Queens resident Barbara Baruch — a longtime community leader, educator and public servant from Queens — was recognized by State Sen. John Liu as his 2026 New York State Senate Women of Distinction honoree.

The annual statewide honor is awarded to one local resident in each senate district, who are chosen by their respective state senators.

A lifelong New Yorker, retired public school teacher and active member of civic life in Flushing, a news release from Liu’s office said Baruch has dedicated her life to education, community service and civic engagement. 

“I’m incredibly honored to be named the New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction,” Baruch said. “I have always tried to practice the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam; to repair and improve the world. Whether through teaching or working with my community to improve the world around us, I’ve always believed that we have a responsibility to leave the world in a better place. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition, and honored to be recognized among so many extraordinary women.”

Baruch, who was born in the Bronx, attended public schools in New York City and graduated from Brooklyn College. While she dreamt of becoming a school librarian, she eventually became a public school teacher and spent 33 years instructing students in NYC Public Schools. 

For 13 years, Baruch served as an active delegate of the United Federation of Teachers General Assembly, acting as a link between school staff and citywide UFT leadership.

In the final five years of her career, Baruch finally fulfilled her dream of becoming a librarian before retiring five years later. 

Outside of her professional achievements, the news release said, she has remained deeply involved in civic life, community engagement and public service. 

Baruch recalled becoming involved in politics and public service after Liu knocked on the door of her home in Flushing asking for her support for his run for New York City Council. 

The pair spent the bulk of the afternoon chatting about politics, government and their vision for the community, and Liu ultimately won her vote. Baruch even agreed to volunteer for his campaign. 

Over the next couple of decades, she worked with Liu in various public offices including City Council, City Comptroller and eventually the NYS Senate. 

“If you’re involved in community matters in Flushing, you probably already know Barbara for her steadfast involvement in community issues, her sharp wit and her no-nonsense brand of civic engagement,” Liu said. “If there’s a problem that needs solving, Barbara won’t mince words and is always the first to call a spade a spade. Her fierce independence and strength of character have made her a lasting and unmistakable presence in our community, and her instinctual compassion and her lifetime of dedicating her time and energy to helping others makes her a true daughter of Queens and a woman of distinction.” 

In her civic life, Baruch supported organizations like the Bowne Park Civic Association, the 109th Police Precinct Community Council, and the Queens Pride Committee. She also served on her co-op board, which she presided over for several years. 

“Barbara has been such a devoted person in helping the community for so many years and in so many ways,” added Therese Korhais, president of the civic association. “Bowne Park Civic Association has been blessed to have her on our team and extremely pleased to see her recognized for her achievements by Sen. Liu.”

According to Liu’s office, Baruch takes great pride in the success of her former students. Seeing them thrive and achieve their dreams, the news release said, are among the most rewarding aspects of her career. 

She is also the proud mother of two daughters, Dina and Caryn.

Danny Dromm, former city councilman, said he’s known Baruch for years as a good friend, a dedicated educator and a community advocate who leaves a lasting mark on everyone she works with. 

He said her decades as a teacher and her commitment to the well-being of her students — both in and outside the classroom — show her compassion and a desire to make a difference. 

“I don’t know anyone more deserving of being named as a Woman of Distinction,” Dromm said. ‘I’m thrilled to see her honored by the State of New York with this recognition.”