Strong Women Leaders Work to Eliminate Poverty for Other Women

Strong Women Leaders Work to Eliminate Poverty for Other Women

Keynote Dawn Hudson, NFL Inspires and Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor, SUNY

Recognized with “Woman of Distinction” Award

Tarrytown, N.Y. (December 1, 2015) – The United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s 3rd Annual Celebration of Women in Philanthropy brought together over 180 attendees to network and recognize the powerful impact of women in Westchester and Putnam on December 1st, #GivingTuesday, in the beautiful Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill.

The event focused on raising critical funds to help low income women in Westchester and Putnam, with an emphasis on stopping poverty at the source through early reading skills for children. Studies show children who aren’t reading proficiently by 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.

Attendees arrived at the event with hundreds of children’s books to be donated to children in poverty. A national study found that 61% of children living in poverty do not have any children’s books in their home.

Dawn Hudson, of Bronxville and Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the NFL, was the event’s special keynote speaker. When addressing marketing challenges during her extensive career Dawn stated, “We have to lean in to those things that are negatives.” She advised attendees to use challenges as opportunities to vocalize pertinent issues, and educate the community. Dawn’s speech also focused on fostering support for women. As the number of working women increases, Dawn emphasized the importance supporting underrepresented women in the workplace. She said, “I think we’re now at a point where women can support each other.”

Ms. Hudson joined the NFL in September 2014 and is responsible for building its fan base and growing the NFL brand. Ms. Hudson spent 11 years at PepsiCo, where she was the Global CMO of Frito-Lay, then CMO of Pepsi-Cola North America, and became President and CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. In 2005 and 2007, she was listed among Fortune magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women in Business,” and she was twice named to Advertising Age’s list of “Top 50 Marketers.”

The Women’s Leadership Council proudly awarded its “Woman of Distinction” recognition to Dr. Nancy L. Zimpher, Chancellor, State University of New York, for her dedication, advocacy and leadership in the pursuit of education. Dr. Zimpher is a recognized leader in the areas of teacher preparation, urban education, and university-community engagement, and as co-founder of StriveTogether, she has been instrumental in creating a national network of innovative systemic partnerships that holistically address challenges across the education pipeline.

The Strive model is now supported locally by many nonprofits including United Way of Westchester and Putnam through the Yonkers Thrives initiative, which helps children by focusing on cradle to career success.

“United Way is really committed to working locally to grow people so they can live self sustaining lives” said Dave Yawman Esq., Chair of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam Board and, SVP, General Counsel, PepsiCo Americas Beverages.

Lisa Salvadorini, News 12 Westchester Anchor and Managing Editor, once again emceed the annual WLC event. PURE Group of Insurance Companies was the patron breakfast sponsor and other supporters included IBM, and the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency. KeyBank was also recognized for its year-round support of the Women’s Leadership Council work.

Women’s Leadership Council members help Westchester and Putnam women living in poverty and their children attain financial self-sufficiency. Members volunteer year-round with resume writing, reading to children and philanthropy to help other women rise out of poverty. To find out more about joining the Council contact Margaret Tramontine, 914-997-6700 x737 or visit www.uwwp.org/wlc.

About United Way of Westchester and Putnam

For the past 53 years, United Way of Westchester and Putnam has operated with the fundamental belief that all people deserve a quality education, enough income to support a family, and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. United Way works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone. All contributions go toward improving the education, income, and health of the children, youth and families throughout Westchester and Putnam. United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1, covering Westchester and Putnam as well as Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, answers up to 500 calls and 1,000 online inquiries per day ranging from tax, heating, and mortgage questions to childcare, basic needs, natural disaster and crisis calls. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. They can be reached at 914-997-6700 or by visiting www.uwwp.org. Follow United Way on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP) and Twitter (@UnitedWayWP) for the latest news and updates.