Councilor Marie Diamond and Ashley Fernandez Honored With Shoreline Chamber Women of Excellence Award

NORTH BRANFORD, CT — Councilor Marie Diamond and Ashley Fernandez were honored with the Women of Excellence Award by the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce at its annual ceremony at Woodwinds in Branford.

Marie Diamond received the Chamber's Educational Leadership Award, celebrating her lifelong dedication as an educator and lengthy and distinguished career in the North Haven School system. She is also a dedicated local volunteer in North Branford, having served on the Board of Education, the Parks & Recreation Commission, and has been a member of the North Branford Town Council since 2015.

Ashley Fernandez was recognized with the Chamber's Philanthropic Leadership Award for her passionate advocacy for Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) following her daughter's diagnosis in 2013. She has served in multiple roles, currently as Family Service Coordinator, with the CdLS Foundation. She has also worked to promote literacy as well as supporting the nonprofit work of SNORT Rescue (Short Noses Only Rescue Team), fostering dogs to safe, loving homes.

"Congratulations to these two amazing North Branford residents who have truly made a difference for our community," Town Manager Michael Downes said.