Binghamton University Community Schools supervisor receives NY State Senate award
During a Black History Month celebration hosted by New York State Senator Lea Webb, BUCS’ Asia Ambler was honored for her work in the community.
Asia Ambler, a lifelong resident of Binghamton, N.Y., fell in love with community work as a teenager after participating in a youth-run civic engagement group.
“I found a passion working with young people and families,” said Ambler, “and I knew I wanted to turn that into a career.”
Ambler serves as the Rural School Mental Health Site Supervisor at Binghamton University Community Schools (BUCS) within the Windsor Central School District in Broome County. In her role, she collaborates with the University’s Department of Social Work interns and the school district to provide additional mental health support for students in grades 7 to 12.
Ambler’s passion for helping others and working in the community was recently honored with a Commendation Award from the New York State Senate. Senator Lea Webb, representing NY-52, presented the award during a Black History Month celebration recognizing outstanding Black leaders in the Southern Tier.
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements, resilience and leadership of those who are making a difference in our communities,” she said.
Ambler earned an associate degree from SUNY Broome Community College and completed her bachelor’s degree at Excelsior College while working full-time and raising her family. She worked in youth development for more than 10 years with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, running summer youth employment, parenting education, civic engagement programming and other community-based education. She is focused on work that supports at-risk youth and helps address and reduce poverty.
In addition to the New York Senate Commendation Award, Ambler received the Binghamton Black Excellence Award for youth advocacy in 2022 and was named one of the Next Generation of Leaders in Afterschool by the National Afterschool Association in 2020.
“Asia is a great leader in her community and is so deserving of this award,” said Luciana Rubicondo, BUCS Mental Health Grants director. “Whether mentoring young people or problem-solving with colleagues, she brings joy to her work and uplifts youth voices across our region.”
Ambler said she is especially honored to receive the award from Webb, citing Webb’s career and commitment to community work as inspiration.
“I have been proud to serve as an educator in the Southern Tier for over 10 years,” said Ambler, “and it is a privilege to support the growth and development of our students and families. The most rewarding aspect of my work is building community and connections with people and being a part of their story. I am humbled by this award and thankful for the opportunity to give back to the community I love.”