On October 20, 2026, Westchester Children’s Association (WCA) hosted its 20th Annual Kathryn Wasserman Davis Advocacy Breakfast at Harrison Meadows Country Club, bringing together elected officials, community leaders, advocates, and child-serving professionals for a morning dedicated to building stronger systems for children and families across Westchester County.

This year’s theme, “Beyond the Silo: Building Connected Systems for Every Child,” focused on the importance of collaboration across the systems that shape children’s lives. From education and health care to housing, child care, and social services, children and families rely on a network of supports to thrive. The breakfast created an opportunity for attendees to connect, exchange perspectives, and consider how stronger collaboration can lead to better outcomes for children and young people.

The morning included a brief presentation by Brandon Washington, WCA’s Data Analyst & Storyteller, highlighting WCA’s 2026 Data Bulletin and the importance of using data to better understand the needs of children and families across Westchester County. The presentation reinforced the role of research and data in informing advocacy efforts and identifying opportunities to strengthen support for young people.

A highlight of the morning was the keynote address by Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Drawing on her experience in state and county government, Dr. Harris-Madden emphasized the importance of cross-system collaboration, prevention, and civic engagement in strengthening the systems that support children and families. She shared several stories of collaboration leading to a happy ending, including one about a young woman who had been trafficked and was reunited with her family. Each story showed how essential it is to break down silos to improve the lives of children. She also noted that Westchester Children’s Association has led the way in collaboration. 

The breakfast also welcomed several elected officials committed to serving Westchester communities, including Congressman Mike Lawler, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, Assemblymember Steve Otis, Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, and Westchester County Legislators Nancy Barr and Jewel Williams Johnson. Their presence underscored the importance of bringing together leaders across sectors to advance conversations about children’s well-being.

For 20 years, WCA’s Advocacy Breakfast has brought people together around important issues affecting children and young people. This year’s gathering continued that tradition while looking ahead to how organizations, public agencies, policymakers, and community partners can work together more effectively.

The event also celebrated the legacy of Kathryn Wasserman Davis, whose name has been associated with this annual gathering throughout its history. Two decades later, the breakfast remains an important opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange ideas, and keep children’s well-being at the center of community conversations.

To close the morning, Angel Gray, WCA’s Program & Policy Director, encouraged attendees to carry the conversation beyond the breakfast and into their communities. Her call to action captured the spirit of the event: keep breaking down silos, keep speaking up, keep connecting, and keep showing up for children and families. The message served as a reminder that building stronger systems requires continued engagement, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating meaningful change.

WCA extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Harris-Madden, the elected officials, attendees, partners, and supporters who joined us for this milestone event. Their participation reflects a shared commitment to building a Westchester where every child has the opportunity to be healthy, safe, and prepared for life’s challenges.

Although the breakfast has concluded, WCA’s work continues throughout the year. Through research, community partnerships, and advocacy, WCA remains committed to ensuring that the needs of children and young people are heard and addressed across Westchester County

Learn more about WCA’s advocacy and how you can support our work: https://wca4kids.org/advocacy-alerts/