Empower Teacher recognized with state award

Empower Press Release

Empower Children’s Academy special education teacher Shaila Kokil was recognized by the New York State Office for the Aging for her commitment to her community with the Exemplary Volunteer Service Award on Older New Yorkers’ Day 2024. 

“It is truly an honor to be recognized by New York state, and I am humbled to receive this award,” Kokil said. “I have spent my career and my adult life not only working to help my students reach their full potential, but also to create a better, stronger, and more vibrant community. It is a rewarding experience to be able to do my job and serve my community, and I cannot wait to see all the future has in store!” 

Empower CEO Diane Baehre said, “We could not be more proud and excited for Shaila receiving this award – there is no one more deserving and dedicated to her students and her community. Here at Empower, we pride ourselves on building a strong workforce in our houses, vocational department, and our school; and Shaila is an exceptional example of what it means to live our values every single day. I congratulate her on this award and am so proud to have her on our team.”

Shaila has been an employee of Empower for 20 years. In addition to working as a special education teacher in Empower’s Children’s Academy, Shaila is also the president of the Indian Senior Citizens Club of Western New York and served on the executive committee of the Hindu Cultural Center Society of Western New York from 2018-22. There, she planned educational and cultural programs, including art classes and sports tournaments. Shaila was also recognized as a Buffalo 60 Strong Ambassador. 

Empower was founded in 1954 and has served Western New York, specifically Niagara County, proudly for over 65 years, ensuring that individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and their loved ones, have access to the highest-quality support and services. Empower employs over 300 individuals and provides community programming, residential, job and workforce development, and educational services. For more information, visit www.empower-wny.org.