Senator Samra G. Brouk (SD-55) honored Aqua Porter, RMAPI Executive Director, as her 2025 Woman of Distinction at a celebration attended by local community leaders and advocates, including Rochester Mayor Malik Evans, President and CEO of Rochester Area Community Foundation Simeon Banister, University of Rochester trustee and retired Xerox executive Emerson U. Fullwood, and Rochester Police Accountability Board Executive Director Dr. Lesli Myers-Small.

With more than 40 years of experience across corporate and nonprofit sectors, Porter has been deeply rooted in the Rochester community and now leads efforts to reduce systemic poverty. Under her leadership, RMAPI successfully advocated for a $15 minimum wage through its “Level Up Champion” campaign—a milestone in local wage equity. 

Porter’s influence and commitment  to social change has earned her a place on the Rochester Business Journal’s Power 100 since its inception. In December 2024, she received an ICON Honors award, which recognizes Greater Rochester Area business leaders over the age of 60 for their notable success and demonstration of strong leadership both within and outside of their chosen field.

Deeply engaged in civic life, Porter has been a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for more than 40 years and currently serves as President of the Rochester Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She served as Keuka College Board of Trustees President, is currently Treasurer of the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House Board of Trustees, and a member of RIT’s Saunders School Management Advisory Committee.

Senator Samra Brouk (SD-55): “I was honored to recognize Aqua Porter as a Senate Woman of Distinction. An exceptional visionary and leader, Aqua continues to move mountains and make tremendous impact as the Executive Director of RMAPI with her unwavering commitment to empowering her community. Congratulations, Aqua, and thank you for blazing a trail for future leaders to follow in Rochester.”

Aqua Porter: "I am really grateful to be honored as a Woman of Distinction. It is the achievement recognition of a lifetime. It recognizes how hard I'm working, how hard collectively we’re doing things in this community to alleviate poverty, and to show people that their hard work pays off and that they are recognized for it. I’m grateful to Senator Brouk and her team for making this such a beautiful day."