CNY RISE Center held its 18th Annual Friendship Dinner on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The topic for this year was “How Will We Rise to Address Climate Change?” The CNY RISE Center and Women Transcending Boundaries co-sponsored the evening.
The event began with greetings from Master of Ceremonies Dr. Lisa Saka. Melek Yavuz, CNY RISE Board President and President of Women Transcending Boundaries, warmly welcomed everyone. She highlighted the urgency of the problem of Global Warming and the rise in natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and hurricanes as climate patterns are disrupted. Multimedia Presentations introducing CNY RISE Center services and the programs of Women Transcending Boundaries were shared with our guests. Then, a traditional Turkish Dinner was served and guests enjoyed live music performed by Azat Orazmyradov.
Everyone viewed a video describing the science behind Climate Change and the need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, methane and other heat-retaining gases humans release into earth’s atmosphere. Dr Rhea Jezer, President of Energy 21, gave a compelling and inspiring talk—emphasizing that humanity is being thrown a last life line. While we know what we need to do, significant progress will require true cooperation and commitment from Industry, Labor, Environmentalists, Government and All Communities.
CNY RISE Center recognized exceptional community leaders with the “Community Service Awards.” This year Rachel May, NYS Senator; Chris Carrick, Energy Production Manager of CNY Regional Planning and Development Board; Al Stirpe, NYS Assemblyman; and Joanie Mahoney, SUNY ESF President, received awards for their efforts in combating Global Warming. Matthew Millea accepted the award for Joanie Mahoney. Each spoke about some efforts he/she has championed and the challenges to progress.
We were honored to have John Mannion, NYS Senator, and Nodesia Hernandez, Legislator, make closing remarks. Barbara Bova of WTB said that though this scale of this problem feels overwhelming, we each need to do what we can with our actions, voices, and votes.
