On Thursday, May 9th, the Nyack NAACP Branch hosted its prestigious 64th Annual Membership Freedom Fund Dinner, celebrating and recognizing individuals who embody the principles of social justice, equality, and advocacy. Among the esteemed honorees were two remarkable members of Venture Together’s community, Ashley Dawson and Dr. Dana Stilley, whose unwavering dedication has continually contributed to and improved their communities.
Dr. Dana Stilley is a respected member of Venture Together’s Board of Directors and serves as the Board HR Committee Chair. She is a lifelong resident of Rockland County and is an integral member of our community. She boasts an impressive academic and professional background, starting with her education from South Orangetown schools through Tappan Zee High School, followed by degrees from Brown University, Columbia University, and Old Dominion University.
Transitioning from a successful career on Wall Street to higher education, Dr. Stilley was Vice President of Student Services at Rockland Community College, where she spearheaded initiatives promoting student leadership. Presently, as a faculty member at Dominican University and the CEO of The Stilley Agency, she continues to impact the academic realm through teaching mathematics and coaching doctoral students. Committed to service, Dr. Stilley’s involvement spans various organizations, including Venture Together, Meals on Wheels of Rockland, and the South Orangetown Central School District Board of Education, reflecting her dedication to the community and advocacy for education and equality.
Dr. Stilley’s leadership extends beyond academia, making history as the first African American elected to the South Orangetown Board of Education and subsequently becoming the first African American Woman elected to the Rockland County Legislature in November 2023. Her election not only marked a milestone but also contributed to securing a democratic supermajority on the Legislature for the first time in 30 years. Alongside her professional achievements, Dr. Stilley is a published author and advocate for African American women in leadership, exemplified by her recent accolades, including the Person of the Year Award from the Xi Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi and the Community Servant Award from the Nu Psi Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Through her leadership, mentorship, and scholarship, Dr. Stilley continues to pave the way for positive change and representation within her community and beyond.
Ashley Dawson, Venture Together’s Residential Placement Coordinator, a Nyack native, and dedicated community leader, draws her passion for human rights from her deep faith in God. Alongside her role as President of the Nurse’s and Justice Ministry at Pilgrim Baptist Church, Ashley co-founded Truth 2 Power, an organization uniting people through community, education, and film. With a background in filmmaking, Ashley has illuminated the under-appreciated African American history in her community. Her recent work includes serving as an intimacy coordinator and producer for the film “Mountain Lion: Healing Film of St. Francis,” and she is currently in pre-production for her fictional piece, “That Kid,” which explores the emotional struggles African American boys face today.
Ashley has been actively engaged in the fight for civil justice, shedding light on injustices within her county. Through initiatives like organizing marches and advocating for justice for Sean Harris, she has galvanized the community and brought attention to important issues. Ashley’s commitment extends beyond activism to education, as she taught a free accredited film course at RCC. Currently, she is working on a script for her own film, “That Kid,” and is planning a movie and game night for local children, demonstrating her dedication to uplifting and empowering her community.
At Venture Together, we are immensely proud of Ashley Dawson and Dr. Dana Stilley’s achievements and honored to have them as integral members of our organization. Their dedication to social justice serves as inspiration for us all, reminding us of the power of activism involvement, and community support.
