Lifeworks in Westwood Names Gyukeri New Communications Director

WESTWOOD, MA – Lifeworks, a nonprofit human services provider in Westwood that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, announced that Dawna Gyukeri has been named director of development and communications.

Gyukeri brings over three decades of nonprofit and communications experience to Lifeworks. In her new role, she oversees the agency’s development, marketing and communications initiatives. This includes the development of materials such as the annual report and the creation of social media content, appeal letters and blog posts. She will spearhead fundraising campaigns to support the agency and will manage key events.

“We’re excited to have Dawna, with her depth of experience, join our team to help tell our story in support of our mission to empower people with disabilities and raise awareness of our efforts across the region,” said Lifeworks CEO Daniel Burke. “Her background working for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions and her strong knowledge of the communities that we serve are perfectly aligned with our needs.”

“Lifeworks is known for its team of energetic, creative and dedicated staff who work collectively to provide programs, services and opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Gyukeri. “I am excited to be a part of the team and support this important work through impactful development and communications initiatives.”

Before joining Lifeworks, Gyukeri was the director of annual giving at the Boston Athenaeum. Previously, she held leadership roles overseeing professional development and continuing education programs at Wheelock College and MCPHS University.

A resident of Attleboro, Gyukeri earned a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a master’s degree in education from Suffolk University.

Since 1954, Lifeworks and its predecessors, Lifeworks Inc. and The Arc of South Norfolk, have served the towns of Norfolk County and beyond by providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through advocacy, empowerment and opportunity. The Westwood-based nonprofit organization serves more than 2,300 individuals from communities in the Greater Boston, MetroWest, Norfolk County and Attleboro areas through a wide variety of services and programs, including: employment services; residential, family and community supports; and day programs. For more information, visit www.lifeworksarc.org.