The Town of North Hempstead hosted its 31st-anniversary breakfast, a momentous occasion to celebrate and induct the exceptional 2024 Women’s Roll of Honor honorees. This event occurred on June 18 at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.
Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava and the town board, along with the honorees, their families and friends, came together to recognize and honor the significant contributions of these women in making a difference in the North Hempstead community.
“These women are honored because they are leaders who have made a difference in our communities,” said Supervisor DeSena. “We are a beautiful, diverse and passionate community. And, like these honorees, we must continue to put our hands out to reach and teach others.”
The Women’s Roll of Honor is named after May Newburger, an iconic figure for social justice, equality and environmental causes. In addition to her activism, Newburger was a member of the New York State Assembly and became the first woman to serve as a town supervisor in Nassau County.
In honor of her many accomplishments, the Town of North Hempstead names several women to the Roll of Honor every year who exemplify the same dedication to activism and community as Newburger.
“This beautiful town event allows us to recognize the remarkable sacrifices made by these women amidst all the responsibilities of their personal and professional lives,” said Town Clerk Srivastava. “Some have made a difference on a large public scale, while others contributed through quiet, consistent measures. All these women serve as outstanding models on how to live for others.”
The North Hempstead community came together to celebrate the honorees. The Albertson VFW 5252 presented the Color Guard, and United States Army Captain Ramona Jones led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance. Leah Del Orbe of the New Hyde Park Senior Chorus and Metropolitan Youth Orchestra of New York joined Cristina Palumbo and Reilly Toner from Kellenberg Memorial High School to sing the National Anthem.
The Westbury Middle School Select Senior Chorus, directed by Mr. Jonathan Fulcher, put on an electric performance of Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys.
Master of Ceremonies Maria Thomas and Dr. Bhavani Srinivasan introduced the honorees as follows:
Sridevi Bhumi, Old Westbury
Parvaneh Sarraf Doustan, Roslyn
Dorothy Forte, Manhasset
Rachel S. Fox, Port Washington
Michelle Golden, Roslyn
Theresa Greiner, Williston Park
Anna Hakakian, Kings Point
Priti Jain, Roslyn Heights
Agnes Kirschner, East Williston
Maggie Messina, Albertson
Joanna Palumbo, Carle Place
Mary Stein, New Hyde Park
Mary Sydor, Westbury
More about Anna Hakakian of King’s Point:
Anna Hakakian’s unwavering commitment and boundless compassion make her a beacon of hope and a source of strength in our community.
Known for her exceptional leadership and management, Anna meticulously organizes dinners and fundraisers with organizations like Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) and Larger Than Life.
Whether she is providing food for the less fortunate, caring for the sick, or uniting communities for a cause, Anna is always at the forefront, ready to assist.
Anna also serves as the President of the Sisterhood at the Babylonian Jewish Center. With a passion for preserving tradition and fostering community engagement, she has successfully hosted various programs, classes and events that promote Jewish heritage.
Through various innovative initiatives, she has created a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates her Persian and Iraqi Jewish identity and promotes philanthropy and kindness.
Anna has become and integral part of her community, a catalyst for positive change whose influence will endure for generations to come.
More about Parvaneh Doustan Sarraf of Roslyn:
Parvaneh Doustan Sarraf was raised by parents who were leaders in their community. The Doustan family eventually established the Mashadi community’s synagogue and center.
She moved to Israel for five years to deepen her understanding of her culture and faith. Upon returning, Rabbi Leo Young of Otzar Ha’Torah University awarded her a scholarship.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Jewish Religion and Culture from Yeshiva University in New York City while also spending some time at Columbia University. Parvaneh became a guest lecturer at Columbia University’s Sephardic Center and is now the Assistant Principal at the North Shore Hebrew Academy.
She has been honored with the 1994 Gruss Teaching Award and the 1989 Teacher of the Year award. She co-founded the “Paras Jewish Organization, which supports displaced Iranian Jewish immigrants in America, and is a founding member of the “New York’s Iranian Mother’s Association.”
As the Director of Family Mediation for the Jewish Iranian Federation of New York, she serves on the boards of numerous organizations.
Parvaneh raises funds for destitute families, widows, orphaned children, and children battling addiction.
She has written numerous articles and three books conveying her knowledge and passion for Judaism. She is also an accomplished singer and poet in Farsi.
Parvaneh’s steadfast commitment to her faith and community inspires and uplifts all those around her.
