This spring, Roosevelt Island shined a little brighter as five extraordinary women were honored at the Roosevelt Island community awards. The event was hosted by Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. The ceremony was part of the State Assembly’s annual “Women of Distinction” initiative. It recognized these local heroes for their service, leadership, and dedication to making Roosevelt Island and beyond a better place to live.
While the event celebrated civic engagement across the 76th District, it was clear that Rebecca Seawright honors Roosevelt Island with special care. She selected honorees whose roots run deep into the heart of our community.
💛 Why These Awards Matter to the woman of Roosevelt Island
The Roosevelt Island community awards are more than a moment in the spotlight—they are a heartfelt Roosevelt Island civic recognition. These awards honor the quiet, consistent efforts that often go unnoticed. Each honoree reminds us that real leadership starts with showing up, lending a hand, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.
These five women leaders on Roosevelt Island represent a wide range of talents—from sustainability and public health to arts, activism, and food justice. However, they all share one thing in common: a deep love for community.
🌸 Meet the 2025 Roosevelt Island Award Honorees
Beatrice Ajaero
A lifelong Roosevelt Islander and founder of Nneji, the Island’s beloved West African eatery, Beatrice is known for her interfaith work and humanitarian food initiatives. From feeding thousands in NYC to launching development projects in Buffalo, her efforts blend culture, compassion, and community care. Most recently, she’s been serving as a high school teacher in the South Bronx. She uses her multilingual skills to reach students of all backgrounds.
Christina Delfico
An Emmy-nominated media producer turned eco-educator, Christina founded iDig2Learn to reconnect children and adults alike with the wonders of nature. Her work has led to school gardens, native forests, and sustainability programs across the city. Often, she uses Roosevelt Island as her green canvas. Whether speaking at the UN or planting pollinator pockets, Christina is a tireless advocate for the environment.
Verna FitzPatrick
With a lifetime of service in public health, Verna has cared for countless New Yorkers while also giving back through faith and volunteerism. As Chair of the Coler Hospital Community Advisory Board and Senior Warden of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, she helps guide some of the Island’s most vital support systems. Her kindness is legendary. Her impact stretches far beyond our shores.
Stephanie Herlihy
Born and raised on Roosevelt Island, Stephanie founded Roosevelt Island Thrift, a sustainable venture that keeps reusable goods out of landfills. Proceeds from the store go toward children’s programs. Her love for the Island is evident in everything she does—from her environmental focus to her dedication to giving back to the community that raised her.
Sharon Pope-Marshall
As Executive Director of CIVITAS and a leading voice on Manhattan’s Community Board 8, Sharon is a champion for inclusive urban planning. She’s brought together neighborhoods through land use coalitions and pedestrian safety efforts. As a longtime advocate for Roosevelt Island’s role in city planning, she also serves on the Cornell Tech Task Force and the NYC Greenways Coalition.
🗨️ “These women represent the best of Roosevelt Island,” said Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright. “Their work uplifts neighbors, strengthens our community, and inspires action.”
🌷 In Celebration of Roosevelt Island’s Community
Each honoree reminds us that change doesn’t always start at City Hall—it starts right here, on Main Street, in our parks, at our places of worship, and around the dinner table. These Roosevelt Island community awards are a testament to what’s possible when care meets action. Want to attend? RSVP here – the event is tonight.
As we celebrate these exceptional women, we’d love to hear from you—who would you nominate for next year’s honors?
Send us your thoughts, stories, or shout-outs. Because when we lift each other up, the whole Island rises with us. 💛
Emergency Without Urgency
When government invokes the word “emergency,” normal process changes. Timelines accelerate. Environmental review can narrow. Procurement pathways can shift.
