The New York Women’s Foundation Celebrating Women Breakfast honored trailblazer Valerie Jarrett with a Vision Award on May 13.
A radiant ritual, the annual gathering pays tribute to exceptional women whose vision, work and wisdom have strengthened our communities and shaped our society for the better.
Ana L. Oliveira, Jeannie Park, Valerie Jarrett, Leah Greenberg, Abigail Disney, Mary Baglivo (BFA)
Leaders, advocates, and partners from across New York City come together, united by a shared commitment to women, girls, and gender-expansive people. With purpose and determination, we gather to keep moving forward together.
It was a profoundly moving day for all involved including the CEO of The Obama Foundation who spoke to The Knockturnal on the red carpet.
“I’m deeply humbled by this honor,” Jarrett said. “To be honored by such a prominent organization, not just in New York, but that is spread out and is working with organizations all over the world really makes a difference to me because what happens in America, everybody else copies. We’re showing that foundations who collaborate, who share best practices, who use evidence-based strategies do not give up. We are resilient, we are determined, and we lift each other up.”
Over the years, The Foundation has recognized leaders across arts, activism, culture, and public life, reflecting the breadth of voices and ideas that drive change in New York and beyond. Many have been trailblazers in their fields, advancing rights and opening doors for future generations.
Karen Choi, Helene Banks, Imara Jones, Soffiyah Elijah, Marg Baglivo, Lola C. West, Jean Shafiroff, Nara Yun, Gloria Pitagorsky (BFA)
Other spectacular honorees of the triumphant day at New York Marriott Marquis included Jeannie Park with a Vision Award as well as Celebrating Women Award Honoree Leah Greenberg.
Established in 1987, The New York Women’s Foundation is a leading voice for gender, racial, and economic justice. Based in New York City, The Foundation invests in bold, community-led solutions that advance the power and well-being of women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals. Among the largest women-led grantmaking organizations in the world, The Foundation’s influence in shaping philanthropy reverberates far beyond the five boroughs.
To date, The Foundation has awarded over $141 million to more than 500 organizations, supporting a vibrant ecosystem of grantees, philanthropists, advocates, and innovators committed to lasting, community-rooted change.
To learn more about The New York Women’s Foundation or see highlights from the event, visit www.nywf.org