Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted her annual Women of Distinction ceremony on Nov. 6 at Baldwin Middle School. She recognized women whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact in the communities of Assembly District 21.
The ceremony shines a light on the everyday heroes who make a difference in their neighborhoods. Honorees represented an array of accomplishments and backgrounds, each contributing in meaningful ways to strengthen and uplift local communities.
“Each of these women has shown what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, kindness and inclusiveness,” Griffin said. “Their determination, community involvement, and unwavering commitment to others serve as an inspiration to us all. I was both honored and humbled to recognize these powerful, dynamic, and engaging women.”
Among those honored were Baldwin’s Johane Ligondé, Baldwin Oaks’ Meta Mereday, East Rockaway’s Cheryl Poland, Freeport’s Maria Jordan-Awalom, Hempstead’s Shantay Carter, Hewlett’s Karen Cordoso, Lynbrook’s Maria Dente-Higgins, Jillian Policastro and Tracee Galante from Oceanside, Malverne’s Liliana Polo, Joan Hyland and her daughters Cristine Daly and Ellen White from Rockville Centre and Malverne, Rockville Centre’s Rena Riback, West Hemsptead’s Stephanie Tambini, South Hempstead’s Laura Mallay, and Valley Stream’s Sherise Dowling.
