Senator Andrew Lanza and Senator Diane Savino Honor Staten Island "Women of Distinction"

Annual Program Honors Women's Contributions to Our Community

            Senator Andrew Lanza and Senator Diane Savino will honor two Staten Island women whose outstanding work on behalf of the community made them deserving of special recognition by the state Senate as a New York "Woman of Distinction."

            The Senate's "Woman of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers. Tonight, Lanza and Savino will honor Deirdre A. DeAngelis-D’Alessio and Serena Brothers-Mohamed of Staten Island at a special Albany reception where their photographs and biographies will be displayed in a special public exhibit in the Legislative Office Building.         

"There are remarkable women whose lives, work or special accomplishments contribute to making our communities better and making our families stronger," said Senator Lanza. "The Senate's 'Woman of Distinction' program provides a special opportunity to honor these women for their achievements and to thank them for the special pride they bring to our communities. I am proud to honor Deirdre A. DeAngelis-D’Alessio as a Woman of Distinction and prouder still of the recognition she has earned from her neighbors, colleagues and friends for her achievements on behalf of our community."

"It is such an honor to be able to recognize my friend Serena Brothers-Mohamad as a Woman of Distinction. Serena deserves this honor for countless reasons; it could be because she is a teacher, a mentor, or her commitment to sending kids to college but most of all it is because of her selflessness. Through her organization Young Talented and Gifted she has opened new doors for young people with an emphasis on education and culture while asking for nothing in return but the continued success of the children involved."                                                     

            Previous winners in the annual event have included leading women from the worlds of business, academics and civic life, as well as those who have performed heroic or selfless acts, made significant discoveries or provided examples of personal excellence against difficult odds.

            The "Woman of Distinction" program was created as part of the Senate's celebration of Women's History Month.

Biographies are attached below.

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