Rep. Joe Crowley honors Sister Teresa Fitzgerald, left, Irma Rodriguez, Linda White and Assistant Chief Diana Pizzuti during his annual Women’s History Month celebration. Photo courtesy Dominick Totino Photography
An assistant police chief from Queens served as the keynote speaker at a Women’s History Month celebration in the Bronx this week and was recognized as one of the city’s female leaders.
Assistant Chief Diana Pizzuti, who serves as the commanding officer of Patrol Borough Queens North, spoke at the Women’s History Month celebration hosted by U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) before being honored alongside several other community leaders. The group gathered at the New York Botanical Garden’s Stone Mill on March 10 for the 11th annual celebration.
Crowley, who launched the event in 2004, said he was proud to be a champion of women’s rights in both the U.S. and abroad. He recognized Pizzuti for her dedication to service and also honored three other local community leaders, including Hour Children Executive Director Sister Teresa Fitzgerald, Queens Community House Executive Director Irma Rodriguez, and Bronx Community Board 11 Member Linda White, for their dedication to their communities.
“This year’s honorees – Assistant Chief Pizzuti, Sister Fitzgerald, Ms. Rodriguez and Ms. White – are all important role models for our daughters,” Crowley said. “Their lives are a testament that there’s no limit to what women can achieve.”
Pizzuti spent 30 years in law enforcement and worked previously as commanding officer of the Police Academy before assuming her current post in Queens. She was the only woman in the history of the Police Department to hold such a title. Her past experience also included titles such as president and board member of New York Women in Law Enforcement.
She graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and earned a master’s in education from Seton Hall University.
Irma Rodriguez has helped provide social services to more than 25,000 residents throughout Queens since assuming her role as executive director of Queens Community House and was celebrated for bridging the gap between borough residents and community-oriented programming. She has also served on the board of the New York Women’s Foundation and has been a leading voice on issues like housing and human rights, Crowley said.
White also dedicated most of her adult life to community service and spent nearly three decades on the Bronx’s Community Board 11. She also helped start the Van Nest Community Council.
“During Women’s History Month, we pause to recognize the invaluable contributions women have made and reflect upon those who laid the groundwork for gender equality,” Crowley said. “While progress has been made, much work remains to level the playing field for women and make sure they have an equal opportunity to succeed.”
By Phil Corso
