NEW YORK - Suzelle Charles Augustine, who was born in a small town in Haiti, was recognized for her commitment to her local parish as well as the plight of Haiti and its people, especially in the wake of the recent devastating hurricane.  She was one of 31 Extraordinary Women honored today by Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes as he announced the recipients of his fourth annual Extraordinary Women’s event. 

Ms. Augustine immigrated to the United States in 1977, and now works at two jobs to support her family here and abroad in Haiti.  Ms. Augustine lives in the Old Mill Basin section of Brooklyn and is devoted to her church, Mary Queen of Heaven, where she ministers as a lector, translator, religious teacher, and prayer group leader.  She serves on the parish’s International Planning Committee and coordinates an Annual Haitian Hospitality Sunday.  For many years, she has coordinated the collection and shipment of supplies to the island’s neediest. 

“These exceptional women serve as role models because of their selflessness, dedication and compassion”, Hynes said.  “It is an honor for me to recognize these women for their outstanding work, which benefits the people of Brooklyn.”

In recognition of Women’s History Month, the 31 honorees were lauded for their accomplishments in their careers and their service to the communities in which they live and serve.  District Attorney Hynes unveiled a huge calendar, in the lobby of 350 Jay Street, for the month of March with each day dedicated to one of the extraordinary women nominated by Brooklyn residents. 

Hynes bestowed the title of Special Ambassador to each of the 31 women in their communities.  “The women come from neighborhoods all throughout Brooklyn.  The honorees all have one thing in common,” said District Attorney Hynes.  “They make Brooklyn a better place to live.”  This year’s group include educators, executive directors, fundraisers, community and church activists, founders of non-profit organizations, child welfare workers, a Pastor, a human rights activist, and a woman who helps find kidney matches for people in need

The 31 Extraordinary Women are: Oraia Reid (Boerum Hill), Paula Shirk (Brooklyn Heights), Christine Moore Vassallo (Boerum Hill), Wai Po Tsang (Sheepshead Bay), Aqila Norris (Bedford Stuyvesant), Laurie Windsor (Bath Beach), Chaya Lipschutz (Borough Park), Suzelle Charles Augustin (Old Mill Basin), Sherif Fraser (East Flatbush), Linda Sarsour (Bay Ridge), Mary D. Allen (East New York), Kathleen Snow (Marine Park), Kimberly Maier (Park Slope), Jodie Reznik (Flatbush), Jeanne B. Lambert (Flatbush),  Megan Kerrigan (Mapleton), E. Colleen Golden (Bay Ridge), Victoria Aviles (Boerum Hill), Elisabeth Stock (Park Slope), Patricia Reddock (East Flatbush), Dale Mc Reynolds (Sheepshead Bay), Candice Anderson (Park Slope), Renee Flowers (Gowanus), Ismay Griffith (Canarsie), Amy Cohen (Carroll Gardens), Bazay Roohi (Coney Island), Margarette D. Tropnas (East  Flatbush), Nancy Carbone (Red Hook), Margaret Cusack (Boerum Hill), Deb Howard (Fort Greene), and Laurel O. Fraser (East Flatbush).