Diane Rosenthal, Executive Director at Student Advocacy, Inc. in Westchester, NY, is the epitome of servant leadership. Beginning her career as a middle school teacher, she moved from the classroom into the nonprofit world, leading the New York Public Library’s adult literacy program which served over 1000 students per year. Diane’s leadership helped shape the social and literacy skills needed for students to achieve independence and self-sufficiency. She remained in adult literacy for many years, leading Literacy Volunteers of Stamford, CT, which was ranked among the top 10% of volunteer-based programs nationally. A true visionary, she created programs and wrote grants that would significantly benefit the adult learner community. She also facilitated a successful merger with a larger non-profit program that resulted in more resources and programming to serve the needs of their clients.
Diane currently leads Student Advocacy, an organization that provides legal representation and counsel on education related matters for families with children who have special needs due to disabilities or other challenges. Their services are free for families with limited resources.. Diane’s impact and leadership have been powerful over the decades of her career. She has made a significant difference in helping families, children, and youth in the areas of literacy, workforce development, and assistance for those facing challenges with the educational system.
Student Advocacy will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Overcoming the Odds Awards Celebration on May 14th at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill, Tarrytown, NY, where they will honor students who have faced challenges, yet made education and giving back to others their priority.