Assemblyman John Mikulin (R, C-Bethpage) honored 13 women from the community within the 17^th Assembly District who were nominated to be 2023 Women of Distinction. Among this year’s class of outstanding women from the community were a national award-winning poet and published author, a police detective, and an American Ninja Warrior.

“This is an important event because there are so many women in our community whose contributions to bettering all of our lives are not truly understood—without these mothers, business leaders, community advocates, role models and innovators in their fields, Nassau County simply would not be the same place we all know and love. It wouldn’t be home,” said Mikulin. “It’s essential to take time to appreciate the contribution of the women in our lives, and how much they give, so we can honor their gifts and say, ‘thank you.’ We are so proud to have the community nominate so many wonderful women this year and have the opportunity to shine a light on them. ‘Thank you!’”

The assemblyman would like to thank the Island Trees Public Library, where the event was held, and Director Nicole Mollick-Polaski, who introduced all the honorees. Thank you also to Christopher Hackert of East Meadow Florist and Joshua Malament of The Bagel Place for helping to make this day special. The assemblyman is appreciative of the Honorable Rhonda E. Fischer, Nassau County District Court Judge, for her participation in the event leading the Pledge of Allegiance and being a guest speaker.

A complete list of the 2023 Women of Distinction in the 17^th Assembly District includes: Alisa Baroukh, Dr. Randee Bonagura, Louise Cassano, Tanairy Fernandez, Phyllis Fragiorgi, Kathryn Gawrych, Brittney M. Grimes, Taleen Krug, Maria Mohring-Raczka, Stephanie Schmidt, Fatema Somji, Patricia A. Teja and Kaitlyn Walsh-Guzman. Congratulations to all the honorees!