Inaugural Women’s Recognition Night Honors Four

By Jennifer L. Warren

MIDDLETOWN – For Niki Halwani, being recognized for her community contributions meant validation, pride, and joy, but perhaps more than anything else the honor symbolized something even deeper.

“It means so much to me for my daughter to see this, especially during Women’s History Month,” reflected Halwani, who resides in the Cornwall area. “I want her to see she can accomplish anything she wants in this life.”

Halwani, one of three women honored by Senator James Skoufis and his support staff Friday at the first annual Women’s Recognition Night, held at Middletown’s Tapped Craft Restaurant and Bar, has lovingly created a strong foundation for her young daughter, Peyton, who was born with a rare genetic condition affecting her hearing. Drafting the Amazon Best Seller List book, “Peyton’s Magical Hearing Aid,” Halwani has creatively help spread critical awareness-in an animated, inclusive, and easy-to-comprehend manner- about her daughter’s hearing condition and journey through kindergarten, while educating young people (as well as adults) everywhere to understand what hearing aids are and their applicability to all age groups.

The well-attended, lively affair, which ran for a couple of hours, was initiated by some passionate and personal words-along with song lyrics on the power and beauty of being a female- both deftly delivered by Victoria Cottone, an actress and musical performer who specializes in fine arts at Cornerstone Theatre Arts. After sharing her own transformative journey of finding her voice, confidence, and self, Cottone captured the attention of guests with her soulful rendition of Helen Reddy’s classic tune, “I am Woman,” emphasizing the resounding phrases, “I am strong” and “kept me going.”

“Women are not recognized enough,” Cottone relayed to attendees. “Let’s keep moving women in the right direction like we are doing with this event.”

It was that very mission that Skoufis, led by several devoted staff members, had at the forefront when putting together this occasion, calling out three individuals and their transformative achievements, strengthening and inspiring their communities.

“This is a wonderful party that I’m so happy to see so many attending,” said Senator Skoufis, who reminded guests that we still have a way to go with recognizing women, such as with equal pay and protecting their health rights. “One thing we really want to do is celebrate people in this area, ones that lift up their communities, and that’s what I hope this event is accomplishing.”

Another one of those “upward lifters” was Monroe-Washingtonville area-based, Nina Giordani, both a finance and business teacher at Washingtonville School District as well as a cancer survivor, who has turned that diagnosis into inciting activism and volunteerism amongst her students. The result has been the formation of the Spike Out Cancer Foundation, aimed at fundraising for and spreading awareness about cancer.

The third recipient was Jill Wilkins, a Middletown resident who leads Wilkins Ministries International, Extended Hands Food Pantry. Offering free, fresh and healthy produce and grocery items to people in the Middletown and Wallkill areas through this pantry, which she continues to try to secure a permanent site for and urges those interested in helping to call: (845) 597-7654, Wilkins also hosts a back-to-school giveaway, including bikes and school supplies to over 2,000 children at the Galleria at Crystal Run.

“This recognition means a great deal to me; I’ve been a servant of the community for the past 30 years, and don’t do any of it for the honors, but this does feel really good to have my work recognized.” Wilkins said. “It means the world that someone saw my efforts doing these things while being a realtor, mother, wife and simply a woman, especially during Women’s History Month.”