STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Featured in this week’s Staten Island’s Best Dressed are snaps from the 2025 Advance Women of Achievement Luncheon on May 15, at the Hilton Garden of Staten Island, Bloomfield.

A sharp-looking crowd of nearly 700 gathered to celebrate six exceptional Staten Island women, Bryn Biren, Shaw-nae Dixon, Dr. Kerry Kelly, Lorraine Lettieri, Clara Sue Ogburn, and Barbara Joyce Yarbrough for their significant impact on both Staten Island and New York City.

The audience was deeply moved by the heartfelt stories and photos shared about the six remarkable ladies, who have dedicated their lives in improving Staten Island and the community.

Television personalities and former Staten Islanders Colin Jost (Weekend Update host on “Saturday Night Live”) and Casey Jost (producer of “Impractical Jokers”) made an unexpected appearance and delivered humorous and heartfelt tributes to their mother, honoree Dr. Kerry Kelly, a retired FDNY chief medical officer, who was recognized for her unwavering support of first responders and 9/11 survivors.

Also in attendance was Al Roker, the weather anchor at the “Today” Show on NBC, who was a guest of honoree Shaw-nae Dixon.

In introducing the honorees at the top of the program, Advance publisher Caroline Harrison said: “This luncheon celebrates the unique volunteer spirit that is so emblematic of Staten Island — and that the Advance has recognized since my father, Richard E. Diamond, started this luncheon in 1962 - 63 years ago."

While six Staten Island women were honored on Thursday for their exceptional community service and dedication to volunteerism, the event also spotlighted the next generation of changemakers.

Three college students were awarded scholarships in recognition of their shared commitment to those same values: Daniella Ayala from Wagner College, along with Liliana Cota and Faith Lin from the College of Staten Island.

Major sponsors for the WOA Luncheon included Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), the Staten Island Foundation, Empire State Bank, the Lois & Richard Nicotra Foundation, Person Centered Care Services, the Uniformed Firefighters Association, The Lettieri Family and Northfield Bank.

See photos from the event below, and send your photos for consideration for future installments of this column to [email protected].

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