WOMEN WITH A VISION

BUSINESS LEADERS SHARE AT ANNUAL Y LUNCHEON

The 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 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.•

(top) 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.