Assemblymember Karen McMahon (D-Amherst/Pendleton) announced that she honored seven local trailblazing women at her first Women of Distinction Awards ceremony last Thursday at the Audubon Library. The event recognized these Western New York women for their remarkable achievements and positive impact on others.

“My Women of Distinction Awards gave us a chance to celebrate the women we know who embody commitment, vision and leadership,” McMahon said. “These women work hard and do so much to give back to our community, and they deserve to be recognized for all they have done to set our communities apart and above,” McMahon said.

The 2019 Women of Distinction were recognized for their invaluable contributions in the fields of conservation, community affairs, civic leadership, education, public service, health care and volunteerism. Out of more than 40 nominees, this year’s distinguished honorees were Dr. Gale Burstein, Kate Glaser, Lynda Juul, Dana Mauser, Jacalyn Perry, Dr. Bhuvana Ramkumar and Mimi Harris Steadman.

“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from my NYS Assemblywoman, Karen McMahon,” said Dr. Gale Burstein. “I hope this award encourages other women to pursue careers in public health. Serving as Erie County’s Health Commissioner is a tremendous honor and I look forward to continue the progress we’ve made in addressing the most pressing public health issues in our area.”

“I draw so much inspiration from the amazing women around me – my patients, family members, colleagues and friends,” said Dr. Ramkumar, who primarily sees patients at Roswell Niagara in Niagara Falls and Roswell Park Northtowns in Williamsville. “This is a tremendous honor. It’s so important for women to celebrate and support one another, and I think it’s wonderful that Assemblymember McMahon is identifying and recognizing women who are making a difference in our community. I’m extraordinarily grateful to be included among those recognized as Women of Distinction.”

“It is a privilege to serve in Western New York’s vibrant higher education sector, and it is truly an honor to be part of the inaugural group of recipients of Assemblymember McMahon’s new award,” said Mimi Harris Steadman.

“I am incredibly honored to be chosen as one of the recipients of Assemblymember Karen McMahon’s Women of Distinction Awards for the 2019 year,” said Kate Glaser. “It is a true pleasure to make a meaningful difference in my hometown by giving back to the charity causes I am so passionate about, and I wish to congratulate the outstanding women who also received this well-deserved honor.”

“I feel very honored that my son thought of me for this award,” said Dana Mauser. “I have loved coaching both my sons and their teammates over the years. Working with the young kids at a sport that I love and seeing them grow, improve, and love it as much as I do makes every minute worthwhile.”