Toby Ann Stavisky, the first woman from Queens County elected to the State Senate and the first woman to Chair the Senate Committee on Higher Education. She attended New York City public schools before graduating from Bronx High School of Science, and Syracuse University. The Senator completed graduate school at Hunter and Queens Colleges. In the community, Senator Stavisky has been involved in a wide array of activities on such issues as better schools, improved programs for older adults, social justice, opportunities for New Americans, and assisting small business. Senator Stavisky was honored as a "Worthy Woman of Forest Hills" and was the recipient of the Claire Shulman Award from the "Top 10 Women in Business." For her "dedicated service to seniors across Queens," Senator Stavisky was presented the Rose Kryzak Legislative Award from the Queens Interagency Council on the Aging. The New York Branch of the NAACP honored her contributions toward furthering freedom and human dignity. In 2012, the Queens Community House presented her with an award in recognition of her support for the after school programs. From 2003 to 2008, Senator Stavisky served as Assistant Minority Whip and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee on Higher Education. In 2009-10 she was Chairwoman of the Committee on Higher Education. Currently she holds a leadership position in the Senate as Assistant Democratic Leader and Ranking Minority Member on the Senate's Committee on Higher Education.