Utica, NY - Today, Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly hosted the 8th Annual Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at Harts Hill Inn in Whitesboro, in celebratory recognition of extraordinary women in the Mohawk Valley who have made outstanding contributions in the lives of others and their communities, dedicating themselves to uplifting and strengthening those around them. Held in honor of Women’s History Month, the event paid tribute to honorees whose contributions span the fields of business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community and civic affairs, healthcare, government, and volunteerism.

“This event is a testament to the extraordinary women who uplift and strengthen the Mohawk Valley every single day,” said Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon. “From healthcare heroes and educators, to veterans, civic leaders, first responders, and volunteers, these women give selflessly so that others may thrive. Today, it is my distinct honor to recognize their tireless contributions and the lives they have touched throughout our communities.”

The awards ceremony honored women whose impact on their industries and communities reflects the very best of what it means to serve others with purpose and heart. In a meaningful gesture of recognition, each nominee received a merit and carnation as a symbol of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to the Mohawk Valley.

The ceremony featured inspiring stories from honorees who have demonstrated remarkable leadership, compassion, and service, a reminder of the incredible strength found within our local communities.

Now in its eighth year, it is with the utmost pride the Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony has grown into one of the most cherished traditions in the Assembly District, a heartfelt occasion that exemplifies those who give so generously of themselves to make the Mohawk Valley a better community for all.

“As I have said before, a community is only as good as its people, and as I look around the room today, I am honored to represent the best district in all of New York,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “These exemplary women embody the grace, determination, and heart that make the Mohawk Valley truly extraordinary, and serve as inspirational beacons for us all.”

“Over the past eight years, it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to stand in this room and witness the strength, grace, and determination of the women who make the Mohawk Valley the remarkable place that it is,” Assemblywoman Buttenschon said. “Each year, moved by the stories of women who give so selflessly to others, I have left this ceremony more inspired than the year before. The life and light of our communities, I know the women of the 119th District will continue to carry this community forward with the same humbling passion and purpose that has always sparked pride within me. It has truly been an honor, thank you.”

2026 Women of Distinction Honorees

It is with great honor that we recognize this year's Women of Distinction, remarkable individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have left an indelible mark on the Mohawk Valley community:

Spotlight: Lucretia DeSantis Hunt Recognized by the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus as 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 119th Assembly District

Recognizing a lifetime of service that has helped shape the fabric of the Mohawk Valley, earlier this week, Assemblywoman Buttenschon and the New York State Legislative Women's Caucus honored Lucretia DeSantis Hunt of Utica as the New York State Assembly 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 119th Assembly District at the Caucus's annual Women's History Month ceremony at the Capitol in Albany.

Leading a life defined by selfless service, perseverance, resilience, and an abiding belief that one must leave the world better than one found it, at a spry 97 years old, Lucretia remains just as engaged in the communities of the Mohawk Valley today as she has for decades. A lifelong public servant, Lucretia spent decades teaching English as a Second Language and later served as chief examiner for the New York State Department of Education's GED Program, opening doors of educational opportunity for adult learners and new arrivals across Central New York. Working tirelessly behind the scenes, Lucretia has extended her leadership to a remarkable range of civic organizations including the City of Utica Parks Commission, the Utica Municipal Housing Authority/People First Board of Commissioners, the Oneida County Office of the Aging/Continuing Care Advisory Council, the Home Ownership Center, 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, the League of Women Voters, the Charter Committee of the City of Utica, the East Utica Neighborhood Watch Committee, the University Women's Organization, the Daughters of Columbus, and Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen.

In formal recognition of her contributions to the City of Utica and the Mohawk Valley, in 2023, the City of Utica dedicated an honorary street sign at the corner of Bleecker Street and Kossuth Avenue, Lucretia DeSantis Hunt Way, in her honor. In 2024, she was inducted into the Utica Historical Hall of Fame as a Living Legend, an honor that reflects not only her past contributions, but her continued presence and active engagement in civic life today. Honoring Lucretia today as the New York State Assembly 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 119th Assembly District alongside the Legislative Women' s Caucus, Assemblywoman Buttenschon said:

“A mentor that leads and guides so many with her wisdom, strong work ethic, and perseverance, I want to thank Lucretia for her hard work, and ongoing support for the community. She is an inspiration to many and is a selfless advocate for the city and people of the Mohawk Valley. I am proud to have had the privilege to honor her decades of service this week alongside my colleagues in the Legislative Women’s Caucus, and I extend my utmost gratitude for the commitment to public service and community advocacy she has demonstrated all these years, and continues to demonstrate daily.”

“I am honored to be here representing Utica, the City I love, and 119th Assembly District. It is truly an honor to be here among all these distinguished women who give so much of their time and of themselves to their community and their country.” - Lucretia DeSantis Hunt

The New York State Legislative Women's Caucus, a bipartisan, bicameral organization founded in 1983, presents the Women of Distinction awards annually during Women's History Month to honor women across the state who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and who inspire others through their model citizenship.

At 97, Lucretia DeSantis Hunt shows no signs of slowing down, an incredible reminder that a life of meaning is measured not in years, but in the countless lives we lift along the way