Saeeda Dunston has served as the Chief Executive Officer at Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities, Inc. since August 2014. She is recognized among her peers and human service providers throughout New York State for developing and implementing culturally competent programs and services that address the challenges encountered by marginalized communities, in empowering individuals and families to become change agents and engaged participants in their communities.

Before joining Elmcor, Saeeda held several senior management positions throughout her career, addressing poverty, anti-racism, and healthcare needs in various New York City boroughs and citywide advocacy and policy-focused coalitions. Under her leadership, Elmcor has solidified its role as a key service provider and advocate at the neighborhood level. She has played a vital role in enhancing Elmcor’s capacity through partnerships with public and private entities, addressing socio-economic and health disparities in Queens communities.

Saeeda has significantly contributed to developing and improving programs focused on behavioral health, health equity, social and economic justice, anti-stigma initiatives, and community education. Notably, she spearheaded Elmcor’s first Supportive and Affordable Housing Project, providing essential housing solutions to the chronically unhoused, individuals recovering from substance use disorders, and older adults. Additionally, her vocal, impassioned grassroots advocacy forged the groundwork that ultimately prompted the inclusion of a funeral assistance fund operationalized in the Biden-Harris administration to support families who lost loved ones during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She is also a proud wife, mother, grandmother underscoring the deep personal and familial ties and connections to Queens and in particular the East Elmhurst/Corona communities.