This award is given annually to recognize a woman who has, through non-work related volunteer contributions, acted as a role model for the community.  Any woman who is presently a resident of Henrietta, and who has demonstrated leadership qualities and commitment to community service, is eligible for this award.

Born in the Sudan, Mai has lived and volunteered in our community for over 25 years. She has served as a member of the Rush-Henrietta Board of Education since 2018, and Vice President since 2023. She provides an essential perspective as a Black woman, and as a parent of three children, one with special needs. She is a strong believer in families partnering with schools to support their child’s education, which is one reason she serves on the Multicultural Parent Advisory Council and works to improve support for children with disabilities and for their families.

Mai follows through where she believes there is a need. She has served as a Senior High School building representative, participates in the Shared Decision-Making Review Committee, and in the Legislative Committee of the Monroe County School Board Association. Mai connects the school district with diverse cultures of Rush-Henrietta, for example she works with the Equity and Inclusion Advisory Council, serving to connect diverse cultures within the
student community.

Mai also serves as Executive Director of Refugees Helping Refugees, empowering recent arrivals to achieve independence and growth toward their potential in a new country. She is a passionate supporter of vulnerable populations, especially women and girls. She has been a program support specialist at Empire Justice Center, and an interpreter for the New York State Unified Court System. Mai believes that community service strengthens the whole community.

Mai Abdullah is an advocate for students of all abilities, for immigrants and refugees, for vulnerable populations. A quiet leader without ambition for herself, Mai is a fierce believer in doing what is right for our entire community.

Lynne Adamson Stewart cares about her community, especially those in need. She supports The Coffee  Connection, which employs women recovering from substance abuse. She has volunteered at the phone banks for Red Cross Blood Drives and is a dedicated supporter of FISH-RHAFT, Inc. Lynne mentors women with breast cancer and promotes the work of the ReStore in Henrietta, a Habitat for Humanity outlet, by putting photos on Facebook to spread the word.

Lynne is skilled at linking people with needs to people who can provide the needed service. She inspires interpersonal and institutional cooperation, regardless of the topic. She participates in many church groups, including the Celebration of Culture, and the Interracial Clergy Council, which gives scholarships in Martin
Luther King Jr’s name.

Lynne’s work in the past has included teaching sixth grade and teaching at the State School at Industry. She stays in touch with the Rush-Henrietta school community, promoting plays and musical events at the high school. She was key in creating the “Love Overcomes Scholarship” for graduating seniors committed to non-violence.

For the past few years, Lynne has set up a table at the Gay Pride Flag Raising event. As an advocate for women’s rights, she has raised her daughters to be capable of achieving any goal they set for themselves.

Lynne Stewart is regarded by her nominators as a model of community engagement, and a wonderful friend, centered in her effort to link us all for the betterment of the Henrietta community.