E-Honora: GRAWA’s Electronic Newsletter

A check for $1,300 was recently presented to the local chapter of the National Kidney Foundation as the beneficiary of the proceeds from the 2005 Herstory lecture series which featured Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye, Kitty Van Bortel, and Denise-Marie Santiago.

“The funds generated from GRAWA's Herstory project will allow us to launch a new radio and TV public service campaign designed to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease,” said Jan Miller, executive director of the local NKF affliliate and active participant on GRAWA's Herstory Committee. “Over one in nine members of our community have chronic kidney disease – and most don't know it.”

Matt Belanger, current president of the board of directors for the local NKF chapter added, “The spots focus on the lack of symptoms for early kidney disease and the need to get tested if you are at risk. Most people don't realize that they would be unaware if they were missing half of their kidney function. GRAWA's donation will allow us to get this important message out to thousands of people in upstate New York.

This was the second year that GRAWA presented a lecture series which was the brainchild of Monroe County Family Court Judge Marilyn O'Connor, who feels that women's role in history has not received adequate recognition.

“Over the course of time, women's contributions to the shaping of American business and culture have not always found their way into history books,” said Judge O'Connor. “I wanted to make sure that some of our modern-day history-makers got to share their success stories within the local community.”

In 2005, the Herstory lecture series included a lunchtime program featuring New York State's Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye, local entrepreneur (and top Subaru dealer in the nation) Kitty Van Bortel, and nationally recognized journalist Denise-Marie Santiago who writes for the Democrat and Chronicle.

“All three programs were inspirational,” noted Audrey Peartree, immediate past president of GRAWA. “Of course it is always a treat to have Judge Kaye share her personal perspective, and for those of us in the legal community, she is one of our modern day trailblazers. And because Denise-Marie Santiago is a Mercy High alumni, I was especially interested in hearing her success story.” (Peartree is active on the board of directors for Our Lady of Mercy High School.)

A number of St. John Fisher students were in the audience the evening that Van Bortel spoke, and her down-to-earth, no-sugar-coating story helped at least one young person confirm his commitment to stick with his business courses.

“Never take no for an answer,” Van Bortel had coached. “Know your business inside and out and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.”

In 2004, the lecture series featured J. Christine Wilson (co-founder of the Women's Foundation of Genesee Valley and philanthropist); Wyoma Best (former television news reporter and vice president of Communications/ Marketing for the Rochester Business Alliance); and Naomi Silver (chairman of Rochester Community Baseball, Inc. and major shareholder in the company that owns the Rochester Red Wings).

“We are busy lining up the lecture series for 2006,” added current GRAWA President Denine Carr. “We hope to see the Herstory program grow each year – to help spotlight some of the talented and spirited women who have made a difference, and to inspire others to follow their dreams.”