The New York Women’s Foundation Celebrates Six Outstanding Women Leaders of Queens
Martha Baker, Barbara Wynne, Katherine H. Kim, Patricia Simon, Nataly Rubio-Torio and Andrea Ormeño Honored for their Community Spirit and Efforts to Make Change
New York - The New York Women’s Foundation (The Foundation) honored six outstanding Queens women who lead at its September 22nd Neighborhood Dinner. Martha Baker, Barbara Wynne, Katherine H. Kim, Patricia Simon, Nataly Rubio-Torio and Andrea Ormeño were recognized for their outstanding contributions to community and their work promoting social change. More than 200 people attended the dinner held at LaGuardia Community College, which raised $200,000 for The Foundation.
Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The Foundation said, “Tonight, we are delighted to honor these extraordinary women of Queens, each in her own way a tireless advocate for social justice. We thank Martha Baker, Katherine Kim, Patricia Simon, Nataly Rubio-Torio and Andrea Ormeño for making our city a better city for women and girls.” She continued, “And, to Barbara Wynne, our former Chair and Board Member, we thank you for your leadership and for the clarity, respect, determination and love that permeates everything you do.”
Ms. Baker and Ms. Wynne received Lifetime Achievement awards. Ms. Baker, a political activist, NY Paid Leave Campaign leader and founder of Nontraditional Employment for Women, was recognized for her lifelong advocacy for the advancement of women at the local and national level. She has worked to secure leave policies that support working families and promote women in the workplace. Ms. Wynne, former Chair and Alumna of The Board of The New York Women’s Foundation, was recognized for her visionary leadership of the organization. She played a pivotal role in guiding The Foundation through a transitional period to become more mission oriented and accelerate change.
Ms. Kim, Ms. Simon and Ms. Rubio-Torio received Neighborhood Leadership awards. Ms. Kim, Executive Director at YWCA Queens, was recognized for her efforts to develop innovating and successful programs in the community. Ms. Simon, Executive Director at the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation, was recognized for her tireless contributions to the Rockaway community by creating economic and educational opportunities for youth and seniors living in NYCHA housing. Ms. Rubio-Torio, Executive Director of Voces Latinas, was honored for creating culturally sensitive programs which bridge the gap in services for immigrant Latinas living with HIV/AIDS, facing violence against women, and other health risks.
Ms. Ormeño received the Spirit of Entrepreneurship award. Program Director at the Women Business Center, she was recognized for her efforts to empower women to participate in the economy by developing the capacity to start and grow their businesses.
The event also featured several of The Foundation’s grantee partners in Queens, the Backstretch Employee Service Team of New York, New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE) and Latinas On the Verge of Excellence (L.O.V.E.), whose advocacy and service make the borough a place where women and families can thrive.