The Seneca County Women’s Coalition has named Priscilla Smalser as its 2025 Woman of the Year, honoring her leadership, service, and dedication to improving the lives of women and families across the county.
Smalser was recognized for her long-standing commitment to community empowerment, extensive volunteer work, and ability to unite people across generations and backgrounds. Her efforts reflect the coalition’s mission to uplift women, strengthen families, and promote a more equitable future.
Over the years, Smalser has played a central role in initiatives that have left a measurable impact on the community. She has led programs supporting vulnerable populations, expanding opportunities, and celebrating local history. From organizing events to advocating for fairness in local decision-making, Smalser has exemplified leadership grounded in integrity and compassion.
Her work has included involvement with South Seneca Ambulance, Ovid Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Seneca County 4-H, South Seneca school drama productions, Seneca County Christmas Project and Coat Distribution, STEPS (as a founding member), Wine Country Circuit Dog Show, Seneca County Children’s Committee, Habitat for Humanity, and guiding tours at Ovid Three Bears. At Ovid Federated Church, she serves as a ministry leader, youth mission leader, education committee member, and board member. She also previously managed and volunteered at the Ovid Community Thrift Shop.
Colleagues describe Smalser as a listener who lifts others up, approaches challenges creatively, and inspires those around her through both her work and her mentorship.
Smalser will be celebrated at the coalition’s annual Benefit Dinner on March 14 at the SMS Lodge, 95 Ovid St. Dinner options include chicken Parmesan, pasta primavera, and baked haddock. Tickets are $40 per person. The evening will also feature a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting Smalser’s charity of choice, United Way of Seneca County.
Advertising opportunities in the program honoring Smalser are available: full-page ads are $150, half-page $75, and quarter-page $40.
All dinner reservations and ad submissions are due by March 8. For reservations or program ads, contact Adriene Emmo at 117 Bridge St., Seneca Falls, NY 13148, call 315-521-3461, or email [email protected].
