United Way of Westchester and Putnam Hosts Second Annual Women's Leadership Council Luncheon

Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. (March 16, 2015) – More than 200 area women, government officials, business leaders and community advocates recently gathered at Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor for United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s second annual Women’s Leadership Council luncheon on Wednesday, March 11.

Dee DelBello, CEO and Owner of Westfair Communications, Inc., and Mary Murray, Manager, Corporate Citizenship and Corporate Affairs at IBM, were honored as the Women’s Leadership Council’s first-ever “Women of Distinction.” DelBello and Murray were recognized for their leadership roles in inspiring philanthropy and the advancement of women in our community.

“Every day, women in business and politics use their influence to make our society stronger – women like Mary and Dee, whose perseverance throughout their careers have left lasting legacies and deserve far more than the accolades we can offer today,” Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said. Astorino was among numerous local officials in attendance offering congratulations to both the honorees and the Women’s Leadership Council for their accomplishments throughout the year.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Stephanie Ruhle, Anchor and Managing Editor for Bloomberg Television and co-host of “Market Makers.” Ruhle, an active proponent of women’s leadership and business leader development, applauded the Women’s Leadership Council for their efforts in changing the conversation about women’s issues and positioning women as agents of change.

“One of the things that is so extraordinary about being here today – about celebrating this powerful leadership organization – is that every person here is changing someone else’s life,” said Ruhle. “If that isn’t a greater achievement than running a company or running for office, I don’t know what is!”

Other special guests included Nicole Kande, a lifelong Westchester resident who shared her poignant story about the impact the Women’s Leadership Council has had on her life. After losing both her job and her home, Kande struggled to find employment and support her young daughter as a single mother. Through the Women’s Leadership Council’s “Teach Me to Fish” program, Kande developed the career skills she needs to obtain a meaningful job.

The Women’s Leadership Council, which launched in 2013 with more than 50 founding members, is part of a national United Way movement designed to harness leadership and philanthropy as agents of change to promote financial self-sufficiency, education, and health among women and their families.

Sponsors of the luncheon, which was emceed by Lisa Salvadorini, News 12 Westchester Anchor and Managing Editor, were KeyBank, M&T Bank, PURE Insurance, and IBM. For more information about Women’s Leadership Council initiatives, or to join today, visit http://uwwp.org/wlc.shtml or callMargaret Tramontine at 914-997-6700 x 737.

About United Way of Westchester and Putnam

For the past 50 years, United Way of Westchester and Putnam has operated with the fundamental belief that all people deserve a quality education, enough income to support a family, and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. United Way works with agency partners, government, businesses and community leaders to solve problems that are too complex for any one entity alone. All contributions go toward improving the education, income, and health of the children, youth and families throughout Westchester and Putnam. United Way’s Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1, covering Westchester and Putnam as well as Dutchess, Orange, Rockland, Sullivan and Ulster counties, answers up to 500 calls and 1,000 online inquiries per day ranging from tax, heating, and mortgage questions to childcare, basic needs, natural disaster and crisis calls. United Way of Westchester and Putnam is at 336 Central Park Ave., White Plains, NY 10606. They can be reached at 914-997-6700 or by visiting www.uwwp.org. Follow United Way on Facebook (www.facebook.com/UnitedWayWP) and Twitter (@UnitedWayWP) for the latest news and updates.

Photo credit: Arnold Adler Photography

Photo Captions:

1. (From left to right): United Way Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee Members Ruth Mahoney, Angela Brock-Kyle, Kate McDonough, Donna Goldman Hirsch, Bernadette Schopfer, Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson, Marissa Brett, Stacey Cohen and Leslie Lampert at the Women’s Leadership Council’s second annual luncheon, Wednesday, March 11 at Trump National Golf Club.
2. (From left to right): News 12 Westchester’s Lisa Salvadorini, event emcee; United Way Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee Member Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson; honoree Mary Murray of IBM; Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino; honoree Dee DelBello of Westfair Communications; and Women’s Leadership Council Steering Committee Members Marissa Brett and Donna Goldman Hirsch at the Women’s Leadership Council’s second annual luncheon, Wednesday, March 11 at Trump National Golf Club.
3. (From left to right): Bloomberg TV Anchor Stephanie Ruhle, keynote speaker; honoree Mary Murray of IBM; News 12 Westchester’s Lisa Salvadorini, event emcee; United Way President and CEO Alana Sweeny; and honoree Dee DelBello of Westfair Communications at United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s second annual luncheon, Wednesday, March 11 at Trump National Golf Club.