It's Dr. Angela White Day In Westchester County | VIDEO

WHITE PLAINS, NY — On Monday evening, the Westchester County Board of Legislators commemorated Women’s History Month by honoring educator Dr. Angela White and student leader Harshita Shet in a live-streamed video ceremony.

Chairman Ben Boykin kicked off the ceremony with an acknowledgment of the 100-year anniversary of the battle for women's suffrage — the 2020 and 2021 theme of Women’s History Month. He also referred to the battle for economic stability that has challenged so many women during the coronavirus pandemic.

"As we recognize the courage, foresight and resolve of women who have strengthened our democracy, we should also reflect on the devastating effect that COVID-19 has had on their lives over the past year," Boykin said. "In order to weather this difficult period, women will need to channel the qualities of fortitude, tenacity, and perseverance that made suffrage possible.”

Legislator Catherine Borgia presented a proclamation honoring White, who has had a long and distinguished career as an educator, and is a beloved figure in the Ossining school district. She has advocated for access to appropriate education for children, regardless of their abilities. She currently is superintendent of the Carol and Frank Biondi Education Center at Rising Ground in Yonkers.

In addition to lauding White for having touched the lives of thousands of children, Borgia recalled a personal anecdote.

"My own daughter was very fortunate to have received an award for leadership from Angela when she was a very, very small second grader – small but mighty!" Borgia said. "When my daughter received the award, she looked up at Dr. White like she was an angel who came down from Heaven. We still have that picture on our refrigerator and it is a delight to see every day."

White responded by thanking the Board for the honor of the nomination.

"President Biden’s proclamation of this year’s Women’s History Month speaks to the important contributions that women have made throughout history in spite of the discrimination, hardships and inequalities that we have faced," White said. "I am earnestly grateful that you are acknowledging the importance of the work that I have done over the past 40 years on behalf of students and families."

The Board declared March 24, 2021 “Dr. Angela White Day” in the County of Westchester.

Majority Leader MaryJane Shimsky presented a proclamation to Woodlands High School student Harshita Shet. Shet is the founder of Feminine Dignity, a nonprofit that provides feminine hygiene products to women in shelters, refugee camps, correctional facilities and other institutions around the world.

"We need more young people, we need more women of all ages like Harshita who participate so comprehensively and are also innovators, calling our attention to serious problems facing women today," Shimsky said. "Harshita, thank you for everything you do for the community and the world, and consider this a down payment because we are looking forward to so much more outstanding things from you in the future."

"My parents have always taught me to give back to those who need it," Shet said. "Whenever you have something, you should help without hesitation.”

Of her program to provide feminine hygiene products to those in need, Shet said, "I found out that globally over 1.2 billion women lack access to this necessity. Locally, shelters and correction facilities are not provided with feminine hygiene products, and globally, refugee camps are also not provided with feminine hygiene products. Females live with huge mental burdens with lack of this necessity. And from then onwards I knew I needed to make a change.”

The Board declared March 23, 2021 Harshita Shet Day.