Honoring the inspiring women in our community
March is Women’s History Month, and in honor of this as well as the 100th Anniversary of Women’s Suffrage, I was so pleased to host what I hope will be a yearly event.
The “Women of Distinction” event, which I held last weekend, honored 17 women who call the 112th Assembly District home. All were nominated because of their diverse and wonderful contributions to their neighborhoods, schools, careers, places of worship, country and communities.
The honorees are Isabel Barrett-Prescott (Rexford), Mirabelle Beck (Scotia), Jill Catchpole (Clifton Park), Amanda Coonradt (Ballston Lake), Terri Coseo (Porter Corners), Belinda Cross (Ballston Lake), Amy DiMonda (Clifton Park), Bernadette Gilligan (Mechanicville), Laurie Harris (Clifton Park), Mariesa Hughes (Clifton Park), Alicia Jacobs
(Clifton Park), Sheryl Lauria (Glenville), Anita Riccio (Ballston Spa), Francine Rodger (Clifton Park), Leah Rubin (Clifton Park), Col. Tammy Street (Clifton Park) and Lynnette Ziskin (Burnt Hills).
From starting a notfor-profit senior dog rescue to providing direct care to some of our most vulnerable with Alzheimer’s or developmental disabilities, each woman honored had gone above and beyond to help others. Some work to empower the next generation of women, some are currently serving in our military (Air Force).
All were very deserving of recognition.
Just as women suffragists came from diverse backgrounds to achieve the common goal of attaining for women the right to vote, this group of honorees are truly an inspiration. I certainly hope that this Women of Distinction recognition will become an annual event.
I encourage all of you to take a moment this month to think about the women in your life who, perhaps quietly and without fanfare, have positively impacted your life. Thank them!
Their efforts have made our community stronger.
Assemblywoman Walsh represents the 112th Assembly District, which consists of parts of Saratoga and Schenectady counties. For more information, please visit Assemblywoman Walsh’s Official Website.