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4/8/2011
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Female legislators honored by YWCA
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Perry, Williams, Diaz, Ruggiero honored for their work in politics
STATE HOUSE – Four female legislators were among the women honored this week at YWCA Northern Rhode Island’s third Women Holding Office Celebration.
The event, held Tuesday at Bryant University and hosted by Kati Machtley, director of the Women’s Summit at Bryant, honored women who have made a difference as elected officials and encouraged others to run for office.
As part of the event, Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3, Providence) and Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) were honored as the first recipients of the Isabelle Ahearn O’Neill Award, along with former state senators Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Lila Sapinsley and former attorney general Arlene Violet. Isabelle Ahearn O’Neill was Rhode Island’s first female legislator. The youngest of 13 children of a former Woonsocket city councilman, she won election to the House in 1922 and later to the Senate, where she rose to deputy Senate floor leader. She also served as a Democratic national committeewoman.
Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and Rep. Deborah Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown) were recognized as rising political stars, along with Woonsocket School Committee Member Vimala Phongsavanh.
“Without women in politics and government, someone else will always be speaking for us, if anyone speaks up at all. YWCA’s Women Holding Office Celebration is our thank-you for their voice, courage, vision and leadership,” said Deborah L. Perry, executive director of YWCA Northern Rhode Island.
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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