SENATOR HOYLMAN HONORS MICHELLE M. DEAL WINFIELD AS NEW YORK STATE SENATE “WOMAN OF DISTINCTION”

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan) named Michelle M. Deal Winfield, a longtime community activist and civic leader, as this year’s “Woman of Distinction.” Sponsored each year by the New York State Senate, the ceremony highlights the essential role that women play throughout New York State and honors those that have “greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.”

Ms. Winfield traveled to Albany on May 9 for the official celebration, at which she and women from each of the other 62 Senate Districts in New York State were honored.

Michelle Winfield, known to community members as “Shelley,” has been a lifelong advocate for children. As supervisor of Special Education at Robert Wagner Middle School for 15 years, as well as a volunteer with the National Dance Institute and as Vice President at the Sophie Gerson Healthy Youth Foundation, Ms. Winfield has been an unwavering advocate for the rights of all children. In recognition of her work, Ms. Winfield has received a number of prestigious recognitions, including the NAACP Distinguished Service Award, the New York City Health + Hospitals Marjorie Matthews Award for activism, and the Samuel J. Tilden Democratic Club Humanitarian Award.

State Senator Brad Hoylman said: “In her devotion to helping others and commitment to her community, Michelle Winfield personifies the highest ideals of the ‘Women of Distinction’ Award. Shelley is a compassionate leader whose dedication to enriching the lives of our kids has left an indelible mark. Known for her genuine warmth and fortitude, Shelley is more than deserving of this honor. I am proud to call her a constituent, and I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to honor her today.”