Nassau Standard

Assemblyman Ed Ra of Franklin Square hosted the 2024 Women of Distinction awards on September 21 at Adelphi University’s Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom. The event honored 13 women, along with one emerging leader and one special recognition for their contributions to the community in the 19th Assembly District.

Sophia Probst from Mineola High School performed the National Anthem, while Mary Grace Tomecki delivered the keynote speech. Local officials such as Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jen DeSena, Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Hempstead Dorothy Goosby, and Representative Anthony D’Esposito attended and shared remarks about the honorees.

Ra emphasized that "the women honored today do the incredible work they do not for the sake of recognition but because they have a deep commitment to making our community a better place for everyone." He further noted that "this event is our chance to recognize and support the remarkable contributions they make in areas like education, health care, veterans’ affairs and community service."

He expressed gratitude towards those who impact lives positively: “It only takes a moment to express gratitude to those who impact our lives in such meaningful ways. I am deeply thankful to all the amazing women nominated this year and to every woman who strives to improve our district." Ra also thanked Adelphi University for hosting the event.

The honorees include Ninfa Annunziata from New Hyde Park, Marilynn Bauman from Williston Park, Kimberly Corcoran-Galante from Mineola, Anita Fitzpatrick-Carbain from Mineola, Juliette Giorgio from West Hempstead, Diane M. Jones from Garden City, Rachel Lubertine from Carle Place, Maureen Mahoney from West Hempstead, Kathleen Mauceri from Franklin Square, Diana O’Neill from Garden City, Bernadette Sosnowski-Funk from Westbury. Special Recognition was given to Michelle Notti of West Hempstead UFSD and Natalie Orsorio of H. Frank Carey High School was named Emerging Leader.