On March 24, 1199SEIU Women’s Caucus members gathered at New York City’s Hotel Trades Council Offices to honor the accomplishments of members who have advanced the interests of women in the labor movement and in their communities. The evening included a presentation of awards, music, dance performances and a poetry reading.

Members honored at the event included homecare worker Angela Sampson and Registered Nurse Chantelle Diabate, who works at Hebrew Home for the Aged in the Bronx. Diabate made headlines last year when, concerned about her patients, she walked several miles to work in a blizzard.

Also honored was the late Sue Preset, a dedicated 1199 organizer who last year succumbed to Lou Gehrig’s disease. Preset’s daughter was there on her behalf to accept the award.

The caucus also commended Pakistani women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai. Yousafzai has been advocating for the rights of girls and women since age eleven. She was just fifteen when she was nearly shot to death by the Taliban for promoting education for Pakistani women and girls. A representative from the Malala Foundation accepted a certificate on Yousafzai’s behalf.