The Erie County Commission on the Status of Women (“ECCSW”) recently announced Kelly Dumas, LCSW, as the ECCSW Advisory Board’s new chairperson. Ms. Dumas was unanimously approved by the ECCSW Advisory Board.
Dumas, a resident of Cheektowaga, is the founder and president of Dumas R.I.S.E. Providers, Inc., a Buffalo-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the behavioral-health workforce and expanding culturally centered mental-health services in Western New York. She is also the owner of Kelly Dumas, LCSW, PLLC, a private counseling practice, and a co-founder of Dumas R.I.S.E., LLC, which provides consulting, training, and mental-wellness programming.
“Kelly brings several years of hands-on experience and mentorship to the Commission Advisory Board,” said Erie County Commissioner of Public Advocacy Dr. Karen King. “She is an incredibly dedicated and vibrant leader who will play an instrumental role in helping the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women continue to protect and promote women’s rights. Kelly will be a fierce advocate on behalf of women throughout Erie County.”
A respected community leader, Dumas has shaped initiatives that support women, families, and communities of color across Erie County. She created the Black Mental Health Team following the 2022 racist mass shooting in Buffalo and leads the Building Capacity for Clinicians of Color Initiative, a regional effort expanding pathways for diverse mental-health professionals.
Her work spans clinical practice, program development, advocacy, and systems change. With more than 20 years of leadership in mental health, social work, and community advocacy, she’s committed to elevating women’s voices, strengthening equity-focused policy, and advancing opportunities for local females of all ages.
“It is an honor to serve as Advisory Board chair,” said Dumas. “I am deeply committed to ensuring that women across Erie County, particularly those whose voices are often overlooked, are heard, supported, and represented in policy, practice, and decision-making. I look forward to working collaboratively to advance equity, opportunity, and well-being for women and girls throughout our region.”
Dumas will oversee a volunteer Advisory Board who meet on a regular basis and focus on numerous priorities, including education and public awareness, health and well-being, and empowerment.
For more information:
About the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women, visit https://www.erie.gov/csw/
