NEW YORK, NY — The New York Women’s Foundation hosted its annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis. This hallmark event brought together leaders, advocates, and community partners from across New York City to recognize extraordinary individuals who championed bold and innovative solutions for gender, racial, and economic justice.
2026 Honorees and Distinguished Guests
At this year’s gathering, The Foundation presented the Vision Award to Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation and former Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, and Jeannie Park, Board Chair of the Korean American Community Foundation and former executive editor at People and InStyle magazines.
The Celebrating Women® Award was presented to Leah Greenberg, co-founder and co-Executive Director of the Indivisible Project, and the National Philanthropic Collaborative of Young Women’s Initiatives, a collective effort that amplified the power and security of young women.
The morning featured a special appearance by Foundation Board Member and celebrated philanthropist Jean Shafiroff, whose advocacy continued to empower the mission of The Foundation. Also joining the event was Camelia Entekhabifard, the distinguished journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Persian, representing the vital intersection of global independent news and women’s leadership.
A Legacy of Impact
For nearly 40 years, the Celebrating Women® Breakfast has served as a critical fundraising platform, raising over $141 million throughout its history to support more than 500 organizations committed to lasting, community-rooted change. “Even in these changing times, our partners know they can count on The Foundation’s support and partnership,” said Ana L. Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation. “As new challenges emerged, we remained committed to standing alongside our partners and the communities they served”.
About The New York Women’s Foundation
Established in 1987, The New York Women’s Foundation is a leading voice for gender, racial, and economic justice. As one of the largest women-led grantmaking organizations in the world, it invests in community-led solutions that advance the well-being of women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals.
The seamless execution of the event was supported by the Andrew Simon Agency (@andrewsimon.agency). Contributions to the cause continued to be accepted at nywf.org/cwb2026-give.
Press Contact: Norah Lawlor | Lawlor Media Group | www.lawlormediagroup.com
