Elected officials hosted a luncheon where they toasted Queens-based women for their dedication to helping the borough flourish. NY1 Tanya Klich filed this report.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas wanted to host a Queens edition of Women’s History Month. So the pair hosted an event in Astoria on Thursday to honor local ladies who've advanced women’s rights.

"It becomes very important that my daughter knows about the hard work that was put in to make sure that women achieved parity in New York State," said Simotas.

"I can remember when Queens Congresswoman Geraldine Ferraro was nominated to be the vice president of the United States. Ferraro was the first woman in history to run for national office," said Maloney, who represents the 12th District.

Thursday’s luncheon at Kaufman Studios also highlighted the contributions of modern leaders and specifically recognized three local women for their dedication to Queens.

The honorees included Elizabeth Lusskin, Ana Rodriguez and Carolyn Scarano.

“This is really an amazing community of women leaders, and it's so great as the head of the LIC Partnership to try and promote their work, make connections," said Lusskin, who is the President of the LIC Partnership.

"We are creating a new emergency department and a new ambulatory care pavilion that will provide expanded imaging services for women," said Rodriguez, who is the director of community relations at Mount Sinai Hospital Queens.

Attendees toasted to accomplishments of the honorees, who themselves said they're most proud of helping those in need. 

"I have made a difference in the lives of these youngsters," said Carolyn Scarano, District Leader of the 36th Assembly.

"Carolyn Scarano, in addition to being a wonderful community and pol leader, she's also worked at Martin De Porres School to ensure that children in need can get ahead," said Simotas. 

While the ceremony highlighted the strides women have made in Queens, the elected officials say the movement still has a long way to go.

"The fact that women are paid 79 cents to the dollar, this translates into lower pensions, lower social security, probably no 401k, lower savings and why older women are among the poorest in society," said Maloney. 

Getting equal pay is a cause that both the hostesses of the event and the honorees say they’ll continue to fight for.