Rosia Blackwell Lawrence
Rosia Blackwell Lawrence is a communications and public relations specialist in Westchester and New York City. Originally from Harlem, NY, she was inspired to commit her life and mission to advocacy by her late mother Francis, who was a union and community activist.
She started her professional career after graduating from Northeastern University in the labor movement advocating for the dignity and rights of public health care workers as the Communications Director for AFSCME Local 420.
In 1998, she joined national non-profit PolicyLink. RSenior Communications Associate, Blackwell Lawrence was the lead on several communications campaigns for PolicyLink including the Community Reinvestment Act, bridging the Digital Divide and Community Policing initiatives. She has worked in local and county government as well as served as a communications consultant for social justice and community-based non-profits.
Blackwell Lawrence is a member and volunteer for several community, civil rights and social justice organizations, including former member of the Board of Advisors of the Westchester Community Foundation. She is member of the Greater Hudson Valley Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, and The MOLES, Inc.
Blackwell Lawrence, served as the Director, Eastern Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from 2016-2020 (August). As Regional Director, she represented the 146 chapters of the “Dynamic and Historic” Eastern Region which spans from New England to Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Germany. During her tenure, she sharpened focus by providing public service initiatives that improved the communities served and offering forums that enabled members to learn and grow. The Eastern Region is the birthplace of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., founded by 22 collegiate women on the campus of Howard University in 1913.
She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Community Leader award by the National Council of Negro Women, NYS Bethune-Height Recognition Program. The Illuminated Scroll of NCNW founder Mary McLeod-Bethune's Last Will & Testament is the highest honor given in NCNW.
In addition to holding a BS in Economics from Northeastern, Blackwell Lawrence received a Masters In Public Administration from Baruch College (CUNY) Executive MPA program and a Masters in Education from Mercy College (Dobbs Ferry, NY).
Blackwell Lawrence is married to Steve Lawrence and they are the proud parents of three sons, Aaron, Jacob and Noah and guardians to nieces Salsabila and Zanjahbil.
