Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) and his colleagues in the New York State Senate in Albany last night honored as a 2026 “Woman of Distinction” Dawn Vavala of Halfmoon, a small business owner who gives back to the community in many ways, including as a major supporter of the City of Schenectady School District Educational Foundation.

“Dawn Vavala is a successful small business owner in Saratoga County who has dedicated her time and energy to giving back to the community and making Saratoga County, Schenectady and the entire Capital Region a better place by living the Rotary Club mission of ‘service above self.’ I am thrilled to have the opportunity to honor her as a 2026 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction for all her hard work and everything she has done for our local economy and to make life better for residents via her volunteerism,” said Senator Jim Tedisco.

Dawn has been a leader in the Capital Region business community and small business owner for over 25 years as the owner of Nite Owl Marketing in Clifton Park, which specializes in custom clothing and branded promotional products. Previously, she owned and operated Tuxego of Clifton Park.

Dawn grew up in Schenectady and graduated from the former Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady.

Vavala enjoys being involved in the community and has been an active leader with the City of Schenectady School District Educational Foundation, which raises funds for educational enrichment opportunities not otherwise available for students in the Schenectady School District.

She is a charter member and past president of Twin Bridges Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a member of its Gift of Life board, which provides life-saving surgery for children in developing countries.  Dawn recently helped to bring a child from Mongolia to the Capital Region for life-saving surgery that they wouldn’t have been able to receive in their home country.

She was named to the prestigious Albany Business Review’s “40 Under 40” list.

Dawn graduated from Siena College with a degree in finance and was honored with being placed on the Siena College Maddalone Wall of Success for graduates who have become successful entrepreneurs. She is a proud supporter of the Siena Saints Basketball Team.

She is a board member of the Mother Teresa Academy in Halfmoon and a member of the Southern Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Convention Bureau, and the Schenectady Ole Timers Baseball Club.

When asked why she is so dedicated to volunteering, Dawn said, “I don’t really think about it. I just do it. Shouldn’t we try and help people!”