White Plains, NY — On Monday evening, the Westchester County Board of Legislators celebrated Women’s History Month paying tribute to Marcela Briones-Levin of Ossining, and Dr. Pauline Mosley of White Plains.

Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D–Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton, Ossining, Peekskill) convened the celebration by sharing, “This year’s theme is ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories;’ a theme that honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to reflecting the human condition since time began. From the earliest storytellers, our experiences have been chronicled by artists, grandmothers and teachers.”

“Tonight, we have the pleasure of honoring two extraordinary educators, whose work aligns so perfectly with this year’s theme – our Ossining School Social Worker, Marcela Briones-Levin, and Pace University Professor Dr. Pauline Mosley.”

“In considering who I wanted to honor for Women’s History Month from my community, Marcela came right to mind. Since coming here 28 years ago to escape the oppressive Pinochet regime in her native Chile, she has not stopped working on behalf of poor and undocumented immigrants in pursuit of basic rights. Through her work as a Parent Coordinator and school social worker, she has been a tireless advocate for children’s education, and a voice for immigrant parents to help navigate the school system. She has also been involved with Envisioning Westchester in their struggle to bring change and social justice to our County.”

Briones-Levin thanked Borgia for the honor, saying, “I want to acknowledge the many other women who work as servant leaders throughout the world … I have seen the difficulties and struggles that the immigrant community and people in poverty have to endure while looking for better opportunities amidst life in a democratic and wealthy country. Education opened opportunities for me. Because I had a college degree and residency, I was able to continue my education and become a Social Worker and therapist. Today, I am the voice of the silent immigrant parent who has not yet acquired the language, nor the confidence, to feel welcome or supported in a foreign land. I see my own parents in every humble and shy parent who comes looking for support or the tools to navigate the educational system, in order to support their children.”

The Board has declared March 25, 2023 “Marcela Briones-Levin Day” in the County of Westchester.

Leg. Jewel Williams Johnson (D – Elmsford, Greenburgh, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, White Plains) presented a proclamation to tech guru, Information Technology Professor, and mentor Dr. Pauline Mosley saying, “Today we proudly honor a leader who has picked up the mantle and is moving things forward. Professor Pauline Mosley is a reflection of the fact that the world has made enormous progress.”

“Her mission is making technology concepts accessible and comprehensible for all students regardless of their learning style… and I think that says it all! Dr. Mosley holds dual B.S. degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science, an M.S, in Information Systems and a Doctorate in Computing. She is a full professor at Pace University where she has taught for 23 years.”

“I am both proud and reassured to know she continues to ensure girls in Westchester who have limited resources have the same opportunities as boys to succeed and outperform in STEM. We are more than glad to know Professor Mosley is improving the situation for all of our daughters -- and all of our sons -- for future generations!”

Professor Mosley responded with gratitude, saying, “There is nothing more gratifying to me than helping students overcome obstacles and achieve success. The educational, social, and emotional challenges presented by COVID, for example, cannot be overestimated … Being a professor is so much more to me than just teaching a subject – it’s a nurturing process.”

“Cybersecurity is one of the fastest growing fields and yet only 14% of this workforce is female. My main research interest is exploring why this gender imbalance exists and then figuring out strategies to change that narrative.”

To be recognized for Women’s History Month really is so meaningful to me. I cannot think of a higher purpose than lifting up girls and young women to become the STEM leaders of tomorrow!”

The Board has declared March 26, 2023 “Dr. Pauline Helen Mosley Day” in the County of Westchester.

Read a program for Monday night’s event at: https://www.westchesterlegislators.com/images/Newsroom/2023/2023-whm-program.pdf