Dinner Celebrated Manhattan's Women Leaders

NEW YORK - More than 200 women and men gathered for The New York Women’s Foundation’s 16th Annual Neighborhood Dinner at The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in Washington Heights. Each year, the dinner honors the power of women acting in and for their communities and recognizes women leaders who have demonstrated commitment to neighborhood-based work on behalf of women and families in New York City.

This year’s deserving recipients of the Neighborhood Leadership Award were Broadway Housing Communities Executive Director Ellen Baxter, Harlem Lanes Co-founders Sharon Joseph and Gail Richards and The Brotherhood/Sister Sol Directors’ Circle, which includes Executive Director Khary Lazarre-White and Associate Directors Wendy DeJesus and Cidra M. Sebastien.

The New York Women’s Foundation Board Chair Carolyn Buck Luce spoke to the foundation’s commitment to the extraordinary women affecting change in New York City. The Dominican Women’s Development Center Executive Director Rosita Romero gave a rousing keynote speech and the evening was emceed by Deputy Borough President and NYWF Board Alumna Rosemonde Pierre-Louis. Entertainment was provided by local musicians Dee Ramey & Jazz Fever, with an inspiring spoken word fromCheyenne Ross, an alumna of The Brotherhood Sister Sol Lyrical Circle. Food was catered by four women-owned local restaurants, including Spoonbread, Masidi, Melba’s and Creole Restaurant. M&T Bank and Amalgamated Bank were the lead event sponsors.

“In the past year alone, The New York Women’s Foundation® has invested $3.4 million in New York City’s community-based programs. In 2010, the foundation increased its grantmaking by 23% and we will continue to support the tremendous work of the outstanding women creating positive change in our local communities,” said Ana Oliveira, NYWF President and CEO.

About The New York Women’s Foundation
The New York Women’s Foundation is a voice for women and a force for change. We are a cross-cultural alliance of women catalyzing partnerships and leveraging human and financial capital to achieve sustained economic security and justice for women and girls. With fierce determination, we mobilize hearts, minds and resources to create an equitable and just future for women, families and communities in New York City.