News

March 7, 2023

YWCA NorthEastern NY to Celebrate 40th Annual Empowerment Awards Gala

YWCA NorthEastern NY will host its 40th Annual Empowerment Awards Celebration (formerly Women of Achievement) with an evening gala in one month on March 23, 2023 from 6pm to 9pm at River’s Casino and Events Center in Schenectady.

Hundreds of trailblazing people have been celebrated for the past 40 years, acknowledging their remarkable contributions to the Capital Region and honoring their extraordinary achievements throughout their career and community involvement. While 2023 marks 40 years of YWCA NENY honoring individuals through these awards it also marks 135 years of YWCA NENY making history in Schenectady.

The gala is YWCA NorthEastern NY’s premier fundraising event with all proceeds benefitting the programs and services that further their mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Through their programs for the past 135 years, YWCA NENY works to assist and empower low-income women (trans-inclusive), survivors of domestic violence, and youth in our communities.

This year’s co-chairs are Dr. Arsyl De Jesus, Oncologist at NYOH and Yuvette Wayman, Executive Assistant of Operations at Business for Good. Marcella Hammer of Palette will be the 2023 Master of Ceremonies featuring Walter Thorne, Albany Business Review’s Market President as the events Keynote Speaker.

“I am honored and excited to celebrate our 40th Empowerment Awards with the spectacular evening gala!” said Kim Siciliano, YWCA NENY CEO, “What better way to recognize the YW’s community impact, than by honoring the amazing people who are making a difference in our communities. YWCA NENY has been a 135-year beacon of safety in our neighborhoods shining brightly for anyone who needs a safe haven, affordable housing or quality child care, and we will continue this mission work for another 135 years.”

The 2023 Empowerment Awards Honorees are:

  • James Addison Good Neighbor Award – Lisa Mitzen – Business for Good
  • Social Justice Award – Kokese Ballou – CDPHP
  • Susan Rosenthal Women in Business Award – Tanya Perrault – Lynkwell/Livingston Energy Group
  • Katherine S. Rozendaal Volunteer Award – Anna LaLoe – Saratoga Shredders
  • Empowerment Award – Raysheea Turner & Kimberley Wallace – Wallace Turner Law, LLP
  • Advocacy Award – Mara Ginsberg – To Life!
  • Youth Empowerment Award – Coach Carmen Duncan – Mission Accomplished Transition Services, Inc.
  • Arts & Culture Award – Shana Gourdine – Unmasking Motivation
  • Young Excellence Award – Ella Schoenborn – ProjectElla

In honor of YWCA NENY’s milestone 135th year, the organization will present a walkthrough of organization history, displaying images and items of significance. Additionally, the evening will also feature a “created live” art piece designed on-site by local artist Rae Frasier to raise funds for YW programming and, DJ Rvmba will close out the evening with a fun dance party celebrating 40 years of history in the making!

General admission and Honorary Committee tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online here or by visiting ywca-neny.org/empowerment