Remarkable Women 2025: Monica Lynch named local winner

Yahoo

02-04-2025

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — News 4 celebrates Women's History Month by introducing standout women who make a difference in Western New York. After sharing five inspiring stories, Monica Lynch of Buffalo was named the local winner of the 2025 Remarkable Women campaign.
The campaign is part of Nexstar Media Group's nationwide initiative that honors women's influence on public policy, social progress and quality of life — celebrating women who inspire, lead, and forge the way for other women.
Lynch is a disabled combat veteran who founded the Bernard and Eric Resource Center to support young women who age out of the foster system. She joined WIVB News 4 at 4 on Tuesday, April 1, to talk about the recognition.
'I'm speechless,' Lynch said. 'This is definitely over the top.'
Lynch was nominated by her sister, Charnaye Sanders.
'As a 54-year-old disabled Marine Corps combat veteran, she embodies resilience and determination,' Sanders said. 'I really, truly do feel like she deserves it. I watch her, I listen to her day in and day out. She does so much for — not just herself — but for her family and the community. She will literally help someone walking down the street and make sure that they have a jacket in the freezing cold, and spend her last dollars on them. I look up to that, and that's why she's remarkable.'
The four other women News 4 featured during the 2025 campaign are Zeneta Everhart, Ann-Marie Orlowski, Dr. Ermelinda Bonaccio and Cheryl Flick.
As the local winner, Lynch received a $1,000 check for a nonprofit of her choice, which she will put toward the Bernard and Eric Resource Center. She will also travel to Los Angeles and be considered for Nexstar's 'Remarkable Woman of the Year' among the 125 local market finalists.
'If you have God in your life, you can accomplish anything,' Lynch said. 'We're gonna keep on striving to get a building [for the Bernard and Eric Resource Center]. Once we get a building … we're gonna do some big things.'
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Who will be the 2025 Remarkable Woman of the Year? Tune into the CW23 for the one-hour 'Remarkable Women' special on Sunday, April 20, at 9 p.m. and find out.
Jordan Norkus is an Emmy-nominated, award-winning anchor who has been with the News 4 team since 2021. See more of her work here or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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