NEW YORK—In recognition of the Women’s History Month, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes honored 31 Brooklyn women on Wednesday for their extraordinary contributions to their communities. This year’s event marked the fifth anniversary of the annual tradition. The district attorney’s office has honored 157 women since 2007.
The 31 women were recognized for their outstanding work and exemplary service that benefits residents of Brooklyn. Because of their selflessness, dedication, and compassion, they serve as role models for other residents, Hynes said.
The selection criteria included the women’s career achievements, service, and contribution to the communities they live in. About 100 nominations were submitted by Brooklyn residents.
“The women come from neighborhoods all throughout Brooklyn,” said Hynes. “The honorees all have one thing in common: They make Brooklyn a better place to live.”
The list of exceptional women included a doctor, a nurse, an advocate for the elderly, educators, executive directors, mediators, fundraisers, community church activists, founders of nonprofit organizations, motivational speakers, and social workers.
Hynes noted that one honoree was not a Brooklyn resident. “This year we break from tradition by honoring one extraordinary woman who is not a Brooklyn woman,” he said.
Leslyn Stewart, who lives on Long Island, has devoted her time to inspiring and motivating police officers in Brooklyn South Command in memory of her husband, police officer Dillon Stewart, who was killed in the line of duty.
When asked how they felt about being recognized for their contributions, most women stated that it was an honor. Many also said that they did not think of themselves as extraordinary.
“It feels good that others think I am extraordinary,” said Elaine Lindsey, 48, an educator, a mentor, and a motivational speaker who has touched the hearts of many young people. Lindsey is the principal of the Brooklyn Academy High School and has embraced the challenges of working with at-risk students.
Veronica Price, 62, director of the Comprehensive Care Management, said: “It’s a humbling experience to be awarded or rewarded for doing the right thing. It’s overwhelming.” Price, the eldest of 16 children, was a nurse for over 40 years. Her message for other women is “to be strong, to never give up, and to always have hope.”
“I do all this in my son’s name,” said Camille Loccisano, president of the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit that helps children battling with cancer. A single mother of three sons, Loccisano lost her 17-year-old son to cancer. She said that this loss spurred her to help other families of children afflicted with the disease.
English teacher Rozena Raja did not expect to be selected. “I was very surprised because I am just an ordinary person,” she said. Raja teaches Regents English and Public Speaking; she is also the coach of Al-Noor School’s winning debate team. An active member of the Muslim community, she is the New York representative for the American Learning Institute for Muslims.
Following today’s acknowledgment, all of the selected women will be honored at the official ceremony on March 29 at 6 p.m. in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Brooklyn Borough Hall.
A huge calendar with each day of March dedicated to one of these 31 special women has been mounted on the foyer wall of the Brooklyn district attorney’s office.
The 31 women were recognized for their outstanding work and exemplary service that benefits residents of Brooklyn. Because of their selflessness, dedication, and compassion, they serve as role models for other residents, Hynes said.
The selection criteria included the women’s career achievements, service, and contribution to the communities they live in. About 100 nominations were submitted by Brooklyn residents.
“The women come from neighborhoods all throughout Brooklyn,” said Hynes. “The honorees all have one thing in common: They make Brooklyn a better place to live.”
The list of exceptional women included a doctor, a nurse, an advocate for the elderly, educators, executive directors, mediators, fundraisers, community church activists, founders of nonprofit organizations, motivational speakers, and social workers.
Hynes noted that one honoree was not a Brooklyn resident. “This year we break from tradition by honoring one extraordinary woman who is not a Brooklyn woman,” he said.
Leslyn Stewart, who lives on Long Island, has devoted her time to inspiring and motivating police officers in Brooklyn South Command in memory of her husband, police officer Dillon Stewart, who was killed in the line of duty.
When asked how they felt about being recognized for their contributions, most women stated that it was an honor. Many also said that they did not think of themselves as extraordinary.
“It feels good that others think I am extraordinary,” said Elaine Lindsey, 48, an educator, a mentor, and a motivational speaker who has touched the hearts of many young people. Lindsey is the principal of the Brooklyn Academy High School and has embraced the challenges of working with at-risk students.
Veronica Price, 62, director of the Comprehensive Care Management, said: “It’s a humbling experience to be awarded or rewarded for doing the right thing. It’s overwhelming.” Price, the eldest of 16 children, was a nurse for over 40 years. Her message for other women is “to be strong, to never give up, and to always have hope.”
“I do all this in my son’s name,” said Camille Loccisano, president of the Francesco Loccisano Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit that helps children battling with cancer. A single mother of three sons, Loccisano lost her 17-year-old son to cancer. She said that this loss spurred her to help other families of children afflicted with the disease.
English teacher Rozena Raja did not expect to be selected. “I was very surprised because I am just an ordinary person,” she said. Raja teaches Regents English and Public Speaking; she is also the coach of Al-Noor School’s winning debate team. An active member of the Muslim community, she is the New York representative for the American Learning Institute for Muslims.
Following today’s acknowledgment, all of the selected women will be honored at the official ceremony on March 29 at 6 p.m. in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Brooklyn Borough Hall.
A huge calendar with each day of March dedicated to one of these 31 special women has been mounted on the foyer wall of the Brooklyn district attorney’s office.
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