Senator Montgomery Honors 12 Brooklyn Women For Their Distinguished Achievements

Brooklyn, New York (March 21, 2005): New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn) celebrated the achievements of twelve Brooklyn women at her Fifth Annual Magnificent Dozen reception, Brooklyn Women Change America. The special tribute was held in recognition of National Women’s History Month at the Brooklyn YWCA on Friday, March 18, 2005.

"From fighting predatory development in Brooklyn to developing affordable housing, to helping improve educational results for our children, all 12 honorees have distinguished themselves as leaders and achievers," Senator Montgomery said.

"Through their individual and collective efforts to achieve positive outcomes for all people who are proud to call Brooklyn their home, the Magnificent Dozen of women are changing America for generations to come," she added.

The honorees, all of whom either live, work or volunteer in Montgomery’s Senate District are: Antonia C. Clemente, co-founder and executive director, Trinity Healing Center; Carmen M. Colon, president, Community Education Council 13; Clentine Fenner, administrative director, McDonough Street Head Start; Heloise Gruneberg, president, Brooklyn Vision Foundation, Inc.; Patti Hagan, co-founder and member, Prospect Heights Action Coalition; Schellie Hagan, member, Prospect Heights Action Coalition; Yan Kong, executive director, Asian American Women Artists Alliance; Reverend Thelma Martin; chairperson; Community Board 16; Joyce McDonald, testimonial artist; Bernice Minott, community volunteer and activist; Ibon M. Muhammad, urban planner and affordable housing developer; and Adele U. Trapp, community volunteer.