In honor of Women’s History Month, Yonkers Mayor Spano honored three Yonkers women with the city’s “Women of Distinction” Award, recognizing them for their distinct achievements in improving the lives of others in the community and whose impact has changed Yonkers for better.
“During March, Women’s History Month recognizes the historic accomplishments of women, and now it is Yonkers’ turn to pay tribute to the local leaders who either live or work among us each day,” commented Mayor Spano.
This year’s honorees range in talent and service. They include:
Maria Acuna – Maria is the founder of the Yonkers Running Project (YRP), which promotes health, diversity and community engagement through running. In order to increase the health of Yonkers residents, typically non-runners, Maria managed to incorporate motivation and security within the Yonkers community by making it a safe space for new runners and seasoned runners alike. By actively running with the community on a weekly basis, she was able to run in several half marathons, full marathons and eventually ran in an ultra-marathon after training for only with one year.
Nubia “Earth” Martin – Nubia is a certified Childbirth Educator, Birth and Postpartum Doula and Lactation Counselor. She is often known to share knowledge generously, trains new maternal health professionals and for several years she served as a WIC Breastfeeding Counselor. In order to further her education efforts in Yonkers, while addressing the US maternal mortality and morbidity crisis, Nubia founded her not-for-profit “Birth from the Earth.” Nubia is destined to make her impact on improving families and their birthing outcomes and knowledge in Yonkers!
Vanessa Osso – Vanessa owns Hair Dimension Salon on Tuckahoe Road in Yonkers where she has created a vibrant, well-established community salon that cares about the happiness her salon team and clients. As a result, Hair Dimension Salon was voted as “Best Salon in Yonkers” by the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce over 10 times. Vanessa discovered how she could use the salon as a platform to give back to those in need in the Yonkers community. She donates to various organizations such as American Heart Association, Autism Speaks, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes and to the Local Animal Shelter. In Yonkers, she collects and donates food to local pantries and churches, donates backpacks filled with school supplies, donates pajamas to The Pajama Program and hosts Christmas parties with My Sister’s Place while providing food and gifts.
“These women have demonstrated excellence, leadership and integrity within their community, serving as role models for other successful women,” stated Mayor Spano. “We should be inspired by these women and strive to make a true difference among our neighbors.”
Yonkers “Women of Distinction” Awards video presentation is available at www.yonkersny.gov, on television channel 39 (FiOS), and channel 78 (Cablevision) starting today and daily at 4pm, 6pm, 8pm and 10pm through the remainder of March.
