Legislator Paul Honors Four Local Women

In recognition of National Women’s History Month, Rockland County Legislator Aney Paul paid tribute to four local women of diverse backgrounds who dedicate themselves to community and volunteer services that enrich the lives and well-being of others. The annual month-long national recognition, coordinated by the National Women’s History Project, celebrates and promotes the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine and has made a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women. Legislator Paul presented the women with Distinguished Service Awards during a ceremony held prior to the Tuesday evening meeting of the Legislature.

Legislator Paul said, “These women make a difference in the lives of others through leadership and compassion. They are all involved in programs that reach out to and serve our communities. Through their actions, our communities are made stronger, our citizens become enlightened to a wealth of opportunities that will allow them to achieve and progress in society. These women come from multicultural backgrounds and recognize the needs of our diverse communities. I am proud of all they do.”

Legislator Paul introduced the honorees:

Kathy McMahon - Coordinator of Religion Programs at St. Anthony’s Church for over 50 years, including worship programs for children grades k though 4 and the training of program volunteers. She also coordinates the Church’s senior programs.

Evelyn Bautista-Miller - Facilitates EPIC (Every Person Influences Children) workshops in Spanish for Latino families in need of support and guidance and is a board member of the Martin Luther King Center in Spring Valley. She is the founder and Executive Director of Tender Steps of New York, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides case management and consulting services within Rockland County.

Smriti Sridhara - A long-standing member and past president of the India Cultural Society of Rockland, which promotes the rich cultural heritage of India and performs charitable acts within the community. She is also the coordinator of a charitable trust that initiates and supports schools in more than 50,000 remote villages in India.

Sonia Tracey-McCallum - A founder, past president and active member of The Jamaican Civic and Cultural Association of Rockland. She is a board member of the Spring Valley Chapter of the NAACP, The Rockland Community Foundation and a member of the African American Historical Society of Rockland.

The Chairman of the Legislature Alden H. Wolfe presented a proclamation naming March 2015 as Women’s History Month in Rockland County.

( Photo Caption L-R: Chairman Wolfe, Legislator Paul, Evelyn Bautista-Miller, Sonia Tracey-McCallum, Smriti Sridhara, Kathy McMahon)

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