State Sen. Pam Helming has named Megan Freida, president of Embrace Your Sisters, as the 2026 Woman of Distinction for New York’s 54th Senate District, recognizing her leadership in supporting individuals and families facing breast cancer diagnoses across the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier.
Helming announced the honor Wednesday through the New York State Senate’s annual Women of Distinction program, which highlights one woman from each Senate district for community leadership, volunteerism, and public service.
Freida leads Embrace Your Sisters while also maintaining a full-time career at Wegmans Food Markets. The nonprofit organization provides emergency financial assistance to people undergoing breast cancer treatment, helping cover expenses such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, treatment costs, and medical co-pays.
According to the organization, Embrace Your Sisters has provided more than $700,000 in assistance since its founding and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
The nonprofit serves residents in Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates counties.
Helming said Freida’s work reflects the type of leadership that strengthens communities behind the scenes.
“Through Embrace Your Sisters, she has created a lifeline for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis and the families who stand beside them,” Helming said in a statement.
Freida said the recognition reflects the support of the organization’s volunteers, board members, and community partners.
“Whatever I’ve achieved comes from showing up, doing the work, and trying to make a difference in the lives around me,” she said.
The organization’s mission is especially personal for Freida, whose mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.
The Women of Distinction program honors women throughout New York state whose work has made a meaningful impact on their communities.
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