By Mark Hallum
In honor of its 29th anniversary, the Center for the Women of New York is holding a celebration April 16 at Douglaston Manor at noon. The event will be held to recognize “Women of Distinction,” who fill leadership roles in the community, and “Good Guys,” men who make a difference in a woman’s world.
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito will be the guest speaker. TV news anchor and reporter Ines Ferre will be the mistress of ceremonies.
The non-profit organization, founded by Ann Juliano Jawin in 1987, is dedicated to empowering the women of Queens through workshops and events that give them the skills they need to improve their lives, both professionally and economically.
Among the honorees singled out for the “Women in Leadership” awards are New York State Assemblywoman Maritza Davila (D-Brooklyn), Director of Social Justice for Universalist Unitarian Congregation Claire Deroche, Director of Public Safety for Queens College Nancy Falcon, Political Action Committee Chair DC 1707 Lorraine Guest, Dr. Kushalata Jayakar from the Domestic Harmony Foundation, TimesLedger Newspaper Editor Roz Liston, and Director of Girls Education at the Young Leadership Academy Network Laura Rebell Gross.
On the list of the “Good Guy” awards are Deputy Chief of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association Richard Alles, Director of the Public School Athletic League Donald Douglas, Friends of D & LN Public Library President John Duane, state Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) and Director of Organizing for Transport Workers Union Local 100 Frank McCann.
The celebration will be centered around a cocktail networking reception, lunch, awards ceremony, silent auction and raffles.
Jawin, who has a background as an career advancement specialist, saw the need for an organization to address the specific problems of women in Queens, and founded CWNY as a result. From the start, Jawin saw the need for career and money management training as critical in helping women living in an abusive relationship.
The Center for the Women of New York’s temporary main office is located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. in Kew Gardens, until the renovation of its new building at Fort Totten is completed.
The luncheon will be held at noon at Douglaston Manor at 63-20 Commonwealth Blvd. in Douglaston.
There is a networking reception, the awards ceremony, a silent auction and raffles.
Bill Gatti will provide the music. Tickets for the event are $125.
RSVP by phone or email: (929) 276-2969 or Cente
(adding Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito as guest speaker)
