Croton-on-Hudson resident Jean Connolly shines the light on a number of not for profits throughout Westchester County. As senior director of BNY Mellon Wealth Management in White Plains, Connolly is in a position to network around the county bringing volunteers and good causes together.
A volunteer for many years, she finds that her passion has brought her to focus on organizations that care for and empower women, including Hopes Door, Go Red for Women and the Food Bank of Westchester, to name a few.
Hope's Door, where she serves as a director on the board, seeks to end domestic violence and empower women, Connolly explains. Collectively as a board we try to offer hope and education, she says, pointing to Star, a program that is run through the schools in the county to educate teens.
She and a number of her colleagues worked with Benjamin Moore to spruce up the shelter itself. Connolly is also instrumental in shining a light on domestic violence this October, since it has been designated as the month to increase awareness. "We are going to paint the county purple, she says as she lists ways others can help from donating cell phones to donating time right on the grounds for a one-day fall clean up.
Connolly believes her work with the American Heart Associations Go Red for Women is also about empowerment. She explains that knowledge is power. Half of women dont realize that heart disease is the number one killer among women. I found that out myself by going to one of the Go Red lunches.
She adds, The Go Red movement works to make sure women know the risks, so that they can take action to protect their health. Connolly is glad to see that Go Red is capturing the attention of men as well. Every guy has a woman in his life, Connolly says. That is why they started the Red Tie Society.
As Connolly looks ahead, she sees a full schedule. Hopes Door is having its annual luncheon at Kittle House in October; she is serving as co-chair of the Food Banks Valentine Wine Dinner and working with Go Red on several projects. Connolly, always looking outward, says, When you see these survivors, they are the ones that are heroes. They never gave up. They give me inspiration.
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