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GARY, IND. – Today, the women of Gary shined brightly at “Ladies First,” a captivating celebration presented by the City of Gary’s First Lady Crystal G. Melton. During the event six exceptional women were honored by the First Lady and Mayor for their significant contributions in the areas of education, public safety, community service, faith-based service, small business, and sports.
Held in Gary’s Marquette Pavilion, the event was open to the public and well attended. Over 300 guests participated; many were woman from the community who came to support the honorees. After the event, all attendees participated in a short networking session with light refreshments and snacks.
The City of Gary extends its sincerest congratulations to the 2024 Ladies First Honorees!
Quotes from the Event:
Crystal Melton
“I am excited to honor and celebrate every woman here this evening. You all are the backbone of our great city. I want this to be an evening of collaboration, networking and fellowship as we strive to achieve a “Greater Gary.” As women we are naturally overcomers, trail blazers, visionaries and risk takers. I thank each one of you for your contributions to our city. I am here to partner with you as we accomplish some monumental milestones that will move our city forward. As for the honorees today, thank you for your exceptional servant leadership, tenacity and compassion. We are better as a city because of the outstanding work you have done in your respective fields. Let’s make more history ladies!”
Honoree Tereka Boone
"Thank you all for your support, for being here today. It means the world, not only to myself but to the other honorees as well. I think that God continues to be a blessing to all of us because of our blessings to other people.”
Honoree Elsie Goldberg
"As I stand here today, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of Gary and the countless opportunities that lie ahead. Together as women of strength, resilience, and compassion, we will continue to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.”
Honoree Sergeant Sarita Titus
"I’m thankful to First Lady Melton... When she reached to me, I was floored, because this is such a thankless job at times. When somebody acknowledges your career, when somebody acknowledges the things that you have done and the contributions that you’ve made to a city that you’ve loved for so long, it goes a long way.
Honoree GlenEva Dunham
"A salute to all of the women who are gathered here. We stand on the shoulders of giants. We love our work, we love what we do, so thank you very much.”
Honoree Mary McGee
"When they introduce me, they say from the steel mills of Gary Indiana, Merciless Mary McGee. I would like that for other children of Gary...I’m aging out of boxing, this will be for me, like my last run. I plan on putting myself back out there so you can see me, so maybe somebody else might spark up and say, oh wow, maybe I want to be a boxer, I can be something.”
Media Contact:
Erika Blackwell
ofc: (219) 881-1314
cell: (219) 292-1251
