Senator Gianaris Honors Sunnyside Shines Director Rachel Thieme at Women of Distinction Ceremony

On Tuesday May 5^th Senator Michael Gianaris honored Rachel Thieme, Executive Director of Sunnyside Shines, at the annual New York State Senate Women of Distinction Ceremony in Albany. The ceremony provides Senators across New York State with an opportunity to honor outstanding women whose contributions to their neighborhood have enriched the lives of those in the community. 

“Rachel and Sunnyside Shines are perfect embodiments of the wonderful character of our neighborhood,” said Senator Gianaris. “More and more people are finding out that Sunnyside has among the finest restaurants, cultural institutions and public spaces in all of New York, and Rachel’s work is a huge part of that. From our two new public plazas on Queens Boulevard to Taste of Sunnyside, Rachel makes our neighborhood a better place to live and I couldn't be prouder to recognize her as a Woman of Distinction.”

“I am so honored to be selected by Senator Gianaris for this year’s Women of Distinction Ceremony.  This recognition shines a bright light on our efforts to promote and beautify Sunnyside’s commercial district, and I am so appreciative to the Senator for this opportunity,” said Rachel Thieme.

Rachel Thieme has served as the Executive Director of the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District in Sunnyside, Queens since 2012.  In this role, she works with business and property owners to promote, beautify and enhance the Sunnyside commercial district. She was joined at the ceremony by her mother, Carolyn Thieme.

The Women of Distinction program was created as part of the New York State Senate’s celebration of Women’s History Month. In addition to recognizing present-day women, each March, the Senate hosts a display that honors other distinguished women from New York’s past, from leaders of the 19th Century suffragist movement to pioneers in education, science and the arts. On Tuesday, May 5^th, Women of Distinction from all over the state were honored at a special ceremony at the Capitol.

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