Mayoral candidate and Connecticut State Sen. Toni Harp ARC ’78 traveled to New York on Monday to receive a leadership award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.

She was honored with the International Excellence Leadership Award at a luncheon, where she addressed attendees on the topic of gender equality in healthcare.

The Association praised Harp for her tenure as a state senator, describing in a press statement her “exemplary service as a leader.”

Over the years, Harp has spoken numerous times before the Connecticut chapter of the Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She said in a Monday press release that she is glad to be honored by the Association, which she said is dedicated to the advancement of African-American women.

“The many women I’ve met through this organization are inspirational success stories both for all they have accomplished and as importantly, for all the knowledge, advice, and wisdom they pass along to young women as role models and mentors,” Harp said. “I’m honored to be singled out by this group for this award.”

Harp is three weeks away from a general election showdown for mayor of New Haven with Justin Elicker FES ’10 SOM ’10.