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New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. honored six New Yorkers for their accomplishments at his third annual celebration of Women’s History Month on Thursday, March 18 th. The event was co-sponsored by the Women’s City Club of New York and the New York City League of Women Voters.

“Over the course of our nation’s history, there have been countless achievements on the road to equal rights for all women,” Thompson said in addressing guests at the City Hall ceremony. “From securing the right to higher education, the right to work, the right to own property, the right to vote, to the ongoing battle to protect reproductive rights, women have fought long and hard to participate fully in all aspects of American society.”

Yet, he noted: “The battle for equal rights is clearly not over. So as women continue to cross barriers and open new doors, we celebrate. We celebrate those who enter non-traditional professions, and break down stereotypes. We celebrate those who take active leadership and play key roles in the economic life of our city, state, and nation. We celebrate all those who make the road easier for future generations. But we must remember that the gains we have made have not come easy.”

Thompson characterized the evening’s honorees as inspirational role models who have worked to bring about meaningful change. The honorees were: Deborah Bial, founder and president of the Posse Foundation; Paula L. Gavin, former CEO & President of the YMCA of Greater New York; Dr. Sandye Poitier-Johnson, principal of the Thurgood Marshall Academy in Harlem; Jeanine Ramirez, anchor and Brooklyn reporter for New York 1 News; L. Ann Rocker, founder, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the North River Community Environmental River Board; and Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, senior vice president and chief executive of Community Investment of the United Way of New York City.

Performing at the event were students from the Young Women’s Leadership School.

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