NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce hosted the 13th Annual Women of Excellence Award Dinner on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at Beckwith Pointe in New Rochelle. “It [was] a night of J’s” joked Frank Miceli, Chamber President “and there is another one coming, because I hear [Hurricane] Joaquin is on his way.”
Joking aside, Frank was right because the Executive Director of the Chamber and emcee, Bob Marrone, swore that although all of the honorees and award recipient’s name started with J, it was a coincidence. Even Jeanne Zaino, PhD, who was the keynote speaker at the dinner joked about the phenomenon and hoped her “J name would help her get a Woman of Excellence award.” The Presidential Historian and Political Consultant did “note another common thread amongst the honorees that included successful careers, a strong work ethic…and supportive family and friends.”
This year, the lucky scholarship winner, Jhinelle Walker, not only won the scholarship from the generous and committed Zaukas family, who sponsors a scholarship to a remarkable high school girl in honor of the late Muriel Zaukus who was a woman devoted to New Rochelle, but, on the spot, Jhinelle was also awarded a full scholarship to The College of New Rochelle by one of the four extraordinary honorees, Judith Huntington, who is the President of the college.
During a lovely evening including dinner and music, the first honoree, Julie Rockowitz, was awarded the Annual Muriel Zaukus Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award for her dedication and service to the Beth El Day camp where she has served as the Director for more than 25 years. When she received her award she said “I almost didn’t recognize many of you without copper tans and t-shirts.” She was presented the award with a heartfelt speech by her daughter, Dahlia Rockowitz, who said her Mom is “opening the minds of children simply by giving ‘peas a chance.’”
The second award was presented to President Huntington for Business and Professionalism for her many years in the business industry, for being on the Board of “America’s healthiest bank, Signature” and for her rise to becoming the 13th President and respected woman in higher education. Huntington who was presented the award by Anne Pelak, Director of Financial Aid, said, “The College of New Rochelle has so many wonderful things happening …we are respecting tradition and embracing transformation.”
The Humanitarian of the Year award was presented to Janet Scarano for her countless efforts in reaching out to the community through her 34 years in the award business at Jan Mar Trophy located across the street from City Hall in New Rochelle. When she received the award from the presenter, her husband, Mario, who devotedly ended his speech with poster-sized pictures of Janet from years ago and today, Janet said humbly, “I’m not used to getting awards, only giving them.
The Community Outreach award was presented to Jean Maisano for her undying efforts with the not-for-profit sector as Director of Public Relations of The Guidance Center of Westchester, for her work with all the animals she loves at Pet Rescue, and for the humanitarian causes that her husband and County Legislator, Jim Maisano, gets the accolades, but for which she fervently works on behind the scenes – like Toys for Tots. When Jean accepted her award, she said, “The Guidance Center makes my job easy with their amazing counselors and staff.” She continued to praise each of the people who worked at the Guidance Center for their “tireless work and efforts.” Jim Maisano presented her the award with a side-splitting speech that captured Jean’s affection for animals.
While everyone was enjoying the pastries provided by Beckwith, President Huntington quietly made her scholarship offer to Jhinelle Walker and her parents. Bob Marrone, within earshot, was thrilled of the surprise scholarship and asked President Huntington to make an announcement of this historic offer to Jhinelle. Huntington said “I have to be crazy not to take the opportunity to offer a full scholarship to this amazing young woman right here.” The announcement came to a room full of gasps and joy for the gifted Jhinelle who graciously accepted her Young Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship and is undoubtedly considering the generous offer from The College of New Rochelle.
Each year the Women of Excellence Award Dinner is arranged by the Chamber of Commerce of New Rochelle and its Board of Directors. Jennifer Lanser, Director of Marketing and Public Relations who presented the Young Leader of Tomorrow award said “This is the time to join the Chamber because it is on the horizon of new things and will be adding a Membership Card with a host of benefits before the end of the year.” If you would like to become a member of the Chamber of Commerce or have someone in mind for next year’s award Dinner, please call 914.632.5700.
