to include education and research institutions; children and youth‐serving agencies; neighborhood and cultural associations; local businesses, and faith-based organizations.”
The Youth Advisory Board is still seeking candidates from Port Chester, Ossining, Elmsford, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown. The newly appointed Youth Advisory Board members are as follows:
Abe Baker-Butler of Rye Brook, is very active in his school community. He is the founding member of Blind Brook High School’s Legislative Advocacy Committee and the J-Teen Leadership Gun Safety Advocacy Team, and the President of Blind Brook High School’s Young Democrats.
Hannah Tolz of Armonk, has an interest in international human rights law. After completing a course at Cornell University, Tolz felt empowered to act upon the injustices that affect people across the world, and understand how international human rights laws can change people’s lives.
Afua Yeboah of Peekskill, is currently studying Nutrition and Dietetics at New York University. Yeboah also worked as a clinical assistant at Remede Naturopathics in New York, publicizing their detox programs, dietary programs and supplemental programs.
Leana Rutt of Pelham, has volunteered for several non-profit groups including Hope’s Door, an organization seeking to end domestic violence and empower victims to achieve safety, independence and healing from the trauma of abuse. Rutt also volunteered at Aristree Performing Arts, Pelham PACT (Parents and Children Together) and the Y2Y (Youth to Youth) Leadership Conference.
Dr. Michelle Paige of New Rochelle, is currently serving as the Associate Executive Director of University Settlement, one of New York’s most dynamic social service institutions serving more than 25,000 low-income people. University Settlement focuses on children advocacy initiatives, including oversight of early childhood training and education needs.
Whitney Smith of White Plains, is an ELA Teacher at Bronx Preparatory Charter School. Smith creates, monitors and sustains a disciplined school culture of high academic and behavioral standards, evaluating academic achievement through a detailed data analysis of student performance.
Dr. Susan Green of Mount Vernon, is currently serving as the principal of PS 208 Alain L. Locke Magnet School in New York City. Dr. Green also has several New York State teaching certifications, and training from St. John Fisher College School of Education, New York City Leadership Academy and Brooklyn College.
Scorpio Rogers of New Rochelle, is the Associate Dean of the School of Business at Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry. Rogers also teaches and develops undergraduate business courses including entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and management.
Jan Fisher of Briarcliff Manor, is the Director of Public Affairs at Westchester Jewish Community Services (WJCS). Fisher is responsible for government and community relations, including increasing awareness and support for WJCS’ programs and services available to Westchester County residents.
Joeffrey Gardner of Hawthorne, is the Youth and Teen Development Director of the Rockland County YMCA in Nyack. Gardner is responsible for the development of programs for youth and teens, as well as strengthening collaborations within the community including with public schools, municipalities, service organizations, local businesses and faith-based organizations.
Vernex Harding of Yonkers, is the Director of Early Childhood Education Programs at Westchester Community Opportunity Program (WestCOP) in Elmsford. The non-profit group’s mission is to mobilize and manage resources to help low-income and at-risk populations overcome poverty in Westchester County.
Tara Lattimer-Wilson of Larchmont, is the Guidance Counselor for Pre-K through 6th grade at Graham Elementary School in Mount Vernon, and has several other New York State teaching certifications. Lattimer-Wilson assists her students academically, emotionally and socially, and provides resources for college and career development.
Dr. Adria Armbrister of Mount Vernon, is an international project manager and researcher with more than 15 years of experience in Latin American and Caribbean public health and sociological research. Armbrister manages more than 20 gender and diversity development projects in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago.