January 2022 Newsletter

Forum members Maria Torres-Springer, Vice President, US Programs, Ford Foundation and Sheena Wright, President & CEO, United Way New York City, were announced by Mayor-elect Eric Adams as top lieutenants in his administration, being appointed to NYC Deputy Mayor positions. The Ford Foundation’s Maria Torres-Springer was appointed Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development. As the Vice President, US Programs at the Ford Foundation, Maria oversaw the foundation’s domestic programming for Civic Engagement and Government, Creativity and Free Expression, Just Cities and Regions, Technology and Society, Future of Work(ers), and Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Justice. Sheena Wright was appointed Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives. For the past 9 years, Wright has led the United Way of New York City as President & CEO, developing initiatives to help New York City through the pandemic.

On Jan 1st, our Forum members joined the women-led team to help revive a city still reeling economically from the pandemic.

“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to serve the city again as Deputy Mayor for Economic & Workforce Development and to do so with these extraordinary women leaders.” – Maria Torres-Springer

“I am so honored and grateful for the years that I could be of service through United Way of New York City,” Ms. Wright commented. “I look forward to working together in my new role to make New York an even better place to live.” – Sheena Wright

To read more on Maria and Sheena’s newly appointed roles as NYC Deputy Mayors, please visit HERE.

——————————————————

Two of our Forum members, Sallie Krawcheck, Co-Founder & CEO of Ellevest and Susan McPherson, Founder & CEO of McPherson Strategies were recently listed in Worth Magazine’s, The Worthy 100, a list showcasing over 100 entrepreneurs working to make a serious impact both personally and through their businesses. Our members on this list were featured alongside entrepreneurs like Chobani’s Hamdi Ulukaya, Lava Records’ Jason Flom and digitalundivided’s Lauren Maillian, who live and breathe their life’s mission into their businesses. Both Sallie and Susan demonstrate that business truly is personal, as this year’s Worthy 100 show.

To read more about The Worthy 100, please visit HERE.

——————————————————

Helen Aboah, CEO, Urban Zen, was honored as a 2021 New York Moves Magazine Power Woman. Urban Zen is a design vision and philosophy created by Donna Karan that defines the space where creativity, culture, and collaboration converge with retail, technology, wellness/healthcare, and social impact. Helen oversees the brand’s operations including the Urban Zen Collection and artisanal partnerships, Urban Zen retail stores, Urban Zen Center, and the Urban Zen Foundation. She also leads the groundbreaking Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) Program that integrates eastern healing modalities with western science, certifying over 900 UZIT-trained therapists who operate in leading research hospitals across the country.

“To support and increase the presence of women in high level positions will require a shift from commitment to action. With that in mind, companies should give more women the opportunities to cultivate the skills necessary for such a role.” – Helen Aboah

Lauren C. Anderson, Former FBI Executive, Founder, L.H.D. LC Anderson International Consulting, joined the Board of Directors for a new public company, called ShoulderUp Acquisition Corp, a SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Corp). As the founder, entrepreneur Phyllis Newhouse, told Forbes in an article titled ShoulderUp Rings The New York Stock Exchange Bell, “ShoulderUp is to show women to be fearless.” ShoulderUp’s motto is “Stand Up. Speak Up. Shoulder Up.” The Board and Management Team is unique for its diversity and is comprised of three former military, two former FBI, and one former Minority Leader of the Georgia House of Representatives. ShoulderUp had the distinct honor of ringing the opening bell at the NYSE on November 22, 2021. In a noteworthy connection, it was Forum member, Edie Weiner, CEO & President, The Future Hunters, who introduced Lauren to Phyllis about five years ago.

To read the article ShoulderUp Rings The New York Stock Exchange Bell, please visit HERE.

Carla Harris, Vice Chairman, Global Wealth Management and Senior Client Advisor, Morgan Stanley, was honored to headline Holidays from Harlem with Carla Harris and Friends with fellow singers from the Morgan Stanley family from around the globe as a part of their annual fundraising concert. Originally performed to sold out audiences at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC, the show pivoted to a virtual format last year, becoming Holidays From Harlem with Carla Harris and Friends. Support of the virtual concert benefited New York-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital, Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and the Chicago Grow Clinic at La Rabida.

Jessica Lappin, President, Alliance for Downtown New York, was listed in City & State New York  Economic Development Power 75, a list highlighting the policymakers who are driving economic development strategies in New York and positioning the state for a post-pandemic recovery, including elected officials, government appointees and leaders of chambers of commerce, trade associations, business improvement districts, labor unions, corporations and nonprofits. The Alliance for Downtown New York manages the country’s largest Business Improvement District (BID) and provides sanitation and public safety services downtown, serves the street homeless, runs a free bus service, and uses research and marketing to generally advance Lower Manhattan as a global model of a 21st century Central Business District.

To learn more about the Economic Development Power 75 and the individuals featured on this list, please visit HERE.

Ann Sarnoff, Chair & CEO, WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group, was named in Forbes newly released “The World’s Most Powerful Women 2021” list. The list reflects the change that has occurred in the world. The state of female power has changed, with women gaining ground in the c-suite. Forty CEOs are featured on this list, the most since 2015. Sarnoff was named Chair and CEO of WarnerMedia Studios and Networks Group in August 2020 and oversees all of WarnerMedia’s content-focused teams, including the Warner Bros. Pictures Group, HBO and HBOMax , Cartoon Network, TBS, TNT, and Warner Bros. Television Group.

To read Forbes The World’s Most Powerful Women 2021 list, please visit HERE.