The Town of North Hempstead hosted its 31st-anniversary breakfast, a momentous occasion to celebrate and induct the exceptional 2024 Women’s Roll of Honor honorees. This event occurred on June 18 at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.
Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and the town board, along with the honorees, their families and friends, came together to recognize and honor the significant contributions of these women in making a difference in the North Hempstead community.
“These women are honored because they are leaders who have made a difference in our communities,” said Supervisor DeSena. “We are a beautiful, diverse and passionate community. And, like these honorees, we must continue to put our hands out to reach and teach others.”
The Women’s Roll of Honor is named after May Newburger, an iconic figure for social justice, equality and environmental causes. In addition to her activism, Newburger was a member of the New York State Assembly and became the first woman to serve as a town supervisor in Nassau County.
In honor of her many accomplishments, the Town of North Hempstead names several women to the Roll of Honor every year who exemplify the same dedication to activism and community as Newburger.
“This beautiful town event allows us to recognize the remarkable sacrifices made by these women amidst all the responsibilities of their personal and professional lives,” said Town Clerk Srivastava. “Some have made a difference on a large public scale, while others contributed through quiet, consistent measures. All these women serve as outstanding models on how to live for others.”
The North Hempstead community came together to celebrate the honorees. The Albertson VFW 5252 presented the Color Guard, and United States Army Captain Ramona Jones led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance. Leah Del Orbe of the New Hyde Park Senior Chorus and Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York joined Cristina Palumbo and Reilly Toner from Kellenberg Memorial High School to sing the National Anthem.
The Westbury Middle School Select Senior Chorus, directed by Mr. Jonathan Fulcher, put on an electric performance of Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.
Master of Ceremonies Maria Thomas and Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan introduced the honorees as follows:
Sridevi Bhumi, Old Westbury
Parvaneh Sarraf Doustan, Roslyn
Dorothy Forte, Manhasset
Rachel S. Fox, Port Washington
Michelle Golden, Roslyn
Theresa Greiner, Williston Park
Anna Hakakian, Kings Point
Priti Jain, Roslyn Heights
Agnes Kirschner, East Williston
Maggie Messina, Albertson
Joanna Palumbo, Carle Place
Mary Stein, New Hyde Park
Mary Sydor, Westbury
Dorothy Forte, Manhasset
More about Dorothy Forte of Manhasset:
Dorothy Forte is a warrior against cancer. She is also a former teacher and has lived in Manhasset with her husband and three children since 1984.
In 1998, Dorothy and a group of Manhasset women concerned about the high incidence of breast cancer on Long Island created the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC) as a not-for-profit corporation.
Nearly 30 years later, Dorothy remains a full-time volunteer. She has been a member of the Coalition’s Research Committee since its inception, awarding nearly $5 million toward innovative breast cancer research.
In 2004, Dorothy was instrumental in creating the MWCABC Outreach Program to provide support and financial assistance to women suffering from breast cancer and related diseases.
Presently, Dorothy sits on the MWCABC Advisory Council and continues to serve as Co-chair of its Outreach Committee.
Dorothy has served in countless leadership roles in school, church and community organizations. In 2007, she played a pivotal role in helping fund and design the North Shore/L Palliative Care Unit and Family Conference Room.
In 2008, she helped establish the Gerry Trunz Foundation for Ovarian Cancer in honor of a dear friend.
In 2012, Dorothy was named to the New York State Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Detection and Education Advisory. She was awarded the New York State Senate Liberty Medal in 2014. The Women’s Fund of Long Island named Dorothy a Woman Achiever of the Year in October 2015. In 2016, Dorothy received the Mari Goldberg Award presented by the Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network Inc. In 2014, Dorothy was acknowledged and honored as an Accomplished Woman in Nassau County during the Women Breaking Ground ceremony hosted by the Nassau Comptroller’s office.
She remains steadfast in her belief in the strength of community and volunteerism.
