ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2025 New York State Woman of Distinction Award was presented Wednesday to a local woman who has contributed to the Rochester community for decades as an advocate.
Zola Brown, the recipient of this year’s award, is known for her dedication over the years to matters of economic and social justice as a union activist and working within the 19th Ward.
As a founding member and past Executive Vice President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists local Rochester Chapter and organizer of 1199SEIU’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration for over 20 years, she is celebrated as an important figure who stands for peace in the community. Brown previously received the key to the city in 2021 for her efforts…