Hoylman Honors Joan Dean as New York State Senate's 2019 "Woman of Distinction"

ALBANY, NY - Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan) named Joan Dean, a distinguished advocate for traffic safety with Families for Safe Streets, as this year’s “Woman of Distinction” in the 27th State Senate District. 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.”

As a member of Families for Safe Streets, Joan was instrumental in passing state legislation to expand New York City’s life-saving school speed cameras and reduce city speed limits. Following a prolific career in public service, Joan became a strong advocate for street and traffic safety issues after her 12 and a half-year-old grandson, Sammy Cohen Eckstein, was killed by a reckless, speeding driver on October 8. 2013.

Senator Hoylman said: “Joan Dean is a force of nature. She has fought tooth and nail for traffic safety issues across our city and state to ensure no other family would suffer such a devastating and preventable loss. Joan’s remarkable work is changing the culture of driving in New York City to make our streets safer for generations to come. I cannot think of someone more deserving of this honor—and I'm especially proud that I'm able to give it now that the Senate is led by a woman for the first time in its 241-year history, with more female Senators than ever before."

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