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.

As a long-time member and current President of the Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Emily has given thousands of hours to families and individuals in need of food, employment, shelter, and comfort. Requests for help even come in the middle of the night from someone needing shelter from an abusive situation. She has helped women find work and connect with community resources that will help them provide for their
families. She has done everything from helping to clean an apartment, assisting a new mother, or planning a funeral. And she does all of this with empathy and compassion.

A mother of five children, she actively participate in many school organizations. Her volunteer activities include serving as treasurer and vice president of the Winslow Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization, as a teacher’s aide and math tutor from 2013 to 2020, as a Den Leader and Cub Master, and an Odyssey of the Mind coach from 2018 to 2020. As a member
of the Rush Henrietta Singers Board since 2020, Emily has served as corresponding secretary, recording secretary, vice president and president. She has assisted with the costume production and organization of cast celebrations for both the Roth Junior High and Rush-Henrietta High School Musicals.

It is important to note that Emily’s first priority is her family. She is raising successful, well-loved, and compassionate children who have been recognized by their school. To quote from her nomination, “…her community work is a natural extension of her commitment to family. She possesses such an abundance of care that she strengthens not only her own home but hundreds of others.”

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.