The New York Women's Foundation Honors Saru Jayaraman, Dina Habib Powell and Laurie M. Tisch
New York, NY (October 17, 2016) – The New York Women’s Foundation honored three of the city’s most socially conscious citizens at its 2016 Fall Gala at The Plaza. The honorees, Saru Jayaraman, Co-Founder & Co-Director of Restaurant Opportunities Centers United; Dina Habib Powell, Head of Goldman Sachs’ Impact Investing Business and President of The Goldman Sachs Foundation; and Laurie M. Tisch, the President of the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, are extraordinary women who have dedicated their lives to empowering others.
Ms. Jayaraman was recognized for advocacy work at Restaurant Opportunities Centers United, a national organization organizing on behalf of low-wage restaurant workers. Ted Bunch of A CALL TO MEN and 2014 Fall Gala award recipient presented her award.
Ms. Habib Powell was recognized for leadership in supporting female entrepreneurs at Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Women, a global program offering business education and access to capital to women entrepreneurs. Former Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice presented the award to her, by video.
Ms. Tisch was recognized for her innovative philanthropy and dedication to public service through the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund. United States Senator Cory Booker presented her award.
Approximately 300 guests attended the celebration on October 13, 2016, which raised nearly $600,000 to support The Foundation’s mission to achieve sustained economic security and justice for New York City’s undeserved women and girls. The Foundation is the largest women’s grant making fund in the nation.
Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The Foundation, said, “The New York Women’s Foundation is privileged to honor Saru Jayaraman, Dina Habib Powell and Laurie Tisch for their accomplishments as advocates and agents of change. They are among the most dynamic and inspiring women that we know. We are grateful for their achievements and their longstanding support of New York City’s women, girls and families.”
Ted Bunch, Chief Development Officer of A CALL TO MEN and 2014 Fall Gala award recipient, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Among the evening’s highlights was a special performance by Molly Jobe from the Broadway show Waitress.
The event was co-chaired by Anne E. Delaney and Jean and Martin Shafiroff, with Grainne McNamara and Yvonne Quinn serving as vice-chairs. Cathy and Walter Isaacson, Senator Cory Booker, Tory Burch and Beth Finkel were among the notable guests.
Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women, Latham & Watkins LLP, Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, and Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s were corporate sponsors of the event.
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. For more information, visit www.nywf.org.