Embrace Your Sisters President Megan Freida has been selected as a 2026 Women of Distinction honoree by the New York State Senate.
The recognition highlights Freida's community service through the breast cancer support nonprofit and her professional work at Wegmans, where she recently marked 30 years.
Freida became involved with Embrace Your Sisters in 2009, when she modeled in the nonprofit's second annual Tea at Two Fashion Show fundraiser. Her involvement was inspired in part by her mother's survival of two breast cancer diagnoses, according to the organization.
Freida said volunteering allows her to honor her mother while supporting people facing similar challenges. She said the nonprofit's work shows how financial assistance can help local residents from diagnosis through the difficulties that follow.
The organization said it has nearly doubled its geographic reach and distributed close to $1 million during Freida's years of involvement. Embrace Your Sisters provides short-term emergency financial assistance to people with breast cancer, helping with daily living expenses.
The volunteer-run nonprofit serves residents in 13 counties: Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne and Yates. It also provides education and informational resources.
Freida said Wegmans' emphasis on community service aligns with her values and has encouraged her personal and professional growth. She said the company inspires employees to make a positive difference in their communities.
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