Women's Forum of New York

A huge congratulations to Women's Forum member Ellen Pikitch, who has been awarded the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award by The Explorers Club for her incredible contributions to ocean conservation and science communication! Nominated by explorer Sylvia Earle, Ellen’s dedication to protecting our oceans has truly made waves ????. As an endowed professor and executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University, Ellen's work in marine protected areas, fish conservation, and sustainable fisheries has been recognized globally. Her latest project, the eco-friendly DataXplorer?, is a groundbreaking innovation in gathering underwater data. We’re so proud to celebrate Ellen and her continued impact on ocean conservation! Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e-rhuc-P #WomenInScience #OceanConservation #WomensForumNY #ExplorersClub

Women’s Forum of New York member Mi Jong Lee has been a major topic of conversation lately, and for good reason! From dressing Hollywood royalty to receiving the prestigious David Prize, Mi Jong is committed to restoring New York’s Garment District and creating jobs that transform communities. Don’t miss her exclusive interview with IWF Global President Carolyn Carter, where she shares her incredible leadership journey in fashion and her passion for giving back. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/eyf5yDqG #WomensForumNY #MiJongLee #DavidPrize #GarmentDistrict #FashionIcons #Leadership #IWFGlobal #NYC #MakingWaves #Inspiration

?? Shoutout to Women's Forum member Karol Mason, President of John Jay College (CUNY), for her incredible work in transforming lives through education! ?? In partnership with Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), John Jay College has launched the Prison-to-College Pathways (P2CP) program at Otisville Correctional Facility, providing incarcerated students the chance to earn an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. This groundbreaking initiative is the only CUNY College-in-Prison program offering a degree inside a New York State Department of Corrections facility. Karol Mason shared:?? “By offering incarcerated students the opportunity to earn an associate degree, we are providing them with a vital chance to rebuild their lives, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to our communities." This partnership is a huge step toward justice and equity, empowering individuals to shape their futures beyond their pasts. To learn more about this program, visit: https://lnkd.in/ezceXn5P #WomensForum #KarolMason #PrisonToCollege #JohnJayCollege #EducationForAll #SocialJustice #SecondChances #CUNY #BMCC #TransformingLives

The 2025 Education Fund Application is now open! ?? The Women's Forum of New York is proud to recognize extraordinary women who have overcome adversity through our Education Fund award. This $10,000 award is designed to help recipients meet their most pressing needs, whether it's tuition, childcare, medical bills, or housing. Since its inception, we've awarded over $2.8 million to more than 355 women who have gone on to become leaders in their fields and communities. ? The deadline to apply is February 1st, 2025. Have questions? Email us at [email protected]. Visit the link in our bio to learn more and apply today or visit here: https://lnkd.in/eZqctqxe? #WomensForumNY #EducationFund #WomenSupportingWomen #Empowerment #2025Application #Leadership #Community

?? Shout out to our incredible Women's Forum members, Billie Jean King and Katrina Adams! CBS Sports’ all-women studio show, “WE NEED TO TALK”, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with two special episodes highlighting the growth of women’s sports. The first episode, which aired on Sept. 21, featured tennis icon Billie Jean King as an in-studio guest and was hosted by the amazing Katrina Adams, former President & CEO of the USTA and Executive Director of the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program. Catch the second episode on Monday, Sept. 30 (7 PM ET) on CBS Sports Network to celebrate the show’s incredible legacy and the impact these phenomenal women continue to make! #WeNeedToTalk #BillieJeanKing #KatrinaAdams #WomensSports #TennisIcons

Congrats to Women's Forum member Mi Jong Lee for being featured in Inc. Magazine. In the article, Mi Jong Lee highlights the crucial role of manufacturing in the U.S. and how it supports local economies and sustainable practices. ???? As the founder of her own vertically-integrated fashion business, Mi Jong has been a trailblazer in bringing high-quality, handcrafted designs to life—right here in New York. Read the full article to learn more about her insights on the future of American manufacturing: https://lnkd.in/ejwYzyx9 #WomensForumNY #MiJongLee #IncMagazine #MadeInUSA #FashionIndustry #SustainableFashion #WomenInBusiness

New York Fashion Week may have ended yesterday, but today we’re closing out our spotlight on trailblazing Women’s Forum members in fashion with none other than Kay Unger. ?? A trailblazer in the fashion industry, Kay has founded and managed four global fashion companies, including Kay Unger New York and Phoebe Couture. She’s also expanded her design talents into home décor with Kay Unger Home for Bed, Bath & Beyond, and eyewear with Kay Unger Eyewear. Today, she continues to make an impact with Kay Unger Design, moving beyond women’s clothing into new creative ventures. In addition to her career, Kay is a devoted philanthropist. As CEO of The Kay Unger Family Foundation, her “venture philanthropy” supports cancer care and research, as well as scholarships for underprivileged youth in the arts. Her leadership extends to various boards, including The New School and Parsons School of Design, where she chairs the Board of Governors. Kay’s continued commitment to fashion and philanthropy is a true inspiration. ?? #NYFW #KayUnger #FashionIcons #WomensForumNY #WomenInFashion #Philanthropy #Trailblazer

We're continuing with New York Fashion Week by shining a light on Women’s Forum of New York member Mi Jong Lee, who was just announced as a David Prize winner! ?? Mi Jong's journey from academia to fashion is one of true inspiration. After starting her business with a single sewing machine in her bedroom, she’s built a vertically-integrated fashion empire known for its custom creations, sustainable practices, and dedication to empowering women. Her high-end Mi Jong Lee collection is a celebration of individuality, offering bespoke pieces handcrafted in New York’s Garment District. From collaborating with the Museum of Photography in Paris to supporting non-profits like Red Dirt Road, Mi Jong’s legacy goes far beyond fashion. Congratulations, Mi Jong! ? To watch Mi Jong’s interview held with The David Prize, visit: https://lnkd.in/gqjRXTpj #FacesInFashion #MiJongLee #DavidPrize #NYFW #WomensForumNY #FashionForward

Fashion Week continues, and today we’re shining a spotlight on Women’s Forum member Deirdre Quinn, Co-Founder and CEO of Lafayette 148 New York. With a career that began at Donna Karan, Escada, and Liz Claiborne, Deirdre’s passion for fashion, production, and global travel fueled her success. In 1996, she co-founded Lafayette 148, a trailblazing, vertically integrated fashion brand that continues to set the standard for excellence. Under her leadership, the brand has grown tremendously, including a move to a sustainable loft space in Brooklyn Navy Yard. Deirdre’s commitment to innovation, education, and philanthropy extends beyond fashion, as she serves on the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Board of Trustees. Her devotion to enriching the world through education makes her a true fashion visionary and leader. Thank you, Deirdre, for your contributions to the fashion industry! #NYFW #WomenInFashion #Lafayette148 #DeirdreQuinn #WomensForumNY #FacesInFashion #FashionLeadership

As New York Fashion Week continues, we’re shining a spotlight on Women’s Forum member Dr. Joyce F. Brown, an icon in fashion education and leadership. Since becoming President of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in 1998, Dr. Brown has made history as the college’s first female and African-American president. Over her 26-year tenure, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives that expanded faculty, enhanced technology, and elevated the student experience. She has also introduced groundbreaking programs in diversity, sustainability, and the liberal arts, raising the bar for fashion education. Under her leadership, FIT has secured $189 million for the first new academic building in over 40 years, set to open in 2024. Serving over 8,000 students with 1,700+ staff, Dr. Brown has left an indelible mark on the institution and the fashion industry at large. As she prepares to step down at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, we honor her legacy and groundbreaking contributions. ? #FacesInFashion #NYFW #WomensForumNY #JoyceBrown #FIT #FashionEducation #WomenInLeadership #Trailblazer #FashionIcons