Pam Helming announced that Megan Freida, president of Embrace Your Sisters, has been named the 2026 Woman of Distinction for the 54th Senate District through the New York State Senate’s Women of Distinction program.
Freida joins a list of previous honorees from the district, including Livingston County Emergency Medical Services Director Karen Dewar, entrepreneur Mari Potter, Wayne County Undersheriff Tammy Ryndock, and community advocate Donna Schaertl.
Embrace Your Sisters is a nonprofit organization that provides short-term emergency financial assistance and support to individuals battling breast cancer.
According to the organization, Freida’s connection to the mission is personal. Her mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor, an experience that inspired her commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
In addition to leading Embrace Your Sisters, Freida also works full-time at Wegmans. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to expand through the support of volunteers and donors across the region.
What began as neighbors helping one woman in need has grown into a nonprofit serving residents in Allegany, Cayuga, Chemung, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates counties.
The organization provides financial assistance for medical co-pays, treatment costs, rent or mortgage payments, utilities, and other household expenses for individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment. Officials say Embrace Your Sisters has distributed more than $700,000 in assistance and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Senator Helming praised Freida’s leadership and dedication to the community.
“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 called the recognition “deeply humbling” and credited her coworkers at Wegmans and fellow Embrace Your Sisters board members for supporting her efforts and the organization’s mission.
The New York State Senate Women of Distinction program recognizes one woman from each Senate district for volunteerism, leadership, and service that positively impacts local communities.
