Comptroller Thompson Honors Top Women

[Women's History Month]

New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today honored six extraordinary women at his eighth annual Women’s History Month Celebration.

The event was co-sponsored by the Women’s City Club of New York, the New York City League of Women Voters, the National Organization for Women for New York City, and the 100 Hispanic Women, National Chapter.

"Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the acts of courage and perseverance that broke down barriers and forged equality for our nation’s women – acts by suffragettes, abolitionists and reproductive rights pioneers," Thompson said at the event at Surrogate’s Courthouse in downtown Manhattan. "We are honoring the accomplishments of a distinguished group of New Yorkers who, with their actions and their words, are achieving great heights and paving the way for the next generation of women to reach even higher."

Thompson presented the first award to Chung-Wha Hong, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition. The Comptroller acknowledged Hong’s dedication to fighting for civil rights and immigration rights. "In recognition of her outstanding leadership at both the national and local level in addressing the needs the immigrant community, it is my pleasure to present this award to Chung-Wha Hong," Thompson said.

Elaine Greely, Executive Director of the Brooklyn AIDS Task Force, who has worked with the agency since its inception and led its growth into a multi-million dollar service organization and four sites in Brooklyn, received the second award. "In recognition of her outstanding efforts to provide support and services to those struggling with HIV/AIDS and substance abuse, it is my great pleasure to present this award to Elaine Greeley," Thompson said.

Thompson presented the third award to Alicin Reidy-Williamson, Senior Vice President for Corporate Responsibility & Public Affairs for MTV Networks.

"Ms. Williamson has been integrally involved in the networks’ community involvement efforts, developing the company’s charitable strategies and overseeing its plan to be good corporate citizens," Thompson said. "In recognition of her longstanding commitment to youth and community development, and for her leadership in the field of corporate social responsibility, it is my pleasure to present this award to Alicin Reidy-Williamson."

The fourth honoree was actor, comedian, and television host Joy Behar.

"Ms. Behar has been a TV Guide ‘Personality of the Year’ and received the Gracie Allen Tribute Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television and has been recognized for her advocacy on behalf of the gay community," Thompson said. "In recognition of her infectious humor, her grace under pressure, and her outstanding contributions to the entertainment field, it is my pleasure to present this award to Joy Behar."

The fifth honoree of the evening was Arva Rice, Executive Director of Project Enterprise an organization that provides business loans, technical assistance and peer support to New York City entrepreneurs who lack adequate access to business financing.

"To her work with Project Enterprise, Ms. Rice brings many years of experience in collaboration building, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing. She spent 15 years in the non-profit arena, working with entrepreneurs across the metro area to develop a micro-lending program and working with young people as a counselor, mentor and tutor," Thompson said. "In recognition of her dedicated work on behalf of New York City youth, and for her many contributions to the field of community development, I am very pleased to present this award to Arva Rice."

The final honoree of the evening was financial commentator Carmen Wong Ulrich. Ms. Ulrich is the host of CNBC’s "On the Money," a one-hour personal finance program.

"A popular columnist, sought-after speaker, and former special projects editor at Money magazine, Ulrich is an authority on personal finance for CNBC, NBC’s "Today" show and the network’s "Nightly News." Maintaining her connection to the world of print journalism, Ms. Ulrich also recently became the new money columnist for Glamour magazine," Thompson said. "In recognition of her outstanding contributions in the field of broadcast journalism and to our understanding of financial markets in these challenging times, it is my pleasure to present this award to Carmen Wong Ulrich."

Reverend Suzan Johnson Cook, Pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church led the invocation and Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman of the Union Temple in Brooklyn led the Benediction at the end of the ceremony. The Melodia Women’s Choir of New York City performed at the event.