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Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Democrat Representative
from the Upper East Side, hosted her Third Annual Women’s
Leadership Awards, honoring eight women whose activism and
contributions to society have put women, and all New
Yorkers, on a better path to get ahead, including
philanthropist Jean Shafiroff who donated a copy of
her book, Successful
Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give to
all the attendees.
“We have chosen to recognize the women of today who are
speaking up” Assembly Member Seawright said. “They work hard
to put our communities on a better path every day and
inspire others to do the same. From fighting for the Equal
Rights Amendment and increased diversity in the workforce,
advocating for affordable housing opportunities and more
women leadership in elected office, and using their skills
and expertise to bring the causes and organizations they
support to the next level. These women have done it all.”
“I am so proud of the hard work and dedication of my fellow
honorees,” Jean Shafiroff said. “Your leadership and
generosity has truly made a difference in the lives you’ve
touched. You demonstrate genuine leadership and philanthropy
by turning your passion into action and give time,
contributions, knowledge, and resources to the causes you
care deeply about. I hope these awards challenge others to
follow your lead and commit to true philanthropy to help us
make the world a better place.”
This year, Assembly Member Seawright was proud to honor Marcy
Syms, Founding Trustee and President of the Sy Syms
Foundation and Chair of the Equal Rights Amendment Coalition
and Fund for Women’s Equality, with theCarolyn Maloney
Leadership Award. Each year, this award is presented to
a woman who has been a leader in the community, demonstrates
a strong concern for others and is a champion for women and
women’s rights.
“As a leader of the ERA Coalition, it has been important to
me to elect women candidates who believe in getting women
recognized in the Constitution,” said Marcy Syms. “Carolyn
Maloney has been our champion and role model for years and
it is delightful to see Rebecca Seawright championing this
issue and recognizing the contributions of other women
leaders at this important awards ceremony.”
The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies was Claire Buffie,
a photographer, creative marketing strategist, and strong
LGBTQ rights activist. In 2010, Claire represented New York
State as Miss New York in the Miss America pageant and was
the first contestant to champion a gay-rights platform. She
traveled throughout the state, speaking to schools on behalf
of PFLAG NYC, and partnered with Marriage Equality New York,
and Empire State Pride Agenda, where she was the recipient
of the Douglas W. Jones Leadership Award for her fight for
the eventual passage of marriage equality.
Seven women were awarded the 2018 Women Leadership
Awards and the event included a panel discussion between
awardees moderated by Judith Kasen-Windsor, 2017
award winner, top financial advisor, and LGBTQ activist and
philanthropist. 2018 Award winners included:
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Jean Shafiroff,
Philanthropist and Author of Successful
Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What you Give
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Rena Andoh, Esq.,
Partner at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLC
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Doryne Isley, Portfolio
Manager, Urban America
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Tiffany Raspberry,
President, York Group Associates
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Marcia Dickstein Sudolsky,
Founder and President, MDS Consulting and Tri-State
Maxed Out Women
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Dr. Kerry Walk, President,
Marymount Manhattan College
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Susan Warren, Philanthropist
and Civic Leader
The Annual Women’s Leadership Awards was created in 2016 by
Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright as a way to honor women
who are role models in our community with their leadership,
determination and resolve. The award winners are selected by
the Friends of Rebecca Seawright Committee and must
demonstrate a commitment to tackling pressing issues
affecting our city and state, such as affordable housing,
women’s equality, higher education, children in need and the
representation of women in government. All awardees are
inspirations to the community, the city and the State of New
York. |