Girl Scouts of Western New York recognized nine honorees at the 2019 Women of Distinction Dinner and Awards Ceremony on September 26 in Buffalo.
Women of Distinction is Girl Scouts of Western New York’s all-girl-led women’s event of the year, honoring women throughout Western New York for their strength in character, dedication to community service, and commitment to mentoring and encouraging girls and young women. Forty-seven girls and young women ran the event from start to finish, serving as presenters, mistresses of ceremonies, ambassadors, and more.
One of the 2019 Women of Distinction is Lori Van Dusen, CIMA®, of Monroe County. Van Dusen is the founder and CEO of LVW Advisors, a registered investment advisory firm, founded in 2011, that serves wealthy families, individuals, and non-profits. Van Dusen was recently ranked in the top five by Forbes in both the 2019 Top Women Wealth Advisors and the 2019 Best-In-State Wealth Advisors lists. She also serves on the board of several area organizations. Van Dusen will be inducted into the Rochester Business Hall of Fame in October 2019.
The other 2019 Women of Distinction honorees are: Christine Bonaguide, Esq., Partner, Hodgson Russ LLP; Linda Clark, M.D., Doctor of Preventive/Occupational Medicine, Founder and CEO, Clark Occupational Medicine Services; Tory Irgang, Executive Director, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Candace Johnson, Ph.D., President and CEO, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center; Joyce A. Markiewicz, EVP, Chief Business Development Officer, Catholic Health; Nadia Pizzaro, Homeless Services Director, BestSelf Behavioral Health, Inc.; Katherine Conway-Turner, Ph.D., President, Buffalo State College; Linda Zakrzewski, Volunteer of Distinction, Teacher, Family and Consumer Science, School 81 Buffalo.
Women of Distinction honorees are nominated by members of the community because of their demonstrated leadership in their careers and in their communities through public service. These women are considered role models for all girls, and in accepting this award, they commit to mentoring the young women involved with the Women of Distinction event.
This program is part of the nationwide Girl Scouts of the USA program and is designed to recognize the achievements of women, provide mentoring opportunities for older Girl Scouts and fund local Girl Scout educational opportunities and programs for girls 5 to 17 years of age.
Proceeds from this event benefit programming for girls throughout Western New York. To learn more about Women of Distinction, girl membership, and volunteering, visit gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.
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