Press Releases

Contact: Gail Donovan
Donovan Communications
718-399-2122

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT PRESENTS DR. PAMELA STRAKER WITH
DR. SUSAN SMITH MCKINNEY HUMANITARIAN AWARD

On Thursday, March 16, Borough President Marty Markowitz and Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham hosted the 2006 Brooklyn Power Women’s Networking Breakfast and Women’s HERstory Induction Ceremony at Borough Hall. Six women were presented with awards named for outstanding women leaders in Brooklyn history.

“It’s not enough to say that Brooklyn has benefited greatly from the efforts of both the honorees and the venerable women that our awards are named for,” said Borough President Markowitz. “The majority of civic organizations in Brooklyn, from our schools and business groups, to our churches, to our legal community and arts advocacy groups, are led by women.”

“We invest in our leadership tomorrow by mentoring and cultivating the young women of today,” said Deputy Borough President Graham. “Helping young women learn from our mistakes and benefit from our successes is fundamental to maintaining the momentum toward equality.”

Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris, the highest-ranking woman ever in the City administration, graciously accepted the Shirley Chisholm Leadership Award.

The event’s honorees were:

Lucy Burns Activist Award to—Barbara McTiernan, Senior Vice President for Programs and Operations at Prospect Park

Shirley Chisholm Leadership Award—First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris

Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Humanitarian Award—Dr. Pamela Straker, President and CEO of Brooklyn Psychiatric Centers, Inc.

Lady Deborah Moody Founders Award—Marianna Koval, Co-Executive Director of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy

Emily Roebling Business Women’s Award—Ada Rodriguez, Chief Marketing Officer of Health Plus

Betty Smith Arts Award—Dianne Berkun, Founder and Artistic Director of the Brooklyn Youth Chorus Academy

Borough President Marty Markowitz, Dr. Pamela Straker. Ýand Deputy Borough President Yvonne Graham.