18 Long Island women, including two Freeport residents, were honored recently by New York State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin during her annual Women of Distinction Ceremony. The event celebrated the contributions and dedication of local women across Nassau County.
The ceremony, which took place on July 29 at Molloy University’s Larini Room in Rockville Centre, honored “women of distinction” from Baldwin, Baldwin Oaks, East Rockaway, Freeport, Hempstead, Hewlett, Lynbrook, Malverne, Oceanside, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead, Valley Stream and West Hempstead. All were described as having “made a lasting impact throughout Assembly District 21 and the greater community,” in a press release from Griffin’s office.
Mireille Taub of Freeport was recognized as the 2026 New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus Women of Distinction Honoree, while Jennifer Muschett was named as a 2026 Women of Distinction Honoree for Assembly District 21.
The other honorees were the mother-daughter duo of Margarita Grasing and Marguerite Grasing Keller of Baldwin, Sophea Sainsurin, also of Baldwin, Dr. Olney T. Daly of Baldwin Oaks, Madeline Pearson of East Rockaway, Karen Lockworth of Hempstead, Beverly Wachtel of Hewlett, Kimberly Neri of Lynbrook, Camille Emeagwali of Malverne, Anna Forte of Oceanside, Susanne E. Bennett and Rena Riback of Rockville Centre, honored for 2026 and 2025 respectively, Claudia Boyle of South Hempstead, Kimberly Wheeler of Valley Stream and Claire Galofaro of West Hempstead.
Additionally, Karen Lipton of Rockville Centre was recognized as the 2025 New York State Legislative Women’s Caucus Women of Distinction Honoree.
“These women remind us that leadership isn’t measured by titles or recognition,” Griffin said in a statement. “It is found in showing up for others, lifting people up during difficult times, building vibrant communities , and inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps to make a difference. I believe that our communities are shaped by people who choose to give back, and I am grateful for [their] presence in Assembly District 21.”
Taub has served Freeport and the surrounding areas for years, having served on the board of the Long Island Arts Council for the last 16 years. She is also a survivor of the Holocaust, and has dedicated time to the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County in Glen Cove as an educator. She has lived in Freeport since 1968, said that she was deeply honored to receive the distinction from Griffin.
“I do a lot of the things I do because I feel almost compelled,” Taub explained. “I’m a member of a community. I want to contribute to my community being the best it can be.”
When asked why she finds it important to educate others with her story of survival, Taub said that honoring the past is part of what motivates her.
“The past has made us who we are,” Taub told the Herald. “We want to bring a better future, and the past is important because hopefully we learn from the past, and we hope to inspire others around us to become their better selves and make the communities in which they live a better place.”
She further demonstrates her commitment to service as a member of the National Council of Jewish Women, which has several charitable initiatives that directly impact Freeport. One of those initiatives was a back-to-school store that the organization held in Freeport High School that provided students with free clothes and school supplies and offered parents various health and legal resources.
Taub added that she placed her plaque in her kitchen at home so she can “see it as a daily reminder to go out there and, as John Lewis said, make good trouble.”
