BY DEB AND TIM SMITH
We closed last week’s article on Mary Therese Friel by sharing that she had been named as an Honoree for the prestigious “W” Award which is presented annually by the Rochester Women’s Network. This group, founded in 1978, is the premier networking organization for professional women in all stages of their careers in the Greater Rochester Area. Its mission is to be a multifaceted forum where women create connections, build relationships and make their mark.
Mary Therese and her husband Kent had just returned to Mendon from their New York City office when we spoke with them. “I am so humbled by this honor,” said Mary Therese, “it is such a joy to be recognized by this wonderfully inspiring and prestigious organization.”
The prestigious “W” Award is presented to a woman who works tirelessly on behalf of women. The winner goes above and beyond the day-to-day expectations of her paid or unpaid position to support the personal and professional growth of women. She empowers and influences women to learn, grow, advance and succeed by her example. She inspires women through her courage, initiative and creative energy and exemplifies a high standard of integrity and respect for others.
Mary Therese’s first experience with the Rochester Women’s Network occurred when her friend Joy Bergfalk asked Mary Therese to accompany her to the award ceremony at which Joy was nominated and actually won. By virtue of this victory, Joy enjoyed her inclusion in a group of women whose diversity and prestige includes the ranks of the recently deceased Louise Slaughter.
The following year her friend from church, Jane Sutter, told Mary Therese that she’d like to nominate her for the award. While surely appreciating the value of this prestigious award Mary Therese was somewhat reluctant to become engaged in the process because of the overwhelming obligations to which she and Kent had already committed.
Any possibility that the Friels might pursue this award nomination went up in flames when their house on Pittsford Mendon Road burned to the ground in 2014. In our constant search for a silver lining, the only positive that we might be able to throw on that smoldering fire is that during the time their house was being rebuilt, Mary Therese and Kent temporarily moved into the house just two doors down from us and we got to know them even better.
Returning to the topic of the award, after recovering from the devastation of the fire and rebuilding in Mendon, Mary Therese was convinced this year to accept a nomination for the Rochester Women’s Network “W” Award. Her decision was confirmed when she received a second nomination from Suzanne Owens Parker. It might be a sign from above that both of the women who nominated Mary Therese happen to be pastors.
Here is the process as documented by the Rochester Women’s Network. Initially nominations are open to the public and many are received. A committee winnows down the nominations to a select group of five which are awarded the title of “Honoree” for that given year. So as we await the outcome, our local Mendon treasure Mary Therese Friel will continue to work hard, blessing others side-by-side with her husband Kent, at their Friel Modeling Agency.
Usually our end-of-the-article teasers keep you on the edge of your seat for only one week. Well, Sentinel fans, we’re going to leave you hanging for longer than usual this time. The awarding of this year’s “W” Award occurs on May 15th in a ceremony at the Woodcliff in Victor. Any woman who is named an Honoree for this award is already a winner and that is how we view Mary Therese as the final ceremony approaches.
