NEW CITY – In honor of Women’s History Month, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe presented the first-ever Woman of the Year award Thursday to a modern-day female trailblazer in Rockland County.
Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe said, “When I was appointed to be Commissioner, I assured the County Executive I would take women’s rights to all communities in Rockland and that’s why we are here today.”
CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System (Good Samaritan Hospital) Dr. Mary Leahy was among more than two dozen women nominated by the public for exemplary service and significant contributions to Rockland.
“Dr. Leahy, without a doubt, plays a pivotal role in the public health of this County,” said County Executive Ed Day. “She’s been at the forefront of every public health emergency in Rockland, working in partner with our Health Department through measles, polio, and COVID.”
After being announced the winner, Dr. Leahy expressed honor to be the recipient of this award on behalf of the more than 3,000 healthcare workers at Bon Secours.
“Women today continue to suffer from discrimination,” said Dr. Leahy. “Human dignity starts with each of us empowering women to a more just and equitable world. We must embrace the campaign to stand up for human rights and commit to use our rights to stand up for the rights of others.”
![](https://hudsonvalleypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Walden_Savings_Bank1.gif")
![](https://hudsonvalleypress.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/FDR-Web.jpg")
