Annual Women’s Recognition Night Honors Four

MIDDLETOWN – Senator James Skoufis (D-Orange County) and Assemblywoman Paula Elaine Kay (D-Middletown) hosted the second annual Women’s Recognition Night on Friday, March 14, in Middletown. Held at Tapped Craft Beer and Restaurant, this event was an opportunity to honor and uplift the women of Orange County, and recognize four in particular who have made notable contributions:

Sue Sheehan has put in decades of work helping her community in Middletown, furthering education access and giving back to those in need. She is a member of the Board of Directors at SUNY Orange, where she has worked for the past 17 years as both a professor and an administrator. In addition to this, she serves as President of the board for the Middletown Kiwanis Club and has been a dedicated member of the Salvation Army board for over 20 years.

Edwina Wulff has been dedicated to Port Jervis for decades as the Exalted Ruler of the Port Jervis Elks. During her time there, she’s participated in food drives, community fundraisers, blood drives, children’s Christmas projects and gift drives, and veterans’ events. She is a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Port Jervis and volunteers at the Port Jervis National Night Out events.

Sara Calle Alvarado, a 20 year old immigrant from Colombia, has lived in the United States for the last 10 years. Currently, she is pursuing a business degree at SUNY Orange, proudly standing as a first-generation college student. She is a member of the Dean’s list, President of the International Club, Secretary of the Student Senate, the Founder and Captain of SUNY Orange’s first dance team, and Director of Community Service and Treasurer of SUNY Orange’s Latino Student Association. Sara is deeply committed to making a positive impact, regardless of scale, and hopes to help as many individuals as possible throughout her journey. She’s very grateful to have the privilege of accessing higher education and remains dedicated to leveraging this opportunity to make meaningful change.

Maria Bruni, a lifelong resident of the City of Middletown, started her career in 1994 as an intern for the city, which led to a permanent position in the Office of Economic and Community Development. Since then, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Middletown Business Improvement District since 2003 and currently serves as the President. She was appointed to the New York State Bridge Authority Board of Commissioners in 2020 and serves as Vice Chair. Ms. Bruni was also appointed to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees in 2021 and serves as the Vice Chair. She is also a member of the Middletown Rotary Club, Friends of Middletown Thrall Library and the HOME Committee for the County of Orange.

“I was honored to have the opportunity to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of these powerful Orange County women, who have worked so hard to strengthen their communities,” said Skoufis. “It is through work such as this that a society grows great, and I am grateful for their work and example. Thanks to Assemblywoman Paula Kay for co-hosting Women’s Recognition Night with me this year, and thanks to our honorees for going above and beyond for our community everyday!”

“Thank you to Senator Skoufis for allowing me to take part in this incredible event,” said Kay. “I am honored to be able to recognize Maria and Sara, who, in their own unique ways, make a difference in our community every single day.”

Also present were representatives from Maternal Infant Services Network, Cornerstone Family Healthcare, and NAMI, providing helpful community and health information for guests. Orange County Legislator Janet Sutherland spoke on women’s history, singer Simone Ayers performed, and DJ Mizz kept the party moving.