Senate Resolution No. 2018

BY: Senator FLANAGAN

CONGRATULATING the 2017 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 singular
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, we congratulate
Maria Bartolillo, Bob Bland, Melba P. Brown, Laura Casamento, Ed.D.,
Katie Joyce & Meghan Cavanaugh, Molly Biggs Celani, Pauline Chu, Sarah
Chu, Antonia Clemente, Crystal Collins, Miriam Colon, Samantha M.
Curtis, Annette Casper DeJesus, Julie Dostal, Ph.D., Antonia Figueroa,
Betty Ann Filkins, Annette Finch, Sherif Fraser, Florence E.
Jackson-Frazier, M.S.W., Mary G. Garrote, Donna B. Gerstle, Mindy
Germain, Enid Glabman, Betsy Goinski, Mary M. Gooley, Marsha Gordon,
Ph.D., Minnie Graham, Christine L. Haider, Haney Ho, Carmella Hoffman,
Charlotte Holstein, Pauline Copes Johnson, Elizabeth Lusskin, Mary
Lyall, Nina Lynch, Ann Marie Maglione, Christine Manzi, Barbara R.
Martinsons, Paula Miritello, The Honorable Valerie Brathwaite Nelson,
Monica Neuwirt, Jennifer O'Brien, Paulette Ofrias, Carlene Pinto, Amy
Pollard, Mary K. Pluta, Donna Raymond, Eileen Reilly, Kay Francis
Richards, Christine M. Riordan, Ph.D., Donna Schaertl, Diane Serratore,
Deborah A. Simonsmeier, Mary Stanco, The Honorable Betty E. Staton,
Charlene Jackson Thompson, Esq., Linda Ventura, Ellen White, Nadine
Whitted, Randa Williams, Michelle M. Deal Winfield, and Ana Rodriguez
Zurutuza as 2017 New York State Senate Women of Distinction, to be
celebrated on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at the Annual Women of Distinction
Awards Ceremony in The Well of the Legislative Office Building; and

WHEREAS, Women have become part of New York'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, 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.