YWCA is pleased to host this celebration for the fourth year in a row to acknowledge all women who have held or hold public office, says Deborah L. Perry, President/Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Northern Rhode Island. We are especially thrilled that Representative Claudine Schneider, Rhode Islands highest ranking female elected official ever, will be joining us at the event.
At the state level, seven women have served in elected executive positions including General Treasurer Gina Raimondo and 2011 honoree Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Roberts. In 2012, the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University ranked Rhode Island 20th in the nation for elected female representation with women holding 29 of the 133 positions in the state legislature or or 25.7% of the total membership.
In addition to Schneider, five other female political leaders will be honored as recipients of the Isabelle Ahearn O'Neill Award. Isabelle Ahearn ONeill was elected in 1922 as Rhode Islands first female legislator. This years honorees include:
Bristol Town Administrator Diane C. Mederos
Senator Donna M. Nesselbush
General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo
Former U.S. Representative Claudine Schneider
Former East Providence School Committee Member Nancy Stevens
Former State Senator Myrth York
Two women will be recognized as rising political stars - Providence City Councilwoman Sabina Matos and Representative Teresa A. Tanzi.
We should never take womens rights for granted and therefore we need to ensure women have a voice in politics says Perry. YWCA has been dedicated to improving the lives of Rhode Island women for more than a century and we look forward to honoring female political leaders from past, present, and future at this years celebration.