March is Women’s History Month, and on this final day, New York State Sen. Monica R. Martinez has announced she has recognized 11 extraordinary female leaders for their contributions to the Fourth Senatorial District.
“The Fourth Senatorial District has been shaped by the contributions of these 11 remarkable women,” Sen. Martinez said. “Their influence spans various fields, but they are unified by their unwavering commitment to our community. Honoring these exceptional individuals during Women’s History Month highlights the lasting impact of women’s leadership in our district and beyond.”
The honorees selected were:
Nancy Alvarez | Educational Leader Honoree
Nancy Alvarez has dedicated her charismatic personality to Shepherd’s Gate Academy since 2012, starting as an assistant cafeteria worker in the Universal Pre-K program and later serving as Head Counselor in the Summer Camp. Her natural ability to connect with people led her to become an administrative liaison for Pre-Kindergarten parents while also handling security as the program grew.
Dara Caramanico-Broyles | Law Enforcement Honoree
Dara Caramanico-Broyles, a Suffolk County Police Officer since 2003, has served as a School Resource Officer, Community Liaison, and COPE Officer. She engages with local schools, seniors, and community groups, organizes events like ‘Shop with a Cop,’ and supports children in need through various programs.
Ana Crespo | Community Leader Honoree
Even after her retirement, Ana Crespo, along with her husband, continues to give back to the community through various service initiatives, including participating in walks for different causes, organizing toy drives, and supporting food drives hosted by other organizations.
Sister Mary Anna Euring | Religious Leader Honoree
Sister Mary Anna Euring has exemplified the true meaning of a vow of faith through her compassionate service to those in need. She has been a source of comfort and guidance for many individuals who have struggled with loss and tragedy.
Tijuana Fulford | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree
Tijuana Fulford is the visionary Founder and Executive Director of The Butterfly Effect Project (BEP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth by eliminating barriers to success. A Black female leader with a deep commitment to her community, Tijuana’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose.
Dr. Brigette A. Herron | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree
Dr. Brigette Adair Herron, a survivor and advocate for ending gender-based violence, leads initiatives at ECLI-VIBES, focusing on survivor-centered care and safety for individuals with disabilities. With a Ph.D. in Learning and Leadership, she is committed to trauma-informed practices and creating supportive communities for survivors.”
Marcelle Leis | Veteran Honoree
Marcelle Leis, a retired military officer with multiple honors, now leads the Suffolk County Veteran Services Agency. She previously served as Director at the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Project and contributes to several Veteran Advisory Boards.
Judith W. Lespinasse | Not-For-Profit Leader Honoree
Judith W. Lespinasse is an Elder Law Paralegal and Gerontologist with the Senior Citizens Law Program at Touro Law School. She has dedicated her career to advocating for senior citizens, ensuring they have access to essential resources and services that allow them to live independently and with dignity.
Mary Reid | Community Leader Honoree
Mary Reid is a trailblazer, becoming the first woman and African American in many organizations, often standing up for what she believed in, sometimes alone, but always striving for consensus and compromise.
Glenda Sanchez Chin | Business Leader Honoree
Glenda Sanchez Chin exemplifies the core values of Moloney funeral homes, providing invaluable service to the Salvadoran, Latino, and Hispanic communities. We are deeply grateful for her contributions and proudly recognize her as an exemplary Funeral Director and professional, whose work is an essential and sincere support to the community during their most challenging times.
Ana Valdez | Student Leader Honoree
Ana Valdez is a junior at Farmingdale State College, majoring in Bioscience with the goal of becoming a dentist. Her path to higher education has been anything but straightforward, marked by resilience and determination.
All of this year’s honorees were recognized during a luncheon held on March 21, 2025, in Bay Shore.
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