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East End Women’s Network names ’13 ‘Woman of the Year’

JENNIFER GUSTAVSON FILE PHOTO | Riverhead School Board president Ann Cotten-DeGrasse is the East End Women’s Network 2013 “Woman of the Year.”

The East End Women’s Network has named Riverhead Board of Education president Ann Cotten-DeGrasse its 2013 “Woman of the Year.”

Ms. Cotten-DeGrasse, who lives in Jamesport, was elected to the Riverhead Board of Education in 2007. Previously, she taught business for 32 years in the Riverhead School District and also served five years as president of the Riverhead Central Faculty Association.

After two scares with breast cancer in the mid-90s, Ms. Cotten-DeGrasse established the North Fork Breast Health Coalition in 1998 with her husband, Antonio. The organization helps breast cancer patients cope with diagnosis and treatment.

Ms. Cotten-DeGrasse will be honored at a dinner celebration on May 20 at Giorgio’s, in Baiting Hollow. The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m. Speakers include Riverhead Superintendent of Schools Nancy Carney and Janine Nebons, general manager at Tanger Outlets. Pre-order tickets are $60 for EEWN members and $75 for non-members. Admission is $85 at the door. To make reservations, go to www.eewn.org or contact [email protected].

The East End Women’s Network was founded in 1981. The organization aims to bring together women of diverse business accomplishments and to educate members and the public on issues affecting women.

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