Jean Shafiroff Hosts Elegant Prelude to The New York Women’s Foundation Celebrating Women® Breakfast

As spring awakens New York City with the promise of renewal, so too does a renewed focus on equity, community, and impact. On a recent evening in Manhattan, longtime philanthropist and New York Women’s Foundation board member Jean Shafiroff gathered an illustrious crowd in support of one of the city’s most impactful philanthropic institutions. The private celebration, held in honor of The New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF), set the tone for the Foundation’s highly anticipated Celebrating Women® Breakfast taking place on May 14, 2025, at the New York Marriott Marquis.

A pillar of New York’s philanthropic and social scene, Shafiroff welcomed guests to a refined gathering that honored the Foundation’s mission while previewing the accomplishments of this year’s esteemed honorees. The evening also spotlighted the Foundation’s enduring commitment to advancing gender equity and economic justice for women and families across the five boroughs and beyond.

The annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast is a signature NYWF event that recognizes trailblazing women, organizations, and movements whose work has created lasting societal impact. This year’s honorees reflect that bold spirit.

• JPMorgan Chase & Co. will receive the Vision Award for its corporate leadership in driving systemic change.
  

• Jacqueline Woodson, the acclaimed author and advocate, will be recognized for her contributions to representation and storytelling.
  

• Fran Drescher, actress, union leader, and health activist, will be honored with the Celebrating Women® Award, underscoring her influence in public health advocacy and labor rights.

Hosted by Shafiroff—whose dedication to philanthropy has made her a leading figure in civic life—the evening unfolded in true New York style, blending cultural flair with social purpose. Guests were treated to performances by pianist Yui Kitamura, violinist Kinga Augustyn, and Broadway talent Bianca Lopez, whose artistry brought a lyrical energy to the room.

Notable names in attendance included Ana L. Oliveira, President and CEO of NYWF, Sex and the City author Candice Bushnell, Julia Haart, and Maribel Lieberman, alongside a host of changemakers from the fields of fashion, business, activism, and media. The guest list also welcomed former New York State Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey, socialite Susan Gutfreund, and designers Victor dE Souza and Fern Clausius, each contributing to a night that celebrated the rich fabric of New York’s philanthropic ecosystem.

Now just weeks away, the Celebrating Women® Breakfast remains a cornerstone event for NYWF, supporting the Foundation’s expansive grantmaking efforts, which fund women-led, community-based solutions to systemic challenges. From economic security and reproductive justice to leadership development and community organizing, the Foundation backs initiatives that put equity at the forefront.

As the May 14 event approaches, supporters can reserve their seats and learn more by visiting nywf.org/cwb2025. With this year’s program spotlighting powerful voices across industry, literature, and advocacy, the 2025 celebration promises to be more than a breakfast—it will be a call to action.

The New York Women’s Foundation creates an equitable and just future for women, girls, gender-expansive individuals and their families by investing in bold, community-led solutions to ignite action for gender, economic, and racial justice. Since 1987, The Foundation has invested $133 million in 500+ organizations, creating a vibrant community of grantees, philanthropists, advocates, innovators, and change-makers.

To learn more about The New York Women's Foundation's work to transform lives, families, and communities, please visit www.nywf.org.

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book "Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give". Jean works extensively as a volunteer fundraiser and leader in the philanthropic world. She serves on the boards of 8 charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight to ten different charity galas.  She also  hosts and underwrites many large parties in her homes for different non-profits.   Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal welfare. In addition to hosting her own TV show, entitled Successful Philanthropy, Jean Shafiroff often appears on TV shows, podcasts and then in the press about her fashion and philanthropy.  She is an international leader who strives to motivate people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the philanthropic process.

Jean Shafiroff serves on the boards of the  French Heritage Society, Southampton Hospital Foundation,  NYC Mission Society,  Couture Council of the Museum at FIT,  New York Women's Foundation, Casita Maria, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board.  In addition, she is a member of the Advisory Board of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. A Catholic,  Jean  served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees. Jean Shafiroff has been honored numerous times by a variety of charitable organizations for her work. Jean Shafiroff is among the leading ladies of philanthropy.  For more information, please visit www.jeanshafiroff.com

Read More About the Legacy of Iconic Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff:

• Power, Purpose & Pawprints: Jean Shafiroff Hosts Elegant Luncheon in Honor of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

• Jean Shafiroff Hosts a Philanthropic Birthday Reception in Honor of the American Red Cross and California Wildfire Victims