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Carol Houwaart-Diez recognized as 'Woman of Distinction'

by jmaloni
Fri, May 18th 2012 06:00 pm

President of the United Way of Greater Niagara Honored in Albany

Press release

State Sen. George Maziarz has announced that Carol Houwaart-Diez of Ransomville was recognized as a 2012 New York State "Woman of Distinction."

"Carol's commitment and dedication to the Niagara Region does not go unnoticed," Maziarz said. "She has worked tirelessly to make this community a better place, which is demonstrated in everything that she does. I was honored to be able to salute everything she has accomplished and pay tribute to her shining example."

Houwaart-Diez has worked at the United Way since 1987. In 2004, she became the first female president and CEO of the organization in its history and in 2010 became the first president of the new United Way of Greater Niagara.

Throughout her 25 years of commitment to the United Way, Houwaart-Diez has been a community advocate for many who do not have a voice. Her devotion to the organization drove her to lead the Eastern Niagara United Way and the United Way of Niagara into consolidation, an effort that was necessary in today's economy to form a united front in raising dollars to share with local non-profit agencies.

As a devoted community servant in Niagara County, Houwaart-Diez has served on the boards of directors of many organizations over the years. She has generously shared her time, talents, and leadership skills with groups such as Stella Niagara Education Park, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara County and Niagara University.

Carol has shown great dedication to the Niagara County Community and her record of service has raised the bar for what women can achieve when they work for the betterment of their community, Maziarz's camp said.

Houwaart-Diez and other Women of Distinction from around New York were honored at a special ceremony in Albany's Legislative Office Building on May 15. Each of the 62 State Senators nominated one deserving woman from his or her district for the recognition.

The Senate's "Women of Distinction" program was created in 1998 to honor New York women who exemplify personal excellence, or whose professional achievements or acts of courage, selflessness, integrity, or perseverance serve as an example to all New Yorkers.

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