Senator Andrew Lanza Names Staten Island’s Vienna Profeta a NY State Senate "Woman of Distinction"

Annual Program Honors Women's Contributions to Our Community 

Senator Andrew Lanza and members of the New York State Senate honored women from across the state yesterday whose outstanding work on behalf of their communities made them deserving of special recognition by the Senate.

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. Senator Lanza honored Vienna Profeta of Staten Island at a special Albany reception last night where her photograph and biography is displayed at a special public exhibit in the Legislative Office Building.                                                             

Vienna Profeta is the Founder and President of Staten Island Friends for Hospice Care and Senior Vice President for The Eger Foundation/Eger Lutheran Homes & Services. In 1987, Vienna vowed to build the first hospice residence on Staten Island to serve the community’s hospice patients and their families. Today, the eight bed luxury suites of the Addeo Hospice Residence stand tall, located on the beautiful and serene 22 acre grounds at Eger. 

"The Senate's 'Woman of Distinction' program provides a special opportunity to honor women for their achievements and to thank them for the special pride they bring to our communities," said Senator Lanza. “Vienna Profeta is a remarkable woman whose life, work and special accomplishments contribute to making our community better and making our families stronger. She has truly made Staten Island a better and more caring community. I was proud to honor Vienna 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." 

Ms. Profeta was joined in Albany by Mr. & Mrs. David Rose (President & CEO of Eger), Dr. Vincent Calamia, Fran Hogan-Meyers, Fran Grammatico, Lenore Costantino and Arlene Esposito. 

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. 

Vienna’s biography is attached below.

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