Centereach, NY – On Saturday May 3rd, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay hosted the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards Ceremony at the New Village Recreation Center in Centereach. The event brought together Suffolk County Legislator Steve Englebright, Brookhaven Town Councilmember Jonathan Kornreich and more than 100 community members, friends, families, and local leaders to honor the leadership and community impact of the exemplary women who live in Assembly District 4.

"The room was filled with warmth, wisdom, and gratitude as we reflected on the power of leadership, service, and compassion. From heartfelt stories to new connections, this event reminded us of the importance of recognizing the women who quietly and boldly make a difference every day," said Assemblywoman Kassay. "Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this day and every day brighter."

Residents, businesses and other members of the community were invited to nominate women residing in Assembly District 4 to be considered for the 2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Award in the categories of Business, Community Volunteer, Education, Government, Healthcare, Law Enforcement/First Responder, Non-Profit, Science and Veteran. Over the course of 2 months, Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay's office received over 30 nominees. Of those 30, one honoree was selected from each category:

2025 Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Honorees:

• Melissa Negrin-Wiener - Business
• Dr. Yanping Yu - Community Volunteer
• Gretchen Oldrin Mones - Education
• Hon. Valerie M. Cartright - Government
• Erika Detto - Healthcare
• Kerry Schneider - Law Enforcement/ First Responder
• Dana Callender- Non-Profit
• Angeline Judex - Science
• Melanie Corinne - Veteran

Nominees Recognized for Their Contributions:

• Business: Maryann Deriso, McKayla De La Pena, Maria Nardiello, Julie Vitrano, Betty Diaz
• Community Volunteer: Shoshana Hershkowitz, Alice Rose Damico, Lisa Perry, Patricia Schindler
• Education: Kristen Hoffman, Ellen Boehm
• Government: Lillian Clayman, Vivian Viloria-Fisher
• Healthcare: Dr. Michele Kaider-Alstodt, Dr. Lynda Loudon Sheppard
• Law Enforcement/ First Responder: Elicia Murphy
• Non-Profit: Sarah Abruzzi, Amy Tuttle, Makai Ballo, Shaorui Li, Lisa Jaeger

During the event, the honorees and nominees were invited to say a few words and were presented with proclamations and certificates to thank them for their contributions to the community. This event marks the first Assembly District 4 Women of Distinction Awards, which will be hosted annually by the office of Assemblywoman Rebecca Kassay. Beginning January 2026, members of the community are invited and encouraged to submit nominees for next year's awards. For more information about this and any other program or concern, please call Assemblywoman Kassay's office at 631-751-3094.