Senator Mayer Presents Elizabeth Baird Saenger With Woman of Distinction Award

(Mamaroneck, NY) -- Senator Shelley B. Mayer announced that she had presented Elizabeth Baird Saenger with the New York State Woman of Distinction award, given annually to one woman in each Senate District. Saenger has spent her adult life fighting for justice for all in our community, and has a distinguished history as a leader advocating for equal rights throughout Westchester County.

Mayer presented the award to Saenger at her home in Mamaroneck. Among Saenger's achievements are providing direct emotional and financial support to young people arrested on minor charges, co-founding the acclaimed Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, co-founding the activist group Westchester for Change after the election of President Barack Obama, serving as a member of the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Human Rights Committee, and serving on the boards of The Washingtonville Housing Alliance, the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit and the Community Resource Center of Mamaroneck.

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said: “There are not many people in our community quite like Elizabeth. Her compassion for people, especially young people, is unmatched. Her personal commitment to equality and justice goes way beyond slogans and translates into her providing direct assistance for those needing support and guidance, as well as speaking up publicly for greater opportunity and justice for all within our society. She has bettered our community in countless ways. I am deeply honored to present her with this award.”

Elizabeth Baird Saenger said: “Injustice is never really hidden, it lurks, harming not only its immediate victims, but our whole society. The work of seeking justice is urgent but accessible. It belongs to everyone, and it is profoundly rewarding.”

The New York State Senate’s Annual Women of Distinction Award Ceremony, which recognizes women who have shattered glass ceilings and opened doors for the next generation, was held virtually on Aug. 26. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic this event was held in-person in Albany. 

A recording of the ceremony is available on the New York State Senate’s website.