In honor of Women’s History Month, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano recognized the “Women of Distinction” awardees from Yonkers whose distinct achievements have improved the lives of others in the community and whose impact has helped shape a better Yonkers. The four distinguished Yonkers women received their “Women of Distinction” Awards at a ceremony held at Yonkers City Hall on March 18.
“Women’s History Month is a time to honor the extraordinary achievements of women, and here in Yonkers we are especially proud to celebrate Katori Walker, Eileen Torres, JoAnn Rich Tamarazzo, and Karla Diaz — leaders who strengthen our community every single day,” said Spano. “Their dedication enriches our city, uplifts our families and inspires the next generation to lead with purpose. Whether they are advocating for our youth, expanding access to the arts, supporting our seniors or championing equity and social change, each of these women embodies the very best of Yonkers.”
This year’s honorees range in talent and service. They include:
Walker is a creative artist and painter known for transforming urban spaces with bold, colorful murals that celebrate community, culture and storytelling. Her artwork appears in public and cultural spaces throughout Yonkers and the surrounding region, including the Hudson River Museum, Will Library, Rye Art Gallery, and the Yonkers Riverfront Library, as well as on buildings across the Bronx and Harlem. One of Katori’s most notable projects is the 2017 exhibit “100 Words of Wisdom,” which featured 142 elderly participants from diverse backgrounds. Each participant had meaningful words painted on their body that reflected how they saw themselves, creating a powerful visual tribute to identity, experience and the wisdom of age. Through her murals, spoken word and playwriting, Katori continues to inspire connection, celebrate diversity, and leave a lasting artistic legacy in the communities she serves.
Torres is a licensed clinical social worker, bilingual counselor, mental health counselor, and licensed teacher who devoted 38 years to serving students in Yonkers Public Schools as a school social worker before retiring in June 2025. She now works part time mentoring and training future school social workers in the district. Beyond education, Torres has a long history of supporting youth through athletics, coaching basketball and softball from 1987 to 2012 in Yonkers and Mamaroneck — including at Roosevelt High School — and contributing to Special Olympics programs. She also serves as youth service director for Lifting Up Westchester, leading initiatives for youth experiencing homelessness, including a summer camp at the Coachman Center and mentoring students in their academic and life journeys.
Rich Tamarazzo is a lifelong Yonkers resident who has dedicated her life to public service and education. Raised in the Park Hill neighborhood, she began working for the city of Yonkers at age 19 and later served for decades with the Yonkers Board of Education, where she became affectionately known as “Miss JoAnn.” Beloved by students, staff and families, she was recognized for her kindness, dedication and unwavering commitment to supporting generations of children. After battling uterine cancer and later being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, she retired early due to her health. Honored by the Paideia School 15 Class of 2023 with a yearbook dedication, Tamarazzo continues to inspire her community with her resilience, compassion and lifelong service as she seeks a bone marrow donor for a lifesaving transplant.
Diaz is a proud lifelong resident of the city of Yonkers whose work and leadership have strengthened families and communities across Westchester County. For the past decade, she has served at the Westchester Institute for Human Development (WIHD) as a resource and referral specialist with the NYSED Office of Special Education Educational Partnership, MidHudson Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center, and as a family and community Educator with the Community Support Network. In these roles, Diaz works closely with families, educators and community partners to provide training, guidance and access to critical resources for children with exceptionalities, with a special focus on empowering Hispanic and Latino families navigating the special education system. With more than 20 years of advocacy and community leadership, she also serves on the Westchester County Women’s Advisory Board and as a board member of The Association of Hispanic Professionals Inc., supporting scholarship opportunities for Yonkers students. Through her dedication, compassion and commitment to equity, Diaz continues to uplift families and inspire positive change throughout the Yonkers community.
The city of Yonkers is the third largest city in New York state and Westchester County’s largest city. Yonkers serves as the gateway to the Hudson Valley with more than 40 vibrant and diverse suburban neighborhoods. First settled as a small farm town in 1646 by Dutchman Adriaen Van Der Donck, Yonkers evolved into a major trading and industrial center. Today, Yonkers hosts the largest film production studios in the Northeast, claiming the title Hollywood on Hudson. It is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation and home to a vibrant arts district along with more than 80 local parks.
