South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) hosted her annual ‘Women of Distinction’ event. The event highlights the remarkable contributions by women who work or reside within the 23rd Assembly District which encompasses the communities from Ozone Park through Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach, from Breezy Point to Far Rockaway. This year's recipients included: Angela Nocerino, Arlene Cauley, Carin Chiang, Christina Lampropoulos, Jacqueline Stillwell, Sound Bouhayat and Theresa Marko.

“Women’s History Month may officially be in March, but I believe that women should be honored every day, in every month, all year long,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato to a roaring audience filled with honorees, guests and even past recipients. “I believe in women supporting women, celebrating each other for their accomplishments. We have so many amazing women in this community who do so much, and this is a great way to come together and thank them for their work and contributions,” said the Assemblywoman.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato's annual event has also served as a networking event, with past honorees talking and meeting with current years honorees. “This is a way to give these amazing women the chance to connect and develop new partnerships which further helps them in their work to improve the community,” said the Assemblywoman.

The seven recipients were chosen from a wide variety of nominees and each was personally presented with a beautiful orchid and an official proclamation from Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato. “This year's winners devote themselves to their community and exemplify the best of the New York spirit. Their work ranges from volunteering at a food pantry, being a union leader, advocating for seniors, fostering community relationships with the police; and throughout it all, putting the neighborhood and community above themselves. The people of the 23rd Assembly District have greatly benefited from the work of these incredible women, and often without even knowing it. I think we all owe Angela, Arlene, Carin, Christina, Jacqueline, Sound and Theresa a huge thank you for their amazing work in making our community and State a better place to live,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato.