There is no shortage of extraordinary women doing incredible work across New York State, especially here in Central New York. They are doctors, tending to our wounds and getting us back on our feet. They are police officers, upholding the law and keeping us safe. They are teachers, educating our youth and preparing them for the next chapter in their lives. They are mothers, caring for their families day in and day out. Whether they’re making history or making our region stronger, we have women to thank for so much of our progress.
Every March, we dedicate the month to honoring the great achievements that women have made in shaping our country for the better. We honor women of the past like Matilda Joslyn Gage, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Candy Stanton, who fought tirelessly for women’s suffrage. But it’s also important to honor the women currently working every day to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
You can help put the spotlight on these women by nominating someone you know who’s making a difference in our community for my 6th annual Women of Distinction Awards ceremony. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Feb. 23. Community members can request a nomination form from my office or by filling out a form online at assembly.state.ny.us/mem/Al-Stirpe/story/79210. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 24, at the Fayetteville Village Hall.
Last year’s awards honored women who are an inspiration for their work in their respective fields here in Central New York. Five incredible women were presented with awards: Sandra DiBianco, a community activist who has been deeply involved in organizations like the CanTeen and Early Literacy Volunteers; Lori Kindon, a volunteer at GiGi’s Playhouse; Jennifer Kondrk, a Cicero-North Syracuse Central School District teacher; Victoria Lynn Bullock Krukowski, a local musician who uses her gift to provide music therapy; and Jessica Rice, an artist who uses her work to help others cultivate a more global world view.
In the Assembly, I have fought hard for women’s rights in New York state. I helped pass the New York State Fair Pay Act (A.4696 of 2017) as well as a measure that ensures state and municipal employees with equal jobs receive the same compensation regardless of gender, race and national origin (A.2549 of 2017). I also supported legislation that affirms a woman’s right to an abortion in New York State (A.1748 of 2017) and requires insurers to cover contraception at no cost to the consumer (A.1378 of 2017).
While March is the month dedicated to celebrating women and all of their accomplishments, the fight for gender equality is a year-round battle. I’ll always be a strong ally and advocate for women’s rights here in Central New York and across our state. Celebrating those who have made a real difference here in our community is an important part of that fight.
As always, if you have questions about this or any other community issue, please contact me by calling (315) 452-1115 or send me an email at [email protected].
