Thursday, October 1, 2026
Four women with ties to Baldwin were among those celebrated by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin at her sixth annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony, recognizing their contributions in education, nonprofit leadership, civic involvement and public service.
The July 29 ceremony at Molloy University in Rockville Centre honored 18 women from across the 21st Assembly District whose leadership and dedication have made an impact in their communities. Baldwin honorees included Margarita Grasing, Marguerite Grasing Keller and Sophea Sainsurin, while Olney Trevelyan Daly was recognized for her work in the Baldwin Oaks community.
“These women remind us that leadership isn’t measured by titles or recognition,” Griffin said. “It is found in showing up for others, lifting people up during difficult times, building vibrant communities, and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps to make a difference.”
Grasing was honored for more than four decades of nonprofit leadership. In 1984, she founded the Hispanic Brotherhood in Rockville Centre and helped develop it into an organization providing educational opportunities, housing counseling, senior nutrition services, after-school tutoring and child care. Her public service has also included roles with the Nassau County HIV Commission, New York State Hispanic Housing Corporation and other organizations.
Her daughter, Keller, a lifelong Baldwin resident, has worked with the Hispanic Brotherhood since 1989 and now serves as its executive director. In 1990, she co-founded the organization's tutoring program, which grew from a small homework assistance initiative into a year-round program that has helped thousands of students. She has also overseen programs focused on senior nutrition, foreclosure intervention and aviation preparation.
Keller's involvement extends into Baldwin, where she has worked with the Baldwin Civic Association to restore neighborhood concerts at Silver Lake Park, beautify the downtown area and organize the community's first Baldwin Porchfest. She also serves on the Nassau County comptroller's Non-Profit Advisory Committee.
Sainsurin was recognized for her work in education and community advocacy. She is director of admissions and recruitment at Guttman Community College and a doctoral candidate in higher education administration at Baruch College. Locally, she previously served as co-president of the Meadow School PTA and is first vice president of the Baldwin Council of PTAs. She also holds leadership roles with the Nassau Region PTA and New York State PTA and leads Girl Scout Troop 2210.
Sainsurin also helps organize the annual Run Like a Mother 5K, which brought together more than 100 participants this year to promote health, wellness and connections among local families.
Daly was honored for a career in international public service and her continued involvement in Baldwin Oaks. Born in Guyana, Daly pursued graduate studies at Georgetown University and Florida State University before working at the Caribbean Community Secretariat and later the United Nations. During her U.N. career, she spent 10 years advising the governments of Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda on systems supporting sustainable development and evidence-based policymaking.
After retiring from the United Nations Development Programme, Daly continued her public service locally. She is an active member of the Baldwin Oaks Civic Association and serves as budget delegate for the Grand Avenue Elementary School PTA, bringing decades of professional experience to her work on behalf of local families and students.
Baldwin's presence at the ceremony extended beyond the honorees. Griffin also thanked GalaFresh Farms Supermarkets, at 2485 Grand Ave., for supporting the event alongside several businesses from across the district.
The annual ceremony, now in its sixth year, honors women across Griffin's district for their leadership, service and dedication to their communities.
