Meet the three Elmont women of distinction

Three inspiring women from Elmont were honored as Women of Distinction by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages at Sewanhaka High School on March 19.

The event celebrated the community contributions, acts of outstanding leadership and grass-roots efforts of 12 female recipients in Solages’ 22nd Assembly District.

Savitre Ferdinand, an Elmont resident for over 20 years, is a health care worker and a founder of a nonprofit — as well as a supportive mother of her two children, Stefan and Selene, in their pageantry and Boy Scout endeavors. 

Ferdinand launched a non-profit organization with 10-year-old Selene called Meera Empowerment, which encourages self-confidence in kids in the Elmont community by teaching them life skills and lessons. The organization also raises funds to award scholarships to local high school students, collects donations for toy drives during the holidays, and supports community service efforts organized by elected leaders.

Meera Empowerment events Ferdinand has put together have included fashion shows, tea parties and classes in which children are taught how to cook, sew and more. 

Ferdinand said she has an “old school” mentality and believes children can empower themselves and strengthen their voices by building relationships, having access to education and getting involved in community activities.

“(I think we) should empower them to build confidence because what’s going on right now is, all kids want to do is sit in front of a device, they don’t know how to socialize,” Ferdinand said. “Advising kids is a blessing — when they grow up, they can do the same thing and give back.” 

Ferdinand has served on the Dutch Broadway Elementary School PTA Board for the past seven years and is currently its president. She is a Title I Board member, a Girl Scout leader and an ambassador for the Elmont Strong organization. 

She also supports and volunteers for various charity groups such as Island Harvest, the Ronald McDonald House, Mid-Island YJCC and the Elmont Memorial High School food drive. She said one of her greatest joys is being able to give back to the Elmont community. 

Miguerlande Maitre, who owns IamNubian luxury hair salon in Elmont, was named a Woman of Distinction for her success in the beauty and cosmetology industry.

Maitre immigrated to the United States from Haiti at the age of 14. After discovering her passion for hair at a young age, she enrolled in cosmetology school after graduating from high school.

After many years working in the field, Maitre opened the doors to her very own storefront. Whether it’s offering protective hair styling or encouraging clients to wear their natural hair, Maitre said her mission with IamNubian is to help boost Black women’s confidence.

“I have the opportunity to make everyone sitting in my chair feel great about themselves — each and every one of them has a different story, but they all just want to look and feel great,” Maitre said in a news release. “I am lucky enough to help them accomplish that.”

Born in Bangladesh and growing up in Pakistan, Shadma Ibrahim said she has been working since the age of 15. She immigrated to the United States in 2000.

Ibrahim started out working in healthcare to provide for her family, balancing work with raising children. In the meantime, she discovered her passion for business and decided to jumpstart her own ventures. Today, she co-owns Halal N Out restaurant in Elmont and a health technology company.

As a Woman of Distinction, Ibrahim was recognized as a role model to her two daughters and other South Asian women. She has earned the recognition for her dedication to giving back to communities in Long Island and Queens.

Ibrahim has educated young girls in hygiene and safety and helped present puppet shows in a theatre group that serves low-income communities.

She also doesn’t shy away from celebrating South Asian heritage and has hosted cultural events such as a handmade jewelry showcase highlighting Afghan women refugees in Pakistan.

“Being a woman in business, it is so much harder to be heard and recognized,” Ibrahim said. “I truly appreciate the effort made by Assemblywoman Solages to recognize the work we put in our community.”