Tawni Engel Has 'Passion, Pride And Perseverance' As Community Leader

BELLMORE, NY — Without community leaders, Bellmore wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions. This submission comes from Melea Poffenberger, a Bellmore reader who nominated Tawni J. Engel.

How do you know this community leader? Lifelong friend and classmate

What does this community leader do? Associate Executive Director of Long Island Crisis Center, Pride for Youth. Tawni spends counter hours fundraising for the organization, promoting suicide prevention, and awareness, and speaking with educators and community leaders as an advocate for LGBTQ+ youth.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored? Tawni exhibits passion, pride, and perseverance in her advocacy work dedicated to the health, and well-being for the at-risk LGBTQ+ youth and community of greater Long Island. Additionally, her tireless efforts to bring about the Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk annual fundraiser has been instrumental in bringing suicide prevention and awareness to the forefront of the Mental Health Awareness conversation. Tawni’s heart for the PFY community has had a lasting impact, and should be recognized. Honoring her would mean shining a light on this invaluable work, and further reach the community as a whole.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero? Tawni embodies the compassion, spirit, and values she brings forward in her quest to support the youth her organization serves. She is driven, inclusive, passionate, and humble. Tawni’s holistic approach to supporting the PFY community is both loving, and innovative, and should be recognized!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out?

Nominate them here.