WWR Staff
Photo Credit: Hannah Schillinger
WWR Article Summary (tl;dr) Since 1987, The New York Women’s Foundation has advanced a dynamic philanthropic strategy based on the fundamental reality that, when women thrive, their families and communities also thrive.
New York, NY
It was a packed house at the Marriott Marquee in New York City where more than 2,200 women (yes, there were a few men there too!) joined The New York Women’s Foundation to honor six extraordinary leaders whose vision, energy and achievements have had a transformative effect on communities in New York City and beyond.
The NYC Breakfast also honored The Foundation’s grantee partners—dynamic community organizations working to advance economic, gender and racial justice.
Abigail E. Disney, philanthropist, filmmaker, activist and Chair Emerita of The New York Women’s Foundation Board was honored with the Century Award for her courageous efforts in fighting economic inequality and storytelling that fosters human understanding, peace and justice.
“I love The New York Women’s Foundation.” said Disney, “It is where I have learned my way around grantmaking. It is where I have formed some of my deepest friendships. And it has shaped my understanding of the best way forward. I am humbled and thrilled to receive the Century Award.”
These barrier breakers were awarded with Celebrating Women Awards: dream hampton, filmmaker, writer, organizer and executive producer of “Surviving R. Kelly;” Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, President of the Creative Justice Initiative and Founder of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute; and Sarinya Srisakul, the first Asian-American woman FDNY firefighter and former President of the United Women Firefighters Association of New York City.
Srisakul said, “The support of The New York Women’s Foundation of someone like me— a woman of color in leadership in a workplace dominated by white men – is so meaningful, not only to myself but to the other women behind me who are helping to change our landscape.”
Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning artist Cyndi Lauper, Co-Founder of True Colors United, and Rhonda Joy McLean, attorney, author, philanthropist and former Board Co-Chair of The New York Women’s Foundation, were also recognized for their charitable endeavors and advocacy with Vision Awards for Philanthropy.
The awards were presented by Tarana Burke, Founder and leader of the Me Too Movement; Ms. Disney; Catherine Gund, filmmaker and activist;Foundation Board Members Anne DelaneyandAyo Roach; and Marjorie Cadogan, former Board Member.
Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The Foundation, said, “The Celebrating Women® Breakfast is a testament to the power of radical generosity. Our honorees, grantee partners and supporters understand how collective action is key to building the world we want to see right now. The Breakfast celebrates women’s leadership as activists, movement-builders, problem solvers, advocates and philanthropists, and it builds energy to keep moving forward together to advance a more just future for women, girls and LGBTQI individuals.”
The annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast raises funds for The New York Women’s Foundation. The Foundation’s grantmaking places it at the top of public women’s funds in the United States and in the top two in the world.
