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We are a non-profit state federation. Our membership includes women and men of every age, race, religion, political party and socio-economic background. We are a leading advocate on work-life balance and workplace equity issues.

In this section, you will read recent news releases and advocacy concerns as well as view our opinion editorials and letters to the editor. Members of the press who are writing about issues of concern to working women are encouraged to contact our Communications Committee at [email protected].

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Niagara Frontier Chapter Honors Leslie Stolzenfels as Women of the Year

Niagara Frontier Chapter Honors Leslie Stolzenfels as Women of the Year

Author: Communications Committee/Friday, April 14, 2017/Categories: Chapter News

Speech given by Immediate Past State President Renee Cerullo - Welcome to the NYS Women Inc Niagara Frontier Chapter. So happy to see so many guests and members from other chapters here tonight to celebrate Lesile’s amazing accomplishments and dedication to our organization and community.

Our organization has been around since 1929. We have a long history of helping women. Until 2009 we were the Business and Professional Women of NYS. In 2009 our national organization folded and we choose to continue our mission as NYS Women Inc. We have 36 chapters and over 500 members throughout NYS. Our mission is to build powerful women personally, professionally and politically. I know from my experiences this organization has made a world of difference in my life. I joined just as I was really starting to focus on being an entrepreneur and focusing on my business. These ladies have helped me grow personally and professionally, develop leadership skills and have been great mentors to me. We are a very strong and determined group of women that is growing every day.

Leslie has been a great asset to the NYS Women Niagara Frontier Chapter. She has been a great supporter of the organization.

Leslie’s career began in 1966, at the Bank of Buffalo. After ten years, it was followed by seven years with First Niagara Savings and Loan as Assistant Manager. In 1982 she took a year off with the birth of her son, Matthew. She is now the proud Grandmother of Daniel, 10 and Noah, 7, the children of Matthew and Nicole.

In 1984 Leslie was elected and served as the City of North Tonawanda Treasurer until 2007, which would go down in the record books as the longest in history of an elected official to serve the City of North Tonawanda.

After leaving the City of North Tonawanda for the position of Deputy Niagara County Treasurer, she served in that position until her retirement in September 2010.

Leslie has also served her community as a volunteer with many organizations.

She is currently the President of the New York State Women, Inc. Niagara Frontier Chapter, formerly known as the Tonawandas Business & Professional Women. Prior to her presidency, she had served as First Vice President and Treasurer of the group, as well as serving in many other offices and capacities in her 39 years as a member. When we have had State conferences in Buffalo she has always volunteered to help at the conference in some capacity.

She also serves as:

  • Current Treasurer of the United Way of the Tonawandas
  • Current President of AARP Chapter 3526
  • Current member of the DeGraff Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
  • Currently serves at the North Tonawanda Food Pantry through the United Way
  • Life member of the Friends of the North Tonawanda Public Library
  • Is an active member of the North Tonawanda Republican Party
  • Is a 65 year member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church

In addition she:

  • Served on the board of the YWCA of the Tonawandas
  • Served on the board of The Boys and Girls Club of the Tonawandas
  • Is a Past Board member of DeGraff Memorial Hospital
  • Is a Past member of the NYS Municipal Finance Officers
  • Was chosen in 2003 as a New York State Senate “Woman of Distinction”

Tonight NYS Women would like to thank Leslie for all her had work and dedication to the community and our organization. I have the NYS Women Pin I would like to give her. The squares in the logo are an abstract representation of our organization’s diversity – that we are open to women of all ages and in various stages of their lives regardless of ethnicity, religion and/or profession. The colors are symbolic of NYS Women, Inc. as an organization. A strong blue provides continuity with the former BPW/NYS logo, denotes professionalism, and is a reflection of New York State’s official seal. The bright green is a modern, appealing color and reinforces a theme of renewal and future growth.

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