Alice A. Walker Award

An Ability to focus on an area of need in the community-

Mary Ellen’s career spanned over 30 years with Menorah Park, a senior living community in Syracuse. She began as Chief Financial Officer and became Chief Executive Officer in 2003. She retired as CEO in 2022 and transitioned to Chief Development Officer. She is known nationally for her skills in serving seniors as she  led her organization in its expansion to the “continuum of care” model it is today. Mary Ellen believes every individual deserves to feel valued and safe. Even while engaged in her busy job, Mary Ellen spent hours volunteering in leadership roles for nonprofits that were important to her sense of social justice.

She never seeks recognition but continues to work every day to make our community a better place for women, and for all.

Commitment to Community Service-

Over many years she has volunteered with multiple  community nonprofit  organizations and served in various leadership positions within those organizations: 

• American Association of University Women (AAUW); She served as Board Treasurer for multiple years; 

• As a member of Zonta, she has served as Board Treasurer, Past President, Program Chair, Zonta NY District 2 Area 3 Director

• YWCA Trustee

• Guthrie Cortland Hospital Foundation Board member

• CNY Living History Museum Board member

• Cortland Office of the Aging Board member

An Independent Spirit and Outlook-

Mary Ellen has always advocated to spend and allocate funds to nonprofits rather than keep a “nest egg” in the bank. This made some people uncomfortable, but Mary Ellen strongly believes that funds raised should be sent right back out to strengthen our community resources.

Clear Sense of Justice-

The nonprofit organizations with which she has volunteered work for social justice. For example, AAUW’s mission is to advance gender equity for women and girls through research, education and advocacy. Zonta’s mission is to build a better world for women and girls by empowering them worldwide through service and advocacy. Their focus is on improving women’s legal, political, economic, educational, health, and professional status, ensuring their rights are recognized as human rights.  In addition, she is a strong advocate for the YWCA’s mission, i.e.  to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.