Leading with Strength: Celebrating Regional Manager Leishanna Lawrence

At Fort Greene Council, strong leadership has always been at the heart of our impact. From decades of service to the communities of Brooklyn, our organization has been shaped and guided by powerful, dedicated women who have committed their lives to uplifting others.

Today, that legacy continues through Ms. Leishanna Lawrence, our Regional Manager and the second-in-command to CEO/Executive Director Ms. Claudette Macey.

In a role that requires vision, balance, and unwavering commitment, Ms. Lawrence helps ensure that the day-to-day operations across our centers run seamlessly while also supporting the broader mission and strategic direction of the organization. As the bridge between leadership and on-the-ground programming, her role is critical to the success and consistency of Fort Greene Council’s work across all sites.

A proud native of Jamaica and a Brooklynite, Ms. Lawrence is also a devoted mother of three sons. Her journey with Fort Greene Council spans more than 21 years, a true testament to her dedication and passion for service. She began as an intern through the NYC Department for the Aging’s intergenerational program before stepping into her first official role as a Clerical Aide under the mentorship of Ms. Macey. From those early days, she began building what would become an extraordinary career.

Over the years, Ms. Lawrence has grown within the organization, taking on a variety of roles that have given her deep insight into every level of our work. Before becoming Regional Manager, she served as Program Director of the Hazel Brooks Older Adult Club, where she earned the admiration of both staff and members for her compassion, leadership, and ability to foster genuine community.

Among her many accomplishments, one of the most impactful is the creation of the Hazel Brooks Pantry—a vital resource that continues to provide essential food support to older adults. This initiative not only reflects her responsiveness to community needs but also her ability to turn vision into lasting impact. She is also quick to uplift others, consistently recognizing the dedicated pantry volunteers who help keep the program thriving.

As Regional Manager, Ms. Lawrence’s influence can be felt across all of Fort Greene Council. She leads with both strength and empathy, ensuring that our programs remain consistent, our teams feel supported, and our members receive the highest quality of care and engagement.

Her position as the second in command within the organization is not just a title, it is a responsibility she carries with grace, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

From the pioneering leadership of Grace Agard-Harewood, to the visionary stewardship of Ms. Macey, and now to the dynamic leadership of Ms. Lawrence, Fort Greene Council’s story is one rooted in the strength, resilience, and compassion of women who lead with purpose.

Today, we proudly celebrate Ms. Leishanna Lawrence, not only for her years of service, but for the leadership, impact, and heart she brings to Fort Greene Council every single day.

Thank you for all that you do. 💐