Latest news with #WomenofDistinction
Cision Canada
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
YWCA Toronto's 2025 Women of Distinction Awards
An evening of celebration, inspiration and hope TORONTO, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Tonight, YWCA Toronto honours and celebrates the remarkable achievements of six change-makers who challenge systemic discrimination, advocate for marginalized women and children, and create opportunities to achieve greatness. Meet our 2025 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award recipients; Dr. Aditi Sivakumar (Young Woman of Distinction), Nancy Barber (Corporate Leadership), Carly Kalish (Social Justice), Farrah Khan (Activism), Deqa Nur (Community Leadership) and Dr. (Health). "Through YWCA Toronto's programs, services and advocacy, we work to break systemic barriers and radically transform the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people," says YWCA Toronto's Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor. "Now, more than ever, we also recognize the importance of honouring and celebrating women who are evoking positive change – reshaping industries, leading movements and inspiring future generations. Tonight, we will revel in the successes of six remarkable women who are passionate and resolved in their work to advance gender equity in our communities. I hope you will join us at our annual Women of Distinction Awards. It will be an evening of celebration, inspiration and hope." Award recipients are available for exclusive interviews, upon request. The Women of Distinction Awards is YWCA Toronto's largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds from this event make it possible for YWCA Toronto to help women, girls and gender diverse people secure housing, flee violence, heal and build sustainable futures.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
YWCA Toronto's 2025 Women of Distinction Awards
An evening of celebration, inspiration and hope TORONTO, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Tonight, YWCA Toronto honours and celebrates the remarkable achievements of six change-makers who challenge systemic discrimination, advocate for marginalized women and children, and create opportunities to achieve greatness. Meet our 2025 YWCA Toronto Women of Distinction award recipients; Dr. Aditi Sivakumar (Young Woman of Distinction), Nancy Barber (Corporate Leadership), Carly Kalish (Social Justice), Farrah Khan (Activism), Deqa Nur (Community Leadership) and Dr. Paula Rochon (Health). "Through YWCA Toronto's programs, services and advocacy, we work to break systemic barriers and radically transform the lives of women, girls and gender diverse people," says YWCA Toronto's Chief Executive Officer, Heather McGregor. "Now, more than ever, we also recognize the importance of honouring and celebrating women who are evoking positive change – reshaping industries, leading movements and inspiring future generations. Tonight, we will revel in the successes of six remarkable women who are passionate and resolved in their work to advance gender equity in our communities. I hope you will join us at our annual Women of Distinction Awards. It will be an evening of celebration, inspiration and hope." Award recipients are available for exclusive interviews, upon request. WHAT: YWCA Toronto's Women of Distinction Awards with Anne-Marie Mediwake, Host of CTV YOUR MORNING WHEN: Tuesday, May 27, 2025Networking Reception & Silent Auction: 5: Ceremony & Dinner: 7:00p.m. WHERE: Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road, Toronto Ontario M6K 3C3. The Women of Distinction Awards is YWCA Toronto's largest annual fundraising event. Proceeds from this event make it possible for YWCA Toronto to help women, girls and gender diverse people secure housing, flee violence, heal and build sustainable futures. RELATED LINKS: and SOURCE YWCA Toronto View original content to download multimedia: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
2025 Women of Distinction honored
PLATTSBURGH — Assemblyman Billy Jones recognized nine women from across the North Country as Women of Distinction at his annual award ceremony, Thursday evening. This year, the event was held at MHAB Life Skills Campus in Plattsburgh. Each year, Jones invites community members to nominate impactful women from across numerous categories to be recognized for their efforts throughout the district. After reading through the more than 200 heartfelt nominations he received, Jones notified the winners. 'It is my honor to recognize this year's Women of Distinction awardees,' Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) said. 'Between volunteering to help those in need or going above and beyond in their professions to best serve their communities, this year's honorees are truly making a difference in the North Country. Please join me in congratulating these women for this well-deserved award.' The recipients of the 2025 Women of Distinction awards are: Valerie Abraham-Rogers, Volunteerism Award Valerie Abraham-Rogers has been an active member of the Lake Placid community for decades, making Lake Placid her permanent home in 1996. She has held positions in many organizations in the community including Board Member and Treasurer at Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series, Member of the Distinguished Volunteer of the Year Committee, former Board Member for the Saranac Lake & Lake Placid Farmers' Markets, and a Member of the Lake Placid/North Elba Development Commission. Abraham-Rogers's devotion to the community is unmatched, with her creation of the Lake Placid Community Day which has quickly become a beloved event that celebrates all those who live, work, or volunteer in the community. Despite her busy schedule, she finds time to volunteer her vocals, often singing for fundraisers or other civic events. Her desire and ability to inspire positive changes makes her a true leader in volunteerism. Valerie Ainsworth, Service to our Hometown Heroes Award Valerie Ainsworth's commitment to veterans in our community has been unmatched. As the Executive Director of Homeward Bound Adirondacks, she works tirelessly to help fulfill their mission, helping veterans to reclaim their life and find hope beyond trauma. On top of this, Ainsworth serves as the Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Essex County, Inc., advocating and assisting individuals with emotional and psychiatric challenges as they achieve recovery, dignity, and independence. She still finds time to manage her private practice which specializes in trauma and PTSD, a useful tool for veterans on their way to recovery. Despite her busy schedule helping those who have served, Ainsworth finds time for her small rescue farm. She deeply cherishes her family, and always finds time for them in her busy schedule. Maria Alexander, North Country Neighbor Award Maria Alexander got her start as a family worker with the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity — JCEO Head Start Program, kicking off her extensive career in the non-profit field. She worked her way up to the position of teacher, then moved into the office becoming the Senior Outreach Coordinator. She eventually became the Director of the Senior Outreach Program and the Big Buddy Program. After a dedicated career at JCEO, Maria made the switch to the Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County where she became the Executive Director. She oversaw several projects, including the opening of Catherine Gardens. Aside from her professional accomplishments, Alexander has served on many boards and committees, helping the community in any way possible. She is also a member of the Plattsburgh Rotary, participating in events to give back to the community. Amanda Bulris-Allen, Healthcare Award Amanda Bulris-Allen has been the leader of NAMI Champlain Valley since 2009. As a licensed Master of Social Work, she helps individuals who are struggling with mental illnesses, as well as their families, with accessing support and resources. She holds strong to her core values that hope and recovery will change the lives of people struggling with mental illnesses. Bulris-Allen's significant abilities in crisis intervention have been instrumental in establishing NAMI as a cornerstone of advocacy and support for those impacted. She has a passion for helping her community and is recognized for her tireless work with underserved individuals in the region, as well as pushing boundaries to ensure positive outcomes are achievable. Michele Carpentier, Education Award Before her long career at SUNY Plattsburgh in the Student Support Services program, Michele Carpentier began as a Head Start Home Based instructor in AuSable Forks. She is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh, with multiple degrees in education and counseling. During her career at SUNY Plattsburgh, Carpentier championed the cause of students who needed extra support to navigate through their college careers. She served in various roles in the Student Support Services Program, including as a Director of Services for Individuals with Disabling Conditions, Director of the Campus Emergency Grants Program, Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, as well as the Founder and Coordinator of the Campus Food Shelf. Carpentier has impacted the lives of thousands of students during her almost 40-year tenure at SUNY Plattsburgh, giving them the opportunity to lead remarkable lives made possible by their education. May Chow, Law Enforcement Award May Chow retired from the United States Secret Service with more than 21 years of service. She was a Senior Resident Agent in Burlington, Vermont, served on the Vice-Presidential Detail under the Bush and Cheney Administration, and was a Special Agent in the San Francisco, California office. She also has extensive computer forensic training and network intrusion training, all tools she used to her benefit while serving the United States Secret Service. Chow has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Memphis State University, and a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Memphis. She is a first-generation Chinese American born to immigrant parents, becoming the first of her family to go to college and succeed at the American Dream. Today, Chow serves the Lake Placid Community as Village Justice, holding the position since March of 2023. She is also a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Placid where she continues her commitment to serving the community. Geana Dyer, Trailblazer Award Serving six years in the National Guard, and eight years as a Critical Care Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit, Geana has dedicated her time to advocate for the gap in support for families like hers. After her son was diagnosed with Cockayne Syndrome, she turned her pain into purpose. Dyer established The Cockayne Syndrome Foundation in 2024, which has raised funds and reached out to 43 families across the country to deliver essential items to help with care. Dyer has been a strong advocate and leader, where she has already left her mark in New York state. She has successfully advocated for October to be recognized as Cockayne Syndrome Awareness Month, as well as being a persistent voice in support of the Complex Care Assistant Bill. She is grounded in a fierce love for her son and a strong belief that no family should have to choose between their child's quality of life or financial survival. Helen Nerska, Community/Civic Affairs Award Helen Nerska was born and raised in Peru, but after attending college at SUNY Plattsburgh she relocated to Canada, where she would work 35 dedicated years in senior marketing and administrative positions. Nerska returned to her roots in Peru in 2005 and has been a community icon since. Nerska was the Manager of the North Star Underground Railroad Museum from its opening in 2010 until April 2014. She has served as the Treasurer of the Saranac Chapter 1-142 DAR, as well as a Board Member for the Northern New York American-Canadian Genealogical Society. She also dedicates her time as Vice President of the Women's Rights Alliance of New York State and President of LWV of the North Country. Nerska serves as the Historian for the Town of Peru, providing community members and neighbors alike with the history of the small North Country town. She is the current Director and former President of the Clinton County Historical Association, preserving and sharing the long, inspiring, and significant history of Clinton County through events, presentations, or simply stopping by the museum for a tour. Despite her deep dedication to the community, Nerska found time to author stories such as 'Clinton County Suffrage Story' as well as being a writer for the Heritage Corner in the Sun Community News & Printing and previously the Press-Republican. Joy VanLeuvan, Businesswoman Award Joy VanLeuvan has been dedicated to the automotive industry for over 40 years, all with Riley Ford, Inc. She started off at Riley Ford as a Sales Associate, eventually rising through the ranks as a Sales Manager, and General Manager. In 2012, she became the Dealer Principal and President. VanLeuvan oversees all aspects of dealer operations, ensuring Riley Ford operates smoothly every day. She has led Riley Ford to be the recipient of several awards. These awards include over 34 Customer Satisfaction and Performance Awards in the 45-year history that her family has owned the dealership. She has led the dealership to become the first and only automobile dealership in New York State to be a certified Women-Owned Business. A recent business accomplishment was the successful acquisition of a new Plattsburgh location, allowing Riley Ford to better serve the community. Despite her deep commitment to her business endeavors, she finds time to serve on several boards in the community. This includes serving as the Treasurer and Executive Board Member of the New England Ford Dealers Association and serving on the Hudson Headwaters Patient Advisory Board.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elmira Heights Central School District to see new bus garage
ELMIRA HEIGHTS, N.Y. (WETM) – Construction has begun for a new transportation facility that will house the buses and other transportation vehicles owned by the Elmira Heights Central School District. The announcement was made by Elmira Heights Central School District Superintendent Mike Gill who stated that the project launched two years ago following the passing of the capital improvement project, which was strongly supported by district residents. Social Security office in Big Flats listed on DOGE website; lease to not be renewed The new facility will be located on Lake Road in Elmira Heights and will accommodate the school district's 12 buses, as well as other smaller vehicles owned by the district. In addition to housing the vehicles, the facility will include an office space and a training space for the transportation department, as well as a space for maintaining the vehicles. There will also be an on-site fueling station for both the diesel buses and other gas-powered vehicles. O'Mara seeks nominations for New York State Senate's Women of Distinction Over the last 25 years, the Elmira Heights Central School District has utilized the facility within the Horseheads School District to fulfill the needs of housing and maintaining its vehicles. While Gill says that the districts maintain a good relationship with one another, Horseheads no longer has the space to accommodate Elmira Heights, as it requires reorganization within its own transportation department. Given the timing, the school district hopes to fulfill its goal of creating a more independent transportation system and more control over operations to better meet the district's needs. The new facility is expected to open in time for the 2026-2027 school year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
O'Mara seeks nominations for New York State Senate's Women of Distinction
SOUTHERN TIER, N.Y. (WETM) — If you know a woman in the Southern Tier who has made a positive impact on her community, consider nominating her for an award from the New York State Senate. State Senator Tom O'Mara is looking for nominations for the 27th annual Women of Distinction program. This program recognizes one woman from each New York State Senate district who has made exceptional contributions to local communities. Community members nominate exceptional women, and each state senator selects an honoree to represent their legislative district. The selected Woman of Distinction will be honored during a ceremony in Albany. Chemung County now accepting applications for Casella Waste Systems scholarship 'The 'Woman of Distinction' tribute is a meaningful recognition. I look forward to this annual opportunity to recognize an outstanding area citizen,' said O'Mara. 'We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community at large. Whether she is a service provider, a law enforcement officer going above and beyond the call of duty, a teacher, a nurse, a business leader, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I'd like to see her recognized.' O'Mara is accepting submissions of women who live within his district, which includes all of Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties and parts of Allegany County, until Friday, March 14. People can nominate someone by filling out this form from O'Mara's page on the New York State Senate website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
