On March 21, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr. (D-17), hosted his 2024 Women of Distinction Celebration at The Bronx Zoo’s Schiff Hall.
Conducted annually in celebration of Women’s History Month and to highlight the contributions that women have made to the Bronx, this year’s event honored Janet Sanchez, Princella Jamerson, Iris Bonhomme, Cheryl Simmons Oliver and Minerva Del Real.
Following a sit-down dinner — and honoring the aforementioned — was music and dancing.
The event featured a performance of the U.S. National Anthem by Diane Arroya. Special remarks were delivered by New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and there was a keynote address from New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias.
In attendance were event co-sponsors New York State Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. and community leader Freddy Perez, Jr., alongside New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farias, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Bronx Borough Parks Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, NYC Department of Health’s Assistant Commissioner for the Bronx Anita Reyes, NYCEM First Deputy Commissioner Christina Farrell and, representing the Governor’s Office, Fidel Malena.
The second annual celebration was open to the public, and proved to be a hit with the Bronx community with reservations reaching maximum capacity two weeks before the event date.
“While one month out of a year could not possibly quantify all of the significant contributions that women have made to our district, borough or city, taking this month to celebrate allows us all the opportunity to shine a light and uplift all of the positive contributions that women have had on our community,” Salamanca said. “For me, it’s important to take grasp of the spirit of this month to shine a light on members of the Bronx who have had a positive impact on our community. Our borough, and each one of us, wouldn’t be as strong and capable as we are if it weren’t for the incredible women in our lives.”
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