Lewisboro residents honored as 'Women of Distinction'

LEWISBORO, N.Y. - A whole stage-full of amazing women recently gathered in New Castle to receive their well-deserved “Women of Distinction” awards from state Assemblymember Chris Burdick.

Among the 37 honorees were Pia Dorson, Carolyn Mandelker, and Carolyn Taylor, all of Lewisboro.

New Castle Town Supervisor Vicky Tipp was host while guest speakers were county Legislator Nancy Barr and Nisa Geller, executive director of the Westchester Youth Alliance.

The ceremony was held at the Chappaqua Performing Arts Center in June.

Burdick noted that the 2025 honorees were chosen from across the district for their contributions to nonprofits, businesses, education, the public sector, healthcare, “and so much more.”

“So many of them are unsung, selflessly serving without looking for plaudits or praise. This is truly my favorite event of the year,” he said.

Dorson

Pia Dorson, the mother of a child with special needs, is co-vice president of the Katonah-Lewisboro Special Education PTO. She is a member of the Lions Club and actively takes part in initiatives that promote accessibility, inclusion, and support for underserved communities. She is a part-time associate at the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association and is founder and organizer of  Zahra’s Night of Light, which raises awareness of, and fund research for, families affected by PWS.

Mandelker

Carolyn Mandelker has served on the Lewisboro Zoning Board of Appeals since 1993. She’s served on many other boards, including those of the Bedford Playhouse and the North Salem Open Land Foundation. She founded Harrison Edwards PR & Marketing in Armonk and is the recipient of numerous awards including the Women in Business Award from 914Inc. magazine.

Taylor

Carolyn Taylor is founder and executive director of Global Focus on Cancer and has led initiatives that have impacted the lives of more than 10,000 individuals battling cancer. She is a commissioner on The Lancet Global Health Commission on People-Centered Care for Universal Health Coverage and an advisor to the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative. She also co-founded the Southeast Asia Breast Cancer Symposium.