Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office
Ulrich presented Gagliano with a Council Citation at his Ozone Park district office.
By Forum Staff
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) recently honored Howard Beach resident Jacqueline Gagliano, who has been named “Woman of the Year” by Zonta International’s Queens Chapter.
Gagliano was recognized for her 30 years of humanitarian work for women’s rights, the protection and welfare of children, and for promoting Italian culture.
“Women and children internationally have one voice to be recognized and validated,” Gagliano said. “I’d like to thank Councilman Ulrich for this recognition. I am truly humbled.”
Zonta International is a leading global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.
“Jacqueline is the epitome of a good citizen, having dedicated her life to advocacy,” Ulrich said. “I commend Jacqueline on this much-deserved honor. Your tireless commitment to our community has not gone unnoticed.”
Gagliano has served on the faculty of The City University of New York and New York University, where she taught graduate and undergraduate classes in early childhood development, family psychodynamics and treatment protocol. While on-staff for the New York State office of mental health, she supervised graduate interns in social work and psychology.
According to Ulrich’s Office, Gagliano is a licensed psychotherapist and board certified diplomat with more than 30 years of professional experience working with women, children and families. Her main focus has been to facilitate the empowerment of women at home and in the workplace as well as helping children in conflict. She has a private practice in Howard Beach, where she currently resides.
For five years, Gagliano served as the Director of In-Service Training for the Department of Family and Children Services, Archdiocese of New York. She has studied and worked abroad in Madrid, Rome; and Guadalajara, Mexico, and lived on a kibbutz in Israel for two months. Visiting small pueblos of Mexico City, the mountains in Cali and the city streets in Caracas, she witnessed the poverty of children and the exploitation of women and from this, organized health resources into her practice.
Gagliano has also been a strong voice promoting the richness of her Italian heritage. She is a second- generation Italian-American with deep roots in the tradition and values taught by her grandparents and parents. As a Board Member of Bella Italia Mia and the Association of Italian-American Educators, she was a catalyst in recognizing talent in education, music, film and Italian cuisine.
Additionally, Gagliano is a member of the American Association of the University of Women, the Italian Welfare League, and Famee Furlane of North America. As a board member of the Italian-American Women’s Center, she has been instrumental in awarding scholarships to high school students bound for college.
