The Edie Windsor & Thea Spyer Equality Award - Ken Jenkins

Committed to public service and the principles of democracy, safety, education, technology, and community engagement, Westchester County is led by County Executive Ken Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Jenkins is the first Black County Executive in Westchester history.

Before this historic role, Jenkins served as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer, where he played a key role in advancing countywide initiatives. Prior to that, he was a distinguished member of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, serving four years as Chairman and championing policies that shaped the region’s growth and inclusivity.

Jenkins has worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, secure tax breaks for veterans, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. Ever committed to public service, Jenkins has championed the needs of middle-class families, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for his constituents through his relentless dedication.

Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.

Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney's Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.

A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including: Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.

The proud son of a New York City police officer and a nurse, Jenkins is a former Boy Scout and Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 32. He is an alumnus of Fordham Preparatory School and Iona University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems. He and his wife, Deborah Hudson Jenkins, have lived in Yonkers since their marriage in 1982 and are the proud parents of three adult children: Alana, Jamal and Terrell. Jenkins is also soon to be a first-time grandfather.

The LOFT Ally Award - Hon. Selwyn S. C. Walters

Hon. Selwyn S. C. Walters has been a dedicated supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and equality, with over ten years of experience at The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center in Westchester County. Since joining the board in 2012, he has held key leadership roles, including Secretary, Vice President, and President.

During his presidency, Selwyn launched numerous initiatives that demonstrate his strong commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive environments for marginalized communities, especially seniors within the LGBTQ+ population. One initiative he is particularly proud of is helping establish the 141-unit Court Street rental apartment complex. This innovative project aims to provide LGBTQ-friendly, affordable housing for residents aged 55 and older, as well as a permanent office for The LOFT.

Now retired from his distinguished judicial career, Selwyn continues to make meaningful contributions to his community, embodying the principles of justice, fairness, and continuous growth that have shaped his remarkable journey. In addition to his work with The LOFT, Selwyn serves on the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, chairs its Legislative Committee, and is the Chair of the County’s Fair Housing Board.

Business Ally Award - Jacob Burns Film Center

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a nonprofit arts and education cultural institution located in Pleasantville, NY. Since 2001, JBFC has welcomed millions of patrons to its five-screen theater, offering the best in independent, international, and documentary film alongside engaging discussions and special events. A longtime champion of inclusive storytelling, JBFC recently launchedOut There, a monthly film series celebrating Queer cinema from around the world, curated by JBFC’s Director of Special Programs - Chris Holliday. Presented in partnership with The LOFT LGBTQ+ Community Center, and building on the success of annual series Pride: A Celebration of Queer Stories, Out There reflects JBFC’s deep commitment to visibility, empathy, and community-building through film. A pioneer in visual literacy, the JBFC offers educational experiences for students and adults at its state-of-the-art Media Arts Lab and Theater. Learn more at burnsfilmcenter.org.