Dr. Cheryl Brannan gives Commencement speech to Mercy University’s School of Business graduates
Congratulations to Cheryl Brannan, for two honors bestowed on her during Mercy University’s 2024 Commencement. Brannan was the Mercy University School of Business 89th Commencement Speaker, and was presented with an Honorary Doctor of Commercial Science, from President Susan Parish and was hooded by Trustee Valerie Mason Cunningham.
“It was exciting to serve as the Commencement Speaker and receive an Honorary Doctorate from Mercy University, where I have been an alumni, former faculty member, and community partner for almost 20 years,” said Dr. Brannan, whose speech was entitled, Another Milestone: Striving to Live Your Best Life!
She shared two pieces of advice that she calls Golden Nuggets that have served her well during her life and career journey. They were to Expand your worldview and Bet on Yourself!
During her introduction, President Parish said “Cheryl Lynn Brannan, a lifelong resident of Yonkers, has been a dynamic leader who has excelled in the civic, political, corporate, academic, and international arenas for over 30 years, claiming “On the Move” as her mantra.
“As someone who values education and lifelong learning, she is a proud Mercy alumna having earned a master’s degree in organizational leadership in 2002 and later joined the faculty at the School of Business. She climbed the corporate ladder at Xerox while establishing the Xerox Black Women’s Caucus Group, making significant contributions to diversity and leadership in the corporate sector.
“As founder of Sister to Sister International, Cheryl led efforts to support the health, education, and empowerment of Black and Brown women and girls, and spearheaded the creation of the first STEAM summer camp for girls of color in the Lower Hudson Valley. She has been integral in highlighting the significant disparities in Black maternal health in Westchester County, and creating a Westchester Black Maternal Child Center of Excellence to improve those outcomes.
“This important work reaches beyond our region. Your passion for women’s issues led you to become a delegate to International Women’s Conferences in Kenya and China, and participate in summits in Kenya and the Caribbean. You achieved Special Consultative Status for Sister to Sister International with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
“Additionally, you founded Brannan Solutions Group, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals through strategic planning, leadership development, and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
“The dedication and impact of Brannan’s work in the political and community spheres are evident through her extensive involvement and the numerous accolades she has garnered, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from NYS Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart Cousins; Senator Schumer, Special Guest Invite to the State of the Union, Black Maternal Health Leadership Recognition; Westchester Women in Business Award, 914 Inc.; YWCA, Westchester County Women’s Hall of Fame; Planned Parenthood, Leader in Reproductive Justice & Education, Outstanding Advocate Award; Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, Trailblazer Award; Westchester County Youth Bureau, SHERO Award; Featured in Black Women in Westchester; and National Council of Negro Women Leadership Award, presented by the late Dr. Irene Height,” said President Parish.
Congratulations Dr. Brannan!
