Philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff was honored at the Third Annual Women’s Leadership Awards by Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Democrat Representative from the Upper East Side.
Shafiroff, who donated a copy of her book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give to all the attendees, was among eight honorees whose activism and contributions to society have put women, and all New Yorkers, on a better path to get ahead.
“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.”
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.
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 the Carolyn 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.
The 2018 Award winners included:
● Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist and Author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What you Give
● Rena Andoh, Esq., Partner at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton, LLC
● Doryne Isley, Portfolio Manager, Urban America
● Tiffany Raspberry, President, York Group Associates
● Marcia Dickstein Sudolsky, Founder and President, MDS Consulting and Tri-State Maxed Out Women
● Dr. Kerry Walk, President, Marymount Manhattan College
● Susan Warren, Philanthropist and Civic Leader