Ermine Byas Archousa of the Year Award

Ermine Byas was born in St. Louis, Missouri and attended Ohio State University acquiring a degree in dietetics. She was the first African-American to serve as president of the Rochester YWCA, a National Board Member of the YWCA and the Girl Scouts. She also served on numerous Boards in the Rochester area. She retired as Director of Dietetic form Highland Hospital. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a founding member of the Rochester Chapters of Jack & Jill, Inc. and the Links, Inc. Archousa Ermine was always the elegant “lady of the day!” She was kind, helpful, and quick to praise others for their efforts and achievements and was rarely, if ever, doubtful of the right thing to do. She was incredibly a special and caring person. She was an outstanding role model and a good and selfless friend to many.