James Sanders Jr. hosted his 6th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration alongside Lisa George, his Senior Deputy Chief of Staff, and Latoya LeGrand, his District Manager. Without these two phenomenal women, this event would not have been possible.
The celebration, held at the Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom, brought together leaders, veterans, and residents to honor women in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Now a key Southeast Queens tradition, the event honored 17 local women for exemplary military and community service, focusing this year on recognizing women in uniform for their ongoing impact.
Held in collaboration with the Rochdale Village Community Relations Committee and New York City Council Member Ty Hankerson, the celebration reached capacity well before its RSVP deadline, reflecting strong community support.
Among the notable attendees were Councilwoman Selvena Brooks-Powers, New York State Assemblymember Khaleel M. Anderson, and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, alongside civic leaders and representatives from veteran organizations.
James Sanders Jr. is a Marine Corps veteran and has represented Southeast Queens as the New York State Senator for the 10th Senatorial District since 2012. Born and raised in the Rockaways, he attended Far Rockaway High School, earned a Bachelor’s degree in history from Brooklyn College, and a Master’s degree in African Studies from the University at Albany.
Prior to joining the Senate, Sanders served 12 years as a New York City Council Member and held a position on the Queens School Board, where he led initiatives on sexual assault prevention, economic development, and support for working-class families. Currently, he chairs the Senate Committee on Banks and leads the Senate Task Force on Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise.
The program was emceed by Latoya LeGrand, Sanders’ district manager, who guided the evening’s proceedings with energy and poise. The program included a prayer by Reverend Lenroy Pascall, a performance by the PS 80 Learn to Lead Dance Group to the song Rise Up by
Andra Day, and musical entertainment throughout the evening. Moreover, guests were treated to a musical performance by the New York City Police Department Jazz Band while dinner was served, along with remarks from community leaders such as Tonya Thomas of the New York City Department of Veterans Services.
The evening also featured an award ceremony and a keynote address by Major Tracee Millard, followed by lively performances from the Rochdale Village dance group and line dancing that brought the community together.
“Our community values the achievements of women who serve in our armed forces and continue leading at home. This event highlights their dedication, sacrifice, and the inspiration they provide to us all,” Sanders said.
We celebrate the courage of those who pioneered gender equality and the visionaries continuing that fight. In 2026, we will honor women in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—Active Duty, Guard, Reserve, and Veterans—recognizing the pioneers who broke barriers, the leaders who command with strength, and the trailblazers in the air, on sea, and on the ground who have secured our freedoms. Our tradition is to highlight the diverse, often unrecognized contributions of women in science, technology, leadership, and combat. This month is about acknowledging this vital history and fostering a community that lifts up women of all generations. Thank you for your commitment to our community, your service, and a better tomorrow,” Sanders said.
The evening blended elegance with heartfelt appreciation, as family members, supporters, and community partners gathered to celebrate the honorees. Sanders expressed gratitude to his staff, sponsors, and volunteers who helped organize the event.
“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are reminded that without women, there is no community,” Sanders added. “To every woman making an impact, whether in uniform, in leadership, in business, or in the home, we thank you and we celebrate you.”
The celebration underscored the ongoing importance of Women’s History Month by spotlighting the unique and essential role women in the armed forces play across all areas of society.
