Local Community Activist Sonia Valentin Fernandez Receives The “Woman of Distinction” Award

Do you know Sonia Valentin Fernandez? Perhaps you should. Fernandez is a local community activist, a member of Community Board 11, an appointee of the 62nd Precinct and attendant of the Citizens Police Academy, a Founder of the Friends of John J. Carty Park, the President of the Benson Avenue Block Association, and a supporter of many causes that benefit victims of domestic violence, veterans, and the disadvantaged.

State Senator Martin J. Golden recognized all of the work Fernandez has done and honored her with special recognition from the State Senate as a 2012 “Woman of Distinction”.

The awards event took place in Albany.

Fernandez has been a long-standing civic activist, having helped with everything from crocheting lap blankets for vets to face painting and making balloon animals at the Women Against Violence race and 62nd precinct’s Night Out.

It was her sister, Veronika S. Fernandez’s touching words that got the elder Fernandez nominated, “Her most outstanding accomplishment, however, is her impact on thousands of individuals through her community service.  Her civic and moral engagement, willingness to help everyone, is quite a noble path and is undeniably remarkable.”

“I was honored to welcome an extraordinary Brooklyn woman to Albany to honor her as part of the State Senate’s Women of Distinction Program,” said Golden of Fernandez’s accomplishments.  “Sonia has proven herself to be dedicated to the community and many charitable efforts.  I know that she will continue her work to improve and better the neighborhood.”

Congratulations to the hardworking Fernandez!