Westchester County Executive George Latimer is joining the celebration of Women’s History Month at the County’s First WOW Awards. Seven local women, nominated by their peers in their community, were honored for their extraordinary work during the pandemic and beyond.
County Executive George Latimer said: “Women are the keystone of our community and society as a whole. Without their leadership, the next generation would not have the drive and ambition we see today. These exceptional honorees have shown compassion, faith and perseverance during one of the most trying times in our lives.”
Awards were handed out in the following categories:
Healing Hands: Highlighting Health and Wellness. Hear from the winner, Nubia Earth Martin of Yonkers
The Next Generation: Spotlighting a woman working with children in education or childcare
Hear from the winner, Frances-Ann Lightsy of Mount Vernon
Women Supporting Women: Showcasing a local woman who continues to lift others. Hear from the winner, Mariana Alonso-Jusafaj of New Rochelle
Charity Begins at Home: Identifying women helping the community with basic needs like housing or food. Hear from the winner, Donna Brown of Tuckahoe
Keeping the Faith: For women who have provided spiritual guidance. Hear from the winner, Ida Silver Wiggins of Peekskill
Not Business as Usual: Featuring an outstanding businesswoman or entrepreneur
Hear from the winner, Melissa Manice of Larchmont
Young Woman of Westchester, a special award honoring a teenager in Westchester County for go above and beyond in their community. Hear from the winner, Joyce Lu of Hastings
The nomination process took place last month and more than 150 nominations were submitted from all over the county and judged by a committee made up of members of the County Executive’s Administrative Team.
United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
New York Attorney General Letitia James
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins
Keynote Speaker, Chief Executive Officer of Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center Judith Watson
Keynote Speaker, El Centro Hispano Executive Director Isabel Villar
Westchester County Legislator Kitley Covill
Heather Rhyu, Owner of Club Pilates in Scarsdale, Ardsley and New Rochelle
Christina Cohen, Katherine Bagby and Christy Knell of Hudco
New York Emmy Award winning WABC-TV reporter Naveen Dhaliwal served as the Mistress of Ceremonies.