The New York Women's Foundation

NYFW X Gender Justice 💫

The Foundation is thrilled to join ELYSIAN for their annual Catwalk Furbaby Charity Fashion Show! We will partner with long-time supporter and Board Member Jean Shafiroff as our model and rising star design talent, Ashley Plasse, a student at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). You can support us by VOTING for the Foundation, ATTENDING the event on September 5th, or WATCHING the event online!

For more information, please visit: https://joinelysian.com/cwfb2024/

Justice + Joy National Collaborative recently released insights from Fixing Democracy, a national initiative funded by The New York Women’s Foundation to gather insight and support youth civic engagement among girls, young women, and gender-expansive young people of color. Early this year, nationwide focus groups shared their issue priorities, values, and perceptions about democratic reform.

“Young voters of color feel democracy has failed them, and it’s true…As we near a critical election year, our research finally puts them at the center of the conversation. It’s not enough to save democracy; it’s past time to fix it," said Jeannette Pai-Espinosa, President of Justice + Joy, formerly National Crittenton, on the findings.

The initiative also works with young people to mobilize their peers to the ballot box and promotes intergenerational activism with pathways for young people to step into their power as catalysts for change and lead sustained civic engagement movements.

🔗 Read about the findings at https://justiceandjoynatl.org/fixing-democracy-young-voters-of-color-reveal-blueprint-for-democratic-reform/

Breaking Barriers & Furthering Disability Justice ⭐​

Funders must commit to long-term investments that link reproductive rights with disability justice. Some first steps include: addressing historical gaps, fostering inclusive leadership, amplifying voices of women with disabilities, and integrating their perspectives into the core of advocacy and policy efforts.​

Providing resources that expand existing parenting courses is a logical AND practical starting point!​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Patricia "Pat" Simon, a fierce and devoted leader in the Far Rockaway, Queens community.

Pat was the Executive Director at the Ocean Bay Community Development Corporation and a tireless advocate. The Foundation named her an honoree at the 2016 Neighborhood Dinner for her contributions to the Rockaway community by creating economic and educational opportunities for youth and seniors living in NYCHA housing.

Her legacy of dedication and service will be profoundly missed. Rest in peace, Pat.

🌟 Celebrating 34 years of progress! 🌟 ​

Today marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a landmark moment in history that champions equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all. ​

Signed into law by President George H.W. Bush, this policy is crucial because it prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and public places. It ensures equal opportunities, access to services, and reasonable accommodations. ​
Let's continue to break barriers, embrace diversity, and create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. ​

Economic justice in focus 🎬

Join us this weekend to learn about the Brooklyn Economic Justice Project (BEJP) and enjoy a screening of “It’s Basic,” a documentary that explores the real impacts of basic guaranteed income. Following the film, Cecilia Cortes Vila, The Foundation’s Senior Program Officer of Economic Security & Justice, will be moderating a panel with BEJP members and community members.

BEJP is a community-based economic justice accelerator launched in 2020 by The Foundation with support from Fondation CHANEL. It informs local economic decision-making, educates and trains community members, and invests in their ideas for economic liberation.

RSVP today! https://www.greenvelope.com/card/.public-3344d40e17ad458189288b564d379ed636373334383937

Brooklyn Movement Center, East New York Community Land Trust, Equality for Flatbush : E4F, CUFFH, Central Brooklyn EDC, BKLVLUP, FLOX Studio

Women Enabled International tackles intersectional issues of disability and gender 🎉​

They are dedicated to promoting the rights and empowerment of women and girls with disabilities worldwide. WEI leads the U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance (USGDJA), a newly formed collective focused on disability justice, uniting women, nonbinary individuals, and gender minorities with disabilities nationwide to advocate and act on critical community issues!​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Check out the transformative impact of this community partner! 🌱​

The Icarus Project: Fireweed Collective cultivates community care and liberation through disability justice! They are a grassroots organization offering peer support, education, and resources for mental health and disability justice, fostering empowerment and collective healing.​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Today, we mourn the loss of a true changemaker in the fight for justice, Bernice Johnson Reagon 💛

Bernice was a founder and visionary behind The Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock, using her powerful voice to inspire change and uplift community. Her legacy is one of resilience and unwavering dedication to civil rights.

Bernice's spirit lives on through the music, activism, and love she shared with the world. Our hearts are with her daughter, Toshi Reagon, whom we had the honor of recognizing at the Celebrating Women's Breakfast earlier this year. We are grateful for the profound impact this family has had on our journey toward justice.

Rest in power, Bernice Johnson Reagon. Your voice will echo in our hearts forever.

Empowering disability justice ⭐​
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Funders need to recognize grassroots impact beyond financial barriers! Ryan Easterly, Executive Director of the WITH Foundation, suggests championing inclusive funding strategies to uplift under-resourced but impactful disabled-led organizations.​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Empowering low-income New Yorkers with disabilities! 🌟 ​

At Brooklyn Law School's Disability and Civil Rights Clinic, the students provide free legal services, tackling housing, healthcare, and discrimination issues. It is one of the only law school clinics in the country specializing in this area!​
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🔗 Click here for more info: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Insights and Recommendations ⭐ ​
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We need to address the urgent needs of youth with disabilities in the foster care system through more funding, data-driven policies, and inclusive collaboration across multiple sectors.​

Our recommendations include expanding education and training, improving data collection, and fostering inter-agency coordination to support this vulnerable population better!​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Celebrating our community partner, The Disability Champions Mentoring Network 🎉​
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The Disability Champions Mentoring Network aims to enhance special education transition programs for underserved youth with disabilities by creating a fun and supportive network! This initiative brings together young individuals in wheelchairs and diverse mentors, using resources to support both student and mentor champions, fostering an inclusive community.​
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🔗 Click here to learn more: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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We must call for change. 💸 ⚖️

July 9th, 2024. The day into the next year when the average Black woman must work to earn what white, non-Hispanic men earn in one.

There is no without . We need stronger laws and substantial investment in:
✅ Expanding Pay Transparency Laws
✅ Making child care accessible to all
✅ Fair Pay for Care workers
✅ Expanding Paid leave
✅ Bringing women into higher paying roles

PowHer NY

Did you know...? 📣​
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Only one penny of every ten dollars of grantmaking in the U.S. goes towards disability rights and social justice — and an even smaller amount goes to disability on the regional and state levels.​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Community Partner Spotlight: The Borealis Philanthropy ✨​
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The Disability Inclusion Fund (DIF) at Borealis Philanthropy supports U.S. groups led by people with disabilities to drive transformational change and combat ableism. It prioritizes funding for disability-led organizations, especially those run by BIPOC, q***r, gender non-conforming individuals, and women, and uses a participatory grantmaking model to ensure the community's involvement in decision-making processes.​
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🔗 Click here to learn more: nywf.org/disability-pride-2024​
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Celebrate Disability Pride Month with The New York Women's Foundation! ✨​

Stay tuned to hear more about our findings from the 2023 Disability Justice Report and our incredible Disability Justice community partners. ​

Uplifting, amplifying, and creating change ​🌟

Community partner TransLash is a Black trans-led nonprofit championing trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals through uncensored content and collaborations. They craft and share stories, advocate for human rights, and amplify trans voices in the face of adversity. Through journalism, personal narratives, and partnerships, TransLash creates impactful content, including award-winning podcasts, short films, newsletters, social media, resource guides, and other exciting initiatives in development.​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024 ​
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From the spark at the Stonewall Inn in 1969, where LGBTQ+ individuals rose up against police raids and discrimination, to the wildfire of LGBTQ+ liberation spreading globally.​

The Stonewall Riots marked a turning point, igniting a movement for equality, dignity, and rights. Their impact reverberates through generations, shaping laws, culture, and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.​

The New York Women's Foundation recognizes the Stonewall Riots Anniversary and celebrates the ongoing push for LGBTQ+ liberation! ​
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Tuesday, June 25th is Primary Election Day! Your vote is your voice. Make it count in the NYC primary elections and shape the future of our city. 🗳️​
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For more information, head to: https://www.nycvotes.org/​
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Creating a city, a nation, a world where we all thrive 🌎​

Since 1969, community partner Los Angeles LGBT Center has been a stronghold of support for LGBTQ individuals and families. With nearly 800 employees, they offer diverse programs in Health, Social Services, Housing, Culture, Education, Leadership, and Advocacy. They're dedicated to fighting bigotry and creating a world where LGBTQ+ people are healthy, equal, and valued!​

🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024
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Happy Juneteenth! 🌟

Today commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This day is crucial in acknowledging the struggles faced and the resilience shown by Black communities, and it highlights the ongoing journey towards justice and equality for all.

Juneteenth is both a celebration and a call to action. Together we can build a future rooted in freedom, opportunity, and dignity for everyone.

📸: Center The Culture Juneteenth Block Party 2023

Advancing equity with NYTAG ⭐​

NYTAG, The New York Transgender Advocacy Group, is committed to championing inclusive gender policies that benefit Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming/Non-Binary (TGNCNB) individuals throughout New York. Through initiatives focused on community leadership development, practitioner education, and policy influence, NYTAG strives to foster equity for the TGNCNB community. Their vision entails empowering TGNCNB individuals in New York to assume leadership roles and actively shape their futures through collaboration with stakeholders and various training initiatives.​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024​
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Celebrating our community partner, The Transgender Law Center (TLC) 🎉​
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Transgender Law Center is the largest national trans-led group on a mission to create a world where everyone can live their truth without fear or discrimination. Using legal expertise and a commitment to racial justice, TLC uses community-powered tactics to help transgender and gender-nonconforming people not just survive, but thrive and fight for their freedom!​
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🔗 Click here to learn more: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024​
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Community partner shout out! 📣​

The American lgbtq+ Museum is dedicated to preserving, exploring, and celebrating the vibrant histories and cultures of LGBTQ+ communities. With dynamic exhibitions and programs, the museum champions LGBTQ+ equality through the lens of social justice, tackling topics like race, gender, class, immigration, and disability.​
They dream of a world where everyone gets to experience the joy of liberation and freedom!​
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🔗 Learn more here: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024​
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Community Partner Spotlight: The NEW Pride Agenda ✨​
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The NEW Pride Agenda (NPA) is on a mission to champion justice for marginalized LGBTQIA+ folks in New York State, covering everything from economic and health issues to racial and gender identity justice. They believe LGBTQIA rights are civil rights that impact everyday life, like housing and jobs. By teaming up with diverse communities and officials, NPA spreads the word about legal protections and rights, making sure everyone’s in the know!​
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🔗 Click here to learn more: nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024​
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Take action on LGBTQIA+ Equal Pay Awareness Day!

In a year of relentless anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, we stand firm against wage inequality, discrimination, and poverty.

Today The Foundation joins former community partner Equal Rights Advocates and a coalition of organizations to raise awareness about the lack of wage gap data for LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, we demand better data and fair pay for our communities!

🌈 Learn more and spread the word: https://app.sosha.ai/toolkit/032e934b-568d-43fb-95b4-53dabc0a5d08

Celebrate Pride Month with The Foundation! 🌈​

We are proud to celebrate Pride Month by continuing our unwavering support for LGBTQ+ led partners who work to create inclusive, safe, and uplifting spaces for their communities every day of the year.

🔗 Learn more about our incredible community partners (link in bio)
nywf.org/celebrate-pride-2024

Delighted to announce our new Board officers and members! 🌟

Each of these members is dedicated to The Foundation's efforts to advance economic, racial, and gender equity in our city and beyond. They bring deep experience on the connected issues and needs urgently impacting today’s women, gender-expansive people, and families.

“We are delighted to welcome our new Board officers and board members…Our incoming board co-chairs, Mary Baglivo and Dr. Danielle Moss Cox, have been longstanding advocates and supporters of The Foundation’s mission to advance economic, racial, and gender equity in New York City and beyond.” — Ana L. Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation

Learn more about each of our new officers and members at https://nywf.org/announcing-board-officers-and-members-2024/