Big Brothers Big Sisters of Erie County is honored to celebrate Marilyn Gibson Young as our first Women Who Move the City Wednesday (WWMTC) Honoree!
With a strong commitment to community, Marilyn began volunteering with the Stop the Violence Coalition in 2007 and has served as a Buffalo Peacemaker, Fundraising Committee Member and Vice Chairwoman. With a passion for working youth, and a heart that wanted to see a decrease in youth violence in the City of Buffalo, Marilyn brought together like-minded women over 5 years ago to create W. A.V.E -Women Against Violence Everywhere, an anti-violence organization that takes a proactive approach to help decrease youth violence by way of mentoring programs, events and activities. The organization focuses on violence issues impacting girls ages 9-18 years old. As such, Marilyn created Pretty As A Daisy Mentoring and Enrichment Program. Named in honor of her adoptive mother, the late Daisy Edrington, the program concentrates in three core areas: Healthy Self Esteem, Positive Decision Making and Conflict Resolution. Throughout the year, girls have opportunities to attend workshops and events that educate them to make positive choices, and to lead them to being productive young women in society through continuous guidance and support provided by W.A.V.E members. As shared about Marilyn in her WWMTC nomination in regard to the women she volunteers with, and the young women she serves through W.A.V.E, “she has inspired them to volunteer, build and create.”
In addition to her commitment to W.A.V.E., Marilyn is also the Director of Elim Community Corp Girls 2 Women Mentoring Program and serves on the Board of Directors of the Young Miss Buffalo Pageant.
Born and raised in Buffalo, Marilyn joined the military at 18 years old and earned many prestigious honors while serving in the Persian Gulf War including the US Army Good Conduct Medal, the Bronze Star, the Humanitarian Award, and the Southwest Asia Service Award. She has also received the Thursday Morning Mom Award from the Tom Joyner Morning Show, the NAACP’s Daniel Acker Outstanding Community Service Award and the Black Achievers Award.
A graduate of Medaille College, Marilyn has been employed as an Income Franchise Tax Auditor with the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance for the last 15+ years. She is the proud mother and stepmother of five children and loving grandmother of two. Marilyn resides in Buffalo with her husband, Joseph Young.
To celebrate with Marilyn and our six other outstanding Women Who Move the City Honorees on Wednesday, May 10th at the Hotel Lafayette, click here to learn more & purchase your tickets today!