Friday, October 2, 2026
For Camille Emeagwali, community service has always been rooted in a simple belief: Everyone has a role to play in building the kind of community they want to live in.
A proud Malverne parent of two boys, Emeagwali has been involved in the Malverne School District since her children were young. Over the years, she has served as co-president of the PTA at Downing School and Davison Avenue School, president of the Central Council PTA, and currently serves as vice president of the high school PTA. Her involvement has focused on creating academic and enrichment opportunities that benefit not only her own children, but students throughout the community.
That commitment recently earned Emeagwali recognition as a Woman of Distinction by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. Emeagwali described the honor as a wonderful surprise and said she was humbled to be recognized alongside other women who contribute to their communities as volunteers, leaders and businesswomen.
“I’m extremely proud to be in the company of those that are also doing wonderful work as volunteers, as leaders and as business women in their community,” Emeagwali said. “I think there is great power in women who work together.”
Her community work is closely connected to her professional experience. Emeagwali is senior vice president of programs and strategic learning at the New York Women’s Foundation, where she has spent the past 14 years working in grantmaking. Her work focuses on supporting organizations addressing issues including economic security for women and girls, gender-based violence and civic and political engagement.
Emeagwali’s interest in service began early in her career, including volunteer work on political campaigns, which led to an interest in public policy and eventually the nonprofit field. A New York native and daughter of Jamaican immigrants, she said watching her parents build successful lives in the United States instilled in her the importance of working hard and serving others.
One of her fondest memories in Malverne came during her time as co-president of the Downing School PTA, when parents and community advocates successfully secured support to build a garden at the school. For Emeagwali, the project represented what can happen when a community comes together to provide children with resources, learning opportunities and a joyful place to gather.
“We all have a part to play in creating a beautiful, safe and joyful community that we all want to live in,” she said.
Now, as she reflects on the recognition, Emeagwali hopes others see community involvement as something accessible to everyone. People can contribute through their time, talents or resources, she said, and each contribution can help strengthen the community.
Her years of volunteering, she said, have been shaped by the many mothers and parents who have supported one another, creating relationships that have grown into friendships and a sense of family.
“It’s not just done by one of us, but it’s done by all of us,” she said. “I’m so proud to be one of many women in this community that want to give back and do more to make it better.”
For Emeagwali, the recognition is ultimately not about one person. It is about the collective effort of the many people who give their time and energy to make Malverne a stronger community.
“These women remind us that leadership isn’t measured by titles or recognition,” said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin. “It is found in showing up for others, lifting people up during difficult times, building vibrant communities, and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps to make a difference.”
