{"id":252327,"date":"2026-06-02T15:54:28","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:54:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/252327\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T15:54:28","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T15:54:28","slug":"staten-islands-best-dressed-new-york-state-women-inc-s-2026-women-of-distinction-breakfast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/252327\/","title":{"rendered":"Staten Island\u2019s Best Dressed: New York State Women Inc.\u2019s 2026 Women of Distinction Breakfast"},"content":{"rendered":"

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 More than 240 people gathered Sunday morning at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield to celebrate a group of women whose contributions have made a lasting impact on Staten Island and beyond.<\/p>\n

The Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc. hosted its annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31.<\/p>\n

The popular event brought together some of the borough\u2019s most accomplished women, along with their families and supporters, to honor leaders, community advocates and organizations while raising money for the chapter\u2019s scholarship fund.<\/p>\n

The event opened with a welcome, the Pledge of Allegiance, greetings from chapter President Barbara Strype, and a prayer before attendees shared breakfast and participated in the awards program.<\/p>\n

Past president Nancy Rooney served as the emcee of the illustrious program.<\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comDr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, medical director of Obesity Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital\/Northwell Health, second from left, receives her award. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n

In her remarks, Strype thanked supporters for helping the event grow each year and noted that proceeds benefit the organization\u2019s scholarship fund for women pursuing higher education.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we support women in their education, they are able to improve their lives, and the lives of their families as well as their communities,\u201d Strype said in a message included in the event program.<\/p>\n

The organization honored eight Women of Distinction for their professional accomplishments and community service. <\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonoree Maria Carrozza, of the Cake Chef fame and of the New Dorp Business Improvement District, addresses the crowd. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s honorees were Donna Barr, founder of Shine Your Light Ministries; Heather Butts, a board member of Richmond University Medical Center; Maria Carrozza of the New Dorp Business Improvement District; Jennifer Dominguez of the Richmond University Medical Center Auxiliary; Gabriella Leone, curator at Historic Richmond Town.<\/p>\n

Also honored were: Dr. Chika Madu, chair of Radiation Medicine and Oncology and medical director of the Florina Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital\/Northwell Health; and Dr. Shiara Ortiz-Pujols, medical director of Obesity Medicine at Staten Island University Hospital\/Northwell Health.<\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comNancy Rooney, one of the leaders of NYS Staten Women, INc., addresses the crowd. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n

The chapter also recognized two Groups of Distinction: The Foundation for Dignity Ltd., represented by co-founders Helen Timari and Diane Kramer; and the Richmond County Nurses Honor Guard, represented by President Teresa Torney.<\/p>\n

In addition to the distinction awards, the chapter presented scholarships to two women pursuing careers in health care.<\/p>\n

Scholarship recipient Lilliana Cota, a rising junior in the Verrazzano Honors Program at the College of Staten Island, was recognized for her academic excellence, leadership and community service. <\/p>\n

Cota, who is pursuing a bachelor\u2019s degree in medical laboratory science, has maintained a 3.9 grade-point average while serving as treasurer of CSI\u2019s Pre-Medicine\/Pre-Physician Assistant Society and volunteering as a research assistant. <\/p>\n

Her service activities include mentoring children through the Knit for Kids Club, supporting veterans, participating in environmental cleanup projects, and helping raise awareness about cyberbullying.<\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comRichmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon addresses the crowd. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n

The second scholarship recipient, Kristina Kostyleva, was honored for her perseverance and commitment to nursing. <\/p>\n

Kostyleva, a student at Saint Paul\u2019s School of Nursing who is expected to graduate in December 2026, left a longtime office career to pursue nursing after personal health care experiences inspired her to enter the profession. <\/p>\n

An immigrant, a wife and mother, she has earned Dean\u2019s List recognition and plans to continue her education after obtaining her registered nurse license.<\/p>\n

Strype said the organization\u2019s vision is to empower women to use their voices to create change by fostering personal, professional and political growth. <\/p>\n

She described the honorees as examples of Staten Island\u2019s finest achievements and encouraged attendees to celebrate the positive energy and spirit of service that defined the event.<\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comFran Reali, left, is pictured with Liz Riley. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonoree Helen Timari looks on as she introduced to the audience. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comThe chapter also recognized The Foundation for Dignity Ltd., represented by co-founders Helen Timari, second from left, and Diane Kramer, second from right. At far right is ublic Adminstrator Edwina Martin.
\n(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonoree Dr. Chika Madu, chair of Radiation Medicine and Oncology and medical director of the Florina Cancer Center at Staten Island University Hospital\/Northwell Health, second from right, accepts her award. From left are Dr. Viola ORtiz, Maria Peterson, Dr. Madu, and Barbara Strype. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonorees Donna Barr, founder of Shine Your Light Ministries second from right, receives her award. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonoree Gabriella Leone, curator at Historic Richmond Town, second from right, accepts her award. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comJonoree Jennifer Dominguez of the Richmond University Medical Center Auxiliary, second from left, accepts her award. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonored was the Richmond County Nurses Honor Guard, represented by President Teresa Torney, second from right. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comHonoree Heather Butts, a board member of Richmond University Medical Center, addresses the crowd.(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comDr. AnneMarie Stilwell, left, is joined by Virginia Allen and Dr. Ginny Mantello. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comDr. Viola Ortiz, left, and Megan Kenny are pictured at the event. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comThe Brighton Youth Orchestra under the instruction of Yvette Washingotn performs at the event. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comMaria Peterson, left, is pictured with nancy Rooney, D.A. Michael McMahon, and Barbara Strype. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comAngelica Mroczek, left, is pictured with Public Adminstrator Edwina Martin. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.com (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comGuests enjoy the Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc.’s annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31, 2026. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comGuests enjoy the Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc.’s annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31, 2026. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n

MORE BY DR. GRACELYN SANTOS<\/p>\n

\"(Advance\/SILive.comGuests enjoy the Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc.’s annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31, 2026. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comGuests enjoy the Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc.’s annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31, 2026. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)\"(Advance\/SILive.comGuests enjoy the Staten Island Chapter of New York State Women Inc.’s annual Women and Groups of Distinction Ceremony and Breakfast on May 31, 2026. (Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)(Advance\/SILive.com | Dr. Gracelyn Santos)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 More than 240 people gathered Sunday morning at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomfield…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":252328,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[75,84,83,9,24,63],"class_list":["post-252327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-manhattan","tag-manhattan","tag-manhattan-headlines","tag-manhattan-news","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-nyc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252327","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252327"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/252327\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/252328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=252327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=252327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}