Eastchester's Willa Brody to be Honored by MHA

WILLA BRODY TO BE HONORED WITH

THE MHA ON THE MOVE AWARD AT BENEFIT ON OCTOBER 17

The Mental Health Association of Westchester (MHA) is pleased to announce that Willa Brody, Director of Government and Community Relations, New York-Presbyterian Hospital will receive MHA’s on the move Award on Thursday, October 17 at the Metropolis Country Club in White Plains.  The annual event benefits and builds mental health services in Westchester.  The honor recognizes an individual who advocates for improved mental health through actions or philanthropy and promotes an understanding of mental health issues.

Ms. Brody has been a tireless advocate for individuals seeking support for mental health issues and a strong community activist throughout her professional and volunteer life.  Responsible for creating deeply committed services across multiple sectors in Westchester, Ms. Brody has had an accomplished career at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.  Currently the Director of Government and Community Relations, she has oversight of the Weill Cornell Medical Center, Westchester Division and Children’s Hospital campuses. 

Ms Brody has enjoyed a varied professional background in health care, social work, public policy, community development and law.  She holds a Bachelors degree in Sociology/English from Queens College, CUNY; a Masters Degree in Social Work and a Post-Masters Degree in Aging from Hunter College, CUNY, and a law degree from Pace University.

For the past 12 years, Ms. Brody has been a Board member of the Westchester Business Council, serving on their Executive Board, Government Affairs, and ‘40 Under 40’ Rising Stars committee.  She co-chairs the Business Advisory Council of New York Presbyterian Hospital's Project Search Program which provides comprehensive vocational training for autistic youth 18 years seeking employment after high school.  Ms. Brody has also been a trustee of the Eastchester School Board since 2004, serving as Board Secretary and President, and chairing the Community Relations and Finance Committee

Ms. Brody lives in Eastchester with her husband of 39 years, Jack Hughes, and together they have 3 daughters, Delia, Anna and Olivia.

Also being honored at the event are Andrew Solomon, winner of the National Book Award for Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity;  Dr. Lisa Dixon, MD, MPH, Director, Center for Practice Innovations, NYSPI, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Ralph Lieblich, MHA Volunteer.

MHA is a community-based mental health agency that has been helping Westchester County residents for 67 years through direct services, professional and community education and advocacy.  MHA supports 18,000 individuals annually through a comprehensive array of mental health services for all ages at licensed mental health clinics, and to best meet each individual’s need, at home or at a community location.  MHA’s belief that every individual can and will recover is at the core of its mission.

To purchase tickets to the event, contact Constance Moustakas at 914-345-5900 ext. 7511 or write development@mhawestchester.org.  To learn more about MHA, visit www.mhawestchester.org.