Friel Honored as Community Leader of the Year
Mary Therese Friel, President of The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency, has been awarded "Community Leader of the Year," by the Tops Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
Each year the parade honors individuals and organizations for their achievements and leadership in the Greater Rochester area, based on compassion, service to others and contributions to the community; qualities possessed by Saint Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland.
"Mary Therese’s leadership and example have inspired countless members of our community," said Kate McBride, Parade Committee Vice-President. "For all her work in our community and for inspiring others, we are proud to honor Mary Therese Friel as our Community Leader of the Year."
The 2023 Parade honorees were introduced at two separate press conferences, hosted by Mayor Malik Evans and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. The honorees were also celebrated at a special Mass, presided over by Bishop Salvatore Matano, and then lead off the parade in Rochester.
Friel is well known for bringing much attention to Rochester in 1979 when she won the coveted title of Miss USA and went on to have a successful career as an international model and spokesperson. Since then, Friel has been an active advocate for the greater good, using her influence to support many causes and initiatives. “I want my legacy to be that I have made a difference,” said Friel.
Friel has used her celebrity proactively as a role model, helping individuals and non-profit organizations. When she opened her company in Rochester in 1987, this philosophy became a cornerstone of her business, and is still a major driving force today.
“As the President of The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency, I am committed to making a difference, by instilling the spirit of volunteerism into the people who are part of my company and my life,” said Friel. “Both personally and professionally, I spear-head the movement to those around me, to give time, talent and treasure. As a role model, I encourage volunteering, fund-raising and support, for non-profit causes and community programs.”
Friel’s ongoing efforts have helped to raise millions of dollars for local charities. She does this by connecting the dots between community needs, people who want to help and resources that are available to get the work done. Her company, now 35 years strong, serves as the magnet that pulls all these assets together. Friel’s leadership shows how a business can prioritize making a difference in their community.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest single day event of the year in Rochester. On average approximately 60,000 people turn out to watch the parade each year.
Inquiries:
mail@mtfmodels.com | 585.624.5510
For a full rundown of all the events and festivities, listen to a recent broadcast of ROC Image Radio here: