The Westchester Community College Foundation announced that American Women of African Heritage, Inc. (AWAH) will receive the Community Leadership Award at the Foundation’s 2026 Transforming Futures Together Gala, recognizing the organization’s sustained, community-driven work expanding access to education for Black women across Westchester County.
AWAH was founded in the spring of 2001, when five women gathered in the office of the Honorable Lois Bronz, then-President of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, to ask a straightforward but urgent question: How could opportunities for women and girls of African ancestry in Westchester be strengthened in lasting ways? That conversation, led by Toni Cox-Burns, Dr. Mary Lane Cobb, Valerie Somersille, Esq., and Elizabeth “Betty” Scantlebury, laid the foundation for more than two decades of grassroots leadership and action.
Since then, AWAH has built a reputation for doing the important, consistent work that moves communities forward. Its efforts have included mentoring emerging leaders, creating platforms that honor women of African heritage, promoting authors and artists, celebrating cultural history, and supporting social and educational initiatives.
One of the clearest impacts of their work can be seen at SUNY Westchester Community College, where AWAH’s support has directly translated into student opportunities.
Through its partnership with SUNY WCC and the Foundation, AWAH has invested in scholarships for women who are students at SUNY WCC in two different programs. The Second Chance Scholarships are for students returning to college in pursuit of an associate’s degree after a gap.The Pathways to Workforce Development Scholarships help students pursue short-term certificate programs that align with immediate employment needs, offering practical routes into the workforce.
“AWAH’s support reaches students at critical moments,” said Dr. Belinda S. Miles, President of SUNY Westchester Community College. “It helps women of African ancestry stay enrolled, complete their programs, and move forward with confidence.”
For many recipients, that support has meant the difference between postponing education indefinitely and taking a concrete next step. By backing both degree pathways and targeted credentials, AWAH has helped ensure that returning to school leads to tangible, sustainable progress.
“For 16 years, we have had a meaningful collaboration with SUNY Westchester Community College by providing scholarships that have allowed students to take advantage of the wonderful opportunities the college has to offer,” said Gloria Welcome, President, American Women of African Heritage, Inc. “It means a lot to our members to have our partnership recognized at this year’s Transforming Futures Together Gala, and we are looking forward to celebrating on April 29!”
EVENT DETAILS
AWAH will be formally recognized at the Foundation’s 2026 Transforming Futures Together Gala, the Foundation’s largest annual fundraising event supporting scholarships, emergency assistance, and student success initiatives at SUNY Westchester Community College. The evening will also honor the late Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey with the Public Service Award and DeCicco & Sons with the Corporate Citizenship Award.
Date: Wednesday, April 29
Location: Tappan Hill Mansion, Tarrytown, NY
Hosted by: SUNY Westchester Community College Foundation
For more information or to register, please visit Gala 2026 – Westchester Community College Foundation.
