Assemblyman Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) was proud to present the 2025 Women of Distinction awards this past Saturday, Sept. 27, at Adelphi University’s Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom to 10 honorees, including one emerging leader, in the community. Ra hosts Women of Distinction annually to recognize the contributions of outstanding women in the 19th Assembly District.

The ceremony began with welcoming remarks from Assemblyman Ra, who then introduced Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. Mary Grace Tomecki delivered the keynote address, and local elected officials, including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena and Deputy Supervisor and Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, also joined the event to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the honorees.

“We’re fortunate to have so many generous, kind and remarkable women in our communities. Each of these honorees strengthens our neighborhoods in their own unique way,” Ra said. “They don’t do it for recognition—they do this work because they genuinely care about their neighbors and those less fortunate. They want to improve our schools, health care facilities and community programs. It’s because of people like them that the towns in our district are such special places.”

“I also want to thank Adelphi University for hosting this event and helping us properly celebrate the incredible women in our communities,” Ra concluded.

Congratulations to the 2025 Women of Distinction honorees!

Jennifer Camacho–Franklin Square

Kristy Chiafair–Garden City

Margherita Dougherty–West Hempstead

Evelyn Fasano–Garden City

Kelly Gannon–Mineola

Maria Leitao–Williston Park

Cathy Menzies–Franklin Square

Christine Randazzo–West Hempstead

Nancy Widman–East Meadow

Emerging Leader Alexa Rago–New Hyde Park