East Meadow resident Dr. Lincy Jojan has spent more than two decades caring for patients, teaching future health care professionals and studying how people with chronic kidney disease can take part in decisions about their treatment. On Sept. 17, she was among 14 women recognized for their service and leadership at state Sen. Steve Rhoads’ fourth annual Women of Distinction ceremony.
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.
Jojan is an assistant professor at Adelphi University and lead nurse practitioner at Northwell Health’s North Shore University Hospital. She holds a doctorate from Molloy University and has received recognition for her research on shared decision-making for patients with chronic kidney disease.
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; Dr. Gina Sita-Molz and Wendy Tepfer, of Bellmore; 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
