Bronx resident and community activist Camelia Tepelus is to be honored in the New York State Senate’s annual Women of Distinction program, State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi announced at the end of August. Biaggi said she was motivated to honor Tepelus by her consistent devotion to her community, specifically in the time of the coronavirus. 

“Camelia Tepelus is an incredible asset to the Morris Park community, and has led with intention and thoughtfulness to help District 34’s small businesses navigate our current financial crisis,” Biaggi said in a press release. “It is a privilege to serve alongside women like Camelia, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

Tepelus has been an anti-trafficking advocate for nearly 20 years and worked together with ECPAT US in the fight against sexual exploitation. She is the first executive director of the Morris Park Business Improvement District, which was founded in April 2019 and holds the primary goal of bettering the Morris Park Avenue commercial corridor. Tepelus also is an active member of Community Board 8. 

Tepelus demonstrated her skills this past year as she leapt to the aid of small businesses in her Bronx community in the wake of Covid-19, Biaggi said. As business improvement district director of Morris Park, she has helped many small businesses stay afloat during a trying time.