Nearly 120 local women were honored on Sunday, March 22, as Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) held their annual Women of Distinction event to mark Women’s History Month.

The purpose of the event is to honor women in the community who have dedicated themselves to making a difference, whether in business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community/civic affairs, health care, government or volunteerism. As always, the women who receive the award represent the diversity of the area, and represent a wide range of achievements.

“The women of southwest Brooklyn are truly the backbone of the community,” said Assemblyman Colton. “They do so much, every day, to improve the quality of life here, and are an important part of what makes this neighborhood great. They are the power, the greatness, the talent that make this neighborhood strong. To tell their stories is not only to recognize their achievements, but also serves to inspire their neighbors to contribute what they can to sustain and grow this incredible community.”

“It is one of my greatest joys to honor our Women of Distinction every year! These women have dedicated their lives and time to improving the lives of every person in our community. Honoring them, with their families and friends watching, is an unforgettable joy. Every person we honor has a rich story too few know and highlighting each story uplifts everyone,” said Councilmember Zhuang.

Among the honorees were Grace Lopez, deputy chief Brooklyn South for the city’s Department of Sanitation; Dr. Mecca Nelson, a Gold Star widow who works on behalf of veterans and others; and Bella Gubenko, president of the Association of East-European Jewry, who has dedicated her life to supporting Holocaust survivors. Also honored was a group of women who dedicate time to cleaning up the community, picking up trash and detritus weekly in Seth Low Park under the auspices of the Chinese American Social Services Center (CASS). Another group who was honored is comprised of the women who go daily to the site of the proposed homeless shelter at 86^th Street and 25^th Avenue, to protest against its incursion into the community. As of the day of the event, they had made their presence known at the site for 612 consecutive days.

Among the highlights of the event were performances by members of CASS, and teens from the My Way Dance Studio, who delighted the crowd with their renditions of traditional dances. The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by Anna Malkina-Shamayeva.

The event was held at Il Centro, 8711 18^th Avenue, in Brooklyn.

Exclusive photos available upon request.