New York, NY — LaToya Williams-Belfort, Chief Development and Communications Officer at Jericho Project, has been named a 2016 Rising Star in the nonprofit community by New York Nonprofit Media. This prestigious award will be presented July 21, 2016 at Capital Grille in New York.
“LaToya Williams-Belfort is an innovative and passionate advocate for vulnerable New Yorkers and we are extremely proud that she is being recognized for her leadership,” said Tori Lyon, CEO of Jericho Project, a 33-year old nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots by enabling individuals and families to access affordable housing, get and keep jobs, and improve physical and mental wellness.
NYN Media bestows the Rising Star Award on 40 individuals under 40 who have demonstrated outstanding work in the nonprofit world. This is the second year for the award that recognizes the impact of a purpose-driven career in areas of social work, legal, public health, education and other services.
Williams-Belfort joined Jericho in May 2016, bringing to the organization a wealth of senior executive experience leading initiatives in fundraising, operations and special events for a range of organizations, from award-winning social entrepreneurships to institutional standard-bearer.
Previously, she was Vice President of Fundraising and Operations for Children of Promise, NYC (CPNYC), where she was primary fundraising partner with the organization’s Founder and Board of Directors, driving all development, marketing, volunteer engagement and special event strategies and activities.
Prior to this position she worked for over seven years in the non-profit sector, focusing her passion and expertise on youth development and poverty eradication. While serving as Director of Special Events & Fundraising at United Way of New York City, she led her department in raising millions of dollars annually. These funds assured crucial development in the areas of education, income and health in support of New York City’s most vulnerable, low-income populations.
Before making the decision to dedicate her career to serving at risk New Yorkers, Mrs. Williams-Belfort oversaw global marketing and relationship management in the publishing and event services industries, including the multimedia trend-setter Black Enterprise.
She is a proud native New Yorker, wife and mother of two beautiful sons, Dell and Logan. Additionally, she holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Media and Communications from the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
Jericho Project was founded in 1983 to provide housing and comprehensive services to New York City’s most vulnerable homeless individuals and today serves over 2,000 individuals, including 550 veterans, annually. It enables adults and families experiencing homelessness to attain quality housing, employment and mental and physical health services. Jericho has been a key partner in New York City’s initiative to end veterans homelessness, and is leading bold, innovative strategies to do the same for families and young adults. www.jerichoproject.org