(Binghamton, NY) – Today, Senator Webb honored local leaders from the Southern Tier in recognition of Women’s History Month. This celebration, marked by the presentation of six official awards from the New York State Senate, highlights the essential impact and accomplishments of women and women-owned businesses within the community.

This year, in celebration of Women’s History Month, Senator Webb proudly presented three Commendation Awards, two Empire Awards, and a proclamation, honoring individuals whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our community. Each honoree was recognized for their commitment to uplifting others, advancing equity, strengthening educational opportunities, and inspiring positive change for future generations.

The awards were presented to:

• Felicity Gomer, Director of Public Communications at Family Planning of South Central New York; A recipient of a NYS Senate Commendation Award. 
• Nicole Anjeski, Public Health Director at the Cortland County Health Department; A recipient of a NYS Senate Commendation Award. 
• Reverend Kimberly Chastain, Pastor of the United Presbyterian Church; A recipient of a NYS Senate Commendation Award. 
• No Más Lágrimas / No More Tears, Women-Owned Business; A recipient of a NYS Empire Award. 
• Adrina Dietra, Women-Owned Business; A recipient of a NYS Senate Empire Award. 
• Ann Campbell, Educator; A recipient of a posthumous proclamation

Senator Webb stated, “Women’s History Month is a time to honor the leadership, service, and vision of women and women-led organizations who are making a lasting difference in our communities. I am proud to recognize this year’s distinguished honorees for their contributions to public health, education, spiritual guidance, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and community advocacy. Each of these leaders demonstrates the dedication, compassion, and commitment that make Senate District 52 such a vibrant and resilient place. Their work uplifts families, creates opportunities for young people, and strengthens our community every day, reminding us all of the power of leadership in action.”

“I am deeply honored to serve the Southern Tier through my work at Family Planning of South Central New York, where expanding access to care, meeting people where they are, and advocating for underserved populations has become my most sincere passion,” said Felicity Gomer. “Over the past two years, I have strengthened our presence in the community, launched the distribution of care kits with essential reproductive health supplies, participated and graduated from Leadership Cortland, and served on the Family Violence Prevention Council. I have been continually inspired by the nonprofit partnerships, grassroots energy, and community spirit that define this region. During Women’s History Month, I am reminded that meaningful progress happens when women support women and lead with compassion, courage, and conviction. I am proud to call the Southern Tier home and to contribute to the lasting impact being built here every day.” 

“Ann moved to Endicott, New York, from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, in 1969. She fell in love with the area immediately and lived here until her death in 2024. She was an acclaimed mathematics teacher in the Union Endicott School District for over 51 years. Her contributions and performances in the classroom are legendary. Ann's lifetime commitment to community service is very evident in the many uplifting community projects accomplished over her lifetime in Broome County,"said Willie Campbell. 

“I am deeply honored to receive this award from Senator Webb, and grateful for the opportunity to lift up the work of United Presbyterian Church and its community as a center for mutual aid, learning, and action,” said Reverend Kimberly Chastain. “UPC is a progressive PCUSA congregation where everyone is welcome as we support one another in acting justly, practicing kindness, and walking humbly with God (Micah 6:8). Our life together includes hosting a tri-county GED program, a kitchen for community meals, food pantry with an on-site case worker, a warming center for the unhoused, and dozens of events yearly—ranging from a LUMA fest exhibit to a recent vigil for those who have died at the hands of ICE. We share space with some of the area's most dedicated advocacy organizations, and offer financial support to the area’s first peer led jail reentry program. I am proud of what we’ve built together and my role within it.” 

“I have been working all these years with amazing partners, and it has been a blessing to work every day that by now we call our self team familia. We always said let's go team... fire department, ambulance bangs, Ithaca college, TC3, Cornell, Green star Co. Ithaca Free Clinic, OAR of Tompkins, Worker Center, BOCES, Tompkins Learning partners Inc and food bank of  the Southern Tier,” said Ana Ortiz, Founder of No Más Lágrimas - No More Tears. “People need to support each other and take care of our children. Please, do not forget your neighbor, your familia, your friends, We have to make sure nobody goes to bed hungry.”

“Over the last 15 years I have dedicated my public health career to improving the health and wellbeing of the Cortland County community, this includes those that not only live in the county, but those that come to Cortland County to work and visit. This community has been my home for over 40 years. I have raised a family and started my career here; it is a great place to live,” said Nicole Anjeski, Public Health Director at Cortland County Health Department. “Throughout my tenure with the Cortland County Health Department, I have focused on high impact initiatives, including leading the department to successful completion of National Public Health Accreditation, implementing the Healthy Neighborhoods program to reduce environmental health hazards in the home, and securing federal funding through the Healthy Homes Production Grant to strengthen lead poisoning prevention. I have also managed over 45 COVID-19 vaccination clinics, directly contributing to community pandemic resilience and led efforts for strategic retention and succession initiatives to stabilize and support public health staff.” 

"I believe it’s important to use our talents and knowledge to uplift our community and nurture the place that nurtures, heals, provides for, and teaches us,” said Adrina Graham, Founder of Adrina Dietra Luxury Lingerie. “Through my work, I strive to provide garments for people of all sizes and stages of life, ensuring everyone feels seen and supported. I’m also passionate about raising awareness around period poverty and the need for clean undergarments to become staples in community giving. Seeing this advocacy inspire local toiletry cabinets and increased donations of these essential items has been incredibly meaningful."

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