On Sunday, June 22, 2025, the Arts4All Foundation, founded by Dr. Sunita SenGupta, hosted a National Rose Month celebration. Collaborators and attendees included Queensborough Community College, elected officials, breast cancer survivors, genocide survivors, community leaders, community organizations, and the Queens community.
The event recognized the extraordinary achievements of New York’s community leaders who, “similar to a rose flower, embody courage, resilience, sacrifice, beauty, and a commitment to community service,” a press release from organizers said.
Established in 1959, the National Rose Month aims at recognizing the rose as the national floral emblem of public service, peace, justice, and community service. In 1986, the rose was officially declared as the National Floral Emblem of the United States.
The Arts4All Foundation commemorated the spirit of the national holiday month by hosting a free National Rose Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony that was open to the public for the benefit of the community. The event included a rose ceremony, luncheon, and awards ceremony.
“National Rose Month is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to honoring community and public service and the extraordinary individuals in our communities who have paved the way in making a positive impact through their outstanding service,” Dr. SenGupta is quoted saying in the press release. “We are proud to honor and hear the uplifting stories of education leaders, breast cancer survivors, genocide survivors, and community leaders who have turned their adversity into the path of selfless service, transforming, empowering, and inspiring people and communities locally in Queens and around the world.”
Other notable attendees and speakers at the event included Dr. Christine Mangino, president of Queensborough Community College and a distinguished honoree of the event; Queensborough President Donovan Richards; New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; and Assemblyman David Weprin
The honorees were Dr. Mangino, the President of Queensborough Community College, First Lady of Queens Tameeka Richards, Community Advocate Patricia Williams, Rwandan genocide survivor Consolee Nishimwe, Anna Kril, a renowned breast cancer survivor and one of the founders of the breast cancer support organization SHAREing and CAREing, and breast cancer survivor Allison Alexis, the Founder of Angels of Hope Support Group.
