Not Business As Usual: Larchmont Mask-Maker Wins First WOW Award

LARCHMONT, NY — Melissa Manice of Larchmont was recognized at a gala event on Thursday for her work helping to solve critical mask shortages in the early days of the global pandemic. County Executive George Latimer presented her with the first ever "Not Business as Usual" award at the virtual event.

Manice was among dozens of women nominated by peers in their communities across Westchester. The winners were honored for their outstanding work during the pandemic at Westchester County's first annual WOW Awards on March 25. The ceremonies were emceed by Emmy Award winning WABC-TV reporter (and former News 12 Westchester morning show anchor) Naveen Dhaliwal. The nomination process took place last month where more than 150 nominations were submitted and judged by members of the County Executive's Administrative Team.

“In thinking about back to March 2020, which feels a lifetime ago and also yesterday, we put out a call just locally to try and come together to make masks," Manice said in a speech accepting the award. "There was a shortage. And what we saw was organizations like Neighbors for Refugees, Sew Happy which is a local Rye-based organization, an organization that became sort of a multi-municipality coming together to make over 10,000 masks, handmade and delivered to local hospitals in Westchester and the New York metro area at large…What then morphed as PPE became more available was a focus and a need for local businesses. So I’m incredibly humbled by the work of One Larchmont, which has been small but mighty supporting our local Larchmont businesses."

Latimer said the time for formally recognizing the women who lead our communities is long overdue. He noted that heroes presented with this year's awards will be just the first in a long line of role models deserving of acclaim.

"Women are the keystone of our community and society as a whole," Latimer said. "Without their leadership, the next generation would not have the drive and ambition we see today. These exceptional honorees have shown compassion, faith and perseverance during one of the most trying times in our lives."

A virtual audience of more than 300 heard from guest speakers who made their own impacts in Westchester County and New York State. Presenters included, among others, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Attorney General Letitia James and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins.

"Over the past year, I have been so inspired by the women who have gone beyond the call of duty as essential workers, small business owners, elected officials, advocates and parents," Sen. Gillibrand told audience members. "The pandemic has multiplied the number of roles we have to play and made long-standing imbalances more visible and it has re-affirmed my commitment to fighting for policies that will make life better for all of us like providing universal paid family leave, making quality childcare affordable and accessible and addressing the racial disparities in maternal mortality."

The full WOW Awards ceremony can be viewed here. The winning nominee for each of the seven categories are:

• Mariana Alonso-Jusafaj of New Rochelle winner "Women Supporting Women" award
• Melissa Manice of Larchmont winner "Not Business as Usual" award
• Frances-Ann Lightsy of Mount Vernon winner "The Next Generation" award
• Nubia Earth Martin of Yonkers winner "Healing Hands" award
• Donna Brown of Tuckahoe winner "Charity Begins at Home" award
• Joyce Lu of Hastings winner "Young Woman of Westchester" award
• Ida Silver of Peekskill winner "Keeping the Faith" award

Planning has already started for the 2nd Annual Women of Westchester Awards. The ceremonies will once again be timed to coincide with Women's History Month. With a little luck and the efforts from members of the community like those honored this month, perhaps the award winners and dignitaries will be able to gather in person this time next year.