New York has a rich heritage when it comes to the women’s rights movement. New Yorkers Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony were leaders in promoting equality for women. Stanton organized the first Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls in 1848, and together with Anthony, co-founded the National Woman Suffrage Association. To honor our history of equality and progress, I’m hosting my 3rd annual Women of Distinction Awards ceremony. It will be held this upcoming March in conjunction with Women’s History Month to recognize some of the most accomplished women from our area.

Residents are invited to nominate women in their communities who are going above and beyond, from standing out in their professions to their outstanding contributions to our area. Winners will be selected and presented an award at a ceremony honoring their achievements and contributions.

Last year, the following outstanding women were recognized in the fields of education, health, volunteerism and civic affairs: Dr. Kathleen Esposito, an educator and community leader from Main Street School in North Syracuse; Dr. Ann Sutera Botash, MD, Professor of Pediatrics at Upstate University Hospital; the community advocates from the Cicero Senior Center Swamp Angels; and Melissa Spicer and Melinda Sorrentino of Clear Path for Veterans.

In addition to the awards, I am also holding my 3rd annual Women of Distinction essay writing contest for students in Clay, Cicero, Manlius, Pompey, Fabius and Tully. Information about the contest, including submission guidelines and the deadline, are available in area schools. The 2014 essay winners were Sierra Yonko, a 7th grader from Tully High School, and Emily Hoy, a 6th grader from Soule Road Elementary School.

We can’t talk about honoring women without mentioning the importance of the Women’s Equality Act (WEA). This year, we must pass the WEA to address issues including pay equity, strengthening sexual harassment laws, ending workplace discrimination and protecting victims of domestic violence. I’ve been fighting for the WEA to become law, and I will not give up, because women deserve nothing less than full equal rights.

We all have a woman in our life that has made an impact, whether they’re our mother, sister, wife, colleague or friend. If there is a woman who you feel deserves to be recognized for her contributions to Central New York, please nominate her for this award by submitting a biography of 250 words or less by Friday, March 13. Applications may be found online at tinyurl.com/WOD-2015. For more information on this or any other community issue, you can email me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us or call my office at 315-452-1115.