Lakeview Resident Honored for Women’s History Month

Upon the recommendation of Legis. Joseph Scannell, D-Baldwin, Lakeview native Cay Fatima was honored as one of this year’s “Trailblazers” at the Women’s History Month 2013 Celebration at the Nassau County Legislature in Mineola on Mar. 18.

When asked, "What do you do?" Fatima – the quintessential Renaissance woman – responded, "Depends on the time of day!"

Whether teaching undeserved children on the tennis courts or advocating for the learning disabled in legal courts, Fatima utilizes social, creative and intellectual resources for her community.

The youngest of a divorced mother of three girls, Fatima learned lessons of independence, perseverance and determination growing up in Lakeview. Humanitarianism was the valued experience of three generations of a five-female household.

At Malverne High School, underachievement was not an option. Studying political science at Boston University, then graduating as the first multimedia major from SUNY Old Westbury, Fatima went on to become one of the first female cable installers for Manhattan Cable. Fatima feels life experience is one of the best educators.

After the assassination of a high school classmate, politics ceased being a spectator sport. Using her multimedia talents, Fatima developed a touring exhibit, “People, Places, Politics.” In 2006, she won an environmental bond grant to build the Roderick Cockerham Botanical Peace Garden.

"It is important to move progressively forward in a society, while preserving cultural elements, without destroying past achievements," Fatima said.