Thursday, October 1, 2026
Four women from Wantagh, Seaford and Levittown were among 14 community leaders honored at State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ fourth annual Women of Distinction ceremony on Sept. 17.
Wantagh residents Maegan Fox and Nicole Iannarone, Seaford resident Margaret Grub and Levittown resident Kirsten Kenney received Women of Distinction awards during the ceremony at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library.
The annual event recognizes women from across the 5th Senate District for their professional accomplishments, volunteer work, advocacy and service to their communities. Rhoads presented each honoree with an award and thanked them for their contributions.
“Every year, this ceremony reminds me of the incredible people who make our communities so special,” Rhoads said. “These 14 women have each made a lasting impact in their own unique way, and it was a privilege to recognize them and thank them for all they have done.”
Rhoads added that the honorees’ stories of service, perseverance, leadership and compassion provide examples for young people and may inspire the next generation to become more involved in their own communities.
The ceremony also had another connection to the Wantagh community. Shashi Malik, president of the Seva Center for Humanity and a longtime Wantagh resident, delivered the keynote address.
Malik has spent decades involved in humanitarian and charitable efforts through the Seva Center, a nonprofit organization focused on serving people in need and encouraging community involvement. Rhoads previously recognized her as a 2025 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction.
The program opened with a prayer led by the Rev. Iwy Patel-Yatri, senior pastor of Hicksville United Methodist Church, and Rosa Larios, the church’s Hispanic ministry pastor.
Jessica Nunez performed the national anthem. Nunez and Gabriella Sferlazza, local artists with RAFCO Entertainment & Management under the direction of Dominick Raffaele, also performed during the celebration.
Members of the Girl Scouts of Nassau County assisted with the program, giving younger women an opportunity to take part in an event centered on leadership and community service. Daniel Frankel concluded the ceremony with a performance of “God Bless America.”
The other honorees were Esther Alter, of Plainview; Carole Ann Catapano, of Bethpage; Leigh Henrich and Leena Patel, of Old Bethpage; Dr. Lincy Jojan, of East Meadow; Maria Schettino, of Hicksville; Dr. Gina Sita-Molz and Wendy Tepfer, of Bellmore; Allison Sussman, of Merrick; and Heather Tafuro, of Farmingdale.
The ceremony marked the fourth year that Rhoads has recognized women from throughout his district for their work in their professions, volunteer organizations and local communities.
“I hope this evening not only celebrated their accomplishments,” Rhoads said, “but inspired the next generation to step forward and make a difference in their own communities.”
