Wheatley Heights, NY - April 11th, 2016 - In celebration of Women’s History month, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) hosted her 2nd annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony to honor local women making an impact on the community. The event was hosted at the Western Suffolk BOCES Conference Center in Wheatley Heights on April 8th.
“The Women of Distinction awards are an opportunity to honor the women who do so much for our community,” said Jean-Pierre. “These women demonstrate leadership in various fields from education to business and are committed to making our neighborhoods a better place for all. By honoring these women, we can not only recognize their achievements but also inspire more members of the community to get involved and give back.”
This year’s awards recipients were nominated for categories such as Business: Alicia McIlawain-Marks and Shari Lee Sugarman, Esq.; Community Organization: Tonja Black, Sonji Crawford-Clark, Joan Donnison, Councilwoman Jackie Gordon, Michele Insignia, Teri Kroll, Dagmar Marino, Lori Prisco, Judith Raimondi, Amanda Ramirez, Jeanine Reynolds and Marie Seaquist; Education: Veronique Bailey, Erica Edwards-O’Neal, Esq., Dr. Veronica Henry, and Caroline Rakus-Wojciechowski; Family Values: Diane SanPaolo; Health Care: Carissa Romano; and Religious Values: Kisha Carter and Rhonda Williams. The recipients were chosen from 85 nominees.
In addition, Jean-Pierre held a Women’s History Month art contest for elementary school students to submit drawings of their favorite New York woman.
Winner Adam Guglielmelli from Great Neck Road Elementary School drew a picture of Shirley Chisholm and received an award from the Assemblywoman. Adam’s drawing will be featured on next year’s Women’s History Month activity booklet.
The ceremony was sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, HealthFirst, Primerica, QuickChek, Target, and Western Suffolk BOCES.
