Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Women of Distinction Luncheon. Scholarships were given to local high school seniors, . The event was hosted by WCBS TV reporter Mary Calci, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark was the Keynote Speaker. WNBC TV reporter Darlene Rodriguez and Dr. Ester Henry received Honoree awards. For more about the event click on the link to the Bronx Chronicle.

https://thebronxchronicle.com/2019/03/31/bronx-chamber-of-commerce-women-of-distinction-luncheon-2/

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

  This story will start at the end, The photo above is of the five $1,000.00 scholarship award winners (Veronica Helena Jimenez of Bronx Leadership Academy, Idown Kehinde of Belmont Prep High School, Donya Quhsil of University Heights High School, Ngoc Tran of Dewitt Clinton High School, and Vanessa Luna of the New York Institute for Special Education) seated, with scholarship presenters Evelyn Oliver (of Con Edison), Sara Bonizio (of Metro Optics), and Joe Kelleher of the Hutch Metro Center along with Honorees Dr. Betty Rosa and Carol Robles-Roman standing. 

Left - The five $1,000 checks to the five scholars were on display before the event.

Right - Ms. Lisa Sorin of the BCC speaks about the BCC Scholarship Program.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro stands with New York State Comptroller Tom Di Napoli.

 

Ms. Sasha Lildharrie of WCBS - TV   was the Mistress of Ceremony.

Above - Comptroller Di Napoli is seated next to the Keynote Speaker Ms. Suzan Colon noted author.

Below - Comptroller Di Napoli stands with the two honorees Dr. Betty Rosa, and Carol Robles-Roman, who are holding certificates from the BCC. 

BCC President Lenny Caro emphasises the importance of the scholarship program to the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Above - Evelyn Oliver presents the Con Edison STEM Scholarships to Ngoc Tran, Veronica Helena Jimenez, and Idowu Kehinde.

Right - The Metro Optics Scholarship award is presented to Vanessa Luna by Sara Bonizio. 

Above - The Hutch Metro Center Scholarship is presented by Joe Kelleher of the BCC and Hutch Metro Center to Donya Quhshil.

Below - Joe picks up one of author Suzan Colon's books which was autographed by Ms. Colon.

Check my column 100 Percent in next Thursday's issue of the Bronx News for more. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon

  With the rainy chilly weather it looked as though there might be some empty seats at the Bronx Chamber of commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon. However once the luncheon started all seats were filled, and there were a few added guests such as Assembly members Mark Gjonaj (80th A.D.) and Victor Pichardo (86th A.D.). That was not the reason this luncheon was special, it was the four female high school seniors who were receiving $1,000.00 scholarships, and the two very special women that were being honored.

  The luncheon was opened by Mistress of Ceremony Juliet Papa of 1010 Wins Radio fame, and the national anthem was sung by Ms. Joelle Encarnacion of Preston High School. Ms. Geri Sciortino the luncheon chair then welcomed everyone before she introduced the first of the two men involved in the luncheon Mr. Lenny Caro the President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Joe Kelleher the Chair of the Bronx chamber of Commerce was the second man introduced who also spoke briefly. 

  It was on to the Scholarship Award Presentation next as Ms. Lisa Sorin the founder of the Bronx Chamber Scholarship Fund introduced Ms. Evelyn Oliver of the Con Edison STEM Scholarship program called up three high school seniors to receive their $1,000.00 check for college. Jashleen Valerio pf the Collegiate Institute for math & Science, Bernice Oteng of the Bronx High School for Medical Science, and Natailai Dubrey also of the Bronx High School for Medical Science.  Mr. Joe Kelleher President & COO of the Hutchinson Metro Center presented Jocelyn Mercado with the Hutch Metro Center Scholarship. 

  After lunch Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph of Bronx Community College, and Deborah A. Tymon Vice President of the New York Yankees the Women of Honor were recognized for their contributions to the advancement of Women. 

Left - Scholarship winner Bernice Oteng with Evelyn Oliver of Con Edison.

Right - Scholarship winner Jocelyn Mercado with Joe Kelleher of the BCC.

 

Left - The four scholarship winners with Ms. Lisa Sorin founder of the BCC scholarship program.

Right - Honoree Dr. Carole M. Berotte Joseph, with Ms. Geri Sciortino and Lenny Caro of the BCC.

 A group shot with Mistress of Ceremony Juliet Papa back row on the left.

Another group shot of the four scholarship winners with some of the gang from the BCC. Missing is Alexandra of the BCC who was standing to the left of Michelle in the blue dress on the right.