![Senator Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_small/public/headshot_addabbo-hs-profile.jpg?itok=c6WN3952)
Barbara Toborg
May 11, 2016
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ISSUE:
- 2016 Women of Distinction
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Barbara Toborg has dedicated many years giving back to her community – from environmental protection work with the American Littoral Society and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge to serving the needs of students and parents in elected educational positions. Rockaway and Broad Channel residents, in particular, have been tremendous beneficiaries of Ms. Toborg’s time, talents and ongoing dedication to improving the world around her – a commitment that was welcome and sorely needed in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Ms. Toborg serves as a member of the Broad Channel Civic Association, chairperson of the Broad Channel Historical Society, block captain for East 6th Road and West Road, and as a caretaker for the garden at the Broad Channel Subway Station adopted by the Civic Association. She also edited the Civic Association newsletter, Channel News, for 17 years.
An advocate for children, parents and local schools, Ms. Toborg has served as a member of Community School Board 24 Queens, as vice-president of United Parents Association, president of the Parents Association of P.S. 102 Queens, and as president of the Presidents Panel of Community School District 24. For 15 years, she worked for the New York City Board of Education as a freelance writer and editor for language assessment tests. Earlier, she served as a caseworker for the American Red Cross and Pennsylvania Office of Public Assistance.
From 1985 to 1991, Ms. Toborg was an aide to New York City Councilmember Joseph Lisa, before taking a position with the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge through 2003. Continuing her commitment to environmental issues, she worked for seven years for the American Littoral Society’s Northeast Chapter. In this capacity, Barbara managed the office, wrote grants, lobbied, did fundraising, edited the newsletter, Littorally Speaking, publicized the annual New York Beach Cleanup, and coordinated volunteers.
Barbara has received the Brotherhood Award from the National Council of Christians & Jews and the Parent Leader Award from the Council of Supervisors and Administrators.