J 989: Congratulating the 2025 New York State Senate Women of Distinction

 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.