News
Westchester Community College Foundation Appoints New Executive Director
Dolores Swirin-Yao has been named as Executive Director, Westchester Community College (WCC) Foundation and Vice President, External Affairs. In this role, Ms. Swirin-Yao will help shape and lead WCC Foundation’s strategic vision, working with its Board of Directors, its team and President Belinda Miles to ensure the Foundation’s long-term ability and philanthropic role in supporting the College’s values of success, excellence, and opportunity.
Ms. Swirin-Yao brings more than three decades of nonprofit executive and development experience to WCC, having served in leadership positions with organizations including York College/CUNY, Girl Scout Council of Greater NY, American Red Cross in Greater NY, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—NYC Chapter, and Volunteers of America—Greater NY.
Ms. Swirin-Yao earned her M.A. and B.A. from Columbia University. As a former student at Rockland Community College, she has a life-long commitment to the community college mission. “As a first-generation college graduate and having started my own higher education journey on a community college campus, WCC’s mission could not be closer to my heart. I look forward to this tremendous opportunity to serve the institution and its students.”
“We are excited and fortunate to have such a distinguished new Executive Director to head our Foundation’s efforts in supporting our diverse student population,” said Board Chair Joanne Landau. “Dolores brings to our organization a wealth of experience in leading premier nonprofit organizations. Furthermore, her years as a community college student bring a sensitivity and appreciation of our mission that will be invaluable in continuing our efforts, especially at a time when our students are still dealing with the pandemic and its corollary economic crisis.”
About Westchester Community College
Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.
Westchester Community College Foundation
Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.
