The 2010 Women of Vision Awards: What a Success!

Alongside more than 400 invited guests, last Thursday we had the honor of celebrating the 22nd Annual Gloria Awards, a tribute to grassroots women activists and philanthropists who ignite change on behalf of women, families, and communities across the US.

Hosted at Manhattan's Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the evening began with powerful opening remarks from Ms. Foundation Founding President and inspirational activist Gloria Steinem, set against a backdrop of stunning Central Park views. Together with President and CEO, Sara K. Gould and Event Chair, Kayrita M. Anderson, Steinem helped lead an evening that was an emotional recognition of the powerful work of many noteworthy women.

Carol Burnett, (pictured above with Gloria Steinem) Founder and Executive Director of the Mississippi Low-Income Child Care Initiative and Moore Community House was recognized with a 2010 Woman of Vision Award for her outstanding leadership as an advocate for child care and other programs serving low-income communities in the South. Silvia Henriquez, Executive Director of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health (NLIRH), was recognized with an award for her groundbreaking work transforming NLIRH into a leading organization in the push to advance the reproductive health, rights, and justice for Latinas in the US. And the recipient of the Marie C. Wilson Young Woman’s Leadership Award, Jasmin Woodbury, was honored for her amazing success as the youngest paid organizer -- her volunteer work began at age 12 -- at Direct Action for Rights and Equality (DARE) in Providence, RI, which works to engage community youth in leading and making change.

Special tribute was also paid to outgoing Ms. Foundation Board of Directors Chair, Katie Grover, who was honored for her nine years of service to the Foundation. For improving the lives of countless women and girls through her philanthropic endeavors, Jane Stephens Comer was honored as the Woman of Vision and Action, and Jennifer and Peter Buffett and NoVo Foundation were recognized for their pioneering work to end child sexual abuse.

Additional highlights included a show-stopping, hilarious performance from Tony Award winning playwright and performer Sarah Jones, and a closing performance from entertainer, teacher, activist, and immense vocal talent, Holly Near -- which moved much of the room to tears.

After our 22nd powerful, joyous, and successful evening, we feel so thankful for the support of our friends and donors -- and can't wait to honor more outstanding, inspiring women next year!

To learn more about the 2010 award winners or past Gloria Awards visit our website.