YWCA Celebrates 5th Annual Women Holding Office Awards

YWCA Celebrates 5th Annual Women Holding Office Awards

YWCA Rhode Island held its 5th Annual Woman Holding Office celebration last night, honoring former Rhode Island Secretaries of State Susan Farmer (1983-1986) and Kathleen Connell (1987-1992) and recognized Smithfield Councilwoman Suzy Alba and Jamestown Council President Kristine Trocki as "Rising Stars."  

Catalina Martinez, Regional Manager with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, welcomed the crowd of over 200 in attendance at the Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln.  

Deborah Perry, YWCA President and CEO, said, "Last night was an honor and pleasure for YWCA Rhode Island to thank all women involved in the political process regardless of party, politics or background for their voice, courage, vision and leadership - and to be able to thank and recognize the pioneers who led the way - Susan Farmer, Arlene Violet, Kathleen Connell. You could feel the energy in the room, the power of women coming together as a force and the YWCA in action - eliminating racism, empowering women."

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Farmer and Connell were honored with the Isabelle Ahearn O'Neill Award, who was Rhode Island's first female legislator.  Farmer was the first female elected to statewide office of Secretary of State, and Connell was the third, following Arlene Violet's distinction of being the second woman elected statewide -- and first woman elected to Attorney General in any state -- from 1985 to 1987.

Farmer, Violet, and Connell were featured in a documentary by award-winning photojounarlist John Freidah, which was unveiled for the first time at last night's event.  

The  documentary can be found here.