Awardees, Presenters & Greater NY Chamber Board Members
2026 WOMEN’S HISTORY RECEPTION
March 25th 2026 General Society Library, New York, NY — The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Women’s History Reception, bringing together business leaders, public officials, entrepreneurs, and community advocates for an evening celebrating outstanding women whose leadership and service continue to shape New York and beyond.
The evening began with a cocktail reception catered by Breads Bakery followed by an awards program. Man-Li Lin of the U.S. Small Business Administration was recognized and introduced by Helana Natt, Executive Director of the Greater NY Chamber. Speaker of the NYC Council Julie Menin was recognized and introduced by Council Member Virginia Maloney. Elizabeth Gonzalez-Sussman of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was recognized and introduced by Jonelle Johnson of Charter Communications. Surya Maharjan of Queens Diamond & Jewelry and was recognized and introduced by Mark Jaffe, President and CEO of the Greater NY Chamber. The program also featured special presentations. Helana Natt received a Leadership Award from the Asian American Women’s Chamber, and Irma Tyus-Mitchell of NY Global Magazine received a Friendship Award.
In his closing comments Greater NY Chamber President Mark Jaffe stated: “All the honorees’ remarks were on point! Particularly Speaker Menin’s commitment to not raising NYC property taxes and Surya Maharjan’s recognition of the importance of hard work as an end to achieving business success”. He also acknowledged all the presenters & awardees as well as Chamber Bd Members Terry Holliday (retired Colonel US Air Force), Howard Teich (Chamber Chair), Greg Kirsopp (Chamber Board Member), Brad Sussman (Chamber Legal Counsel) and Amit Shah (Chamber Committee Co-Chair)
The annual Women’s History Awards Reception is a celebration of extraordinary women whose leadership, vision, and commitment are making a lasting difference in our communities, Past Honorees included: Shari Rosen Ascher, Westchester County Small Business Policy Director; Joy Butts of JP Morgan Chase; Stephanie Dawson of the Army National Guard; Joanne Fernandez of Entergy Government Affairs; Rachel Freier, NYS Supreme Court Judge; Kathryn Garcia, NYS Director of Operations; Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator; Joanne Hill of the U.S. Department of Commerce; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York; Deborah Hughes of the Susan B. Anthony Museum; Letitia James, NYS Attorney General; Patti Kenner of Campus Bus; Kerry Kennedy, President of RFK Human Rights; Joan McDonald, Westchester County Director of Operations; Rear Admiral Zeita Merchant of the U.S. Coast; Victoria Schneps, CEO of Schneps Communications; Heather Thomson, Founder of Yummie; and Cheryl Wills, NY1 News anchor.
This event was catered by Breads Bakery -