Yonkers Women Recognized for Achievements Benefitting Yonkers Community
L-R: 2025 Women of Distinction Honorees: Girl Scout Troop 1787, Elvina Schullere, Jaci LaGala-Pino and Loniece Edwards
In honor of Women’s History Month, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano presented “Women of Distinction” Awards to Yonkers women whose distinct achievements have improved the lives of others in the community and whose impact has changed Yonkers for better.
“Women’s History Month celebrates the significant achievements of women, and Yonkers has the opportunity to honor the local leaders who live or work in our midst every day,” said Mayor Spano. “Their contributions enrich our community and inspire future generations. Whether they are leading in business, education, healthcare, public service, or championing social change, these women are the foundation of progress in our city. This month reminds us to not only celebrate their accomplishments but also reflect on the continued work needed to ensure equality and opportunity for all.”
This year’s honorees range in talent and service. They include:
Girl Scout Troop 1787– Girl Scout Troop 1787 began with 14 enthusiastic Kindergarten girls as Daisies, all students from Yonkers Public Schools. In their first year, they completed the Daisy flower on their vests, with each petal symbolizing skills or adventures. They often meet at the Crestwood Cabin in Yonkers, fostering a sense of community and teamwork. They participated in parades and won “Best Scout Marching Unit” at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2024. The troop visited Manhattan College to learn about Women in Engineering and their contributions. Under leaders Clara Barragán and Christine Serini, the troop expanded to include more members and levels like Brownies, Juniors, and Cadets. New leaders Esmeralda DiBari and Yoli Benscome joined the troop. Troop 1787 engaged in activities such as honoring veterans on Veterans Day and hosting tables at community events. They supported causes like the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and breast cancer awareness walks. Cadets created cards and packages for veterans, leading their Silver Award literacy project, “Little Readers.” Daisies earned the Summit Award after completing their journeys. The troop thrives with diverse members, including girls with disabilities, fostering fun, confidence, and friendships. They celebrated success in the Powderpuff Derby with first and second places. Dedicated to giving back, they continue to grow while learning valuable lessons.
Elvina Schullere– Elvina Schullere was born in Woodbrook, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, and moved to Yonkers in 1976. Elvina and her husband Kenneth Schullere, a fellow Trinidadian, raised three children – Franz, Darius, and Karen – while she pursued her passions for education and the arts. She earned multiple degrees, including a Ph.D. in clinical nutrition, and worked in roles such as medical assistant, property auditor, and music performer. Her love of singing led her to perform at prestigious venues like the Museum of Modern Art and Alice Tully Hall. Recently, she studied under classical concert artist Cecilia Tucker Myers, a retired vocal instructor. A dedicated community advocate, Elvina has volunteered extensively. She was a member of the Hudson River Community Association and organized teams during their community cleanups. She has been an active participant in the Yonkers PAL food distributions, served as a Citizen Farmer with Groundworks Hudson Valley in Yonkers, and is an avid volunteer with the Saw Mill River Community Cleanup. She was also featured in a Lohud for her gardening efforts. Additionally, she has been kayaking with the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club and cycling with the Yonkers Bike Club since 2008. Elvina reconnects with nature through gardening, biking, and kayaking, and plans to resume traveling, starting with a cruise. She follows a gluten-free vegan diet, enjoys cooking, and experiments with fresh flavors. Balancing her passions with a love for volunteering and spending time with friends, Elvina exemplifies a life lived with curiosity, generosity, and vitality as she embraces each new chapter.
Jaci LaGala-Pino– Jaci LaGala-Pino has lived her entire life in Yonkers, growing up on McLean Avenue. She is a proud graduate of St. Paul the Apostle, Our Lady of Victory Academy, and Manhattan College. Jaci has actively served her community, including a decade as Co-Op Board President, and now works in property management. Raised with compassion and determination, she was deeply influenced by her community-minded family, including her mother, father (a Yonkers Police Department member), sister (a NYC school guidance counselor), and husband (a NYPD detective). Softball played a key role in Jaci’s youth, as she competed for school teams and local leagues, coached by her parents. Her most cherished role is being a mother to her son, who is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Realizing her son needed inclusive social activities and team experiences, Jaci searched for adaptive sports programs but found none locally in Yonkers. After disappointing commutes to distant Challenger Division teams, Jaci sought to create a community-based solution. Through perseverance, she partnered with the Hillcrest Lakers Community Club to establish Yonkers’ first Challenger League. The league debuted in September 2023 with 14 special needs players and 18 student volunteers participating in soccer. It quickly expanded, launching Winter Workouts and Spring Baseball. Within a year, the league grew to include 45 players and over 50 volunteers, doubling its original size. The Hillcrest Challenger League now provides opportunities for adaptive sports, fostering connections among families and establishing a supportive community for children with special needs. Jaci’s initiative demonstrates the demand for inclusive programs and exemplifies her commitment to both her family and her hometown.
Loniece Edwards– Loniece Edwards, a Yonkers native raised on School Street, is deeply dedicated to her community. A graduate of Charles E. Gorton High School, she now works there as a teacher’s assistant in special education and serves as Liaison for My Sister’s Keeper. Loniece holds two associate’s degrees: one in liberal arts from CUNY Bronx Community College and another in education from Eastern Gateway Community College, while pursuing a third degree as an interventional specialist. Known for her warm and giving nature, Loniece is admired as a social butterfly by her family and peers. Over two decades, Loniece has volunteered at sports camps, contributed to ministry at Resurrection Deliverance Church International, taught sex education and peer pressure at the Nepperhan Community Center, and worked as an assistant dance teacher. Loniece co-founded a nonprofit organization with her niece Arleth Ruiz Clark called the Exquisite Academy of Arts, which features her dance team, Exquisite Force. This program impacts approximately 65 children, offering dance training, academic support, and mentorship. Losing her mother at the age of eight, Loniece devoted herself to being a mother figure to countless youths. Her mission is to empower Yonkers youth and provide a safe, enriching space for their growth, particularly in the performing arts. Loniece collaborates with community leaders and former students, extending opportunities for others to succeed. She lives by her own motto: “I was created to be different and born to be the best.” Her philosophy encourages being the supportive presence you always wished for in your life, guiding her impactful work and relationships.
Mayor Spano presented the “Women of Distinction” Awards at a ceremony held at Yonkers City Hall on March 31st.
