Rep. Mike Lawler Hosts Annual Women of Distinction Ceremony {PHOTOS & VIDEOS}

On Monday, Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17) held his annual Women of Distinction Ceremony at Thomas Aquinas College, honoring over 30 exceptional women from across the Hudson Valley and New York’s 17th Congressional District for their contributions to the region.

Among the honorees was Vickey Deutsch from the William P. Faist Ambulance Corps. In her acceptance speech, Deutsch expressed deep gratitude to Rep. Lawler and his team for the recognition. She said, “I am deeply grateful to Mike Lawler and his team for this incredible honor. In our community, it is often uncommon for women to find themselves in the position I am today, balancing the roles of captain of William P. Faist, owner of Vickey Doula Services, housewife, and mother.”

Deutsch shared the challenges she faced in pursuing her dream of becoming an EMT, noting that she encountered significant resistance. “When I first expressed my dream of becoming an EMT to help our community and women in need, I faced a lot of pushback. I heard things like, ‘That’s not a woman’s job.’ But I pushed through those doubts and barriers. Today, I am proud to see many women following the same path.”

The complete list of honorees includes: