For three Manhasset women named to the May Newburger Women’s Roll of Honor on March 16, service is the centerpiece of their life’s work.
Isma Chaudhry, Elizabeth Parrella and Mary Frances Jeffrey were among 13 women honored by the Town of North Hempstead for their community service last Wednesday at the Clubhouse at Harbor Links in Port Washington.
“I really feel honored and humbled by the award,” Chaudhry said. “To be recognized as part of a group of women that have made their mark since 1994 through 2016 is a real honor to me.”
Chaudhry who was elected the first female president of the Islamic Center of Long Island in 2014 has dedicated over 20 years as an interfaith activist advocating for the rights of Muslim women and bridging ethnic understanding among communities on Long Island.
“I do it because it feel it is very important,” Chaudhry said.
She said Nassau County is like a little United Nations with so many different ethnicities and religions packed in one place.
“We can’t work together unless we understand the value diversity brings to our community,” Chaudhry said.
Chaudhry describes her life’s work with a verse from the Quran.
“O people of different tribes and nations, we have made you into nations and tribes so that ye may know one another and not despise each other,” Chaudhry said.
She said God created diversity to bring understanding and not to bring confusion — an issue she has focused on by combating islamophobia through youth development programs and interfaith initiatives.
“People who are religious partners and community leaders also have a role to play,” Chaudhry said.
Along with her administrative duties at the mosque, Chaudhry co-chairs the Board of Trustees for Long Island WINS, an immigration advocacy organization, is a member of the Nassau County Anti-Bias Task Force, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Interfaith Alliance of Long Island, and an advisor to the Nassau County Council for Asian Affairs.
Chaudhry said what brings her the most satisfaction is the work she does with youths of various communities and schools.
A native of Pakistan, Chaudhry completed her medical training in England, moved back to Pakistan, got married before moving to the United States.
Parella is the vice president and treasurer of the American Legion Auxillary of Manhasset — the world’s largest patriotic service organization.
In 2009, when her father got ill, Parrella quit a 24-year career as a securities analyst for Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs for a communications consulting job to be closer with her family.
“When my father passed away in November 2009, I started thinking about what I could do in the community,” Parrella said.
Parrella said it was then she joined the ALU in 2010.
To joined the ALU, one must have a relative who has or is currently serving in the military.
Parrella’s father fought in World War II, her uncle served in World War I and has cousins who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Along with her responsibilities leading the unit, she also chairs the Education and Empire Girl’s State programs through which she has worked with Manhasset schools to recognize academic as well as to provide an opportunity for girls to learn more about our system of government.
She also heads the unit’s annual Poppy Drive, the proceeds from which are used to support veterans in need of assistance as well as to provide support for our country’s military currently serving overseas.
“We just make sure our troops get the things that they need and to let them know a countryman who doesn’t personally know them is thinking of them,” Parrella said.
Parrella moved to Manhasset when she was three years old, attended St. Marys High School and still lives in the house she grew up in with her mother.
Jeffrey and her daughter recently returned from Livingstone, Zimbabwe where they spent four weeks volunteering with African Impact doing medical and educational outreach in clinics, villages and schools.
She has been involved in many local volunteer activities over the years, including School Community Association, president at Shelter Rock Tower Foundation, Manhasset Softball coach and board member, St. Mary’s Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Rosary Society president, Consolation Minister and Youth Group chaperone for Mission Trips to Guatemala, Portland, Ore., and Yakima, Wash.
She was also on the board at St. Ignatius Retreat House and is currently on the Board at Adventures in Learning and the Friends of Manhasset Public Library.
