Senate Resolution No. 989

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

CONGRATULATING the 2025 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 Olaronke Akinmowo, Lorraine Rohlsen
Alexander, Maryam Banikarim, Marianne M. Barker, Evidelia Boyd, Jennyrae
Brongo, Mary Frances Brown, Zola Brown, Marie Cannon, DSW, April
Hernandez Castillo, Gina Centauro, Mindy Cervoni, Lina Chen, Leslie
Church, Linda Cindrich, Daisy Cocco De Filippis, Ph.D., Margaret J.
Denson, Karen H. Dewar, Lorraine Dimson, Dr. Hazel N. Dukes, Nancy Kern
Eaton, Colonel Christina Fanitzi, Robin Fontanelli, Stephanie Gabaud,
Sarah Woodside Gallagher, Ann Gordon-Chang, Joan Grande, Corinne Haynes,
Jean B. Hill, Krystle Jimenez, Connie Jones, Pamela Kenyon, Agnes
Kirschner, Lesley A. Lanzi, Tashara M. Leak, Ph.D., Denise C. Lee, Orit
Lender, Maria Lizardo, Lynn Lucas, Th.D., Shashi Malik, Donna Marano,
Alisa McMorris, Maribel Mercado, Gail Miller, Kamla Karina Millwood,
Agnes Molina, Uma V. Mysorekar, MD, Virginia Norfleet, Wanda
Ortiz-Rivera, Aqua Y. Porter, Nina Postupack, Renee J. Reardon, Yolanda
Reed, Lina Renique-Poole, Monika Salvage, Yiwei She, Ph.D., Sharon
Sheppard, Amy Tam-Liao, Tupper Thomas, Judy Troilo, Gabriela
Vega-Matthews, and Kizzy Williams as 2025 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
non-traditional roles in society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, 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.