Maria Dente-Higgins of Lynbrook and Cheryl Poland of East Rockaway were recognized at Assemblywoman Judy Griffin’s annual Women of Distinction ceremony on Nov. 6 at Baldwin Middle School. The event honored women in Assembly District 21 for leadership, service and contributions to their communities.
Dente-Higgins, a community advocate involved in efforts to revive the Malverne Cinema and Art Center as a nonprofit arts hub, was celebrated alongside Johane Ligondé of Baldwin, Meta Mereday of Baldwin Oaks, Maria Jordan-Awalom of Freeport, Shantay Carter of Hempstead, Karen Cordoso of Hewlett, Jillian Policastro and Tracee Galante of Oceanside, Liliana Polo of Malverne, Joan Hyland and her daughters Cristine Daly and Ellen White of Rockville Centre and Malverne, Rena Riback of Rockville Centre, Stephanie Tambini of West Hempstead, Laura Mallay of South Hempstead, and Sherise Dowling of Valley Stream.
The ceremony included the Pledge of Allegiance, a National Anthem performance by Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, and remarks from Nassau County Legislator-Elect Cynthia Núñez. The event highlights residents whose work strengthens local communities and fosters civic engagement.
