Women Have The Power To Make A Difference
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
We are in the century when women have been empowered to pave the road as leaders in many industries that were previously dominated by men.
Most recently, earlier this month on the afternoon of March 11, 2015, women from varied sectors came together to attend the annual Women’s Leadership Council Luncheon. This is a distinguished network of women, dedicated to making a difference in the lives of New York City’s young people. The Council celebrates the power of women by honoring those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in business and philanthropy and they have proudly raised nearly $5 million in support of United Way of New York City’s education programming. On this particular day, two exceptional women were recognized as iconic leaders and mentors to many. Role models, Andrea Jung and Hayley Boesky, captured the spotlight as they were honored at ‘Power Of Women To Make A Difference’. The luncheon was held at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This is an annual award luncheon that is celebrating nine years in 2015 and continuing to strengthen education and awareness amongst the younger generation who will be our next leaders.
Host Tracie Strahan leads a conversation with 2015 honorees Andrea Jung and Hayley Boesky at United Way of New York City’s Power of Women to Make a Difference award luncheon on March 11, 2015, at Cipriani 42nd Street. (Credit: Martin Dixon)
“It is an honor to be recognized by United Way of New York City,” said Andrea Jung, President and CEO of Grameen America. “We are aligned in our conviction that women are the engines of growth in their communities. When women contribute, everyone benefits.”
“I am honored to be receiving this acknowledgement and proud to represent Bank of America – I am especially humbled to receive this award in the presence of the many inspiring women leaders gathered in this room,” said Hayley Boesky, Vice Chairman of Global Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
It was an overwhelming group of attendees totaling close to 600 female leaders in the business, finance and nonprofit sectors and all for the sake of United Way of New York City’s Women’s Leadership Council’s (WLC) ninth annual Power of Women to Make a Difference award luncheon. In addition to the two honorees, other women leaders were congratulated for their hard work and devoted efforts and for making a positive impact on their communities as well as making a difference in the lives of others. The event raised $875,000 to support United Way of New York City’s education initiatives, serving thousands of young people across the five boroughs each year.
Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, and host Tracie Strahan, NBC 4 New York reporter, both dressed in Max Mara’s Spring 2015 Collection. (Credit: Martin Dixon)
Fashion and leadership mixed quite well at this function. Luxury Italian fashion house Max Mara, was the presenting sponsor of the honoree reception, and took this opportunity to showcase the brand’s Spring 2015 collection at the event. Both President & CEO of United Way of New York City, Sheena Wright, and host for the event, Tracie Strahan, were dressed in a couple of flattering dresses from Max Mara’s Spring 2015 Collection as they walked the red carpet. Additionally, banking and financial services company Barclays was the event’s signature sponsor, and SourceMedia, parent company of financial services industry newspaper American Banker, was the executive media sponsor. Special gifts for the honorees, the WLC’s luncheon host committee and the WLC Executive Committee, were provided by Swarovski and Max Mara. One special guest chosen at random received a luxurious leather handbag valued at $1,200, thanks to the generosity of Max Mara.
Tracie Strahan, Emmy Award-winning reporter for NBC 4 New York, did a phenomenal job of hosting the luncheon and award ceremony. The event featured an inspirational conversation between Strahan and the honorees on the collective power of women and the challenges and triumphs of their corporate careers. There were many esteemed guests in attendance such as Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, Monique Nelson, CEO of UniWorld Group, Tory Burch, fashion designer and CEO of Tory Burch LLC, Lori Silverbush, filmmaker and hunger relief advocate, Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, and Marianne Collins, Chief Revenue Officer of SourceMedia. It was an extremely diverse group of women who continue to show the power of women in the workplace and throughout the community.
“I am thrilled to be recognizing two exceptional women today for their accomplishments, exceptional leadership and commitment to community service,” said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. “These women embody the spirit of philanthropy and the true power of women to make a difference.”
Karyn Twaronite, Partner and EY Global Diversity & Inclusiveness Officer, Ernst & Young, and Marianne Collins, Chief Revenue Officer of SourceMedia, with honoree Hayley Boesky, Vice Chairman of Global Markets, Bank of America Merrill Lynch. (Credit: Martin Dixon)
United Way of New York City and the Women’s Leadership Council continue to bridge gaps, strategically try to find workable solutions to important issues that affect others, and most importantly, orchestrate hundreds of partners in a symphony of hope, as they mobilize communities to break down barriers and build opportunities that improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers for the benefit of all. The key to making everything come together and work seamlessly is their vision of the end product,caring communities where all individuals and families have access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives.
Robert J.Kueppers, Senior Partner, Deloitte LLP and Board Chair, United Way of New YorkCity, with honoree Andrea Jung, President and CEO, Grameen America. (Credit: Martin Dixon)
At the end of the day, $875,000 was proudly raised to benefit United Way of NYC’s Education Initiatives. This only goes to show that women certainly do have the power to make a difference not only in New York City but across the globe as well.
Max Mara Spring 2015 Collection, images courtesy of Max Mara
