Dawn Forbes DiStefano ‘17 Named New Square One President, CEO

After a nationwide search, Forbes DiStefano ‘17 was recently named the new President and CEO of Square One. Square One provides family-friendly education and support services, with a focus on providing opportunities for children and families to build the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Forbes DiStefano enjoyed a 25-year career with the YWCA of Western Massachusetts before joining Square One in 2016. While at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, her responsibilities included grant research, grant writing, and program-compliance efforts. She received a promotion to Chief Finance and Grant Officer, followed by a promotion to Executive Vice President in 2019. In this role, she oversaw the agency’s early education and care programs and family support services, and management of operations, including transportation, food service, and information technology.

“Children are just so full of hope, and optimism and resiliency and as an adult it’s infectious. If we invest early and focus on our little learners before they run into any substantial challenges in life, it benefits our whole community,” she said.

Forbes DiStefano earned her master’s degree in public administration and nonprofit management from Westfield State University.