Annual Awards Ceremony honored eight outstanding women Making a Difference in New York and Beyond
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 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. 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
- Kerry Walk, President, Marymount Manhattan College
- Susan Warren, Philanthropist and Civic Leader
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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.
About Jean Shafiroff
Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, activist, humanitarian, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, is at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean’s philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work, she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.
A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board, Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation, and Global Strays, and is an Ambassador for the American Humane Society.
Widely recognized for her philanthropic work, Jean has been recognized and featured in numerous publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Gotham Magazine, The New York Times, Hello, Hola, New York Social Diary, Avenue, Hamptons Magazine, Huffington Post, among others.
Jean works closely with the multiple causes she supports. Each year she chairs numerous galas and hosts events benefiting numerous not-for-profit organizations. She is well-known for her leadership in raising money for many charities, including the Southampton Hospital, New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation. Jean is often a guest speaker on TV and radio shows throughout the country. The subjects she speaks about include philanthropy, human rights, fashion and animal welfare.
Jean has been honored by several organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Youth Counseling League, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Surgeons of Hope, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, and the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation.
Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She has worked both in public finance and private partnerships on Wall Street. Prior to that, she was a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. Jean is married to Martin Shafiroff, an investment advisor, and together they have two daughters, Jacqueline and Elizabeth, who share their mother’s interest in charitable causes. Jean and her family reside in both New York City and Southampton, NY.
Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan
Jean Shafiroff ©Patrick McMullan
Jean Shafiroff, Rebecca Seawright ©Patrick McMullan
