Congratulations to This Year’s Women of Distinction Award Winners, Hosted by Assemblyman Al Stirpe
On Saturday, March 22nd, Assemblyman Al Stirpe hosted his 13th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the Fayetteville Fire Department.
Women from the 127th District, which includes Cazenovia, Clay, Cicero, and Manlius, were honored for their remarkable contributions, serving as testaments to the celebration of Women’s History Month. Categories include achievements and service in education, volunteerism, communications and civic affairs, business, and healthcare.
“Some people may wonder why we have the Women of Distinction Awards,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “To which I point to the incredible example of our honorees. Each woman we have recognized today have inspired positive and lasting change in the lives of those around them. These awards serve as a celebration of service, heart, and leadership that all the honorees and nominees have put forth into our community.”
Congratulations to Katherine Mittiga for her commitment to education, Theresa Harris for her volunteerism efforts, Laurel Flanagan for her service in the community and civic affairs, Deana Bollinger Ingram for her strides in business, and Tania Lyons for her remarkable devotion to healthcare.
Honoree Katherine Mittiga says, “Teachers don't usually get recognized for the hard work we do, so it is extremely meaningful to be recognized by Assemblyman Stirpe. I love teaching high school chemistry, as well as being involved in my school community. It helps knowing my efforts are valued and worthwhile.
“As a mental health and substance use professional, being recognized with a woman of distinction award in the healthcare field is so much bigger than me.” Honoree Tania Lyons remarks. “It is the recognition of mental health as health. I’m so honored to have been presented with this award, but I’m truly privileged to work alongside other incredible women serving some of our community’s most vulnerable members in unique and innovative ways.”
“I am humbled to receive the 2025 Women of Distinction award,” Honoree Laurel Flanagan says. “This award has accomplished its purpose of recognizing the efforts of women in CNY to improve the conditions of the people around them. I am so grateful for the spotlight this award shines on the amazing organizations that I work with; Operation Northern Comfort and the Fayetteville Free Library are the true heroes; the Proclamation hangs proudly on the wall in my office.”
Honoree Theresa Harris adds, “Having devoted decades in pursuit of gender equality with Zonta International, the Woman of Distinction Award for Volunteerism is deeply appreciated. At a time where women's rights are being suppressed, Assemblymember Al Stirpe's purposeful recognition of women's contributions is particularly significant to our community. As Melinda Gates stated, 'When we lift up women, we lift up humanity.'I share this recognition with my Zonta colleagues; their teamwork was vital.”
“Receiving the Women of Distinction in Business Award was an incredibly humbling and proud moment.” Honoree Deana Bollinger Ingram says. “It was a recognition not just of my individual efforts, but of the incredible support from my team and the community around me. The honor affirmed my passion for empowering others and reinforced my commitment to driving positive change in the business world.”