Double Mercy University alumna Dr. DaMia Harris Madden, MBA, MSHRM, will receive the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and serve as the 2025 Commencement Speaker for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences on Wednesday, May 21st at Westchester County Center.
She is a leading voice in youth and family services. Recently appointed by Governor Kathy Hochul as Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, Harris-Madden now leads a multi-billion-dollar agency dedicated to protecting New York’s most vulnerable children and families. Under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousin, the New York State Senate confirmed the appointment on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, of Dr. Harris-Madden.
She brings more than two decades of experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, and human services to this vital statewide leadership role, most recently serving as executive director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau. There, she pioneered mental health services in after-school programs and developed cross-sector partnerships that expanded youth opportunities in health, tech, and prevention. Earlier in her career, she spent 14 years with the City of Mount Vernon, including as executive director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau, where her work significantly expanded services for young people.
Harris-Madden has led transformative programs across New York, helping thousands of children and families access the resources they need to thrive. She will deliver the commencement address to the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences graduates and receive an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
For complete details about each of Mercy University’s Commencement ceremonies, including date, time, and location, and to watch the live stream, please visit https://www.mercy.edu/campus-life/commencement-2025.
AJ Woodson is the Editor-In-Chief and co-owner of Black Westchester, Host & Producer of the People Before Politics Radio Show, An Author, Journalism Fellow (Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism), Rap Artist – one third of the legendary underground rap group JVC FORCE known for the single Strong Island, Radio Personality, Hip-Hop Historian, Documentarian, Activist, Criminal Justice Advocate and Freelance Journalist
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