South Queens, NY – On Friday, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar (D-AD 38) was joined by Mayor Eric Adams for her “Toast to the Great Women of Queens'' awards ceremony at her district office. A celebration for Women’s History Month, the event recognized women leaders from every neighborhood in the Assemblywoman’s district. The first woman ever elected to her Assembly seat, Assemblywoman Rajkumar is dedicated to honoring all women leaders in the 38th Assembly District.

Attendees received a pleasant surprise when Mayor Eric Adams made an unannounced appearance. He noted the major influence of women on him since childhood, particularly his mother, as well as the women in his community who donated goods to his family. The Mayor paid tribute to all the honorees.

“To the women, you’re not the women of Southeast Queens: you’re the women of the City. Your energy and spirit cascades out throughout the City. You do so much,” said the Mayor, who noted he is hosting a Women’s Health Summit planned for March 30.

Each honoree received a unique proclamation from Assemblywoman Rajkumar and made an acceptance speech. Following the award ceremony was a joyful dance party in the district office, featuring a live singer and including a diverse musical playlist including Lain dancing, Top 40, and Classic Rock.

Honored at the event were:

Connie Altamirano - Community Education Council 24 Vice President and child advocate (Ridgewood)
Sherry Algredo - Community Board 9 Chair (Richmond Hill)
Christine Barbour - Founder of Woodhaven Poetry Society, Just published her first Poetry Book
Vedo Basdeo - Leader of Federation of Hindu Mandirs (Richmond Hill)
Elizabeth De La Cruz - President, 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (Glendale)
Sookranie Dhanpat - Mayor's Community Affairs Unit Senior Community Liaison for the South Asian Community (Ozone Park)
Teresa Donahue - Glendale Kiwanis, Past President
Janet Forte - Vice President, Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association
Kerrie Hansen - Distinguished Past Lieutenant Governor of Kiwanis Club Queens West Division (Glendale)
Catherine Murawski - Community Media Persona and Community Leader (Glendale)
Simone Zito - Founder and CEO of Community Care Food Pantry and One Queens Fund, Inc. (Ozone Park)

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said: “I was proud to honor these great women of South Queens. They uplift and inspire our community with their leadership. They are the voice of my district, uniting us all for the common good. The entire 38th Assembly District owes these remarkable women our deepest respect, admiration, and gratitude for the love, energy, and leadership they bring to our neighborhoods every day.”

She added, “Thank you to Mayor Eric Adams for bringing his energy to the event in a remarkable surprise appearance. No Mayor has been more inclusive of women: he has four women deputy mayors, the first women Police and Fire Commissioners, and numerous other women in his administration. Coming to my office to celebrate the women of South Queens shows yet again his commitment to a City where women thrive and reach their full potential.”

Accepting her award, Elizabeth De La Cruz said: “I feel blessed to have known Jenifer, and I don’t look at her just as a representative of our community, but I consider her a friend...I feel like she’s part of us, our community, our family…Thank you so much, Jenifer, for everything you do for the community that you serve and I just wish you lots of love and that you continue for many, many years to serve our community.”

Kerrie Hansen said in her award acceptance speech: “This is such a wonderful honor...to be able to stand here with all of you wonderful ladies that do phenomenal work and I have to say I feel blessed. Jenifer, I think you are probably one of the best. Thank you for all your support. And I, too, see her. She’s like Waldo: she’s everywhere. Whether it’s Community Day or I’m at Sacred Heart or I’m turning the corner, there’s Jenifer, and I so appreciate everything you do. So thank you very much.”

Teresa Donahue said, accepting her award: “So humbling and thrilling to be among all of you who are being honored tonight. What an amazing group I find myself to be with. I met Jenifer in January of 2020. It was a very cold, very dark night and my bell rang and Jenifer was standing on my stoop…we had a lovely conversation and I was so impressed that Jenifer was out there in January in the neighborhood trying to reach us and that left a lasting impression with me…that was by no means the last time Jenifer was in our neighborhood…[Kiwanis] run food pantries, we do the Christmas tree lighting, we do a Halloween parade, community day…and Jenifer and Vjola have been at almost every one of them, except when Jenifer has been stuck on budget negotiations in Albany.”