New York City, NY – A story history and heroism converged at the NYC Women’s Veterans Grove in Central Park for the Women in Service Awards. The annual tribute ceremony, celebrating extraordinary women who have served our nation and local communities, was hosted by Rear Admiral Zeita Merchant, Commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Personnel Service Center, who recently shattered glass ceilings as the first woman to be promoted to admiral in the Coast Guard's history.
Under the autumn canopy of the iconic memorial grove, Admiral Merchant led the ceremony with grace and reverence, highlighting the profound contributions of this year’s honorees. “Each of these women embodies the courage, commitment, and resilience that define service, whether on the frontlines of battle, in disaster response, or within the fabric of our communities,” Admiral Merchant remarked. “It is an honor to stand among them today.”
A Celebration of Extraordinary Women
This year’s honorees represented a wide spectrum of service and leadership:
Judy Audevard – Founder of Hudson Valley Paws for a Cause, bringing comfort and healing through therapy dogs.
Major Ophélie Bernecker – Deputy Military Advisor at the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations, recognized for her diplomatic and military contributions.
Deanne Criswell – Administrator of FEMA, leading the nation’s disaster response and resilience efforts.
Ingrid Lewis-Martin – Chief Advisor to the NYC Mayor’s Office, advocating for policies that uplift communities.
Meridith Maskara – Chief Development Officer for Girl Scouts of the USA, empowering the next generation of female leaders.
Sergeant Major MaryKay Messenger – Vocalist with the West Point Band, inspiring audiences with her music and service.
Captain Tina Peña – Military Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, bridging military expertise with global policy discussions.
A Ceremony of Unity and Respect
The event, featuring an all-female color guard from the U.S. Coast Guard, began with a moving benediction offered by Major Jonathan Bailey, Chaplain for U.S. Army Garrison Fort Hamilton. The Deputy Consul General of France in New York, Ms. Myriam Gil, joined dignitaries and attendees in honoring the awardees.
Admiral Merchant’s leadership and historical achievement served as a powerful reminder of how far women in service have come and the critical roles they continue to play across sectors. The ceremony’s venue, the Overseas Service League Flagstaff and Women Veterans Memorial Grove, provided a poignant backdrop. This living memorial, established in 1925, honors American women, including nurses with the Red Cross, who gave their lives during World War I, while also symbolizing the enduring spirit of women in service.
Community and Collaboration
The ceremony was made possible by the collaboration of the American Red Cross in Greater New York and partners, including The Howard Teich Network, the Office of Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright, the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services, the Columbus Citizens Foundation, and the Eastside WWI Centennial Commemoration Committee. Their collective efforts underscored the significance of community in honoring and supporting women who serve.
This year’s Women in Service Awards not only celebrated exceptional women but also inspired attendees to reflect on the legacy of service, the progress of women in leadership, and the importance of continuing to support those who dedicate their lives to others.
For a closer look at this extraordinary event, watch the ceremony highlights here: Women in Service Awards 2024.
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