The Women of Fort Greene Council, Inc.

In celebration of Women's History Month, Fort Greene Council, Inc. proudly recognizes the remarkable women whose leadership has shaped the organization’s history, strengthened its mission, and continues to uplift communities throughout Brooklyn.

At the forefront of that legacy is Claudette Macey, the organization’s CEO and Executive Director. Since becoming head of Fort Greene Council in 2004, Ms. Macey has overseen one of the largest networks of older adult services in Brooklyn, leading a dedicated team of more than 150 professionals across 16 Older Adult Clubs throughout the borough and Young Minds Day Care. With more than 46 years of service in the field of social services, she has become a pillar of commitment, compassion, and visionary leadership.

Ms. Macey earned an Associate Degree in Business Management from New York City Technical College and later received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Adelphi University School of Social Work. A New York State Certified Social Worker, she has spent decades developing programs and services that respond to the evolving needs of older adults and their families.

Under her leadership, Fort Greene Council has expanded critical services that enhance the quality of life for older adults across Brooklyn. From innovative programming to vital social services, Ms. Macey successfully guided the organization through changing landscapes in older adult care, including the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring that every individual served receives compassionate and personalized support.

Her dedication to enriching the lives of older adults extends beyond traditional programming. In 1996, alongside members of Fort Greene Council’s Christopher Blenman Older Adult Club, Ms. Macey helped establish the first older adult steel pan band in the United States. Known as “Blenman Steel Sounds,” the group, whose members have ranged from ages 68 to 89, has performed widely and recorded four professional compact discs over the years.

Throughout her career, Ms. Macey has remained a steadfast advocate for older adults aging in place, strengthening community connections, and promoting dignity and independence for older adults throughout Brooklyn. Her leadership platform has long centered on three guiding principles: ending ageism, supporting older adults aging in place, and combating social isolation.

While Ms. Macey continues to guide Fort Greene Council into the future, she also stands on the shoulders of the powerful legacy of an amazing woman who helped build the organization from its earliest days.

Fort Greene Council’s story began in 1973 when Dr. Sam Pinn, Ed Carter, and Pat Dougal established Fort Greene Senior Citizen Council, Inc. to provide essential programs and services for marginalized and underserved older adults, as well as children, youth, and families throughout Brooklyn.

Equally vital to bringing this vision to life was the organization’s first Executive Director, Grace Agard-Harewood. Through her leadership and partnership with Dr. Pinn, city grants were secured that transformed the founders’ vision into reality.

Together they opened the organization’s very first Older Adult Club, the Fort Greene Senior Citizen Center, today known as the Grace Agard Older Adult Club, located at Fort Greene Council’s headquarters at 966 Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The center proudly bears her name as a lasting tribute to her pioneering leadership and dedication to serving Brooklyn’s older adult community.

More than five decades later, Fort Greene Council continues to build upon that foundation. Today the organization operates sixteen Older Adult Clubs across Brooklyn, along with its early childhood education program, Young Minds Day Care Center, which serves the borough’s youngest learners through our UPK-4 program.

Through these programs, Fort Greene Council remains deeply committed to enhancing the well-being of older adults, children, youth, and families. The organization continues to combat ageism, eliminate discriminatory practices, and create safe, welcoming environments where older adults can thrive and young people can learn and grow through arts and culture, physical wellness programs, nutrition initiatives, and social services.

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Today, that tradition of strong women’s leadership continues through Leishanna Lawrence, Fort Greene Council’s Regional Manager and second in the organization’s chain of command.

A proud native of Jamaica, a longtime Brooklynite since the age of six, and devoted mother of three sons, Ms. Lawrence has been an integral part of Fort Greene Council for more than 21 years. Her journey with the organization began as an intern through the NYC Department for the Aging’s intergenerational program. From there, she stepped into her first official role as a Clerical Aide, working under the mentorship and guidance of Ms. Macey, where she began building the foundation for a remarkable career of service.

Over the years, Ms. Lawrence has worn many hats across the organization, gaining invaluable experience and insight that has shaped her into the respected leader she is today. Prior to becoming Regional Manager, she served as Program Director of the Hazel Brooks Older Adult Club, where she was widely admired by both staff and members for her dedication, compassion, and ability to build meaningful community connections.

One of her most impactful initiatives was the Hazel Brooks Pantry, a vital program that continues to provide essential food support to older adults in the community. The pantry’s success is made possible by the unwavering dedication of the Hazel Brooks Pantry Volunteers, whose generosity and service Ms. Lawrence proudly recognizes.

From the pioneering leadership of Grace Agard-Harewood, to the visionary stewardship of Claudette Macey, and the dynamic leadership of Leishanna Lawrence, Fort Greene Council’s story is one deeply rooted in the strength, resilience, and compassion of women dedicated to serving Brooklyn.

This Women’s History Month, Fort Greene Council proudly honors these extraordinary women and the many others who serve as staff, volunteers, and community leaders whose dedication continues to uplift, empower, and inspire generations across our borough.