(clockwise, from upper left) YMCA Vice President of Government Relations Michael Rivadeneyra, San Juan YMCA External Resources Manager Patricia Negrón Busquets, San Juan YMCA Executive Director Mabel Román Padró, and YMCA President and CEO Sharon Greenberger; Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson and a fellow volunteer help out with some gardening; State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey and his daughters help refresh some paint; and Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado addresses the crowd.
WOMEN WITH A VISION BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE AT ANNUAL Y LUNCHEON
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he Y’s annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon is dedicated to the empowerment of young women and girls participating in the Y’s youth programs. The 2023 luncheon featured special guest Aurora James in conversation with Y Board Member Karis Durmer, both of whom are visionaries in the fashion business. James shared her experience creating luxury accessories brand Brother Vellies, founding the (l to r) YMCA of Greater New York Board Chair Sandie O’Connor, Aurora James, Founder of Brother Vellies & Fifteen Percent Pledge; YMCA Board Members Karis Durmer and Hildy Kuryk, and Y Alumna Speaker Zakhro Kakhramonova.
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WE’RE HERE FOR ALL NEW YORKERS –
to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community.
non-profit Fifteen Percent Pledge – an organization advocating for retailers to pledge at least fifteen percent of their shelf-space to Black-owned businesses – and publishing her memoir, Wildflower. Durmer discussed her career in luxury fashion as CEO at Altuzarra, which she led for over eight years, her experience serving as CEO of the Americas at Scotch & Soda, and her recent appointment as President of Versace Americas.
Proceeds raised at the Women’s Leadership Luncheon support the personal and professional growth of young women and girls who participate in the Y’s youth leadership and college readiness programs. As part of our mission, the Y serves students from disadvantaged economic backgrounds who otherwise might not have access to high-quality enrichment programs.•
