Learn why two West Hempstead women are considered distinctive

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The Women of Distinction Award is an annual accolade given to a select number of nominated individuals in the 19th Assembly District. They are given to volunteers, hard workers and champions of their respective communities.

This year, 13 women were honored at Adelphi University by Assemblyman Ed Ra on Sept. 22. It was the 11th annual ceremony.

Two women from West Hempstead were honored this year, Maureen Mahoney and Juliette Giorgio. Mahoney is the president of the West Hempstead Community Support Association and a well-known community volunteer. She was not present at the award ceremony, but received her award at the West Hempstead Person of the Year ceremony.

Mahoney joined the WHCSA almost 10 years ago, serving as a board member and treasurer before being elected president. Beyond her official roles, she is “Deeply proud of her ability to address community concerns, find solutions, and engage others in volunteerism,” Ra said.

“I guess what distinguishes me is that I can be approached and if I don’t have the answer I try to get the answer for people,” Mahoney. “I try to do what’s best for the total community.”

She acknowledges her accomplishments as a collective effort, and remains humble despite the accolades she has received..
Giorgio is a psychotherapist/social worker in an outpatient mental health clinic. She previously worked in special education in New York City. She has been a resident of West Hempstead for seven years. Her choice of jobs in her chosen fields is the reason she believes she was chosen for this award.
“I was nominated for an accolade like this only one other time in my life,” she said. “I was nominated by a former student for the Who’s Who of America’s Teachers. She said I was the most influential teacher in her life, as she was heading to medical school. I was her kindergarten teacher so that made me feel really good.”
The 13 women were honored with a barrage of certificates and citations from all levels of government from Congress to the Town of Hempstead. Community members received a nomination in the mail and selected the women they thought worthy of distinction.