Senate Resolution No. 2043

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING the 2026 New York State Senate
Women of Distinction

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge and
celebrate Women of Distinction who significantly add inspiration and
encouragement to the people of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Women of Distinction program was
created in 1998 as part of our State celebration of Women's History
Month to honor exemplary women from across New York State whose
professional or personal achievements, commitment to excellence, and
accomplishments merit special recognition; honorees are selected from
nominations submitted from across the State; and

WHEREAS, Women of every economic, ethnic, and religious background
have made significant contributions that are reflected across all
aspects of society; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
individuals of remarkable character who have shown initiative and
commitment in constantly pursuing higher goals for themselves, as well
as acting as role models to all women in their community; and

WHEREAS, On behalf of the New York State Senate, I take this
opportunity to congratulate Tina Abrams, Barbara Baruch, Martha Bell,
Kathryn Biel, DPT, Vanessa Braxton, Bronwyn Breitner, Cali Brooks,
Marina Marangelli Cassiliano, Daphnee Champagne, Krystle Charlemagne,
Reverend Karen A. Chßvez, Lisa M. Chimera, Ayana K. Cole-Price, MD,
Donna Coppola, Maria Cristalli, Carrie Cuthbertson, Sheila Dion,
Stephanie Draine, Linda Ebani, Dana G. Elden, Shirley Fearon, Maegan
Fox, Megan Freida, Reverend Renee F. Washington Gardner, Janine Gentile,
Joanne Gerow, Joanne Haefner, Mona Hassanein, Karen Hochhauser, Jamel
Holder, Naomi Hopkins, Greta Hunter, Cynthia B. Knox, Esq., Maryanne
Koepper, Angie Davis Leveritte, Florence Lorenz, Joyce Love, Stephanie
Marquesano, Esq., Valerie S. Mason, Esq., Fabayo McIntosh, Jennifer
McNamara, Esq., Ngozeka Onwualu, Debbie-Ann Paige, Carla Palumbo,
Heather Perkins, Tara Pfohl, Jennifer Rodriguez, Dorothy Siegel, Andrea
Smith, Kelly Smith, Linda Smith, Susan Stetzer, Patricia Still, Zeldy
Stillerman, Junko Takeda, PhD, Linda Tarrant-Reid, Luz Torres, Whitney
Toussaint, Dawn Vavala, Randi Weingarten, and Jennifer Carbone Zuccaro,
MD, as 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction; and

WHEREAS, Women have become part of New York State's lasting heritage
by fighting against stereotypes, prejudice, and seemingly insurmountable
obstacles; and

WHEREAS, From the women's suffrage movement just over 150 years ago
to the present day, women have played and continue to play a crucial
role in adding strength, understanding, and inspiration to the diversity
and quality of life of the people of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, New York State has been, and continues to be, the home to
many distinguished women who have made their mark in history as pioneers

in their field, therefore laying the foundation for women after them to
succeed; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that New York State is the
home to countless women who are strong and colorful threads, vital to
the fabric of our rich heritage, who have contributed and continue to
add to the advancement of our culture through their traditional and
nontraditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the aforementioned Women of Distinction.