CWNY Milestones - Center for the Women of New York

October 22, 2024: “CWNY’s Annual Membership Meeting & Election 2024”

The evening began with a presentation/Think Tank on “Domestic Violence: One Terrible Situation With Many Tentacles” – The intersection of family law, divorce law, criminal law, immigration law in domestic violence situations.

PROGRAM:
– Presentation by Megan Rha, Esq.
– Discussion and Q&A
– CWNY Plan of Action
– Annual meeting and election for positions of CWNY President and 2 Directors voted by current CWNY Members

September 17, 2024: CWNY’S 3rd Annual Food Tasting: “Taste of the World at Fort Totten”

We held our third annual food tasting event on our scenic lawn! 26 local restaurants donated tasting-sized portions of their signature dishes of delicious international food to all our attendees who purchased event tickets.

Live music by SANGHA TIERRA

BRONZE SPONSORS
Delta Airlines, First Central Savings Bank

SUPPORTER SPONSOR
Coran Ober P.C.

FRIEND SPONSOR
Difference Inc.

List of participating restaurants:
Aegea West • Avo Taco • Bayside Milk Farm • Ben’s • Bourbon Street • Cascon Cheesecake • Empire Kitchen • Greek Islands • Il Bacco • Il Sapore • Marbella • Maria’s • Martha’s Country Bakery • Masala King • Mito • Monahan & Fitzgerald • Munch • One Station Plaza • Picciotto • Riviera Ristorante • Rosa’s Pizza • Sybil’s • Taverna Kyclades • The Cuban • The Monster Crab • Trattoria 35

July 8, 2024: Community Baby Shower and Diaper Giveaway Event

The Center for the Women of New York participated in Queens Borough President Donovan Richards’ Community Baby Shower in Corona, Queens together with MetroPlus Health and the Queens Family Justice Center. CWNY donated baby clothes and beauty products to hundreds of new mothers at Corona Plaza! We thank the generous support from Thrive Causemetics, Kinnect by Kith, and Thrive’s founder Karissa Bodnar. We thank our interns for their help and it was great to serve families in Corona, Queens! Click here to check out our photos from the event on our Facebook post!

May 9, 2024: CWNY Gala 2024

Our Gala is an opportunity for us to celebrate our work and grow our community.

2024 Honorees

OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP

Donovan Richards Jr. – Queens Borough President
Nily Rozic – Assemblywoman

WOMAN OF DISTINCTION

Karissa Bodnar – Thrive Causemetics
Lisa Louis Burton – Zonta International District 3
Elizabeth De Jesus – The Cottontail Corner: El Centro Pedagógico
Sergeant Yadira Reyes – NYPD

GOOD GUY AWARD

Gene McNamara – Retired NYPD

Special Performances

Music performance by 2Complicated – Catena Vallone, Chris Mecir & Charlie Vallone
Dance performance by Danielle Reyes & Ashley Russell
Poetry by Dani Queen

November 28, 2023: CWNY’s Giving Tuesday Fundraiser 2023

All funds raised go towards Center for the Women of New York mission in advocating for full gender equality and empower women by offering them programs and resources to aid, uplift, and address their challenges. Donors’ generosity is essential and very much appreciated! DONATE HERE!

October 23, 2023: “CWNY’s Annual Membership Meeting & Election 2023”

CWNY held its Annual Membership Meeting in-person for the first time since 2019 and we were able to have it at our Fort Totten location. Only individual Members were eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting for CWNY Board of Directors and Officers positions,

October 11, 2023: “International Day of the Girl”

The United Nations marks October 11 as the International Day of the Girl since 2012. International Day of the Girl focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. Click here for resources about this day!

September 19, 2023: CWNY’S 2nd Annual Food Tasting: “A Taste of the World at Fort Totten”

We held our second annual food tasting event on our scenic lawn! 18 local restaurants donated tasting-sized portions of their signature dishes of delicious international food to all our attendees who purchased event tickets. We also welcomed our new Executive Director, Racquel Chariah during the event.

Music by DJ IZZY
Live music by FOGO AZUL DRUMLINE
Dances by DOMINICAN DANCE GROUP, INC.

GOLD SPONSORS
First Central Savings Bank, Coran Ober, Schwartz Family, Leith ter Meulen

FRIEND SPONSORS
Robert Levy, QG Floral + Landscape, Malini Shah, John Tandana

RESTAURANTS
Aegea West Mediterranean Kitchen • Avo Taco • Baybridge Szechuan Restaurant • Bayside Milk Farm • Bourbon Street • Cascon Baking Company • Cupcakes by Lauren • D Roti Hut • Il Bacco • Marbella Restaurant • Maria’s Mediterranean • Martha’s Country Bakery • The Monster Crab • One Station Plaza • Picciotto NY • Riviera Ristorante • Robert’s Butcher Shop • Trattoria 35

May 11, 2023: CWNY Gala 2023

We honored supporters of women’s rights and those who have made significant contributions to our community. The evening included: Dinner, an awards presentation, musical performances, & raffles.

2023 Honorees

LETITIA JAMES – New York Attorney General (Invited)
TOM SUOZZI ~ Former U.S. Congressman
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HELEN ARTEAGA LANDAVERDE ~ Elmhurst Hospital Chief Executive Officer
DANIELLE GIUNTA ~ NYC Community Education District 26 Superintendent
TARYN SACRAMONE ~ Queens Theatre Executive Director
MATTHEW SYMONS ~ NYC Dept. of Parks & Recreation Northeast Queens
Parks Administrator
ANNA-MARIE VALLONE ~ First Central Savings Bank Vice President

Performers

“2Complicated”
Jaleya, District 26 Student
Anissa Gathers
“Potri Ranka Manis”

Watch our gala slideshow of that night’s program in our video above or view our slides below:

CWNY Gala 2023 – program Download

Watch videos of our Gala in two parts:

Part 1

Part 2

Check out over a hundred of our Gala photos:

Gala 2023 Photos

December 2, 2022 – January 2, 2023: Holiday Art Exhibition & Sale – “Art for a Cause”

50+ art pieces through “Artists for a Cause” were available for purchase or bidding. One painting was also available as a raffle prize for those who bought raffle tickets. Raffle winner was randomly chosen virtually on January 3, 2023.

Those who purchased original art supported programming at the CWNY and the artists that generously donated a portion of the proceeds. All funds raised helped CWNY’s Art Program that focuses on Female Artists Representation and Gender Justice Social Transformation through Art.

Our opening reception was on Friday, December 9, 2022 and attendees had the opportunity to view and buy original artwork and meet the artists, Evening entertainment:
Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres,
A book reading/signing by Nationally Acclaimed Long Island City Author, Dr. Bessie W. Blake. She presented and signed her third book Love Lifted Me.
Musical performance by Peruvian Vocalist and Activist, Noelia Robles.

November 29, 2022: CWNY’s Giving Tuesday Fundraiser 2022

All funds raised went towards Center for the Women of New York mission in advocating for full gender equality and empower women by offering them programs and resources to aid, uplift, and address their challenges. Donors’ generosity was essential and very much appreciated!

October 24, 2022: “CWNY’s Election & Annual Membership Meeting 2022”

Only individual Members were eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting held on Zoom for CWNY Board of Directors and Officers positions,

October 11, 2022: “International Day of the Girl”

September 20, 2022: Food Tasting Event: “A Taste of the World at Fort Totten”

"Taste of the World" Food Tasting Event banner

CWNY held our first-ever Food Tasting Event on the very last night of Summer 2022 and were delighted to host it outdoors in beautiful weather at our Fort Totten location’s front lawn. Over a dozen restaurants participated by each donating tasting-sized portions of their signature dishes to all our attendees who purchased event tickets. We had live music by the World/Latin-fusion band, Sangha Tierra playing throughout the evening for all to hear. The event was such a big success that we can’t wait until we get to host another Food Tasting Event!

May 21, 2022: Street Co-Naming Ceremony: “Ann Jawin Way”

CWNY, the Doug-Bay Manor Civic Association, and Ann Jawin’s Family all took part in a very special ceremony. We posthumously honored our dear founder, Ann Juliano Jawin, by co-naming 233rd Street (intersection of 233rd Street and 39th Ave.) as Ann Jawin Way and planted a tree in her honor.

Ann Juliano Jawin founded the Center for the Women of New York in 1987 and the Doug-Bay Manor Civic Association in 1968. In light of Ann’s unparalleled dedication to women’s rights, as well as her service to the Douglaston community, Council Member Paul Vallone introduced this co-naming which was approved by the NYC Council on December 15, 2021. CWNY thanks District Leader Dave Fisher for his assistance in scheduling and planning the Ann Jawin Way co-naming ceremony.

Click here to read more and see photos and watch the unveiling of the street sign on video.

May 7, 2022: Art Exhibit Opening: “Art for a Purpose” – A Multivenue Global Exhibition with CWNY and Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation

CWNY was pleased to participate with Artivism: The Power of Art for Social Transformation in hosting a Multi-Venue Global Exhibition, “Art for a Purpose” at our Fort Totten Park location in-person on Saturdays, May 7, 14, 21, and June 11 & 18. This multi-venue global exhibition had shed light on social issues to inspire change. Art materials were also on hand for everyone to create their own art for a purpose. The opening reception was on May 7th from 1 – 5 PM and was sponsored by The French Workshop.

April 7, 2022: “CWNY’s 35^th Anniversary Virtual Gala”

CWNY honored those who have gone above and beyond in empowering women and those who have made significant contributions to our community.

2022 HONOREES

Grace Meng, U.S. Congresswoman
Adrienne E. Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council
Joseph Alohan, Sergeant NYPD
Bessie W. Blake, Ph.D., Author and Activist
Racquel Chariah, Executive Director of the Hance Family Foundation
Mary Crimmins, NYCDOE Physical Education Teacher
Stephanie Lake, Ph.D., Director of Criminal Justice Program, Adelphi University
Lisa Liberatore, MD, ENT, Founder of Luv Michael

PERFORMANCES by Dawud Rahman, Rowan McKiernan, and Sol Marattin

March 28, 2022: Members-Only Virtual Meet & Greet

CWNY had a Members-Only Virtual Meet & Greet in the evening on Zoom with CWNY Board of Directors, Board Members, volunteers, and members.

March 26, 2022: “2022 Women in Achievement Award posthumously awarded to Ann Jawin at St. John’s University”

On March 26, 2022 in celebration of Women’s History Month at the Garden City Hotel, St. John’s University presented the 2022 Women in Achievement Award Posthumously to Ann Juliano Jawin, PD ’77. On behalf of our founder, Ann Juliano Jawin, and the Jawin family, the Center for the Women of New York proudly accepted the St. John’s Women 2022 Women in Achievement award. Ann’s legacy of activism and advocacy for women’s equality lives on through CWNY’s current services and programs.

The PowerPoint slides for the above presentation and additional information are available here:

Ann Jawin posthumous award at St Johns 03262022 Download

March 24, 2022: Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s Women’s History Month Celebration

CWNY was proud to co-sponsor with Queens County Women’s Bar Association for Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz’s Women’s History Month in-person event at Queens College’s Rosenthal Library in the evening.

Keynote Speaker: New York State Attorney General Letitia James
Special Guest: NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
Moderator: Investigative reporter, Mary Murphy Mystery of PIX11

February 2022: “Black History Month is Every Month!” with Adrienne Whaley – A CWNY Interview

Guest Speaker: Adrienne Whaley, Queens Underground International Black and Brown Film Festival Founder

Hosts: Kati Fernandez and Cecilia Venosta-Wiygul, CWNY

October 16, 2021: CWNY’s 13^th Annual Walk/Run (In Person)

Group photo of CWNY's in-person Walk/Run event

CWNY held its 13th Annual Walk/Run at our Fort Totten location at 207 Totten Avenue, Fort Totten Park, Queens in person. For those who couldn’t make it in-person or felt more comfortable supporting us from the comfort of your home, we also offered our Virtual Walk/Run from Oct. 16-24, 2021.

April 29, 2021: CWNY’s 34^th Anniversary Virtual Gala

Center for the Women of New York held its 34^th Anniversary Virtual Gala on Thursday, April 29, 2021. CWNY honored supporters of women’s rights with awards for leadership.

34^th Anniversary Honorees:

Alina Bloomgarden, Music On The Inside, Inc.
Mona Charles, NYC Health + Hospitals Queens
Felicia Fonrose, Felicia’s Promise
Maria Markou, Markou Global Legal Group, LLC
Congressman Gregory W. Meeks
Victoria Schneps-Yunis, Schneps Media
Council Member Paul A. Vallone
Youth Volunteers, Bake Back America
- Caroline Farber, Ryan Fenster, Emma Klein, Shreya Sriram, and Abigail Zaroff

Musical performances:

Dawud Rahman and Naomi Blount from Music on the Inside

Jan 8, 2021: Virtual Wine Tasting

Cheers to 2021! CWNY rang in the new year with a virtual wine tasting.

Ticket buyers were provided with:

Eight glass bottles of California Coastal Wines (six ounces each) delivered for them to try at the event and experience a variety of new flavors.
Snack and pairing suggestions sent prior to our event.
A wine expert via videoconference to educate them on each wine & suggest yummy pairings.
General high-level wine knowledge about how to taste wines.
Fun facts & wine trivia about the grapes & their harvest regions.
Knowledge of what to look for when buying wines at a store or local wine shop.

Nov 22-30, 2020: CWNY Virtual 5K Run/Walk/Jog/Ride

CWNY Run/Walk/Jog/Ride donation campaign thanks to participants image

Champions who did a 5K run/walk/jog/ride had people cheer them on through donations to CWNY.

Nov 13, 2020: Cocktails, Art, & Music

Art Sale & Auction Kick-Off Event

Musical performance by the violinist, Erica Quach
Conversation with the artist, Argie Moutafis-Agelarakis
Art auction took place Nov 13-21, 2020
Art sale ended Nov 28, 2020

‣ 2 original artworks were auctioned.
‣ 59 original artworks were for sale in a variety of media (watercolor, oil, and mixed media).
‣ A 10% discount was offered for art sold at kick-off, only.
‣ 30% of the proceeds of the artwork was graciously donated to CWNY to support services for women.
Artwork pick-up hours were available at the CWNY for any art purchased.
Shipping and handling were processed separately.

Spring 2020 Poetry Contest

Read the winning poem from fifth grader Zoe Beharrylal.

February 2020: Poster Contest

See the winners of our women’s rights poster contest. Thanks to all the participants!

Jan 18, 2020: 4^th Annual Women’s March

Dec 8, 2019: Fort Totten Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for CWNY’s new Fort Totten location was held on the afternoon of December 8, 2019. We’re very excited about what we’ll be able to offer at our newly renovated landmark building at 207 Totten Avenue, Fort Totten, Bayside, NY 11359. Check out the Commemorative Journal.