Emerging on the New York City charity scene is young philanthropist, activist and entrepreneur Elizabeth “Lizzie” Asher who is on a mission to redefine the time-honored tradition of giving. Lizzie Asher is inciting a younger generation to get involved in philanthropy, and on her list of charitable initiatives has been the relaunch of the Young Friends of Save Venice. Supporting one of the top charities in New York City, she has united an active group of young people to get involved in Save Venice’s fundraising efforts which helps to restore and preserve the historical artworks and architecture of Venice, Italy.
2019 was a successful year for Lizzie, hosting numerous galas and charity events throughout the year, including chairing Save Venice’s Young Friends Steering Committee Holiday Cocktails,which hosted H.R.H Prince Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy, to raise awareness of conservation efforts in Venice following the extreme floods that devastated Venice in November 2019. Lizzie also co-hosted the Parrish Art Museum’s Annual Midsummer After Party and was part of the Benefit Committee of the Frick’s Young Fellows Ball and New York Botanical Garden Winter Wonderland Ball. Lizzie also supported various other charities and celebrated their achievements such as Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation’s Angel Ball, The White Cross Ball of New York and SEA’s 25th Anniversary Gala. Looking ahead this month, Lizzie is a Vice-Chair of the Young Collector’s Night of the Winter Show.
The Peruvian-born philanthropist and entrepreneur is inspired by the strong women in her family who have influenced her involvement in some of the most venerable causes. At the 65th Anniversary of Harvard Law School admitting women students, alumna Lizzie Asher delivered an impassioned speech to women graduates about the illusory idea of work/life balance. Lizzie’s general philosophy has been that trying to find a sense of balance will always throw you off-balance. As a result, Lizzie throws herself into her philanthropic commitments, business endeavors and family time.
When she is not spending quality time with her son and her husband, Lizzie finds time for her causes, chief among them a niche specialty at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Lizzie and her husband have made substantial financial contributions to support cutting edge research and new techniques in a medical field that allowed their family to remain intact. Lizzie credits Drs. Daniel Brodie and Matthew Bacchetta for using the life-saving therapy treatment ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) for her recovery after she fell into a month-long coma from a blood clot that formed in her lungs while pregnant.
Lizzie and her husband also lead their own endowment, raising money for the Asher-Ezra Scholarship Fund that is part of the non-profit City Squash. The scholarship provides financial aid to underprivileged Latino children in the Bronx and Brooklyn who excel at squash. The two Harvard alumni have found it truly gratifying to provide opportunities to young Latino children and other marginalized communities.
Lizzie hasn’t only roped in her husband to rally behind significant causes, she has done likewise to her sister and the company that they helm together. Since arriving in America at the age of 12, Lizzie’s family have held strongly to their Peruvian roots and culture. Namely, together with her sister, Melanie Asher, they have crafted a hyper natural grape distillate, Macchu Pisco–cleverly named after Peru’s gem recognized as one of the new 7 Wonders of the World, Macchu Picchu.
Lizzie and Melanie have brought the signature spirit of Peru to the United States and internationally, emphasizing that the women-found, women-ran – and not inherited – beverage brand works with a coop of women farmers and employs female grape pickers. Proudly pronouncing Macchu Pisco’s dedication to the advancement of women in the male-dominated wine and spirits industry, Lizzie is passionate about women being adequately represented in male-dominated spaces and supporting women’s social justice issues.
To some it may seem that Lizzie da Trindade-Asher has a lot on her plate but overcoming her own trials and tribulations has ignited a passion for helping those who lack access or resources. Lizzie Asher is a breath of fresh air, helping to redefine the institution of charitable giving in New York City.
About Macchu Pisco
Macchu Pisco was founded by Lizzie Asher and her sister Melanie. Together the two have crafted an entirely new experience for discerning drinkers when they introduced the sublime spirit of Peru to the United States, Europe and beyond. While the sisters certainly cast a reverent eye toward tradition, Macchu Pisco is singular in its modern purity and complexity, and has been regarded as nothing less than revelatory by mixologists and the press. Macchu Pisco is currently available online and can be found at the finest restaurants and retailers around the world.
Macchu Pisco is a premium line made 100% from the quebranta grape. It is produced all naturally so, innately, it’s “all the highs without the lows.” Characterized by herbal, grassy and earthy notes, it rests for 1 year before being bottled at the estate.
For more information about Macchu Pisco, please visit: www.macchupisco.com
Facebook: MacchuPiscoDrinks | Twitter: @MacchuPisco | Instagram: @Macchu_Pisco
