Seaford community leader honored as 2024 Women of Distinction

Three women from Wantagh and one from Seaford were among the 18 recipients of the 2024 Women of Distinction awards, who were honored during ceremonies at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library in Plainview on Sept. 26.

The second annual event, hosted by State Sen. Steve Rhoads, served to pay homage to several women leaders in the Fifth Senate District, which includes Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Bellmore, Merrick and East Meadow. More than 100 friends and family members of the honorees packed the library’s auditorium, where Rhoads spoke of the work these women have undertaken to uplift their communities.

“These remarkable individuals not only excel in their respective careers,” Rhoads said, “and their community involvements, but also exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that uplifts those around.”

Those honored were Wantagh’s Sofia Stipanov, Heather Hosek and Rena Gasparis, along with Karen Siler, of Seaford, and Levittown’s Marie Dennington-Chavez. Misbah Baig and Norma Gonsalves, both of East Meadow, were also honored, as were Dr. Batool Rizvi, from North Bellmore, Rabbi Rishe Groner, of Bellmore, and Merrick’s Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert.

Hicksville residents Rose Marie Walker, Linda Herskowitz, Annette Beiner and Patricia Harrs were also honored, as were Rosemary Trudden, of Farmingdale, Rhoda Orenstein, of Old Bethpage, Plainview resident Patti Silver and Westbury’s Sehar Bham.

Also speaking at the event was Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, who thanked the women for their work in the community, and for stepping up to challenges and accomplishing their goals while lifting those around them.

Phillips said she had the opportunity to speak to women’s groups throughout the county and saw how many women shared similar traits, despite taking different paths in their lives.

“I’m a believer that if you say yes, if you work hard, if you work as a team … and you do it with ethics and honesty, we can accomplish anything we want,” Phillips told the audience.

Kayla Knight, an attorney and Miss Wantagh 2014, introduced the honorees at the ceremony, where each of the 18 women received a proclamation from Rhoads for their commitment to serving the community.

Stipanov, an advocate for education and special needs support, has served as co-president of both the Wantagh 6-12 Association and Wantagh SEPTA. She also founded Our Journey – Long Island Special Needs Families, creating a supportive network for parents and children with special needs through regular meet-ups and community-building activities.

For more than 20 years, Hosek has taught middle school science in the Babylon School District, while also coordinating its district STEAM events and chairing its health and safety committee. Her passion for teaching extends to Bellmore, where she teaches religious education at St. Barnabas the Apostle.

Her dedication to connecting with young people and encouraging them to discover their potential is what made her a deserving woman of distinction, according to Knight.

“This is an extraordinary honor,” Hosek said, “and I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to our community.”

Gasparis's journey to becoming a woman of distinction began with a tragedy in 2020, when her daughter, Kyriakoula Gasparis, was killed in a car crash as a passenger. The driver, who was unlicensed, was charged with a misdemeanor for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and received no jail time. Since then, Gasparis has dedicated herself to raising awareness, advocating for updates to outdated traffic laws, enhancing roadway safety, and holding dangerous drivers accountable.

As a founder of Karen’s Hope, Inc., a non-profit assisting individuals with disabilities, Siler has helped develop empowerment and skill-building classes to improve the quality of life for those with special needs. Her experiences of caring for her brother with Down syndrome, along with raising a son with autism, influenced her to help other families raising individuals with special needs.

Baig, a committed educator and community leader in East Meadow, serves both as children’s program coordinator at the Sunday School of Jaam’e Masjid, in North Bellmore, and as a Woman Empowerment Coordinator with Progressive American Community Empowerment, a nonprofit that collaborates with communities to champion equitable access to fundamental necessities such as food and healthcare. She also teaches early childhood education at Children’s Nest in Merrick, enriching lives through her dedication to service and advocacy.

Gonsalves had served nearly 20 years as a Nassau County legislator and in 2010, she took on the role of presiding officer of the county legislature, helping to further bipartisan cooperation to address residents’ needs in the county.

As the founder of Families for Inclusion, a Merrick nonprofit, DeGregorio-Sonbert aimed to educate young students about autism so they can better understand their peers with developmental disabilities. She started the organization in 2021 after her son, Teddy, was diagnosed with autism.

“I’m very proud,” DeGregorio-Sonbert said. “It’s really a big honor to be recognized for the work that I’m doing.”

Dr. Rizvi, a practitioner with Holistic Dentistry and Wellness Center, in North Bellmore, was honored for her contributions to society and holistic healthcare. She’s also been involved with several community organizations, such as the Al-Khoei Foundation, a religious charity based in Jamaica, New York, and the Islamic Center of Nassau County.

As the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Ohr in Bellmore, Rabbi Groner has guided her members through crucial moments in their lives, whether celebrating births, facilitating B’nai Mitzvah, or providing support during times of bereavement. She is also a writer, speaker and educator, and is invested in community building and environmental sustainability.

Groner expressed hope that, through this event, she can make connections with other women to help make a difference in the community.

“I feel very inspired by all the women that I heard tonight being honored,” the rabbi said. “I genuinely believe that women can change the world.”