Tribute to Women of Achievement of Orange County

MIDDLETOWN – Song lyrics laden with strength, perseverance and success resonated throughout the West Hills Country Club Wednesday evening. Each carefully chosen musical selection was reflective of the woman recipient who earned the prestigious Women of Achievement of Orange County honor.

Eight women (along with a Young Woman of the Future honoree) were saluted by two pivotal and empowereing area female organizations, Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson, Inc. and the YWCA of Orange County.Well-attended, the popular event was held under an outdoor tent on the scenic Middletown Club’s grounds. Guests were welcomed in by Tribute Chairwoman, Florence Bluegrass-Hannes, who spoke of the rich history of the event as well as depth of the honorees. Christine Sadowski, Executive Director of the YWCA Orange County also offered some words, stressing the lingering huge disparity that exists among minorities in positions of power. Citing such areas as education and law enforcement as professions having those gaps, she urged listeners to devote their time and energy to help join in the fight toward greater equality for all minorities.

Each of the women being recognized has shown an ongoing ability to achieve just that, and so much more. Nominated for their leadership, teamwork, creativity, community-mindedness, and unwavering commitment to excellence, the honorees serve as role models for all women.

Kellyann Kostyal-Larrier, the Executive Director of Safe Homes of Orange County since 2010, has arduously fought to support the mission of her agency of eliminating domestic abuse, teen dating violence and human trafficking through an array of services, outreach and education.

“This honor means a huge responsibility to follow in the footsteps of so many amazing women before me,” said a humbled Kostyal-Larrier. “It’s going to push me to keep going and continue to live up to the honor; I’m truly happy for all of the community support, and I really hope women can find a space to be safe in.”

Another honoree, Joan Cusack-McGuirk, the interim president and CEO at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, has been a healthcare leader for the past 39 years. Like her fellow recipient Kostyal-Larrier, she too felt the magnitude of being selected as a Woman of Achievement.

“This honor means I stand on the shoulders of other women who have earned it,” said Cusack-McGuirk. “It’s truly humbling, as many, many women do important and incredible work in this community.” Smiling, she added, “I’m just so proud to be a woman.”

Regina C. McGrade, another recipient, reveals that female pride. Vice President of Marketing and Development for Cornerstone Family Healthcare, McGrade is following her passion, assisting those in need, while bettering her community each day.

“When you make choices about the things and people close to you, it can make a huge difference,” affirmed McGrade. “My greatest hope for girls and women is for a belief in themselves, taking ownership and responsibility, voting and paying it forward; this is where the real joy, the sisterhood, comes from.”

Other 2016 Women of Achievement of Orange County included; Ranaye L. Corley, Katherine Fox, Willa Friebamd, Robin Kleister Reynolds, Patt Smith and Jillian Dolce (Young Woman of the Future).

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