Bellmore residents, Dr. Gina Sita-Molz and Wendy Tepfer were among 14 women recognized for their service and leadership at state Sen. Steve Rhoads’ fourth annual Women of Distinction ceremony on Sept. 17.
Sita-Molz is a lifelong Bellmore resident who returned to her hometown to establish Long Island Insights Psychological Services. For more than a decade, she has helped individuals and families navigate anxiety, anger, parenting challenges and neurodivergence. Outside of her practice, Sita-Molz serves on the Board of the Suffolk County Psychological Association and remains actively involved in the Bellmore community through the PTA and local civic events.
For more than 20 years, Tepfer has served as director of the Association for the Community Parent Center, where she leads programs that connect Long Island families with health, safety and educational resources. A longtime advocate within the Bellmore-Merrick school community, Tepfer created Driving in the Safe Lane and the Center’s Prom Safety Program. Her work has earned her numerous honors, including the 2016 New York State Woman of Distinction Award.
The event, held at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, honored women from across the 5th Senate District for their professional accomplishments, volunteer work, advocacy and contributions to their communities.
Rhoads presented each honoree with a Women of Distinction award and thanked them for the work they have done in their communities. He established the annual ceremony to recognize women whose leadership and dedication have made a difference throughout Nassau County.
“Every year, this ceremony reminds me of the incredible people who make our communities so special,” Rhoads said. “These 14 women have each made a lasting impact in their own unique way, and it was a privilege to recognize them and thank them for all they have done. Their stories of service, perseverance, leadership, and compassion are exactly the kind of examples we want our young people to see. I hope this evening not only celebrated their accomplishments, but inspired the next generation to step forward and make a difference in their own communities.”
The other honorees were Esther Alter, of Plainview; Carole Ann Catapano, of Bethpage; Maegan Fox and Nicole Iannarone, of Wantagh; Margaret Grub, of Seaford; Leigh Henrich and Leena Patel, of Old Bethpage; Kirsten Kenney, of Levittown; Maria Schettino, of Hicksville; Allison Sussman, of Merrick; and Heather Tafuro, of Farmingdale.
The evening began with a prayer led by the Rev. Iwy Patel-Yatri, senior pastor of Hicksville United Methodist Church, and Rosa Larios, the church’s Hispanic ministry pastor. Jessica Nunez sang the national anthem.
Shashi Malik, a Wantagh resident and president of the Seva Center for Humanity, delivered the keynote address. A longtime community leader involved in humanitarian and charitable work, Malik was recognized by Rhoads as a 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.
Members of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County assisted with the program. Nunez and Gabriella Sferlazza performed as part of the evening’s entertainment, presented by RAFCO Entertainment & Management under the direction of Dominick Raffaele. Daniel Frankel closed the ceremony with a performance of “God Bless America.”
