Sometimes it’s the weather that brings in warmth and cheer, but on Saturday, March 7, it was the joyful spirit and gentle energy of more than 50 people gathered at the Mount Kisco Public Library that made the town’s International Women’s Day Celebration a great success, say organizers.
The afternoon of inspiring stories, dance performances, poetry, and meaningful conversations was organized by WMN Unite, the Mount Kisco Conservation Advisory Council, and For the People and Kids.
Several exceptional women were honored for their tireless service to the community.
They were County Legislator Erika Pierce, Dolores Vidal-Roy, Dr. Margaret Adubor, Karine Patiño, Shonan Noronha, and Jessica Colón.
Attendees shopped at tables of eco-friendly products from local women-owned businesses.
According to Nicole Sturomski, WMN Unite founder and director, those recognized “were selected because of the meaningful impact they have made in our community through leadership, service, and advocacy.”
“Each of these women represents, in a different way, uplifting others. They’ve done this through public service, community organizing, inspiring professional work, and nonprofit leadership. Together, they embody the spirit of International Women’s Day.”
Dr. Adubor, a local optometrist, spoke about the need for self-care, and encouraged women to care for themselves as a foundation for service to others.
Karine Patiño, an immigration attorney and former Mount Kisco Village trustee, told the gathering about her mother’s leadership role in the family and community while her grandmother nurtured the little ones.
John Rhodes, a Mount Kisco Historical Society trustee, spoke about remarkable local women, past and present, who had helped shape the character and environment of the village.
He mentioned Laura Flewellyn, a Mount Kisco Elementary School teacher for 50 years and the village’s first conservationist, and Emily Wood, who, in the 19th century, founded the area’s first nursing school for minority women.
“When women lift each other up, we create a ripple effect that touches everyone in our community. It’s about making space at the table for everyone, pulling up a chair so no one feels left out and everyone has a voice,” said Jessica Colón, founder and president of For the People and Kids.
The event featured live performances from cultures around the world.
Elaine Wing, co-owner of the Curio Room, demonstrated the construction of a Cloud Lantern used in the Qilin Dance, a folk dance from the Naxi people of southwestern China. She also performed the Crane Dance, which is native to that area.
Annabelle Samuel did a classical Indian devotional dance in praise of Devi, the goddess described as the embodiment of beauty, grace, and joy.
The audience joined the La Gina Dance Troupe in belly dancing and Nicole Sturomski demonstrated a rhythmic Tai Chi routine that is supposed to relax and rejuvenate the body and spirit.
Women entrepreneurs often build businesses that are deeply connected to their communities, said one organizer, noting that “events like this create an opportunity to highlight their work, strengthen local economies, and encourage women to support one another’s ventures.”
Participating vendors included Two Souls Jewelry, Kleidy McCoy, author of "Follow the Dots of Joy," and “Dots of Joy” author, Niecy's Bake Shop, Plastics Made Pretty, The Tea Experience, and J McKinley.
“Women have inspired the growth and inclusive culture of Mount Kisco, and this event showed that the future of the community is in good hands,” the organizer added.
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