Women work hard every day to help our communities grow and thrive, and they deserve to be recognized for all that they do. That’s why I recently honored five outstanding local women and two promising students at my fourth annual Women of Distinction awards ceremony.

This year’s event was held at the Matilda Joslyn Gage House in Fayetteville, a monument honoring a pioneer of the women’s rights movement. A progressive visionary, Gage grew up in Cicero and lived in Fayetteville. She was a speaker, organizer and writer on behalf of women’s suffrage, fighting alongside Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony to secure equal rights for women. Like Gage, the 2016 Women of Distinction have each gone above and beyond the call of duty to make our communities a better place to live.

The following women were honored for their accomplishments in the noted categories:

• Jennifer Gentile, dance teacher at GiGi’s Playhouse (Volunteer);
• Joanne Lenweaver, director of the WISE Women’s Business Center (Entrepreneurship);
• Jacqueline Owens, North Syracuse Board of Education (Education);
• Brenda Pfohl, founder of David’s Refuge (Community/Civic Affairs); and
• Frieda Weeks, founder of Hope for Heather (Health Care).

From helping children with special needs through dance, education and caregiver support, to helping women start their own businesses and fighting deadly diseases, the 2016 Women of Distinction are truly an inspiration to us all. While they have chosen different paths in life, they share the ability to overcome personal challenges and act as a beacon of light in the lives of others.

I also asked students to celebrate the women they admire by submitting an entry for my Women of Distinction essay contest. At the ceremony, I recognized Kaitlyn Bowers and Angelique Guindy for their remarkable entries. Kaitlyn wrote about Amelia Earhart and her influence on society, while Angelique wrote about her big sister, reflecting that, “Lina may not have changed society, but without a doubt, she changed my life.”

Once again, I’d like to thank this year’s Women of Distinction awardees and essay contest winners for their extraordinary contributions to the world around them. I hope that in acknowledging these women, you are also inspired to recognize those women who have an impact on your life.

As always, I’m here to help. If you have any questions or concerns about this or any other community issue, please don’t hesitate to contact me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 452-1115.