NYC Archives - Hamptons Mouthpiece

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

Jacqueline Woodson, Fran Drescher: Photo Credit: BFA/Bre Johnson, PMC/ Sean Zanni

Celebrating Women 2025: Power, Possibility, and the Bold Leaders Shaping Our Future

This year’s Celebrating Women® Breakfast, hosted by The New York Women’s Foundation at the New York Marriott Marquis, was more than a fundraiser—it was a movement. With over 1,000 advocates, partners, and changemakers in the room, the event raised over $1.2 million to power community-led grantmaking and grassroots solutions across New York City and beyond.

The theme, “Together, we create power and possibility,” resonated deeply. It captured the urgency of now—and the promise of a future led by those closest to the challenges we seek to overcome.

“People closest to the pain should be closest to the problem,” was a guiding truth echoed throughout the morning.

Leading With Empathy and Impact

Fran Drescher, the iconic actor, advocate, and founder of Cancer Schmancer, took the stage as a voice of courage and clarity. Her words were raw, real, and unforgettable:

“Be bold. Go after what you want. I’m a voice in the wilderness, speaking truth at a seminal crossroad. I call people on their untruths—and I don’t need to emulate male energy to lead. I lead with empathy.”

She reminded the audience that “how you live directly affects how you feel,” and left everyone thinking deeply about wellness, the planet, and self-worth:

“Make yourself the center of your universe. You are what you eat. Don’t hurt yourself—and don’t hurt the planet.”

Lola C. West, NYWF Board Member and Steering Committee Co-Chair, called Fran “a badass”—and the room agreed.

Celebrating Leadership That Creates Change

Honorees included:

• Jacqueline Woodson, author and founder of BALDWIN FOR THE ARTS, uplifted the role of artists and activists:

“We’re trying to make this world safer—for gender-expansive people, for women, for everyone who dares to live their truth.”

• ERA Coalition Forward was recognized for building a national, multi-generational movement to enshrine equality in the U.S. Constitution.

• New Yorkers for Equal Rights celebrated the passage of the New York Equal Rights Amendment (Proposal 1), affirming protections for all New Yorkers.

• The Young Women’s Coalition – Long Island Community showed how local leadership drives lasting change.

• JPMorganChase received the Vision Award for their investment in equity, opportunity, and inclusive economic growth.

• NYWF also spotlighted community partners like The Brooklyn Economic Justice Projectand The Informed Consent Coalition, organizations addressing the root causes of inequality with intersectional, community-based solutions.

Building a New Foundation for the Future

President and CEO Ana L. Oliveira grounded the event with powerful intention:

“The Foundation will continue in the discipline of hope and the commitment of determination. Our acts of generosity and solidarity matter.”

What does it mean to celebrate women in 2025?

It means investing in mental health—building a foundation that supports women facing loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

It means amplifying young leaders, lifting up community coalitions, and making sure that leadership works for all of us.

It means recognizing that New York Women’s Foundation is changing the world—one act of solidarity, one grant, one bold voice at a time.

Because when women lead with empathy, purpose, and vision, anything is possible

NYC Happenings: Paul’s on Time Square

NYC Happenings: Paul’s on Time Square
Paul Nicaj and Dino Redzic know hospitality like the back of their hands and they proved just how well they know it at the grand opening party for their new restaurant “Paul’s on Time Square.” The two industry giants held a warm and welcoming event at the Hilton Garden on 42nd Street last Wednesday to celebrate their newest project, and the hotel’s featured restaurant, described as a destination for Italian fare with a global touch.

The party kicked off several stories up in a cozy lounge with a fireplace, tables for both communal and private seating, and an outdoor terrace. Champagne and wine was poured and complimented the extravagant spread of Italian meats and cheeses as well as an assortment of fruits and nuts.
The main dish was a whole baked branzino, delicately cut and served to guests whom were eager to try. The hor dourves passed included mini caprese skewers, bruschetta bites, crab cakes, and margharita pizza slices. All seemed to enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and the company.

Drawing a crowd next to the main bar was New York City’s first “SmartTender,” a revolutionary automated bartending system. Guests, myself included, were instructed on how to try the new bar toy. The touchscreen displays the list of spirit options. By touching the screen to choose, the patron then selects a mixer such as cranberry juice, pineapple juice, Coca-Cola, etc. Next, the SmartTender prompts the guest to choose an additive if preferred. Those listed were seltzer, orange bitters and lime juice, to name a few. The final step in the process is the option of adding an additional shot of alcohol and then it’s time to pour. The SmartTender registers the guests’ choices and pours a proportionally correct beverage into a glass positioned below the machine’s dispenser. Viola! A cocktail made to your liking in 30 seconds.

With my new “smart” made drink in hand, I made my way through the crowd and came upon Paul and Dino’s private table where they sat with, whom I presumed to be, close friends and family. I sat at a table close by and glanced in their direction noticing the plates of meatballs, shrimp cocktail, and other dishes that filled the table. Everything looked delicious and I could not refrain myself from commenting on the spread that lay out in front of them.

My remark did not go unheard and was responded to by Paul and Dino offering me to indulge in the food before them. “Please, please, eat,” I heard either Paul or Dino exclaim, pushing the plates towards me. And although I was not entirely sure which of these gentlemen made this hospitable notion towards me, I was too pleasantly surprised by the gesture to care. To the guests and myself, the event was for Paul and Dino- to celebrate the opening of “Paul’s” and their success in the industry. Yet to Paul and Dino, as it became very clear to me then, the night was for their guests and their customers, and at any time, even at their own celebration, they would make sure to show great hospitality.

Photo credit: Laurain Aydinian

NYC Happenings Maserati 2015 unveiling

NYC Happenings Maserati 2015 unveiling

Cool cars. Very cool cars. And let’s not forget to mention the motorcycles and helicopter. These were the main attractions at the Maserati 2015 unveiling party; arguably a dream come true to those with an interest in fast engines and even those without one. The Luxury Review event, presented by RAND Luxury, was an exclusive press and media gathering that showcased the latest in luxury products. The unveiling was held at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan on October 2 and although it featured some of the hottest new vehicles to hit the market, this event made sure not to draw the line there.
Upon arrival members were welcomed with a glass of champagne, just a taste of the luxuries that were in store for them. A small stage was assembled with a red carpet and a Maserati backdrop where attendees lined up for the option of having their picture taken by a professional photographer. The venue opened to a large hall lined with invited vendors whom offered information and conversation on their luxury items; those of which included cigars, whiskey, Rolex, and gemstone jewelry. A new age, and seemingly futuristic, helicopter was positioned in the middle of the room and posed as both a surprise and a great conversation starter. In addition, motorcycles; like pieces of art, decorated the venue with their exotic looking models.
Between visits to the vendor stations, guests sampled from a meat and cheese spread provided by Rana, of Rana Pastificio Cucina in Chelsea, and sipped wine from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which offered tastings of red and white. Rana additionally catered a pasta station and distributed samples of their tortellini with pancetta as well as rigatoni in lobster sauce. Across the room several bars were set to serve additional beverages including sangria, margaritas, and specialty cocktails by Double Cross Vodka.
As guests had their fill of food and drink, the time then came to unveil the luxury goods. An announcement was made directing guests to the covered Maserati in the center of the floor. The crowd gathered in anticipation with cameras ready. After some words on the vehicle and an introduction of the 2015 model, the covering was lifted and the Maserati revealed. The engine was revved and proved to be quite the crowd pleaser. There were photo opportunities and people approached the car, some even having the chance to open the doors and explore the interior. The unveilings occurred within 15-minute intervals of each other with a white Lamborghini up next. The same procession occurred with the remaining luxury vehicles scheduled to be on display.
With each unveiling the crowd’s energy revved like the engines of the glamorous cars they were there to admire. Overall the evening went off without a hitch and RAND Luxury genuinely showed their members they know how to ride in style.

All photos by Laurain Aydinian

Enjoy an afternoon on a Cityscape Rooftop

When you visit New York City, you want to go somewhere that gives you the entire essence of the city. The bright lights, good people and a tasty drink here and there. You are looking for somewhere that says” Welcome to New York”. This place has been found.

Opened in 2012, the Haven Rooftop shows exactly what New York City is about. Filled with laughter and good times, the food is something to scream about. I had the joy of going and the experience was wonderful.

Starting with their signature Haven Mojito along with the smoking (literally) shrimp cocktail, I was pleased with the presentation and the taste. For the main course I enjoyed the Seafood linguine which included shrimp, muscles and scallops, the linguine is lightly tossed with a buttery sauce. This dish is to die for.

If you are looking for a fun spot to hang out with friends or a significant other, than this is the place to go!!