On Monday December 3, more than forty women attended the State of the Foundation reception in the penthouse of the Foundation’s office. The audience ranged from NYWF® board alumnae to other concerned individuals seeking to make a difference in the lives in women and girls in New York City. The purpose of the event was to inform current constituents about the progress of the Foundation during its 20th anniversary year, as well as to introduce future friends and partners to our work.

NYWF® President and CEO Ana L Oliveira spoke not only of the Foundation’s dramatic financial growth over the past year, but also of goals for the future, including the need to increase the visibility of the Foundation. ”We are one of the best kept secrets in New York City,“ Oliveira said, ”and we want to change this.“

Oliveira then opened the floor to questions and comments from the audience. When asked where the Foundation would invest if it had extra money, Oliveira replied, ”We need to invest more in systemic change. The roadblocks to women’s [advancement] have a material impact not only on them, but on their families as well.“

This was only the second such event held by the NYWF®. This new tradition will continue with an annual State of the Foundation event each December.