In celebration of Women’s History Month, State Sen. Lea Webb ‘04 presented awards last week to local entrepreneurs and leaders from the Southern Tier.

In recognition of their work in the community, Webb gave six awards, including three NY State Senate Commendation Awards, two Empire Awards and a posthumous proclamation. Recipients were awarded at the fourth-annual Women’s History Month Reception on behalf of the New York State Senate.

“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the leadership, service, and vision of women and women-led organizations who are making a lasting difference in our communities,” Webb said in a press statement. “I am proud to recognize this year’s distinguished honorees for their contributions to public health, education, spiritual guidance, entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and community advocacy.”

Felicity Gomer, Nicole Anjeski and Rev. Kimberly Chastain each received Commendation Awards. Two women-owned businesses, Adrina Dietra Luxury Lingerie and No Más Lágrimas / No More Tears, received the Empire Award. An educator, Ann Campbell, received a proclamation.

Gomer, director of public communications at Family Planning of South Central New York, spoke about her passion for “meeting people where they are” and expanding access to care, including to underserved individuals in the community, by strengthening the organization’s presence in the surrounding area.

A graduate of Leadership Cortland, Gomer received training specifically centered on community development, served on the Family Violence Prevention Council — a volunteer organization that has been serving Broome County for 40 years — and has helped initiate the distribution of care kits with reproductive health materials.

“I have been continually inspired by the nonprofit partnerships, grassroots energy, and community spirit that define this region,” Gomer said. “During Women’s History Month, I am reminded that meaningful progress happens when women support women and lead with compassion, courage, and conviction. I am proud to call the Southern Tier home and to contribute to the lasting impact being built here every day.”

Anjeski, the public health director at Cortland County Health Department, who raised her family and started her career in nearby Cortland County, spoke about her focus on improving the health and well-being of those who live in and visit her community.

“Throughout my tenure with the Cortland County Health Department, I have focused on high impact initiatives, including leading the department to successful completion of National Public Health Accreditation, implementing the Healthy Neighborhoods program to reduce environmental health hazards in the home, and securing federal funding through the Healthy Homes Production Grant to strengthen lead poisoning prevention,” said Anjeski.

Chastain, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Binghamton, has focused her efforts on community organizing and caring for individuals in need of financial or housing assistance. According to Chastain, her congregation is progressive, focused on enacting kindness and justice and the space serves as a “center for mutual aid, learning, and action.”

The church has partnered with various community organizations and institutions. Those who have been granted access to use the space include the Binghamton City School District Adult Education, Addiction Center of Broome County, CARES Advocates, Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier, Narcotics Anonymous and the Family Enrichment Network. UPC also works closely with Citizen Action of New York Southern Tier Chapter, Volunteers Improving Neighborhood Environments, New York State Women, Infants and Children and Good Neighbors Community Food Connection.

Ana Ortiz, founder of the women-owned business No Más Lágrimas / No More Tears, has connected with various community partners, like Boards of Cooperative Educational Services, Opportunities, Alternatives and Resources of Tompkins County, Tompkins Cortland Community College, Ithaca Free Clinic and GreenStar Food Co-op.

“People need to support each other and take care of our children,” Ortiz said. “Please, do not forget your neighbor, your familia, your friends. We have to make sure nobody goes to bed hungry.”

After accepting the award, Adrina Graham, the founder of Adrina Dietra Luxury Lingerie, reflected on her journey as a mom and her passion for creating more dialogue around issues like access to menstrual products and essential needs in the community, including clean undergarments and adaptive bras.

“While I’m humbled by the national and international recognition Adrina Dietra has received, what means the most is seeing local impact grow: more toiletry cabinets, more dignity-centered donations, and more people feeling seen,” Graham said. “I love this community, and every day I’m grateful for the chance to nurture the places that have nurtured me — using my craft, my voice, and my business to help build the future we all deserve.”

Campbell’s husband, Willie Campbell Jr., spoke as Ann Campbell was presented the posthumous proclamation. Willie Campbell spoke about his wife’s lifelong service as a highly regarded mathematics teacher in the Union Endicott School District. She was active in the Union Endicott Teachers Union and the New York State Teachers Association. According to her public obituary, she was committed to giving her “knowledge, wisdom, advice, friendship, and money” to anyone in need and she was highly engaged in spearheading various community projects.

“Each of these leaders demonstrates the dedication, compassion, and commitment that make Senate District 52 such a vibrant and resilient place,” Webb said. “Their work uplifts families, creates opportunities for young people, and strengthens our community every day, reminding us all of the power of leadership in action.”