A Woman's World

IT was an extraordinary evening at the residence of Irish Consul General Niall Burgess and his wife Marie last Thursday night when the first ever "50 Most Influential Women" came together as a group. It was the first time in Irish American history that the role of Irish American women from business, community, Wall Street and voluntary organizations had been acknowledged.

It was clearly a popular thing to do. Last week's issue of the Irish Voice seemed to be close to a sellout everywhere as the list drew unusual attention from the reading public.

It was a long overdue tribute, and the women themselves certainly seemed to sense the unique nature of the night and the reason for the gathering.

For many it was an emotional experience after decades of seeing men of all stripes being honored for their work, but never seeing women honored for their contributions to the community.

Of all the events I have been associated with since founding the Irish Voice and Irish America magazine, this was one of the most special.

In its own way it breached the glass ceiling in the community and, I believe, made many realize just how talented and exceptional so many of the female community leaders are.

The women themselves flew in from as far away as San Francisco and Boston to be there on the special night. There were 47 members of the list who attended the event, a remarkable number.

The idea was the brainchild of Meghan Sweeney, a young employee in our office who asked the pertinent question in a staff meeting why women were not being acknowledged in their own right in the community. She helped create the list through diligent research.

Debbie McGoldrick, our editor, put it all together, reporter April Drew helped with the profiles, art director Genevieve McCarthy designed the issue, while graphic designer Naela El Assad designed the extensive advertising section. Photographer Nuala Purcell took the pictures.

Is that enough said about the role of women around here ? How many other companies are in a similar situation?

The beautiful Manhattan setting on a wonderfully clear summer's night added to the sense of occasion, as did the warm welcome extended by Niall and Marie Burgess.

Burgess noted that there were many new faces in the crowd and that a powerful new network was being born. He got no argument on that fact.

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Nster.com