Rochester community leader recognized as Woman of Distinction

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A Rochester community leader was recognized as a Woman of Distinction Friday.

Michelle Daniels was awarded that honor by State Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester).

The Woman of Distinction Award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the New York State Senate.

Daniels’s community work is well known around our area.

She started the Frederick Douglass Club at School #12.

That’s where Friday’s ceremony was held

The club provides educational opportunities for youngsters.

"This was personal because it has a lot to do with the work I’ve done with children, and that is my first love — to make sure that I have opportunities and access of resources to the children of this state for the simple thing that I grew up here, in Rochester, I was one of those at-risk kids," Daniels said.

During the pandemic, Daniels stepped up, leading an initiative to donate toiletries, homeless shelter kits, and food to people in the city.