2014 WOD Contemporary Book for WEB

HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORKDISTINCTIONWomen of

MAY 2014

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HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORK

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

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ProgramInspirational Reading by:

Kim Rossman

Welcoming RemarksSenator Elizabeth Little

Senator Andrea Stewart-CousinsSenator Jeff rey D. KleinSenator Dean G. Skelos

Presentation of AwardsJulia Lilkendey

Closing RemarksSenator Diane Savino

Musical Performance by:Albany High School Albanettes

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HONORING WOMEN IN NEW YORKDISTINCTIONWomen of


The New York State Senate is taking special note of the enormous

contributions that women have made throughout the state and nation.

The women honored in this program have enriched the quality of life in the

Empire State and beyond. Their achievements should be

a source of pride and inspiration to all New Yorkers.

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Gail C. Adamoschek was born into a successful dairy farm in Sprakers, New York, where she spent her young years working rigorously alongside her family. At 25, she married her husband, Steve, and together they raised their children. While home schooling her children, Ms. Adamoschek operated a sheep and pastured poultry farm while her husband worked for Beech Nut. Used to hard work, they were both ordained as pastors through Maranatha Ministerial Fellowship International and set in as pastors of River of Jubilee Church in 2003. Ms. Adamoscheks theological degree is from Christian Life School of Theology.

Ms. Adamoschek led the church in helping the regions poor, when in 2006, a devastating fl ood hit the area. They sent supplies to help fl ooded families and opened the church for a place of refuge. Hurricane Irene, in 2011, brought a level of destruction in the region that the church quickly responded to. Ms. Adamoschek led many teams to the Schoharie Valley region as well as the Mohawk Valley, to mud/gut and help rebuild homes. Working with Jezreel International, she took truck loads of food, clothing and building supplies to the families so crushed by the horrendous fl ood; she also set up a volunteer group and led hundreds of volunteers to work in both valleys, helping families to recuperate from Hurricane Irene and tropical storm Lee.

In May 2013, Ms. Adamoschek received her certifi cation for international disaster relief work through Crisis Response International, a Christian relief organization specializing in disaster relief. Immediately, she responded to the Moore, Oklahoma, tornado helping to bring emotional and spiritual support, while also giving out basic supplies to hundreds of people.

Continuing her work in June 2013, Ms. Adamoschek and River of Jubilee Church responded to help the people of Fort Plain who were fl ooded in a sudden summer storm. She worked with other local pastors to create a complete structure for disaster response, where fl ooded families could get supplies, food, volunteers or information through this collaborative eff ort of the churches. Ms. Adamoschek became the director of the Volunteer Center in Fort Plain, giving direction to the hundreds of volunteers who poured into the town to help bring restoration to the village. She continues to work with local and state government to help bring in needed help through volunteers. Her own church also continues going out, working to rebuild and bring emotional and spiritual support to the people. She now is a co-chair for the Fulton-Montgomery Long Term Recovery Group, helping the area recover and to plan for future events.

Ms. Adamoschek is proof that one person can do a lot when motivated by the Biblical standard of loving your neighbor.

Gail C. Adamoschek

Gail C. Adamoschek was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk.

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Seema Agnani is the Executive Director of Chhaya Community Development Corporation and was one of the initial founders when it was offi cially formed in 2000.

Under Chhaya, Ms Agnani works with New Yorkers of South Asian origin to advocate for and build economically stable, sustainable, and thriving communities. Using a strategy that combines direct services and community organizing, backed by critical research and policy advocacy on core areas of housing and economic development, Chhaya is able to impact a range of social outcomes including education, employment, civic participation, community pride, as well as mental health and well-being.

Before returning to the organization as Executive Director in 2007, Ms. Agnani was the Coordinating Consultant to the Fund for New Citizens at The New York Community Trust, a donor collaborative supporting immigrant rights work. Ms. Agnani also served as the Director of Training and Technical Assistance at Citizens Committee for New York City. She was instrumental in the development of the core training curriculum and implementation of a capacity building program to support volunteer-run organizations addressing poverty and hunger.

A tireless advocate, Ms. Agnani worked with Asian Americans for Equality for eight years as project manager under its housing and neighborhood development department, and later took on several other roles including manager of resource development, coordinator of the Lower Manhattan Health Care Coalition, and fi nally as Managing Director of Chhaya CDC (where the organization was initially incubated).

Ms. Agnani currently serves on the board of directors of the Association for Neighborhood Housing Development and the New York Immigration Coalition, and she was on the boards of the National Coalition for Asian Pacifi c American Community Development and the South Asian Womens Creative Collective for more than ten years.

Ms. Agnani is a diligent advocate who has enriched the quality of life through her hard work and dedication on behalf of the Asian American community.

Seema Agnani

Seema Agnani was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Jose R. Peralta.

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Patricia Aitken, born and raised in Oyster Bay, Long Island, is a Planner at Nelson, Pope & Voorhis an environmental planning fi rm with expertise in complex environmental project management and land use planning and analysis. In that capacity, Ms. Aitken assists in the protection of the coastal environment through her work on a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan for the Town of Oyster Bay.

With a true love of sailing and birding activities which bring her outdoors on a daily basis Ms. Aitken began her volunteer experience with The Nature Conservancy in Cold Spring Harbor. As prior Executive Director of Oyster Bays Friends of the Bay, an environmental advocacy group, Ms. Aitken oversaw the development and implementation of the Watershed Action Plan and the State of the Watershed Report, as well as an EPA-approved Quality Assurance Project Plan for Friends of the Bays water quality monitoring program. Some of the projects she initiated during her tenure include: formation of the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee; development of the Theodore Roosevelt Blueway Trail and a planned restoration of Beekman Creek. Ms. Aitken served on the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Protection Committee, Northport Harbor Water Quality Protection Committee, Eastern Waterfront Committee and the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Long Island Sound Study, among others.

Also a writer for Boating Times Long Island, Ms. Aitken was named a 2013 Trailblazer in Womens History Month by Nassau County Legislator Judith Jacobs. She is a member of the Long Island Water Quality Coordinating Committee and serves on the boards of directors of the Whaling Museum and Education Center at Cold Spring Harbor and the Nassau County Soil and Water Conservation District. Ms. Aitken also represents the Whaling Museum and Education Center on the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Long Island Sound Study.

In addition to her work on behalf of our environment, Ms. Aitken was an active PTA member in the Syosset School District, was a Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Scout Master and a Mate in Sea Scouts Ship Twelve. She is a member of both the Huntington Oyster Bay Audubon Society and the Queens County Bird Club. Quilting is another enthusiasm of hers, and she is currently President of the Huntington Quilters Guild.

During the summer months, Ms. Aitken can often be found kayaking or sailing in Oyster Bay or another of Long Islands beautiful embayments.

Patricia Aitken

Patricia Aitken was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Carl L. Marcellino.

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Jessica A. Allen, a native of Brooklyn, is one of todays most innovative professionals. At a young age, Ms. Allen knew that she wanted to help people. It was this drive that led her to the doorsteps of various community-based organizations from the moment she received her working papers. She enjoys great fulfi llment from helping those in her community who might not have the resources to help themselves.

Ms. Allen credits much of her success to being mentored by some of New York Citys most infl uential women who are both leaders of industry and well respected. She learned to identify the needs of her community while mobilizing leadership and resources to address these needs. Ms. Allen understands the importance and impact of giving back to her community by using her skills, heart and voice to stand up for those who are less fortunate and often overlooked.

Under the tutelage of Ms. Divinah Bailey, founder and former Chief Executive Offi cer of the Watchful Eye and longtime community leader, Ms. Allen became passionate about halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. She was encouraged to utilize her talents and strengths to galvanize and educate her peers about the importance of getting tested and knowing their HIV status.

Ms. Allen understands that her success will be determined not by circumstances, but by choice. As a result, she refuses to let any situation defi ne her limits or goals. She has transcended external defi nitions of who she is and what she can accomplish and moved to a position of realizing the value she brings to the world when she succeeds.

In her role as Chief Executive Offi cer of the Watchful Eye, she provides direction for the organizations charge to mobilize and educate locally and nationally elected offi cials, as well as clergy and civic leaders, around the issues of HIV/AIDS as they relate to communities of color.

Ms. Allen holds a Bachelors in Psychology from the College of New Rochelle and is currently pursuing a Masters in Mental Health at Long Island University. She is a mother of an inquisitive young boy who is a constant motivation for her every day.

Jessica A. Allen

Jessica A. Allen was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator John L. Sampson.

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Gloria Alston was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina, and came to live in New York in the 1960s. She is a dedicated advocate, community leader and proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Ms. Alston earned her GED while working as a Temporary Researcher at the Neighborhood Medical Care Demonstration. Soon after, she was hired at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Health Center (MLK) and, through its training programs, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Health Administration from Empire State College.

Like many young mothers, Ms. Altson had a need for quality child care. Along with her co-workers, she spearheaded the eff ort that resulted in the formation of the Childrens Circle Day Care Centers, Inc. Today, the Childrens Circle serves more than 550 children through its infant/toddler, preschool, prekindergarten and family day care programs. Currently, she is chairwoman of the organization.

Ms. Alston has been a longtime active and dedicated member of her community, serving on Community Board 3 for approximately 28 years; for the last 12, she has also served as its Chairwoman. In addition, she is a member of the Borough Presidents Borough Board, President of the Crotona Estates Tenant Association, an area leader in Black United Leaders of the Bronx (B.U.L.B.), a member of Councilwoman Vanessa Gibsons Clergy and Youth Councils, founder and President of G.R.A.N.N.Y. (Grandparents & other Relatives Are Networking & Nurturing Youth), as well as many other community activities.

Ms. Alston is an active and faithful member of Friendly Baptist Church. She is vice-president of the Board of Deaconesses, and is a member of the Trustee Board and Pastors Aide Ministry. Ms. Alston retired in 2000 from the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Center after 33 years of service, but she still serves her community and continues to be an advocate for the residents of Community District 3.

The loving mother of Thomas Alston and the late Michele Denise Clarke, Ms. Alston has four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is especially proud of the three grandchildren she raised - Kyle, Krystina and Kwame who are all now enrolled in college.

Gloria Alston

Gloria Alston was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Gustavo Rivera.

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Sister Marie Antoinette was born and raised in the Bensonhurst area of Brooklyn. She attended Mary Mother of Jesus School and graduated from PS 143 in Williamsburg. Sister Marie went on to Pratt Institute and graduated in 1955, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition.

Sister Marie attended Ohio State University for her internship to become a dietitian. After her internship, she worked at Lenox Hill Hospital, Mercy Hospital and James Ewing-Cancer Research Hospital (part of the Sloan Kettering Hospital). She also has earned a Master of Science in Education degree from Brooklyn College.

In 1958, Sister Marie entered the convent, becoming a Josephite Sister. Her teaching career began when she taught Home Economics at St. Josephs High School in Brentwood for four years. She went on to teach English, Math and Home Economics at St. Angela Hall Academy for six years and then taught Home Economics at Bishop Kearney High School for 10 years.

At the request of the late Father Rucigliano, Sister Marie joined St. Ephrem Parish in 1978 as a pastoral minister. She has also served under Monsignor Martin Bannon, Monsignor Douglas Brown and, at present, with Monsignor Peter Kain.

For the past 30 years, Sister Marie has been the Christian Awareness Program (CAP) Coordinator at St. Ephrems. Her deep faith and vocation has inspired her to reach out to the homebound and sick in the Christian community. She has devoted many hours, with the help of many volunteers, reassuring these parishioners that they were not forgotten. Sister Marie has planned two beautiful anointing Masses each year for the homebound, arranging transportation for those who were able to attend. After Mass, they are graciously invited to attend a get together and enjoy the company of family and friends.

Sister Marie Antoinette

Sister Marie Antoinette was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Martin J. Golden.

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Jane Backus retired after 25 years of teaching seniors and sophomores at both Ogdensburg Free Academy and Mexico Academy and Central Schools.

While at Mexico Academy, Ms. Backus was three times the advisor for Los Inteligentes, a chapter of National Honor Society. She is also especially proud of contributing to the design of the schools Senior Quest Program, a collegiate-level initiative that allowed students to identify and research a topic of personal interest, culminating in a paper based on fi eld experience and presented to a panel. Ms. Backus is also past president and scholarship chairperson of MACS Dollars for Scholars, and under her leadership, the organization has been able to raise thousands of dollars for several hundred students in the community wishing to attend college.

Ms. Backus is known to lend a hand in any way to help the school and her students. Many of her former students have said that if not for Ms. Backus encouragement, they might not have graduated. One student in particular went on to become a teacher as a direct result of Ms. Backus dedication and compassion.

A dedicated and active member of her community, Ms. Backus has served on the SUNY Oswego College Council for fi ve years, editing the Mother Goose Nursery School newsletter, volunteering for the Mexico JROTC program and cooking for the Mexico Methodist Church Monday Meal. She is currently a sacristan and lector at St. Anne, Mother of Mary Catholic Church and serves on United States Congressman Richard Hannas Military Academy Review Committee.

Locally, Ms. Backus is known for always thinking of others before herselfconsistently being the fi rst person to off er a ride, a meal for a family in need or a shoulder to lean on.

She is the wife of Mark Backus, publisher and owner of the Oswego County Weeklies, and is the mother of two sons Oswego County Clerk Michael C. Backus and Staff Sergeant Robert P. Backus, of the United States Marine Corps. Ms. Backus favorite and newest endeavor is sharing time with her granddaughter, Madelynne.

Jane Backus

Jane Backus was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Patty Ritchie.

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Mary Alice Bellardini is a trailblazing leader who has made countless contributions to present day Cortland County and the communitys future well-being. An elected offi cial, a driven champion of historic preservation and an insightful advocate for economic development, Ms. Bellardini has stayed true to her values while advancing ideals that have benefi ted the greater good.

After a turn as a member of the Cortland County legislature, Ms. Bellardini focused her attention on a role she felt would allow her to be more involved in directly helping her community. In 1987 she was elected the fi rst female mayor of the Village of Homer. She held the position for fourteen years, accomplishing a great deal.

Her administration was responsible for new water and sewer lines and a much needed public health and economic development enhancement. She initiated weekly summer concerts, reopened the Water Street Bridge walkway and beautifi ed the business district. Mayor Bellardini was ahead of her time, championing causes like sustainability and historic preservation long before they were popular mainstream ideals.

As a co-founder of the Landmark Society of Cortland County, Inc., Ms. Bellardini has brought the regions compelling past alive. Through her leadership, the group has preserved the countys history and helped showcase it for future generations. Homers historic district alone is home to over 200 structures of note, the largest such district in New York State.

Ms. Bellardini has also shared her wisdom and expertise with statewide organizations and local business groups. In 2000, Governor Pataki appointed her to New York States Quality Communities Interagency Task Force. She is a past president of the New York State Conference of Mayors and has served on the boards of directors for many organizations including the Cortland County Business Development Corporation/Industrial Development Agency.

She serves actively with the Landmark Society, and is a volunteer with several organizations including the Homer Garden Club and the Center for the Arts of Homer.

A recent recipient of the Women Who Make America award from WCNY-TV, Ms. Bellardini has her sights set on preserving the past, rejuvenating the present and enriching the future.

Mary Alice Bellardini

Mary Alice Bellardini was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator James L. Seward.

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Marissa Bernowitz has quickly and successfully become a disaster relief volunteer coordinator at 27 years of age. In just under two years she has served her community and many others around the Rockawaysand she is still going strong.

The Superstorm Sandy anniversary date of October 29, 2012 means more than just a personal loss to Ms. Bernowitz. After losing her apartment and then her job due to the storm, Ms. Bernowitz found a way to make the best of a bad situation. She almost immediately started coordinating safety eff orts for her neighbors, and then for the well-being of those who stayed behind. Not knowing how much longer they would be without power, without local businesses open or without everyday essentials, she started making calls and using social media to reach out to the outside world for assistance.

Ms. Bernowitz volunteered at a few local distribution sites throughout the Rockaways until January of 2013, when the last site was about to shut down. With community need still present and help starting to pull out, Ms. Bernowitz founded the Rockaway Free Flea Market. Throughout the week, Ms. Bernowitz and her team of volunteers rented trucks, transported supplies and stored them accordingly. Once a week, they would pop up tables and tents in a fl ea market style except that everything at this market was FREE. The project faced a few hurdles and even had to close down at one point due to lack of funding, storage and donations.

That did not stop Ms. Bernowitz. She continued to stay involved in the community and advocate for those recovering and rebuilding. She became involved in helping with FEMA paperwork, signing people up for community services, and serving voluntarily as the Head Elf Of Queens for the Secret Sandy Claus Project (which delivered toys and essentials to roughly 1,500 children across all Sandy-aff ected areas). She currently holds a volunteer position as the Director at the non-for-profi t Queens Division of We Care NY. Ms. Bernowitz is in charge of their relief eff ort in Queens, which includes, but is not limited to: transporting supplies, maintaining a hotline for both donors and families in need, attending and participating in community recovery groups and planning and hosting community events to bring services to the people. She also continues her FREE Flea Market once a month.

In the midst of all of this, Ms. Bernowitz and her two sons are still displaced. She has managed to fi nd part-time employment, but dedicates most of her time and energy to helping others, no matter what time or day they might reach out for aid. She has shown an extreme devotion to those around her and her Queens community.

Marissa Bernowitz

Marissa Bernowitz was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr.

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Deanna Alterio Brennen of Lewiston is a leader in the Niagara County business community. In addition to growing up in a family business and being a small business owner herself for many years, Ms. Brennen has provided professional leadership in helping other businesses succeed throughout her career. Her real world experiences with owning and operating Quote & Quill and Arbor Tree & Land Care established a foundation from which she could use her talents to help others achieve great results in the business world.

For more than thirteen years, Ms. Brennen worked for the Niagara County Community College Small Business Development Center and assisted small business owners in turning their dreams into a reality. She served as Associate Director of Economic Development and International Trade and she was certifi ed as a business advisor by the New York State Small Business Development Center in 1999.

In July 2007, Ms. Brennen was named President and Chief Executive Offi cer of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce, the largest business advocacy organization in Niagara County, and she has been instrumental in carrying out that organizations mission to advance economic development, promote commerce and tourism, and provide a host of value-added services to chamber members.

In light of her business acumen and her desire to give back to her community, Ms. Brennen has served on many boards of directors and important decision-making panels such as the Western New York Regional Economic Development Council, the Western New York Power Proceeds Allocation Board, the Niagara County Industrial Development Agency, the Greater Lockport Development Corporation and many others.

Deanna Alterio Brennen

Deanna Alterio Brennen was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator George D. Maziarz.

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Susan K. Brown, PhD, is the Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell Universitys College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. She is a professor in the Department of Horticulture, and conducts her research on apple breeding at Cornell in Geneva.

Dr. Brown received a Bachelor of Science from the University of Connecticut, a Masters degree from Rutgers University and a PhD from University of California at Davis. She was hired by Cornell University as an Assistant Professor in 1985, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 1990 and to full professor in 2000. Dr. Brown served as Associate Chair of the Horticulture Department from 2010-2013. In 2013, Susan was named Associate Director of Cornells NYSAES.

Dr. Browns passion is apples and ways in which their genetic improvement can benefi t New Yorks apple industry and consumers. She is the co-inventor of 10 sweet cherries and four apple varieties, and her research is frequently featured in the media. Invited to speak across the globe, Dr. Brown is also the author of many publications and articles, and has trained many graduate students.

In 2010, Cornell partnered with a newly formed grower organization, NYAG LLC, in order to provide New York growers exclusive rights to commercialize two new varieties from the Cornell apple breeding program. In 2013, these two new varieties, SnapDragon, and RubyFrost, were introduced to consumers and were received enthusiastically. Such partnerships help the state industrys competitiveness and provide consumers with new, high quality varieties.

Presented with the 2013 SUNYs Chancellors Award for Excellence in Faculty Service, Dr. Brown also participated and completed the Class III of Leading Cornell University leadership course. She received the 2012 CALS Alumni Associations Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award, and has also received a commendation from the Garden Clubs of America, the New York Farmers Club Award and an award from the Massachusetts Horticulture Society.

Susan K. Brown, PhD

Susan K. Brown, PhD, was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Michael F. Nozzolio.

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Danielle N. Butin, MPH, OTR, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Afya Foundation, a medical supply recovery organization in New York. Since its inception in late 2007, Afya has shipped more than 100 40-foot containers packed with recovered humanitarian and medical supplies to Haiti and African nations. Ms. Butin is a fi rm believer in asking recipient hospitals and organizations abroad for their wish list, and Afya attempts to match as many items as possible with those available for donation in the New York metropolitan area.

Ms. Butin received her M.S. in Public Health with a specialization in Geriatrics and Gerontology at Columbia University and her B.S. in Occupational Therapy from New York University. Prior to creating Afya, she was the Director of Health Services for the East Region of Senior and Retiree Services for United Health Care. In this role, she provided health service leadership for the East Region of the Medicare line of business, which served approximately 300,000 Medicare members. Ms. Butin also served as the Manager of the Health Promotion and Wellness Department at Oxford Health Plans, where she developed a number of innovative health screening, self-management, care management and wellness programs. She has received national recognition and awards for her leadership in the development of health education programs and materials, and served as a board member for the National HMO Workgroup on Care Management for eight years. Ms. Butin continues to serve on the advisory board for Practice Change Fellows, a grant sponsored mentoring program to develop national leaders in geriatric care.

Ms. Butin has received numerous honors and recognition for her work, including: the Greater New York Hospital Association, for her organizations post-earthquake relief eff orts in Haiti; the Eli Lilly Welcome Back Award, for Afyas special pre-vocational programs at the warehouse, for at-risk populations; the Distinguished Alumni Award from Scarsdale High School and the Lamed Vavnik Award from J-Teen Leadership in New York.

Ms. Butins story has been sought after and covered in the October 2010 issue of MORE Magazine and the March 2011 issue of Family Circle. In 2011, she was featured in the MORE Magazines syndicated television show, Reinvention and Second Acts. In October 2012, Ms. Butin was featured on the Katie Couric Show, and in 2013, Better TV, a syndicated show on the Hallmark channel, featured her work. Ms. Butins accomplishments at Afya have been covered twice in the New York Times, in addition to the Washington Post. She is an invited lecturer at college campuses across the country and an adjunct faculty member at Columbia University.

Danielle N. Butin

Danielle N. Butin was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

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Dorothy Button has a long and distinguished record of service and accomplishments that includes serving her country, years of dedicated work on behalf of fellow veterans, and decades of volunteerism as a fi refi ghter and emergency medical technician.

During her 20 years of honorable service with the United States Coast Guard, two years were spent on active duty in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001, protecting the American homeland.

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Button served a notable two weeks of active duty in Alexandria, Louisiana, assisting with hurricane recovery operations. Her service with the Coast Guard has earned Ms. Button 21 awards and decorations recognizing her devoted service to our country.

As a veteran, Ms. Button is also a member of the American Legions Ashford Memorial Post No. 1576 and for 12 years, she has served in a number of leadership capacities at the Post, county and district levels.

Among her groundbreaking achievements, she was the fi rst woman to serve as 8th District Commander, and just the second woman to serve as Cattaraugus County Legion Commander.

As a proud member of the Seneca Nation of Indians, Ms. Button is also the Director of the Seneca Nations Veterans Department, where she assists fellow Native American veterans in receiving the services theyve earned.

Ms. Button is also a 22 year volunteer fi refi ghter and EMT with the West Valley Volunteer Fire Company, a fi re commissioner for West Valley Fire District One, a director of the Southwestern Volunteer Firemens Association, and a past member and chair of the Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board.

She is also currently the secretary of the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Chapter of the American Red Cross and a member and past treasurer of the Southwestern Regional EMS Council.

For her life of selfl ess and generous service to others, Dorothy Button is truly a Woman of Distinction, worthy of our deepest respect, admiration and heartfelt thanks.

Dorothy Button

Dorothy Button was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Catharine M. Young.

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Anna Cali was born to Italian Catholic immigrants, and grew up in Brooklyn with her family. She received a B.B.A. Degree in Finance from Pace University and went on to work for First Boston Corporation in the World Trade Center. After four years, Ms. Cali decided that she wanted a more rewarding profession and became a teacher. It has been her passion for the past 23 years. Currently, Ms. Cali is an educational director for a preschool, also teaching in an afterschool program.

Ms. Cali became very involved in her community when a group of residents from her neighborhood came together to fi ght against over-building in that neighborhood. Together, they ensured that builders and owners followed the zoning laws and did not take advantage of their neighbors.

Four years ago, Ms. Cali was appointed to Community Board 12, where she currently serves as Secretary to the Executive Board. Her active and eff ective board membership allows her to represent the best interests of her community and of Brooklyn.

Ms. Cali is very proud to be Catholic and is a very active parishioner of Saint Athanasius Church where she is a Eucharistic Minister, on the School Advisory Board and Parish Council, a member of the Homeless Outreach Program, the Youth Program and was a girls softball coach for four years.

Married for 25 years to Salvatore Cali, Jr., Ms. Cali is most proud of her two children Teressa and Macaulay whom she sees as her greatest accomplishments.

Ms. Cali steadfastly believes that everything in life will fall into place if you live by three principles stand up for what is right, have dinner with your family and go to church on Sundays.

Anna Cali

Anna Cali was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Simcha Felder.

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Fortuna Calvo-Roth was a pioneer in the fi eld of journalism, who went on to have a broad-ranging career in academia, the performing arts and business. Born in Paris to Turkish-born Sephardic Jewish parents and raised in Peru, she moved to the United States in 1952 to study journalism at the University of Missouri.

After completing her degree, Ms. Calvo-Roth began her career in journalism with La Prensa in Lima in 1955. She quickly left La Prensa after the editor told her women were not permitted to work in the newsroom, and attempted to relegate her to the society pages. She then moved to New York City and became a correspondent with Visao, the Brazilian newsweekly. Later, she transferred to Vision, the Spanish-language newsmagazine for Latin America, where she worked until 1969 in diff erent capacities, among them as a war correspondent, and eventually rising to editor-in-chief of the publication and editorial director of Vision, Inc.

While raising a family in the late 1960s and 1970s, Ms. Calvo-Roth began a career in theater, serving both behind the scenes and as an actor. She has continued to be involved in performing arts, and has had a long career as a television actor that continues to this day.

In the 1980s, Ms. Calvo-Roth taught politics at Hofstra University and New York University, while continuing to be involved in journalistic endeavors. Then in 1989, she founded the fi rst company in the United States to off er audiobooks exclusively in Spanish. In 1993, she and her son Stephen founded Coral Communications Group, which expanded her involvement in the audiobooks business.

Ms. Calvo-Roth is past president of New York Women in Communications, and was honored in 2002 by El Diario/La Prensa as one of their 50 Latinas of Distinction. She is married to Felix Roth, her husband of 57 years.

Fortuna Calvo-Roth

Fortuna Calvo-Roth was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Liz Krueger.

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Bettye Canestaro is the Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton, and has dedicated more than twenty years to providing Hospice care. She truly exemplifi es the expression, fi nd your passion and youll never work a day in your life.

Ms. Canestaros family refers to her as a professional volunteer and for good reason. She was fi rst inspired to help when a personal family situation took Ms. Canestaro to Lourdes Hospitals Oncology Department. She immediately enjoyed the connection between patients and the staff . Ms. Canestaro was in awe of the resilience and zest for life the chemotherapy patients had, amid their diffi cult journey. During this time, she heard about Hospice and made an appointment with the volunteer coordinator to learn more.

As she began to donate her time and visit with patients, her passion grew. Ms. Canestaro worked with in-home patients who made her feel like she was part of their family. She traveled with them through their ups and downs along their fi nal journeys. Ms. Canestaro also made bereavement calls to the families of those patients that had passed, working with them for a 13-month period.

As Hospice expanded into nursing homes, she seized the opportunity to bring her passion to a new group of people. She spent valuable time with the patients, keeping them company and watching reruns of Gunsmoke and The Ri eman together.

Seven years ago, she was recognized for her deep passion and longtime dedication to Hospice, when she earned the full-time position of Hospice Volunteer Coordinator at Lourdes. As Coordinator, Bettye works with 110 fabulous volunteers who provide patient and family support, as well bereavement support. Ms. Canestaro oversees all the volunteer activities for the Hospice team, and ensures patients and families are given the help they need.

Ms. Canestaro also serves as the chairperson of the Service Excellence Committee and the Sunshine Fund at Lourdes. She participates in the many community activities sponsored by Lourdes, such as fundraising walks and soup kitchens.

In her spare time, she enjoys visiting her three sons and fi ve grandchildren. She started tap dancing lessons fi ve years ago, and has enjoyed taking part in community theater groups for the past fi fteen years.

Bettye Canestaro

Bettye Canestaro was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Thomas W. Libous.

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Andrea Curran sprung into action and helped the Lyndenhurst community following the devastating aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. Ms. Curran played a pivotal role as the manager of the grassroots hurricane relief eff ort known as Camp Bulldog, which became active in the fi rst few days following Superstorm Sandy and operated continuously for six months.

During its operation, The Camp provided cleaning supplies, hot meals and information as well as much needed counseling and legal services to thousands of storm victims in Lindenhurst and the surrounding towns.

Ms. Currans eff orts did not go unnoticed. Newsday called Camp Bulldog one of the longest-running and most successful post-Sandy volunteer relief eff orts on Long Island. Sustainable Long Island referred to it as a beacon of comfort for friends, families and strangersand a welcoming presence to the residents of one of the hardest hit areas of Long Island.

Ms. Curran acknowledges that the creation, growth, success and duration of Camp Bulldog would not have been possible without the deep humanitarian commitment of dozens of volunteers from all over Long Island or the generosity of businesses and people locally as well as from other states.

A community activist and leader, Ms. Curran has accepted several awards on behalf of Camp Bulldog, including: The Achievement in Community Service for 2013 Award from the International Association of Business Communicators; The Getting It Done Award at Sustainable Long Islands Seventh Annual Sustainability Conference and an Empire State citation from Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the 2013 New York State Conference on Emergency Preparedness.

A Lindenhurst native, Ms. Curran is a graduate of Lindenhurst High School. She went on to graduate from the State University College at Brockport and received a Masters degree from the State University College at Cortland. She taught physical education and coached several sports during a 35-year teaching career in the Lindenhurst District before retiring in 2011.

She and her husband, Bob, reside in West Islip and are the parents of three grown daughters.

Andrea Curran

Andrea Curran was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Phil Boyle.

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Lakia T. Echols is the founder of MakeMyMotherProud, whose motto is to act as though its impossible to fail. As a single mother, 13-year veteran serving with the United States Army, motivational speaker, leadership teacher and highly motivated community leader, she managed to attain a Bachelors in Organizing Management from St. Josephs College in 2013.

Prior to joining the United States Army, Ms. Echols life was all about a negative ending. She states, if you gave me a million dollars, I would have never believed I would of ended up where I am today. While deployed in Kuwait from 2004-2006, she was involved in community development and wanted to go back overseas to continue her mission. Her mission changed, however, when she was watching youth in the Far Rockaway community, at war with each other. Many of those youth had little or no remorse, motivation or hope; Ms. Echols realized at that point in her life that her mission was to stay in the Far Rockaway community to help the young adults pursue a better future.

Ms. Echols gives selfl ess service to her community with fun-fi lled events for youth and their parents such as college preparation workshops, talent/fashion shows, the Cinderella Ball Adult Prom and basketball tournaments. She teaches women leadership and mentors more than 65 students from within the Queens area. In addition, Ms. Echols has helped more than 200 kids receive applications for the Knowji program, which helps students improve on their SATs in the Liberty Partnership Program.

During Superstorm Sandy, Ms. Echols worked tirelessly to help residents, managing to help secure funding from private companies to distribute checks to more than 20 families in need. She also encouraged young people in the community to get involved during the storm by helping senior citizens. For Christmas, she organized a successful Santas Sleigh Run in the Far Rockaway Community, distributing toys and clothes.

Ms. Echols is deeply committed to educating and providing services to the underserved. Her sincere love of people and her ability to lead others is a gift that blossomed in adolescence and was formally recognized in 2013 when she received the Empowerment Award and, subsequently, the 2014 Queens Impact Award for her hard work with MakeMyMotherProud.

Lakia T. Echols

Lakia T. Echols was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator James Sanders, Jr.

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Georgina Fal, PhD, is a Black and Puerto Rican scholar, educator, entrepreneur, historian, activist and empowerer dedicated to serving women, children, families and communities that need it most. Dr. Fal completed a Doctorate in Higher Education Finance and a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University, received a diploma from the Harvard Graduate School of Business, a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of California at Berkeley and a Bachelors in Accounting from the University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Fal holds 35 years of purpose-driven teaching and executive experience at universities in Puerto Rico and the continental United States.

Among her many distinctions, Dr. Fal was the fi rst female Dean of the Management School at the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras, the fi rst female Vice President of Administration for the Union Theological Seminary at Columbia University and Dean of Academic Support Programs at Touro College. Dr. Fals proudest and most resounding accomplishment is selling her home in Puerto Rico and investing all assets in the Fal Foundation, including the creation of a landmark Universal Business and Media School in the heart of El BarrioSilicon Barriowhich promotes economic development through technology to serve disadvantaged Latino and African American students.

Today, Dr. Fal remains the founder and President of the Fal Foundation, which continues to empower and enrich the lives of low income women, children and families through a spectrum of purposeful programs, including: information technology education, job creation, pre-kindergarten and afterschool programs and heritage and cultural research, publications and dissemination.

Dr. Fal is an Adjunct Professor at City College of New York (CCNY) in the Black Studies Department, where she continues to be a leader in the movement for the Afro-Latinos to gain consciousness and learn about their African heritage and history. She created the AFROLAA (Afro-Latinos of the Americas) Project to mobilize Spanish speaking Afro-descendents in communities throughout South-Central America and Caribbean, so that they may learn about their African heritage and history. Additionally, Dr. Fal plays a crucial role in the World African Diaspora Union, serving as an executive member and ambassador for the solidarity of Africans worldwide. As a leading Pan African advocate, she has travelled all over the worldincluding to Brazil, Columbia, Mexico and Africapromoting the union and empowerment of African people.

Georgina Fal, PhD

Georgina Fal, PhD, was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Bill Perkins.

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Kristine B. Giotto has long been recognized for her energy and commitment to improving her community and the world around her. She has gained a reputation as a person whose daily generosity of heart, mind and hands-on contribution, has positively aff ected her New Hartford community.

Ms. Giotto wears many hats; in one of her roles she is a prominent fi gure in the not-for-profi t community as a steadfast fundraiser and volunteer. Whether it is for regional causes such as the St. Elizabeth Medical Center Foundation in Utica, the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties or for high-profi le causes such as the diagnosis, treatment and research of the degenerative neurological condition known as ALS Ms. Giotto has made her mission to be actively involved.

As a businesswoman for almost 20 years, Ms. Giotto is the Director of Giotto Enterprises, an umbrella group that currently has nine distinct companies. These companies are involved in varied interests, from electronics manufacturing to real estate, delivering their products and services to 110 countries around the world. Founded by her husband, Frank, the group has grown to collectively employ 350 staff ers and bring in $75 million dollars in annual revenue.

Her numerous professional accomplishments did not start in the business world, however. After attaining a Bachelor of Science in History from State University of New York Oneonta and a Masters degree from State University of New York Cortland, Ms. Giotto dedicated herself as an educator for ten years. She taught Government and Economics and fondly refers to the time spent teaching children in the Utica and Sauquoit Valley School districts as some of her most rewarding experiences.

Ms. Giotto and her husband of 29 years continue to make their home in Oneida County, in the Town of New Hartford. Together, they share their spacious farm home with 52 chickens, fi ve horses, four peacocks, two goats and two cats. The Giottos brag that their fi ve adult children and two grandkids are still the highest-quality products they have ever produced!

Kristine B. Giotto

Kristine B. Giotto was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Joseph A. Gri o.

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Constance Glasgow, MD, has practiced pediatrics in Clifton Park since 1966, and was the fi rst pediatrician to open a practice in that community. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the State University of New York Health Sciences Center in Brooklyn and completed her residency in pediatrics at the Albert Einstein University of Medicine-Bronx Municipal Hospital Center.

Dr. Glasgow is certifi ed by the American Board of Pediatrics and is an attending physician at Ellis Hospital, the former St. Clares Hospital and the former Bellevue Womans Hospital, where she has also served as Chief of Newborn Services.

Dr. Glasgow has been recognized nationally and locally for her expertise and dedication as a health care professional. Dr. Glasgows many other honors include: the Juliette Low Woman of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts; Mohawk Valley Pathways in 2007; the Jane Golub Award for Excellence in Womens Healthcare in 2008; the Henry A. Callis Jewel Award for Medicine from the Beta Pi Lambda Alumni Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in 2009 and a New York State Community Distinction Award in 2012.

Dr. Glasgow served as a board member of Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home, and is currently a member of the Ethics Committee at Ellis Hospital and the Neonatal Advisory Committee at Bellevue.

Dr. Glasgow has tirelessly volunteered her time as a mentor to high school and college students interested in careers in medicine and has presented programs for area students on various health-related topics. She is a former member of the Committee on Special Education Services for the Shenendehowa School District. She also volunteered her services at the Saratoga County Public Health Clinic, at local churches, for the Girl Scouts and for charitable organizations. She has coordinated community health fairs in Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park, and traveled to China in 1988 with the Tropical Medicine Delegation of the Citizen Ambassador Program.

She has been married for more than 50 years to Dr. Twitty J. Styles, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Parasitology at Union College. They have two children, Scott and Auria Styles.

Constance Glasgow, MD

Constance Glasgow, MD, was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Hugh T. Farley.

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Carin Guarasci is committed to serving her Staten Island community, most notably through her involvement with Notre Dame Academy and New World Prep Charter School. With more than 25 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, she dedicates herself to inspiring, educating and supporting children at risk and to mentoring new teachers.

Ms. Guarasci is a Wagner College professor and the Director of the New Educators at Wagner (NEW) program. Inspired by data revealing that nearly 50% of all new teachers leave the fi eld within the fi rst fi ve years primarily due to a lack of support Ms. Guarasci founded NEW. She singlehandedly put together the NEW program in recognition of and to nurture the communitys teachers who might likely have otherwise become a part of this grim statistic.

Not only did Ms. Guarasci conceptualize this program, but she sought and received grants from the Staten Island Foundation and an anonymous donor to ensure that it was funded. Select teachers receive three Wagner graduate credits for greatly reduced prices. These NEW classes are unique in that they are held in Ms. Guarascis home, and after a very hard day, new teachers often fi nd nourishment in both body and soul. Ms. Guarascis home acts as a safe haven for teachers to voice their fears in safety.

At the end of each course, the new teachers have the extra tools to become remarkable educators, with a stronger sense of self and the ability to see a brighter future. In the fi ve years since NEWs inception, not one teacher has left the profession, and many have excelled in their schools. Many have become a teachers teacher.

In addition to her commitment to NEW, Ms. Guarasci shares her time and talents with various community organizations, including: Seamens Society for Children; Project Hospitality; the American Cancer Society; Paralyzed Veterans of America; The United States Holocaust Museum, and many others. Ms. Guarasci has also received the Les Trautman Memorial Award, the Mount Carmel and St. Benedict Outstanding Professional Woman and the Bethel Community Church Distinguished Educational Leader.

Carin Guarasci

Carin Guarasci was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Andrew J. Lanza.

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Adjoa Esinam Gzifa, a native New Yorker, is Director of The Workforce Education Center, Division of Adult and Continuing Education, at LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City. She is also an adjunct lecturer at York College.

As an educator, Ms. Gzifa is committed to providing quality education for all youth programs under her supervision. A strong advocate in her community, she is actively involved with the Summer Youth Employment Program, which provides summer employment to approximately 1,700 youth. She believes strongly that youth are the future and that they should be given every opportunity to grow and be productive citizens.

Ms. Gzifa has served her community in many capacities, including as: Chairperson of Community Board 12 in Jamaica, Queens; Chairperson of the New York City Employment and Training Coalitions Youth Committee; board member of Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica and lifetime member of the York College Alumni Association. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Epsilon Pi Omega Chapter, and was inducted into the Chi Alpha Epsilon Honor Society in October 2006.

In addition, Ms. Gzifa served as President of York College Alumni, Inc., is a member of the Queens General Assembly, an appointee to the Public Advocates Civic Leader Board, on the Board of Directors of the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals and a member of NYC CERT.

Ms. Gzifa is the recipient of numerous awards, including: the National Association of Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) Distinguished Alumna Award; York College Alumni Distinguished Alumna Award; Heroic Womens Award; The Guy R. Brewer Democratic Club, Community Service Award; National Association of University Women, Long Island Branch; Hilda A. Davis Award; and the National Association of Negro Women, Educators Award.

Adjoa Esinam Gzifa

Adjoa Esinam Gzifa was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Malcolm A. Smith.

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Alyce Ingram is a lifelong resident of Haverstraw and has been serving the community around her for as long as she can remember. As a high school student, she volunteered at a local animal hospital and continued public service through college by volunteering with numerous organizations, including Le Sigma Femmes, in support of rights for women and children.

After the birth of her daughter, Ms. Ingram was a stay-at-home mom. Her daughter, Chelsea, was diagnosed with Costellos Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder which aff ects only two to three hundred people worldwide. This disorder required Chelsea to undergo numerous surgeries and begin daily occupational, physical and speech therapies, along with Ms. Ingrams constant care.

Later, Ms. Ingram worked for the Rockland County Department of Social Services in the Chronic Care Unit where she assisted the elderly and disabled, along with their families, in applying for government assistance. She was promoted to Principal Social Welfare Examiner in the Temporary Assistance Unit where she continues to work today.

When her husband began coaching for Haverstraw Little League, she was team mom, volunteering her time wherever she was needed. In 2002, Ms. Ingram was awarded the Nick Picariello Award by the President of the Haverstraw Little League and eventually was inducted into the Haverstraw Little League Board of Directors. While serving on the board, she has held the positions of stand coordinator, secretary and players agent. Ms. Ingram is currently president of the league and has the honor and distinction of being the fi rst woman elected to this position. The League has always held a special place in Ms. Ingrams heart because of the nurturing and caring environment it provided for Chelsea while she was growing up.

Ms. Ingrams many years of service with the Haverstraw Little League have given her a platform to turn her lifelong desire to help others into a reality and encouraged her to volunteer her time to other organizations. She has served as the Secretary to the New York State District 18 Little League Board for seven years and has also taught religious education at St. Peters church in Haverstraw for the past three years.

Although those organizations are very dear to her, none touch her heart as deeply as the Manny Lopez Memorial Fund, which was established in 2006 in memory of Corporal Manny Lopez. Corporal Lopez gave his life on April 12, 2005, while defending others in Iraq and was the fi rst Rockland County soldier killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Alyce Ingram

Alyce Ingram was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator William J. Larkin, Jr.

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Indu Jaiswal is a Director of Nutrition Services at Promenade Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Rockaway Park, New York. Ms. Jaiswal also works in private practice as a Registered Dietitian/Certifi ed Nutritionist at Queens Medical Services and Madonna Heights School of SCO Services, helping adolescent girls, women and families.

Ms. Jaiswal founded the Indian American Forum (IAF) in 1995, and is its chairperson. IAFs mission is to encourage the Asian Indian communitys participation in promoting local socio-cultural interactions through charitable and educational activities, thereby helping them become a part of mainstream American life. She truly believes that each person in the Indian American community is a true ambassador in promoting cultural, secular heritage and Indian values. Ms. Jaiswal is the recipient of several awards in the fi eld of nutrition services, diabetes education and community services. She received the Pride of India Award in India during Parvasi Diwas non Resident Indian Day January 2012, in New Delhi, India. Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of the Fourth District named Ms. Jaiswal Citizen of the Month in August 2000.

IAF hosts various activities in Long Island, including: Indian American Night, a concert series sponsored by the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums which celebrates a showcase of classical Indian music and folk dances from all regions of India; the India Day Parade in Hicksville (Long Island); India Independence Day; the Outstanding Womens Achievement Gala, which since 2010, has honored exemplary women from New York City and the Long Island area. Under her leadership, and only through the motivated and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make each activity a success, have these events been possible.

Ms. Jaiswal has served on the boards of several organizations, including: Stony Brook Center for India Studies, the Long Island Arts Council at Freeport, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the American Dietetic Association, the Long Island Dietetic Association, the American Diabetes Association and the Greater New York State Dietetic Association.

She is married to Sudhir and has two sons and two grandchildren.

Indu Jaiswal

Indu Jaiswal was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Kemp Hannon.

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D iane Kuppermann, for the past 22 years, has eff ectively served as the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Central New York - an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Under Ms. Kuppermanns leadership and foresight, the organization has expanded programs, added employees and fulfi lled the wishes of nearly 1,500 children. She considers it her mission every day to provide hope, strength and happiness to children battling illnesses in her Central New York community.

In addition to her leadership role with Make-A-Wish, Ms. Kuppermann has given back to her community in many ways and is currently involved in various volunteer activities. She presently serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Temple Adath Yeshurun. She also serves on the evaluation committee for the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, is a member of the Thursday Morning Roundtable, and was the co-founder of Youth Leadership Greater Syracuse. Furthermore, Ms. Kuppermann devotes much of her spare time speaking to various community groups about the life-affi rming impact a wish can have on children and their families.

Ms. Kuppermann has dedicated her professional and personal life to improving the lives of others, especially our youngest citizens. She continues to demonstrate how outstanding leadership, passion and vision can help enrich communities across the State of New York.

Ms. Kuppermann received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado at Boulder and graduated from Syracuse Universitys Maxwell School Executive Leadership in Nonprofi t Organizations Program. She resides in Fayetteville with her husband, Brett, and their two daughters, Elana and Leah.

Diane Kuppermann

Diane Kuppermann was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator John A. DeFrancisco.

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SungEun Grace Lee was born on June 16, 1984, and right away she was a dream come true for her parents. Ms. Lee excelled at academics and in her freshman year at Seventy First High School, where she became the president of the class with the support of her classmates. Ms. Lee was then nominated and accepted to the School of Math & Science at Durham, and upon graduating high school she attended UNC-Chapel Hill as a business major and graduated in 2006. Upon graduating from college, she was hired at the Bank of America as a corporate fi nancial manager.

A devoted student, Ms. Lee was also a woman of faith and had a deep concern for the children around the world. Ms. Lee was actively involved with mission work in South America and China, and made monthly contributions to her missionary friends in Africa and Ethiopia. She also served as a youth group teacher, worship leader and Sunday School teacher at her parents church.

In 2011, Ms. Lee fell ill and was diagnosed with brain stem glioma. She fought valiantly, but lost her battle in February 2013. It was not until after her death that her family learned she was donating 90% of her income to multiple charity groups. In addition, as the youth group teacher at her church, she became a big sister to many young people and provided monetary assistance to youth with absentee parents. She bought them meals, held birthday parties and brought them to see musicals.

Following Ms. Lees untimely death, and with her life insurance benefi ts, her parents established the Grace Mission Foundation. Through this foundation, 10 needy students were each awarded $10,000 in scholarships on May 5, 2013. In addition, her parents founded the Elim Senior Day, Inc. on May 14, 2013, and have since been providing breakfast and lunch to more than 100 senior citizens every day.

SungEun Grace Lee

SungEun Grace Lee was selected posthumously as a 2014Woman of Distinction by Senator Tony Avella.

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Helene Leonardi is a renowned sculptor and folk-pop artist residing in Brooklyn, New York.

In 1982, Ms. Leonardi and her husband moved to Brooklyn, where she began her professional art career. Her sculptures have been exhibited in museums and art galleries throughout New York City and can be found in many collections abroad. After nearly two decades of success, she began to share her skill and knowledge through art programs at local organizations and schools.

In her fi rst foray into community art programs, Ms. Leonardi co-coordinated an Annenberg Grant-funded art program at I.S. 171 in Cypress Hills. It was not long until she was instructing after school art programs at P.S. 151K in Bushwick and volunteering to teach summer art courses for children at other non-profi t organizations in Bushwick.

While volunteering throughout her home community of Bushwick, Ms. Leonardi continued to master her craft, fi rst with her Feline Fantasy series of whimsical cat paintings and prints, as well as her ongoing series, Helenes Cupcake and Dessert Art. The series features acrylic on canvas paintings of various confections that incorporate New York City landmarks in her signature folk-pop style, using a bright color palette.

Born and raised in Rochester, Ms. Leonardi studied painting and sculpture at Brighton High School. After graduating, she attended art courses at Rochester Memorial Art Gallery and the Rochester Institute of Technology, before earning her art degree from State University of New York - New Paltz where she met artist and future husband Bill Leonardi.

Helene Leonardi

Helene Leonardi was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Martin Malav Dilan.

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C indy Abbott Letro is committed to strengthening the fabric of her community through volunteerism, philanthropy and leadership. Lending her expertise developed over 25 years as a broadcast/marketing professional, Ms. Letro has helped a wide variety of not-for-profi t organizations in the Buff alo Niagara region raise millions of dollars.

Ms. Letro is past chair of the Buff alo Philharmonic Orchestra Society Board of Directors. She chaired its Carnegie Hall Committee, which raised funds for the Spring For Music Festival at Carnegie Hall, breaking Festival box offi ce records and raising more than $510,000. As past chair of the Burchfi eld Penney Art Center, the Center fulfi lled its dream of opening a new $35 million facility on the campus of Buff alo State College.

In April 2008, Governors Elliot Spitzer and David Paterson nominated Ms. Letro to the Niagara Frontier State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commission; she was confi rmed by the State Senate. Governor Andrew Cuomo elevated her to the position of Commission Chair in 2013. Currently serving on the board of Visit Buff alo Niagara and the board of trustees of Saint Bonaventure University, Ms. Letro is a past board member of the Community Foundation of Greater Buff alo. She chairs the Buff alo Niagara Film Commission and has been active on the following boards: Theodore Roosevelt National Inaugural Site, National Federation for Just Communities (NFJC), Young Audiences of Western New York, Preservation Coalition of Erie County, Just Buff alo Literary Center, American Heart Association, Crisis Services and the Advisory Council for the UB Center for the Arts. She is a graduate of the Leadership Buff alo Class of 2000 and the June 2004 Buff alo FBI Citizens Academy.

Ms. Letro is business manager for her husbands law fi rm, Francis M. Letro, Attorneys at Law. She and her husband of 30 years are supportive of a wide variety of civic projects and cultural organizations, committing $1 million to State University of New York Buff alo Law School to establish the Francis M. Letro Courtroom, the fi rst working courtroom in the nation on a university campus.

In 2013, Ms. Letro was named Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser by the Western New York Association of Fundraising Professionals; she also received the Walter P. Cooke award from the SUNY Buff alo Alumni Association for meritorious service by a non-alumni. Ms. Letro has also received the prestigious Red Jacket Award from the Buff alo and Erie County Historical Society; she and her husband were honored by Saint Bonaventure University with the Gaudete Award. In 2007, she was inducted into the Western New York Womens Hall of Fame, also receiving the Community Foundations Burt P. Flickinger, Jr. Leadership Award in 2006 and the Theodore Roosevelt National Historic Sites Presidents Award. Ms. Letro has also been named one of Western New Yorks Ten Most Powerful Women.

Cindy Abbott Letro

Cindy Abbott Letro was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Mark Grisanti.

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Debra Liegl has been President and CEO of the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce for the past 13 years, where she has maintained a steadfast dedication to supporting the Cheektowaga business community. Her eff orts have culminated in the bi-annual Cheektowaga Jobs Fair, which connects hundreds of job-seekers with good careers, a legislative roundtable focused on small business issues, numerous education seminars, networking events and a Women in Business event.

On top of her work with the Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Liegl is also the Executive Director of Community Connection, a local organization that works with students to inspire them to make smart life choices that have a positive impact on their future. At the end of the program, select students receive a Student Achievement Award as a recognition of their successes. Community Connection also runs the CHOICES Program, which brings business mentors into the classroom, helping to empower students to make positive choices that result in better career and life opportunities.

Ms. Liegls work for the business community extends to her service as President of the Cheektowaga Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), where she has served for the past 12 years. Ms. Liegl has worked to assist the expansion and retention of businesses in Cheektowaga, resulting in increased employment opportunities for residents through programs such as low-cost loans to businesses.

In addition to Ms. Liegls work, she has also given back to her community in many ways. She serves as a member of the Town of Cheektowaga Assessment Review Board, the Cheektowaga Central School District Community Involvement Task Force, the Board of Directors for the Western New York Chamber Alliance, the St. Josephs Hospital Foundation and the Chamber Alliance of New York State. Ms. Liegl also proudly serves on the Advisory Council of the Everywoman Opportunity Center.

Debra Liegl

Debra Liegl was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Timothy M. Kennedy.

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M ichelle McClymont has over 16 years experience in business development and client relations in both the corporate and non-profi t sectors. Ms. McClymont has shown true dedication and passion for improving her community by assisting entrepreneurs and managing small business development.

In her prior role, as Senior Account Manager at New York City Business Solutions, Ms. McClymont diligently worked with small businesses to ensure growth and success. She placed a key focus on assisting business owners with recruitment and training of employees. In as little as two years, Ms. McClymont used her expertise and guidance to successfully help small business owners train, hire and retain over 1,500 employees.

A testament to her experience and professional skills, Ms. McClymont is the current Executive Director of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction Business Improvement District (The Junction BID). Today she plays a vital, intricate role in transforming the look and feel of the Flatbush Nostrand Junction District. Ms. McClymonts dedication, drive and expertise in neighborhood development and small business enables her to keep her focus and vision on managing capital improvement projects which better serve her community.

Her continuous mission is to attract and retain sustainable and diverse businesses to her district in Brooklyn. Ms. McClymonts greatest passion is to ensure that small business owners are always recognized for their contribution in community development helping to keep those communities vibrant and aware of their roles in economic growth.

Ms. McClymont is a graduate of the CORO Neighborhood Leadership program and has received several accolades for her achievements as they relate to economic development.

Michelle McClymont

Michelle McClymont was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Kevin S. Parker.

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Sheila Meegan is a lifelong resident of West Seneca, who has devoted countless hours to her community throughout her life. Ms. Meegan has been involved with a number of community organizations including the West Seneca Parent Teacher Organization, West Seneca Youth Hockey, Queen of Heaven Carnival, Relay for Life and The United Way, to name a few! Ms. Meegan was also a dedicated Catholic Catechist at Queen of Heaven and St. John Vianney Parishes for 23 years.

Ms. Meegan was elected West Seneca Town Councilwoman in 2007 and took offi ce in 2008; in November 2011, she was elected West Seneca Town Supervisor and took offi ce in 2012. While in offi ce, Ms. Meegan, through hard work and dedication, brought to the forefront many new and exciting projects. These include the West Seneca Recreation Commission, a complete overhaul of the West Seneca Town Hall Police expansion and the continuing upgrade to the Senior Citizen Center.

Throughout her life, Ms. Meegan has been a strong supporter of the armed forces. Her leadership and foresight led her to the idea of commemorating veterans within West Seneca. As a Councilwoman in 2010, Ms. Meegan collaborated with the West Seneca Veterans Committee on a design for the newly named Veterans Memorial Park. The Park is a tribute to all veterans, Gold Star Mothers, and the United States military, and continues to expand each year.

Ms. Meegan is truly committed to representing the citizens of West Seneca, doing a job she truly loves and being proactive in providing the best services to the residents and businesses in the most cost eff ective way in the community she calls home.

She is married to Michael, and they have two sons, Michael and Timothy.

Sheila Meegan

Sheila Meegan was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Patrick M. Gallivan.

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Julie Menin is the former Chairperson of Community Board 1 in Lower Manhattan, a position she was unanimously re-elected to three times. She has been hailed in the press for her solution driven and results oriented approach to government and her leadership abilities and hands-on approach have delivered again and again for the residents and businesses of New York City, producing a stellar record of accomplishment.

Ms. Menin is a former candidate for Manhattan Borough President, a regulatory attorney, small business owner and founder and President of Wall Street Rising, the not-for-profi t she founded after 9/11 to rebuild Lower Manhattan. She formerly owned and operated Vine, a restaurant and catering business with over 75 employees in Lower Manhattan. She sits on the boards of the Municipal Art Society, Downtown Hospital, 9/11 Memorial, Womens Campaign Fund and the Eleanor Roosevelt Legacy Foundation, is a former board member of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, Citizens Union and Governors Island, and is a frequent TV commentator on both local and national politics. She is also the former host of NBCs Give and Take.

Ms. Menin graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Columbia University and received her Juris Doctorate from Northwestern University School of Law. She was previously an associate at Wiley, Rein & Fielding in Washington DC, where she specialized in regulatory law, and was Senior Regulatory Attorney at Colgate Palmolive. She was named by City Hall newspaper as one of the citys 40 Under 40 Rising Stars, was voted by the New York Resident as one of the 100 Top New Yorkers, and was named NY1s New Yorker of the Week. Her many civic honors include receiving the Womens Campaign Funds Rising Star award, The National Association of Women Business Owners Community Service award, City & States Top 25 Women of Public Service award, The League of Conservation Voters 2010 award and Citizens Unions 2011 Civic Leadership award.

Ms. Menin and her husband, Bruce, live in Manhattan, where they are raising their three young sons.

Julie Menin

Julie Menin was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Adriano Espaillat.

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Hazel Ann Miura was born, raised and still resides in the Bronx, where she was infl uenced primarily by her mother to be an independent woman, stand up for peoples rights and always treat people like she wanted to be treated herself.

Applying these principles to her everyday life, Ms. Miura established BRAVES Bronx Renters Alliance of Voters for Rent Stabilization a coalition of Bronx community based organizations, tenant associations and Bronx elected offi cials, with the mission of renewing the rent stabilization laws. Through BRAVES, she works closely with local businesses, merchants and civic associations, city, state and federal agencies, community leaders and elected offi cials to improve neighborhoods and residents quality of life.

In addition to helping establish three community (civic) associations within CB-11 the PPS Tenants Coalition, the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance and the Bronx Park East Community Association Ms. Miura has worked more than twenty-fi ve years at the Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corporation. There, she has been responsible for organizing the tenant association and providing direct services and housing counseling on repairs and entitlement issues to individual clients. She also assists tenants in housing court so that they can keep their apartments and fi nd ways to pay back rent and/or make payment arrangements that both parties can live with.

Ms. Miura is currently attending CUNYs Empire State University, and plans to graduate at the end of the year with her Bachelors degree in Community and Human Services. Her commitment to her community, both professionally and personally, is evident in the many organizations she has so selfl essly served over the years, including: twelve years as a New York City Auxiliary Police Offi cer Lieutenant, overseeing a platoon of close to fi fty auxiliary offi cers in the 49th Police Precinct; fourteen years as an executive board member of the 49th Precinct Community Council; six years as the President of the Allerton/Pelham Parkway Community Mobile Patrol; fi fteen years as a member of Community Board 11; Co-Chair of the Health & Social Service and Youth Committee; Co-Chair of Olinville/Bronx Park East Committee and two years as an executive board member of the Bronx Park East Community Association.

Hazel Ann Miura

Hazel Ann Miura was selected as a Woman of Distinction bySenator Je rey D. Klein.

DISTINCTIONWomen of


Judith ORourke is the Director of the Offi ce of Undergraduate Studies at Syracuse University. In this position, Ms. ORourke is responsible for developing and implementing programs to support academic excellence at the University. A graduate herself of Syracuse University, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and Masters in Public Administration in 2010.

In February 2014, Ms. ORourke was invested as an Offi cer in the Order of the British Empire for her hard work and dedication with the Syracuse-Lockerbie Scholars program. This program, along with the Remembrance Scholars program at Syracuse University, was established in 1989 to honor the 270 individuals who tragically lost their lives in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in December 1988. Those lost include 35 Syracuse University students and 11 Lockerbie townspeople.

For the past 25 years, Ms. ORourke has been recognized as the American face of the program. She has served as the liaison between Syracuse University and the families of the Pan Am victims. Through her devoted leadership, she has mentored and advised the nearly 50 Lockerbie Scholars who each attend Syracuse for one year as visiting scholars following their graduation from Lockerbie Academy. The Lockerbie Scholars, along with the over 800 Remembrance Scholars honored since 1989, have kept alive the memories of those killed in the bombing and worked to better their communities and prevent terrorism.

Ms. ORourke spends her spare time doing what she loves - quilting. Currently, she leads Syracuse Universitys Hendricks Chapel Quilters, where she devotes her time and talents helping students make quilts, which they donate to local childrens charities within the community.

Judy and her husband, Ed, a music teacher in the Syracuse City Schools, are the parents of three daughters who are all graduates of Corcoran High School (Syracuse) and New York State colleges. They are also the proud grandparents of Mason Edward Berlin.

Judith ORourke

Judith ORourke was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator David J. Valesky.

DISTINCTIONWomen of


E lizabeth R. OuYang is President of the Organization of Chinese Americans New York Chapter (OCA-NY) Asian Pacifi c American Advocates, a non-profi t, volunteer civil rights organization that promotes the political, economic and social well being of Asian Pacifi c Americans.

Under her presidency, OCA-NY lead the struggle for justice for Private Danny Chen, a soldier who was found dead in Afghanistan after being hazed by his superiors. She also advocated to obtain a Governors pardon for Qing Wu, a lawful permanent resident facing removal from the United States because of a minor teenage criminal record.

As a civil rights attorney for the past 27 years, Ms. OuYangs areas of expertise include immigration, voting, media accountability and combatting hate crimes and police brutality.

Ms. OuYang currently teaches Post 9-11 Immigration Policies and Comparative Constitutional Challenges at Columbia Universitys Center for the Study of Ethnicity and Race and at New York Universitys Department of Social and Cultural Analysis. Ms. OuYang is the coordinator of the Fund for New Citizens at The New York Community Trust, a funding collaborative whose mission is to promote immigrant integration into the political and social life of New York City.

In 2000, President Clinton appointed Ms. OuYang to serve as a special assistant to the United States Commission on Civil Rights. She received the Ambassadorship Award from former Mayor Bloomberg during the 2010 Immigrant Heritage Week. In February 2014, New York University awarded Ms. OuYang the Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award for her teaching, leadership, social justice and community building.

Elizabeth R. OuYang

Elizabeth R. OuYang was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Daniel Squadron.

DISTINCTIONWomen of


F ilomena Piscitelli is a great example of the impact one woman can have on her community, while inspiring all New York residents.

Mrs. Piscitelli was born in Italy. The oldest of fi ve children, she assumed the role of caretaker of her family at a young age. She married the late Mario Piscitelli in June of 1963, and in August of that year, they traveled to America to start a new life. By 1967, their family had grown, with the addition of son Alexander and daughter Maria Rina. As a young mother, Mrs. Piscitelli balanced her family obligations and her work as she helped her husband open Marios Shoe Repair in Greenlawn. She proudly recognized her dream of becoming a citizen of the United States in 1966.

While raising her family, Mrs. Piscitelli spent nights learning English; she entered the workforce in 1979, becoming an assistant cook at Harborfi elds High School.

Mrs. Piscitellis life took an unfortunate turn when her husband passed away in 1988, leaving her a young widow at the age of 42. Recognizing that she now was both mother and father to her young adult children, she persevered all while constantly helping others.

For almost 35 years, Mrs. Piscitelli has helped feed, nurture and love tens of thousands of school children. Cooking, bringing in her own food and now running the entire kitchen, she has made the school kitchen feel like home. That has led many, especially her students, to adore her and to consider her a member of their family. The impact she has had on those around her is immeasurable.

As the proud mother of Alexander and Maria Rina, Mrs. Piscitelli is also the proud mother-in-law of Stephanie and Robert, and grandmother of Mario, Alexander, Dylan, Robert, Michael, Jessica and Nicholas.

Filomena Piscitelli

Filomena Piscitelli was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinctionby Senator John J. Flanagan.

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The Honorable A. Gail Prudenti is the Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts of New York State as well as a New York State Supreme Court Justice. As Chief Administrative Judge, she oversees the administration and operation of the New York State Unifi ed Court System, with a budget of over $2 billion, 3,600 state and local judges and 15,000 non-judicial employees in over 350 court locations around the state.

Judge Prudenti previously served for nearly a decade as the Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division for the Second Judicial Department in New York State, one of the busiest appellate courts in the United States. She has also held the position of Administrative Judge for the Tenth Judicial District (Suff olk County) and was the fi rst woman elected Surrogate of Suff olk County. Judge Prudenti began her career working in the Suff olk County Surrogates Court and, prior to ascending to the bench, served as an Assistant District Attorney for Suff olk County and as a private practitioner specializing in trusts and estates.

Judge Prudenti is an accomplished administrator and frequent lecturer throughout New York State. Her legal writings are extensive, with over 1,000 decisions published. She has contributed articles to many publications including The New York Law Journal, Newsday, and The Su olk Lawyer. Judge Prudenti earned her law degree from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, which also awarded her an honorary Doctorate of Laws in 2004.

While greatly appreciative of the recognition and numerous awards she has received throughout the years from assorted groups and organizations, Judge Prudenti feels her greatest honor has been the opportunity to serve the people of the State of New York. She lives with her husband, fellow lawyer and former Suff olk County Attorney, Robert J. Cimino, in the Village of Bellport.

The Honorable A. Gail Prudenti

The Honorable A. Gail Prudenti was selected as a 2014 Woman of Distinction by Senator Lee Zeldin.

DISTINCTIONWomen of


Josephine Pucci had her fi rst experience skating on an ice rink at fi ve years old! As a hockey fan, Ms. Puccis father wanted his children to enjoy the excitement an ice rink can bring. Little did he know, this experience would lead his oldest daughter to an Olympic Medal with the United States Womens Hockey Team.

Ms. Pucci, born December 27, 1990, was raised in Pearl River, New York. Along with her two younger sisters, she was fi rst interested i

2014 WOD Contemporary Book for WEB

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