Utica, NY – Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon hosted the 7th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the Irish Cultural Center in Utica, recognizing exceptional women who play a vital role in supporting small businesses and strengthening the local economy. The event, held in honor of Women’s History Month, celebrated the resilience, leadership, and dedication of women whose contributions uplift businesses and communities across the Mohawk Valley.

“This event is a testament to the incredible women who are the backbone of our business community,” said Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. “Whether they are business owners, employees, family supporters, or loyal customers, their hard work and dedication keep our economy moving forward. Today, we honor not just their achievements but also their unwavering commitment to making the Mohawk Valley a better place for all.”

The awards ceremony, presented in partnership with The Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce and The Women’s Fund of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, recognized women who have made a significant impact in their industries and communities. At the event, each nominee was given a merit and carnation in recognition of their contributions to their communities. All of the nominees were honored and recognized for their contributions.

Janet Richmond, President of the Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, emphasized the importance of recognizing women’s contributions to economic development and social progress: “As a local organization that has long supported women, the Women’s Fund welcomes the opportunity to join in recognizing the wonderful women being honored today. They are truly inspirational for all women in our community.”

The event featured inspiring stories from honorees who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and service in the Mohawk Valley.

Kari Puleo, Executive Director of the Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s mission: “The Women of Distinction Awards celebrate the incredible impact of women dedicated to uplifting small businesses and strengthening our local economy. It is an honor to co-host this event and recognize these outstanding leaders whose passion, innovation, and commitment make a lasting difference in our community. Their contributions are inspiring and essential to our region's continued growth and success.”

Over the past several years, this event has expanded and become very popular in the Assembly District. Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon is very proud to hold this event because it exemplifies the people in her area who contribute so much unselfishly to the community and keep it growing.

“I look around the room and I am very proud of the women in my community who continue to inspire me to be a stronger woman,” Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon said, “A community is only as good as the people and certainly Women of Distinction exemplifies the quality and honor that is shown and demonstrated in my area.”

“We look forward to next year’s event to continue exemplifying the wonderful women in our fantastic area and how they have helped it grow, prosper and maintain life in the 119th Assembly District” said Assemblywoman Mariannne Buttenschon, “Our area will go down in history as a wonderful place to live.”

2025 Women of Distinction Honorees

Below is the list of this year’s Women of Distinction Honorees, recognized for their outstanding contributions to business and community development in the Mohawk Valley:

• Josephine Abounader
• Fikreta Andelija
• Patricia Ball
• Gina Bassone
• Alex Bauer
• Hellen Boswell
• Tammy Brady
• Erna Bulaja
• Meghan Calido
• Concetta Carcone
• Carmela Caruso
• Lori Colasanti Frieden
• Nicole Cozza
• Erin Curtin-Telesca
• Laurie Debeyjian
• Heather Dunn
• Virginia Doyle
• Nancy Eannace
• Leslie Eldred
• Jennifer Ellis
• Karen Gentile
• Lisa Greico
• Joann Gualtieri
• Ellen Hilton
• Lucretia Desantis Hunt
• Jennifer Keida
• Kim Matt
• Robin Mongeau
• Teoka Muhammad
• Ryane Murnane
• Celia Carolina Nova
• Shelly Northrup
• Adele Pacilio
• Danielle Padula
• Nicole Panetta
• Ingrid Quiceno
• Angela Ramirez
• BreAnne Rauscher
• Hiandra Rodriguez
• Charissa Taylor
• Layla Zeina