Borough President Diaz Honors Women of Distinction at Annual Celebration

On Thursday, March 19, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. honored leading women of distinction at the annual Women’s History Celebration held at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses. Pictured are: Sukanya Krishnan, Sonia Manzano, Marissa Shorenstein, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Verona Greenland and Deputy Borough President Aurelia Greene.s

On Thursday, March 19, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. honored leading women of distinction who continue to contribute to the community while sharing their knowledge and experience on a daily basis at his annual Women’s History Celebration at the Pelham Bay and Split Rock Golf Courses in Throggs Neck.

“Women make up 53 percent of The Bronx and they are the backbone to leading organizations and businesses in various fields. Without the women in our community we would not be able to achieve all that we can,” said Borough President Diaz.

“I encouraged the young ladies of today to always be prepared to take the lead because the day will come that people will look up to you to share your ways and culture like individuals around me did. I am thankful for this honor,” said Sonia Manzano, author and star of the hit children’s television show Sesame Street.

“Although I am not from The Bronx, I find myself always serving the borough because I believe in the initiatives that Borough President Diaz supports,” said Marissa Shorenstein, President of AT&T NY and a key supporter of the annual Borough President’s Little League Cup and Chess in the Schools programs. “Thank you for this wonderful recognition, I just want to also tell you to watch out cause this year I will be playing you in a game of chess when we have the competition!”

“In accepting this award I remember where I started and where I have come. I want all of the young girls to know that you are beautiful and anything is possible. I am proud to be here today,” said Verona Greenland, Founder, President and CEO of the Morris Heights Health Center, who also announced at the event that she will be retiring come June 2015.

Sukanya Krishnan of PIX 11 Morning News served as the event’s emcee for the event, which was sponsored by Healthfirst, Healthplus AmeriGroup, Wellcare and The Coca-Cola Company.