South Brooklyn leadership celebrates unsung heroes during Women’s History Month

March 13, 2024 Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Honoree Eileen LaRuffa (right) accepting her award from Assemblyman William Colton and Councilmember Susan Zhuang.
Brooklyn Eagle Photos by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

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BATH BEACH — For decades, Women’s History Month — an honorary observance designated by Congress to acknowledge the contributions of women throughout history and today — has been recognized during the month of March in the United States and around the world.

Brooklyn being no different, the celebrations continue to occur, with several taking place around the borough, including a “Women of Distinction” event at Brooklyn College, hosted by Assemblymember and Chair of the Kings County Democratic Party Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

In addition, there is a luncheon honoring women in the community courtesy of State Sen. Iwen Chu, slated to happen later this month.

More than 100 people attended Sunday’s “Women of Distinction” award ceremony, which was held at the Federation of Italian American Organizations’ (FIAO) headquarters.

And the Federation of Italian American Organizations’ (FIAO) headquarters, Il Centro, located at 8711 18th Avenue, held a shindig the afternoon of March 10, whereby more than 50 “Women of Distinction” awards were distributed to local ladies that epitomized the diversity of their community.

The event was hosted by Assemblyman William Colton (D-47, representing Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights); and Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D-43, representing Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Borough Park and Sunset Park).

Assemblyman William Colton (D-47, representing Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) at Women of Distinction. — Assemblyman William Colton (D-47, representing Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights).

It represented arenas such as business, education, humanitarian work, military service, community/civic affairs, health care, government and volunteerism — and all of the honorees were nominated by community members.

Councilmember Susan Zhuang addresses the crowd at Women of Distinction. — Councilmember Susan Zhuang addresses the crowd.

“Today we are honoring women that are not household names — but people who every day do the things that make the community work,” Colton told the Brooklyn Eagle, “the teachers, the nurses, the police officers, the firefighters, and many others.

Assemblyman William Colton presenting Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D-43, representing Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) with her citation at Women of Distinction. — Assemblyman William Colton presenting Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D-43, representing Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) with her citation.

“Women who are strong, passionate, and energetic can make tremendous differences in a community,” he added, noting that when you involve strong women, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.

Assemblyman William Colton (in red tie) with honorees and performers at Women of Distinction. — Assemblyman William Colton (in red tie) with honorees and performers.

Zhuang pointed out that “It’s not only the big CEOs, but housewives as well who contribute to their family — and their kids, who are our next generation, will end up contributing to our community.”

Councilmember Susan Zhuang (center), with Assemblyman William Colton (to her left), and several “Women of Distinction.” at Women of Distinction event. — Councilmember Susan Zhuang (center), with Assemblyman William Colton (to her left), and several “Women of Distinction.”

Eileen LaRuffa, one of the honorees who has lived in the community for some 63 years, described herself as a “professional volunteer” and said that it’s nice to be recognized.

Councilmember Susan Zhuang alongside Jack Spatola, president of the Federation of Italian American Organizations at Women of Distinction. — Councilmember Susan Zhuang alongside Jack Spatola, president of the Federation of Italian American Organizations.

“I love everything I’ve ever done in the community. And this event makes every woman realize you can get up and do something,” LaRuffa noted.

Various entertainers followed the award ceremony, including dancers Mushegh Avetisyan (left) and Dolce Crespo.

Angela Colella, another honoree, has been working at FIAO for more than 30 years and described the experience as “empowering.”

“There are so many hard-working women out there, and a lot of us are working mothers,” Colella said. “It’s really about the unsung heroes.”

10-year-old violinist Lucia-Victoria Dadalyan-Sogomonyan also performed at Sunday’s event for Women of Distinction. — 10-year-old violinist Lucia-Victoria Dadalyan-Sogomonyan also performed at Sunday’s event.

“We’ve held this event for the past three years here in our community center,” explained Jack Spatola, president of FIAO.

“Our objective is to provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds — to build a stronger community. And it’s great to see so many local women honored here on this very special day.”