Thursday morning, the New York Women's Foundation hosted the highly anticipated annual 2023 Celebrating Women Breakfast, recognizing outstanding leaders in the fight for gender equality and social justice. Among the honorees was the Women's Community Justice Association (WCJA) and its inspirational founder and executive director, Rev. Sharon White-Harrigan.
WCJA is filled with gratitude for the acknowledgment of our achievements, while understanding that true liberation is a collaborative project. We are proud to collaborate with dedicated partner organizations like New Hour LI and VOCAL-NY, who were present at this morning's event. Together, we strive to create a just future for women, girls, and the LGBTQIA community.
Rev. White-Harrigan's powerful speech emphasized WCJA's commitment to providing robust services to the often overlooked women and gender-expansive community at Rikers Island's notorious Rose M. Singer Center. She declared, "We are going to shut it down," showcasing our determination to address the unique challenges faced by women in the justice system. Rev White-Harrigan also highlighted that while this is a key priority for WCJA, our work is broader and rooted in the power of community. "There is power in who we are and the community we nurture. In everything WCJA does, in this critically important work, we weave healing through our essence, self-practice and care, authenticity and transparency, and doing what we say we do."
The Celebrating Women Breakfast honored influential figures like human rights activist Loretta J. Ross, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Lynn Nottage, and political staffer and author Huma Abedin. We are proud to stand among these remarkable women who have made significant contributions to the fight for justice and equality.
As we celebrate these achievements, we also recognize that our work is far from over. We invite you to learn more about the Women's Community Justice Association, the New York Women’s Foundation, and our partner organizations. Together, we can support our collective mission to empower women and transform lives, creating a just future for all women and girls. Join us in this ongoing journey of healing, transformation, and justice.