100 Women Nominees
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote at the federal level, the Columbia County Women’s Alliance wanted to acknowledge and celebrate 100 Women Making a Difference in Columbia County.
We put out the call on November 30th and it was heard! The names of women from multiple generations, walks of life, and areas of achievement were submitted along with glowing testimonials highlighting the ways in which these honorees have made a difference.
All of the following women reside locally in Columbia County and all have impacted our community through their passion, their foresight, their bravery, and their simple determination to make life better for their families and their neighbors.
Congratulations to them all and thank you to everyone who participated! If you’d like to hear more from CCWA and future initiatives, get involved.
Claire Ackerman - Political activist, Columbia County Democratic Committee, Claverack Democrats, Eleanor’s Legacy. Founding member of CCWA.
Brenda Adams - CEO/Executive Director of Columbia County Habitat for Humanity. For over a decade, her job has been to make the dream of homeownership come true for working families. A member of the CCWA Steering Committee, Brenda promises to spend more time with the organization after recently announcing her retirement from Habitat.
Ruth Adams - Director, Art Omi. Advocating for the arts and art education in Columbia County, offering residency programs for artists, writers, dancers, musicians, and architects.
Jabin Ahmed - Co-founder of the first-ever organization to raise awareness in immigrant communities about gender-based violence.
Jarin Ahmed - Coordinating Committee Member of Columbia County Sanctuary Movement - fighting for immigrant rights, Media & Outreach Coordinator for Jaago Hudson - combating gender-based violence in the South-Asian community, Columbia County Police Reform Committee Panelist - building public & police relations, Litigation Paralegal for Getman Sweeney & Dunn - enforcing wage and hour law violations.
Virginia Ambrose - Owner, Scarecrow Farms, a multigenerational family farm in Claverack. While helping to run the farm, Virginia was also the Manager of the Hudson's Farmers Market from 1997-2020, served on the Claverack Library Board of Trustees and the Claverack Library Friends Group, and has been a member of the Town of Claverack Planning Board for many years.
Mary Anthony - Hudson mother and grandmother. Coordinated MANNA Mobile Food outreach to senior citizens, families, and individuals in Greenport and Hudson.
Michelle Apland- Michelle has worked tirelessly to build Flying Deer Nature Center, a not-for-profit wilderness school and community dedicated to mentoring children, youth, adults, and families in deep connection to nature, self, and others.
Faith Appeikumoh - Hudson graphic illustrator and editor.
Anna Maria Assevero- Dr. Assevero's approach to healing is human, caring, spiritual, holistic, nurturing, empowering. This energy and spirit are brought into her connections in the community.
Kim Bach - Pioneer storeowner in Hudson with Verdigris Tea Store and an artist who currently has a show at Time & Space, Ltd.
Pamela Badila - Pam has brought advocacy for African culture and music, and storytelling in general, to children and adults.
Ally Baker - Ally is an amazing horticulturist and businesswoman who embraces continued education and a love for our planet.
Sally Baker - Together, with equal Co-founders, Carolyn Stern and Kate Martino, has spearheaded Philmont Beautification, Inc. for 20 years, leading the way for renewal in Philmont with over 40 revitalization projects, from Streetscapes to Brownfields, providing opportunities for collaboration with a unique community-based revitalization model.
Didi Barrett - NYD Assembly Representative A106 Chair, Women’s Caucus, and Veterans Affairs. Serves on committees on agriculture, environment, mental health, and tourism. A lifelong advocate for women and girls who also created the NED Corp program to deliver social services to our rural region.
Denise Barry - a long-time volunteer leader of all charitable activities at St. James Church, Chatham, plus substitute teacher in Chatham schools and a volunteer teacher at Hudson Correctional Facility.
Janice Beckles - Hudson entrepreneur and volunteer.
Atia Begh - Co-founder of Hudson Muslim Youth, Atia does a lot of the background work required to create inclusive space for women of color.
Kathryn Beilke - As part of her work as a religious leader, Kathryn has made a significant impact in the community as a liaison between people in need and social service organizations. She is also an outspoken activist in the areas of human rights and social justice.
Kam Bellamy - Executive Director of Foundation for Agricultural Integrity (Churchtown Dairy). Former Executive Director Camphill Hudson Inc. Board President Camphill Hudson. Board member Camphill Foundation.
Christina Bohnsack - Christina volunteers for various committees, Germantown Parks Commission, Germantown Waterfront, LWRP, Climate Smart Communities, Germantown Food Pantry and is an activist for her community in a multitude of ways.
Jody Bolluyt - Owner/Operator of Roxbury Farm, an organic CSA in Kinderhook. Working to create a better food system.
Dawn Breeze - Co-Founder and Director of Place Corps, a transformational leadership program for young people. Founder of Instar Lodge, a community arts project serving women and mother artists. Breeze in no particular order identifies as Artist, Designer, Consultant, Mother, Community Organizer, and Educator--Breeze’s work creates opportunities for liberation and creativity at the intersection of art and learning.
Claudia Bruce - Together with Linda Mussman, Claudia created Time and Space Limited over 30 years ago in Hudson. She is deeply committed to women’s equality, and she and Linda were the first same sex couple to legally marry in New York on July 24, 2011.
Maria Bruhmuller - Maria is a mother of four and has 9 grandchildren and a few great grandchildren. Maria is a dedicated volunteer of the Churchtown Firehouse. She served as the President for several years, returning recently for a second term. She is a tireless volunteer for her community, spending time shopping and delivering needed family items from shoes to sheets to those in need along with a multitude of other tasks.
Colleen Carpenter - Colleen Carpenter has given many farm animals a more hopeful future, and she has also provided volunteer opportunities for local people, including young people.
Sage Carter - Sage Marie Carter moved to Hudson in 2008, and joined the team at Hudson Hall in 2015. Sage brings a background in multimedia, theatrical design, and production management. She has created projections for theater, opera, dance, sporting events, stand-up comedy, and more with many theater credits. She serves as an elected member of the Hudson City School District's Board of Education, and also serves on the board of Harmony Project Hudson.
Katy Cashen - Claverack Town Council member, Political activist, Board of Directors Triform/Camphill, and Advocate for the handicapped.
Meg Cashen - Habitat for Humanity, Catholic charities, Women’s Rights activist especially with the Catholic Church. Provided sanctuary for Vietnam refugees and well known for feeding and advocating for people in need.
Thalia (Tobby) Cassuto - At 90 years old, Tobby has been a tireless organizer of Columbia County activists who sent many thousands of postcards all over the country as part of the Postcards for Voters campaign. Tobby is an important Columbia County activist in the areas of community building and human rights.
Emily Chameides - Hudson Area Library Director – advocate for senior women’s projects as well as teen projects to engage the community Advisory committee Hudson Memory Project, Co-host Bound by Books with local teens.
Sonia Cintron - In her work as a teacher of Spanish, Sonia has impacted the lives of many children and adults in the Hudson Area Library. Sonia is also a committed member of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement where she has helped innumerable people.
Carole Clark - Carole is the founder of the Columbia County Recovery Kitchen, and was a co-founder of the Hudson Opera House, conceived as an arts and community center, which profoundly impacted historic preservation and the economic revitalization of the city of Hudson.
Janet Clinton - Ghent entrepreneur. Philanthropy.
Jean Cobb - Founder and former Director of Hudson Day Care Center, Senior Saint Shiloh Baptist Church.
Elizabeth Coe - Founder/director, Mettabee Farm, Harlemville. Hosts social, cultural, educational events—for free or at minimal cost--including for home-schoolers; takes in foster children from CCDSS.
Isa Coffey - Isa Coffey is the Founder and Director of WiseBodies, the only independent school for whole sexuality education for children, teens, and adults. She helped found The Mighty Masketeers and the People’s Wellness Initiative. Isa is an activist, a nurse, a feminist, a lesbian, and a radical change agent.
Jimena Concha - Jimena works tirelessly to teach Spanish at Hawthorne Valley School. She also volunteers as a member of the Coordinating Committee for Columbia County Sanctuary Movement
Darcy Connor - Darcy is a one women show at the Salvation Army of Hudson. When the pandemic hit she knew all the people in need of food and kindness. As the needs increased by almost 100% she continued to work with a small group of volunteers to provide a daily weekday lunch.
Barbara Cooke - Entrepreneur. Volunteer for county-wide food security program. Children’s advocate and mentor. Yearly Children’s Christmas gift distribution.
Ida Pearl Cross - A Pastor’s wife, Ida volunteers for many organizations in Hudson.
Sarah Crowell - Director of NYS Dept. Planning, Development, and Community infrastructure. Columbia County Environmental Management Council. Political activist, and community organizer in Holiday for Women in Domestic Violence Shelter.
Joan Davidson - President Emeritus J. M. Kaplan Fund. Philanthropist. Historic Preservationist. Political activist. Commissioner of State Parks, Recreation & Preservation. Founder of Furthermore Publishing enterprise helping fund books in art, history and environment. Advocate for Public Theatre, Human Rights Watch, and Coalition for the Homeless.
Margaret Davidson - Historical Preservation. Secretary, Olana Board of Directors. Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition, Livingston Concerned Citizens, Farmers & Families for Livingston. Recovery Kitchen volunteer. Board of Directors of Friends of First Presbyterian Church.
Karen Davis - Davis Orton Gallery. Teacher, gallerist and accomplished photographer, Karen has taught and advocated for young photographers, helping to develop their portfolios. Her work can be seen at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art.
Joanne Del Rossi - Fierce activist and organizer in the 2020 election. A strong role model for women of all ages. Chair of the Chatham Democrats, member of the Columbia County Democratic Committee, and Village of Chatham ad hoc committee volunteer.
Julie DeLisle - Julie is the Library Director at the Chatham Public Library and has made a remarkable accomplishment in making the library available to the public during this pandemic in a safe and efficient manner.
Tambra Dillon - Executive Director of Hudson Hall. Promoting the arts in Columbia County by developing programs to engage the community through building diversity and fostering creativity in youth.
Lisa Dolan - Lisa created the Hudson Children's Book Festival and remains co-director of the Literacy Fund Board. Long time educator in the Hudson City School District, Founder Hudson Reads, TEDx speaker, 2016 "Best Educator in Columbia County".
Denise Dunne - Denise Dunne has co-chaired the Austerlitz blueberry festival for many years and together with her husband John, has been a supporter of dozens of local organizations over the years. She also was the calm in the storm for her family during all of the many elections John ran for two decades.
Lisa Durfee - Lisa Durfee is a long time resident of Hudson. Her talent for costumes is beyond compare, especially on Halloween. Her shop 5 and Diamond (now Columbia Street) houses her talent for vintage clothing, dressmaking, dollhouse making, and more.
Jackie Elder - Semi-retired RN and LMT. Dedicated caregiver. Former clinical nursing instructor at CGCC. Co-founder and advisor for a residential center for young women in need of support.
Kimberly Erwin - Hudson radio broadcaster, author, entrepreneur. Board Member and Trustee of the Hudson Area Library.
Marianne Fallon - Long-time mom to numerous foster children and has adopted several of them.
Junette Felder - Stockport nurse.
Karen Feldman - Accomplished attorney and political campaign strategist. Advocate for women’s rights. Past Commissioner of Adirondack Park Agency. Volunteer ski and golf instructor for Adaptive Sports Foundation. Works with veterans from The Wounded Warrior Project.
Karen Fetty - Using her considerable technical skills and humanity, Karen has been an important activist in Livingston. She is a staunch advocate for women's rights and civil rights. She is a Trustee and the Treasurer at Livingston Free Library.
Karen Frishkoff - Co-leader Columbia County Citizens Climate Lobby. Elder care advocate. Hospice nurse. Catholic Charities for Good Hearted Givers organization.
Enid Futterman - Editorial Director of IMBY, a website for citizen journalism and community networking. Author, political activist, Claverack Democrats.
Kristin Gamble - Chairman Scenic Hudson. Environmental advocate. Philanthropies. Instrumental in saving Hudson’s lighthouse.
Karen Garafalo - Karen is a retired Taconic Hills High School teacher and a former Philmont Librarian.
Tiffany Garriga - 2nd Ward Alderperson in the City of Hudson. Advocate for community members in areas of policy, justice and progress.
Edith Geribon - Heads a junior chapel program for kids at risk in Hudson. She provides direction, support and stability for the kids, providing a holiday they might not otherwise have.
Brenda Gevertz - Vice Chair Columbia County Democrats Steering Committee, Indivisible Columbia County NY representative NY-19 activist. Co-founder CCWA. Executive Director, Emerita JPRO Network. Women’s rights and human rights activist.
Debra Gitterman - Philmont Trustee. Co-Founder of Purpose Co-Working, Inc. Co-founder of PCAN, a community group that has held Narcan training in Philmont, refurbished a local park and sponsored the Philmont FIT Community Healthfair. Registered Philmont as a Climate Smart Community in 2018; Procured a $35,000 grant from NYS Clean Energy Communities Program in 2019.
Gwen Gould - Founded Columbia Festival Orchestra (1988), Hudson Chamber Opera (2004), ClaverackLanding (2010), Classics on Hudson (2015), and supports young musicians through “Take a Seat” mentoring program. Her newest project, Hudson Festival Orchestra, will debut on the Hudson waterfront as soon as Covid-19 is under control. Free and open to the public, “Hudson in Concert” will celebrate our diverse American heritage through music.
Susan Haag - Sue serves all the people of Austerlitz as Town Clerk with care, efficiency and professionalism. She is also a devoted wife, mother, daughter and niece.
Carrie Haddad - Art Gallery Owner. One of the first supporters of the Arts in Hudson. Columbia County Council of the Arts.
Beverly Hayle - Columbiaville teacher.
Destiny Hallenbeck - She is a strong voice for democracy and leader for the next generation. President College Democrats of New York and Intern, SUNY Center for International Development.
Alana Hauptmann - Alana was one of the first pioneers in The Great Hudson Revival. The Red Dot Restaurant is a Hudson institution as is she. She is a true community and neighborhood builder, advocating for local causes and people in need.
Chelly Hegan - Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. Activist Extraordinaire.
Tistrya Houghtling - Deep involvement in her community and organizes Regional Food Bank and Free Store. Involved in climate concerns and waste reduction. Supervisor Town of Lebanon.
Cara Humphrey - Cara works tirelessly to bring renewable energy options to Columbia County and New York state residents. Cara serves on the Environmental Management Council, Town of Austerlitz Climate Smart Committee, and Zero Waste Columbia.
Joan Hunt - Director at Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood. Kids visiting parents in jail.
Ven. Hyochul Kim - Claverack, Exec. Dir. Won Dharma Canter; chairperson of Won Buddhism USA.
Lee Jamison - For more than 34 years, Lee has been an activist, and a dedicated worker for her community. Vice Chair, Board of Directors Friends of First Presbyterian Church. Political and women’s rights activist.
Rev. Jeanette Johnson - E. Chatham Minister, Women’s Health Rights activism.
Theresa Joyner - Hudson entrepreneur, volunteerism. Former Postmistress in Germantown. Real Estate Agent.
Hosneara Kader - Teacher of Bangladeshi children, Head Start/Even Start.
Jacinta Keith - Hudson, social work. Grandmother and Board member of the African Women of the Diaspora.
Sarah Kendall - Communications Director at Kite’s Nest. Working to bring about healing for young people along with personal transformation, social connection and systemic change.
Nancy Kern - Long-time contributor to Columbia Paper, column “Through the Woods,” expert nature information and observations from growing up on multi-generation farm in Ghent.
Pam Kline - Pam is a tireless activist in the areas of community building, political advocacy, women’s, civil, and human rights. Founder, Livingston Concerned Citizens. Co-founder of Farmers & Families of Livingston and Hudson Valley Smart Energy Coalition. Co-founder of Columbia County Women’s Alliance. Co-founder of Columbia County Recovery Kitchen. Chair, Friends of First Presbyterian Church Board of Directors.
Shari Kline - As the owner of a cutting-edge textiles company, Shari is particularly focused on fostering growth and providing mentoring opportunities for young women in the design field. She participates in hiring and training programs for workers in recovery. She supports not-for-profits focused on domestic abuse and suicide prevention and the arts, donating time, resources, and home textiles locally and nationwide.
Michelle Kraham - Office for the Aging.
Emily Culley Kress - Long-time 4H leader, a model for inexperienced parents and supporter of struggling children; models strong, productive family life based on low-impact self-sufficiency.
Joyce Lapenn - A committed volunteer to the Town of Hillsdale and Columbia County. Chair of the Fund for Columbia County, Trustee of the RoeJan Library, Chair of the Hillsdale Safe at Home Committee to serve the elderly, Board member of the Columbia County Advisory Committee to Office for the Aging.
Abby Lappen - A gifted singer- song writer, choreographer and dancer, teacher of the arts to children and adults. Founder, director and choreographer of Amble Dance. Consultant in movement and music in mental health. Recovery Kitchen volunteer.
Tricia Lasky - Tricia is a long time resident of Chatham, where she is an active participant in civic affairs. Most recently she has co-chaired the Columbia County Voting Committee which has been active in registering new voters and getting out the vote.
Debbie Laurange - Caregiver to several grandchildren, and helping them to participate in community activities. Operation Unite.
Carol Lavender - Carol has been managing The Second Show, a community thrift shop that benefits Columbia Memorial Hospital, its Auxiliary, and Operation Unite, for almost 25 years. It's a job that grows in its outreach every year. Among our connections to agencies and other human services in the area, we've been the distribution site in Columbia County for Coats for Kids for at least 15 years.
Iona Lutey - Iona is the founder and first leader of Columbia County Chapter of Citizens Climate Lobby. She is currently CCL’s Northeast Region Coordinator where she is a fearless advocate for the environment.
Theresa Lux - Theresa is the Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Columbia and Greene Counties whose mission is to empower the poor. She is a strong advocate for a just society for women and the poor and vulnerable.
Kim Martens - Through the Office of the Aging, Kim helps guide seniors through the intricacies of Medicare/ Medicare with utmost patience and sympathy. She is the ultimate elder care advocate.
Tracy Martin - Owner of Otto’s and Germantown Laundry, businesses which are both eco-conscious. Volunteer for Recovery Kitchen.
Gloria Martinez - Gloria was a founding member of the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement. She was the first chair of the Family Support Committee. She is a champion of civil rights for all, especially for immigrants. She has given her time and energy to many projects, including the CCSM Mano a Mano program that helped to provide small grants and hot meals to immigrant families who were hardest hit by the pandemic.
Patti Matheney - Patti is a past president of the Columbia Memorial Hospital Foundation and serves on the Ghent Town Board. She has been a leading advocate to bring Broadband to Columbia County.
Theresa Mayhew - Educator, volunteer. Resource educator, family and consumer sciences at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Advocate for housing.
Dr. Tanya Mays - Ghent entrepreneur, medical health professional in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Serenity Wellness Spa.
Shanekia McIntosh - A talented multidisciplinary artist, curator and community activist, formerly director of youth programs at the Hudson Area Library, now working on building funding opportunities for BIPOC in our area with Spark of Hudson.
Jeanne Mettler - Accomplished attorney. Jeanne serves her community government as Copake Town Supervisor. She is a staunch women’s rights activist.
Stella Fay Metzner - Stella works in Health and Wellness, as well as Food and Personal Sovereignty. At the start of the pandemic in March, she co-created several mutual aid groups that developed into, The Mighty Masketeers of Columbia County, The Grow in Harmony Community Garden in Kinderhook, which grew food for another co-created community effort the Columbia County Recovery kitchen. It all began with neighbors helping neighbors and co-creating community. You can find Stella and her work at www.stellafay.com.
The Mighty Masketeers - Carol Frederick, Becky Siegel, Deborah Doyle, Eileen J. Raab, Isa Coffey, and other founders/leaders of the Mighty Masketeers of Columbia County - They, and the group they founded, has made thousands and donated facemasks for our local and global community, especially people forced to live in close quarters and those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connie Mondel - Connie has held many key positions over the years, including: Co-Chair, Austerlitz Blueberry Festival; Member, Austerlitz Comprehensive Plan Committee; Trustee, Old Austerlitz; Clerk, Austerlitz Planning Board; Chair, Center for Faith Enrichment of St. James Church; Master Gardner; and Co-Chair Austerlitz Democratic Party.
Elena Mosley - Elena is an artist, organizer, activist, educator, mentor, leader, and developer of human talent. As Executive Director of Operation Unite, Elena makes space for emerging leaders and lifts youths.
Martina Muller - Martina is an accomplished artist/ sculptor and dedicated teacher at Hawthorne Valley School. She is the founder of Lightforms Gallery, a center for cultural renewal that brings creative artists and their artwork into the public domain in innovative ways.
Carline Murphy - Valatie radio personality, NFP Organization Board Member.
Farzana Musomi - Protesting for survivors of Sexual Abuse and demanding justice for women and girls who have been sexually abused.
Linda Mussmann - Through her work at Time & Space Ltd., Linda has brought original artistic performance to Columbia County. As a social change activist, she has advocated against the St. Lawrence Cement plant, Hudson heavy truck traffic, and criminal justice inequities.
Rev. Sungin Na - Rev. Na is a certified acupuncturist at the Won Dharma Meditation Center in Claverack. Her practice concentrates on the mind/ body connection. Her belief is that one can enjoy a better, healthier life by learning to keep the natural balance we are born with.
Gianni Ortiz - Indivisible NY-19 Founder and political activist. Real Estate agent.
Carole Osterink - Carole’s Gossips of Rivertown blog is absolutely amazing. She is a brilliant journalist and historian doing the research that others are no longer doing and in the process, building community by keeping us informed and connected.
Anita Otey - Anita is the Bank Manager at the State Street Branch of Key Bank. Anita changed the culture at the branch and stepped up the level of customer appreciation and friendliness toward all who walk into the bank. Anita immediately began reaching out to the community offering financial guidance/workshops and included the faith community.
Theresa Parsons - Theresa has had a significant career in Columbia County as a political activist and community builder. She organized the move of the Hudson Area Library to the Armory and is now involved in the historic restoration of the First Presbyterian Church on Warren St in Hudson.
Carol Peckham - Director of Columbia County Recovery Kitchen. Volunteer Salvation Army Kitchen. Publisher and Vice President of Scientific American Medicine and blogger. Affordable Care Act journalist. Political activist.
Annette Perry - Ms. Annette is always organizing. whether it is block parties, book bag giveaways, food donations, free school supplies, clothing, or infant supplies!
Deena Pewtherer - Deena has shared her expertise in technical theatrical production actively working with Columbia County theater groups for many years. Currently, she is a leading member of a volunteer initiative in response to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Mighty Masketeers of Columbia County.
Jennifer Post - In 2010 the small Claverack Free Library bought the large A. B. Shaw Firehouse next door, and library trustee Jennifer Post offered to chair the capital campaign that would enable the library to expand into its new home. Her skills as a committee chair, an organizer, a persistent fundraiser, a consensus builder, and an advocate made it happen. If Jenny had not had the vision and had not stepped up and dedicated a decade of her life to this project, the library would still be in its tiny outmoded building.
Bernadette Powis - Elected as Coroner in 2018, Bernadette is a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, and a certified psychiatric/mental health Nurse practitioner. She brings to this task both competence and compassion.
Joyce Reynolds - Before retiring a few years ago, Joyce practiced as a Registered Nurse in Columbia County for 48 years--but her commitment to community began even earlier, as a MASH nurse in Vietnam for two years. She is a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, and a regular volunteer for the Ghent Food Pantry.
Cynthia Richards - Philanthropist, Hudson Hall Board of Directors. Arts advocate, political. and social activist.
Cheryl Roberts - Environmental attorney, Executive Director Greenburger Center for Social and Criminal Justice. Women’s rights advocate, social justice reform activist. Co-founder of CCWA.
Abby Rockefeller - Ecologist . Feminist. Philanthropist. Columbia County farmland advocate promoting Biodynamic farming to serve as a beacon for those working in sustainable agriculture and regenerative communities.
Kathryne M. Rohde - Capt. Rohde is the commander of all State Police personnel in Columbia County. She is dedicated to public safety with expertise in crisis management and emergency situations. She is an excellent role model for women in non-traditional roles.
Debby Roth - President, Chatham Area Silent Pantry. During Covid-19, Debby organized two drive-thru food distribution sites serving over 1,100 households. She participated in the Chatham School Backpack Food program which continued through the summer serving 53 families.
Sharon Rouse - Sharon (Yates) Rouse, known as “Aunt Sharon” is a Hudson staple, building a sense of community through volunteerism for the Hudson Elks Club, Hudson Fire Department Auxiliary, and the Salvation Army.
Susan (Falzon) Rubin - Friends of Hudson, Deputy Director, 2003-2005; Executive Director 2005-2006. Founding member and Executive Director of STOPP. An environmental activist in Greene, Columbia, and Albany counties. Led the community opposition to the Athens Gen plant and the Lafarge Cement Plant in Ravena, resulting in significant modifications to the original proposals. She was the NYS Clean Air Ambassador in Earth Justice’s 2013 campaign, 50 States United for Healthy Air.
Carla Sadoff - Carla is a partner at Lumeri, a business consulting firm, providing international consulting work in construction, healthcare, energy, the advancement of women, and non-profits. She is also an MSW and RN, having worked at Columbia Memorial Hospital. A longtime advocate of programs that contribute to the under-served, Carla is actively involved with several organizations and has participated in medical missions.
Rev. Cleveth Samuels - Greenport Pastor and author.
Laurie Scott - Laurie is the Executive Director of Re –Entry, an important program to help incarcerated men and women resume life in their community upon release. Her personal interaction has impacted lives by providing aid with housing, food and jobs.
Moriah Sears - New Lebanon Library Director. Member of the Columbia County Police Reform Panel.
Tina Sharpe - Tina is the Executive Director of Columbia Opportunities. For 20 years she has been responsible for bringing such important programs as Head Start and Weatherization for low income families.
Rev. Kim Singletary - Interfaith Council. First woman pastor at Payne AME Church. Social activist advocating for civil and human rights for laborers and women. Founding member of CCWA.
Lynn L. Sloneker — Station Manager, Managing News Editor, WGXC-FM
Nancy Smith - Nancy founded the Columbia Children’s Center in 1982. Since then, she has been a leader and advocate for early childhood education based on learning through play with a concentration on emergent skills and individual interests.
Madaline Sparks - Serving as Vice President of Spencertown Academy Board of Directors, Madaline is the driving force behind the Academy’s restoration as well as community programs and artistic events.
Erin Stamper - Vice Chair CCDC (Columbia County Democratic Committee), election specialist in Columbia County Board of Elections. Political strategist and activist. Women’s rights advocate.
Sarah Sterling - For many years, Sarah has worked for the people of Hudson as a member of the Common Council and as a Supervisor representing Hudson on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors as Minority Leader. She is also a member of the arts community as a photographer.
Sarah Suarez - Co-owner of Gaskins in Germantown. During the pandemic, Sarah contributed free hot meals to her community, initiated a pay it forward burger program and donated food to the local food pantry. She is a member of the Germantown Economic Development Committee, Park Commissioner and Town Board.
Robin Sullivan - Teacher’s assistant, tireless organizer for donated clothing and food for students at risk in Ichabod Crane School district. Organizer for summer food distribution program during Covid-19.
Rev. Corinne Summers - E. Chatham Minister, volunteer.
Stephanie Sussman - Political activist and town organizer. Chair Claverack Democrats. Community leader. Claverack Library volunteer. Environmentalist and women’s rights activist.
Maria Suttmeier - Superintendent of Hudson City Schools. A dedicated educator who initiated such programs as Investments in Youth, the Children’s Book Festival, and The Bridge, an alternative high school initiative for under-performing youth. Maria was a founding partner of Bard Early College Hudson - a tuition-free, satellite program of rigorous credit-bearing college courses for high school students.
Ruth Tamaroff - Owner of Tamohara Collection, wholesale jewelry. Trustee Hudson Festival Orchestra. Advocate for music and the arts in Columbia County.
Holly Tanner - Past President of NYS Association of County Clerks. Columbia County Clerk. Organized the Find & Assist Vets on Record program to receive discounts at local businesses. Implemented the KISS program to keep the identities of seniors safe. President Women’s Club in Hudson. Flag Day Committee. Political advocate.
Joyce Thompson - Taghkanic Town Board, Columbia County Democratic Committee, Columbia County Council on Aging. Tireless community government leader representing the needs of her community.
Ellen Thurston - Community organizer, political activist, and past Supervisor of Third Ward, Hudson. 2010 Hudson area Citizen of the Year. Past VP of the Hudson Opera House and Principle of Winter Walk organizer. Created events calendar for Hudson and a WGXC commentator.
Kay Toll - We are all grateful for Kay’s vision, generosity, humor, and wisdom. The electric vehicle pictured is dedicated to Kay Toll in recognition of her 25 years of service to Olana as a Trustee of The Olana Partnership.
Joanne Trapanese - Social reform activist. Women’s Rights advocate, volunteer for the Sanctuary Movement working for immigration reform.
Rev. Linda Van Alstyne - Stuyvesant Clergy, volunteer.
Iris Waddell - Retired from the Pastorate of Payne A.M.E. Church in 2015, Pastor Waddell continues to be active in community affairs, religious and otherwise. She has served as a ministerial volunteer in both the Hudson Correctional Facility and the Columbia County Jail.
Lakia Walker - Active member of Rock Solid Church advocating for women needing shelter and aid from the community.
Barbara Walthour - Pillar of African American Community. Member of Women’s Progressive Club supporting education at the Junior High Level. Co-owner of the Savoia Bar and Restaurant which for many years provided many aspects of the social life of the Black community.
Robina Ward - Robina Ward has been a dedicated community volunteer for the past two decades and a member of the Hillsdale Town Board for the past five years.
Sophie Wedd - While employing two of her sisters in her busy design company, Sophie spearheaded an outdoor mural map for local businesses while expecting her first child. She has provided countless pro-bono design jobs for the local Fire Department, and many aspiring businesses in need of a boost!
Kaya Weidman - Co-founder and Executive Director of Kite’s Nest. Responsible for community engagement, development, fundraising, and communications. Teacher of woodworking, gardening, and journalism to children and teens. Co-founder WGXC Community Radio Station.
Lucy Welch - Hudson artist.
Gail Wheeler - Compassionate educator. The Odyssey Group Learning Cooperative. Volunteer writing tutor for Operation Unite. Coordinated Peer Tutoring Center at Columbia Greene Community College.
Roxanne Wilkins - Roxanne Wilkins works tirelessly to bring the topic of racial justice to diverse communities. Roxanne mentors young girls in Philmont where there are very limited support systems. She is on the local time bank coordinating group, the Co-op board, church groups, and she is a racial justice discussion leader
Rebecca Wolff - Poet, fiction writer and editor and creator of Fence Magazine and Fence Books. Fellow at NYS Writers Institute. Alderperson for Hudson’s First Ward.
Wendy Wollerton - Livingston Free Library Director. An excellent example of neighborhood and community building by initiating online environmental programming for children and adults. Wendy keeps her community connected by writing an engaging newsletter including links to online exercise classes and food pantry donations.
Eileen Yandik - Eileen continues to run, with the help of her sons, a 100+-year-old family farm, including a well-known farm stand and bakery. Eileen also serves as secretary for two Livingston Town Committees and is helping to raise two young grandsons.
Jeana Yuk - Co-founder/operator of Et Cetera Farm, an organic farm with a sustainable agriculture program for interns with high tunnel cultivation practices.
Koethi Zan - Koethi serves on the Ghent Town Board and has been an advocate to retain the beauty and health of the community by opposing a cement plant, high electrical wires and chemical storage. She was active in restoring the West Ghent Community Center and restoring the tennis courts for the community's use.