The Bronx Times sang the praises of 25 unsung community leaders at its ninth annual 25 Bronx Influential Women Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, May 22 at Maestro’s Caterers. This year’s honorees, shown above are (front, l-r) Dr. Patricia Broderick, Beverly Roberts, Amanda Parsons, Sandy Elphand Wolstein, Jeanette Puryear, Dr. Esther Henry, Saraciea Fennell, Bishop Dr. Ebony Kirkland, Michelle Sajous, (back, l-r) Varahn Chamblee, Yvette Martinez, Jascelyn Parson, Gerri Colon, Vera Mjeku, Luz Elenia Correa, Samantha Diliberti, Ilanie Perez-Palau, Maria Khury, Michelle Daniels, Jane Fox, Rosa Garcia, Maria Herrera, Viviana DeCohen and Crystal Collins. Not pictured: Lisa Ortega. All photos by Kasey Rodriguez
Amanda Parsons expressed her gratitude for being selected as one of this year’s 25 honorees.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Saraciea Fennell recalled the trial and tribulations of her forming the Bronx Book Festival, and having to endure rejection before finally making the event a success this year.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Honoree Samantha Diliberti (c) and her mother Taryn Duffy (r), and Donna Marzi, account rep for the Bronx Times.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
The 25 Bronx Influential Women presenters and committee members (l-r) Rosemary De Luca, formerly of Bronx Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Society; Anna Vincenty, formerly of Nos Quedamos; Laura Guerriero, Bronx Times Reporter publisher; Geri Sciortino, Bronx Design Group owner and founder and Lisa Sorin, Westchester Square Business Improvement District executive director.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Honoree Luz Elenia Correa (front, c) celebrated with Donna Marzi (2nd row, c) and her friends.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Dr. Esther Henry discussed the impact gun violence has on our communities and how we all can overcome the scourge by banding together.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Each honoree received an engraved glass trophy recognizing their ‘Commitment, Dedication and Excellence’ in honor of their hard work over the years.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
Australian native Michelle Daniels discussed her incredible journey of immigrating to the Bronx and becoming an active community leader through her organization, the Bronx Rox.
Photo by Kasey Rodriguez
