Congratulating the 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction

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.