FLUSHING – The Pancyprian Association of America’s Women’s Issues Network (WIN) honored New York State Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas as its “Woman of the Year” on March 7 on the occasion of International Women’s Day which was celebrated the following day

Nicole Petallides-Tsiolas. who had previously received the same honor, was the Emcee at the Terrace on the Park in Flushing.

Expressing her thanks and appreciation, Simotas added, “This is a very important award for me because it comes from an organization that has done so much not only or Greek-American women but for the entire community.”

Manos Koubarakis, the Consul of Greece, conveyed the cordial greetings Amb. George Iliopoulos, the Consul General, and congratulated the women on their works.

Amb. Vasilios Philippou, the General Consul of Cyprus, said: “with their multitude of events, WIN highlights the important role of Cypriot women, not only in community affairs, but in society as a whole and in behalf of our national issues.”

Addressing the honoree, he said “Aravella Simotas is a good example of love for Hellenic ideals, of dedication to the mission of her office and of activism in the Greek-American community.”

Costas Tsentas, Supreme President of the Cyprus Federation of America, congratulated WIN’s leadership for their decision to honor Simotas, and for the assistance they have provided to women with health problems.

Philip Christopher, Founder and President of the Pancyprian Association of America and PSEKA, praised WIN as one of the Pancyprian Association most dynamic organizations.

He noted that Cyprus this year will mark the 40th year since Turkey’s illegal invasion and occupation and discussed the struggle to resolve the Cyprus problem. He emphasized that the Cypriots are not intimidated and they will continue the struggle until the time comes to return to a free Kyrenia.

Dr. Florence Christodoulidou, the president of WIN, said that for two decades its members have offered their services to the Greek American community. She noted that WIN has enabled thousands of Greek-American to receive free breast cancer and uterine cancer screenings.

She said that the decision to honor Simotas as Woman of the Year was and easy one because she is an inspiration.

State Senator Michael Gianaris and City Councilman Costas Constantinidis expressed gratitude for the support they received from the community and emphasized that without it their election would have been impossible.

After the award ceremony the guests enjoyed a performance of traditional dances by the Pancyprian’s dance troupes.