Padavan Honors Terri Pouymari as 2010 Woman of Distinction

 New York State Senator Frank Padavan (Queens) honored Terri Pouymari, President of the Auburndale Improvement Association as a 2010 “Woman of Distinction” during an awards ceremony at the State Capitol on Tuesday May 25, 2010.

The prestigious award honors women throughout New York state for their service to the community and their personal and professional excellence. Women of Distinction honorees come from all walks of life and are recognized for their courage, integrity and perseverance in improving the lives of New Yorkers

“Terri Pouymari symbolizes the values, principles and character that the Woman of Distinction Award is all about,” Padavan said. “From her years in the classroom to her leadership as President of Auburndale Improvement Association Terri’s energy, care and compassion for our community knows no bounds. The Auburndale community and all of Northeast Queens have benefited greatly from Teri’s services on behalf of her neighbors. I am proud to honor Terri Pouymari with the 2010 Senate Woman of Distinction from the 11th Senate District.”

Terri Pouymari is a life-long resident of Queens, has served as President of the Auburndale Improvement Association for the past four years. The association which has been in existence for 105 years, 30 of which Pouymari has been a mainstay and active member. In her role as President, Pouymari works independently and often in cooperation with other civic organization, particularly those in the broad Auburndale Improvement Association community in Queens. Under her leadership, the Auburndale Improvement Association has worked at protecting and improving the quality of life of those who reside in the area. Over the past five years the Association has been working with the Auburndale community to get a rezoning plan in place and it appears within reach.

Having earned a degree from Fordham University and later one from St. John’s University, Pouymari spent her professional career in education for over 30 years, teaching history at Newton High School in Elmhurst, Queens. Pouymari currently resides in Flushing with her husband John, a former history teacher and school administrator. Both are active members of St. Kevin’s Parish in Auburndale.

Terri Pouymari joins past Women of Distinction from honorees from Northeast Queens including: East Flushing President Civic Association President Janet Malone,  President of the Chinese American Parents Association President Pauline Chu, Former Principal of The Immaculate Conception School Dr. Charlene Jaffe, Executive Director of the Queens Farm Museum Amy Fischetti-Boncardo , Former Borough President Claire Schulman, School District 26 Superintendent Claire McIntee and Executive Director of the Bayside Historical Society Geraldine Spinella.