United Way of New York City Celebrates Influential Leaders at the Power of Women to Make a Difference Awards Luncheon

United Way of New York City Celebrates Influential Leaders at the Power of Women to Make a Difference Awards Luncheon

Mar 11, 2026| Advocacy, Blog, Blog Featured Articles, Impact, News, News Featured Articles, Women United

In its 20th year, the event showcased leaders championing long-lasting, systemic change across New York City.

NEW YORK CITY (March 11, 2026) - On Tuesday, March 11th, United Way of New York City (UWNYC) hosted its 20th annual Power of Women to Make a Difference Awards Luncheon, honoring Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and CEO at Urban Health Plan (UHP), and board members Renee LaRoche-Morris, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer at The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) and Anish Melwani, Chairman and CEO at LVMH North America, UWNYC's inaugural Champion honoree, for their dedication to driving long-lasting and systemic change for all New Yorkers.

Hosted by Women United, the event celebrated this year's honorees and leaders in attendance that have made it their mission to advocate on behalf of our most vulnerable communities. By bridging the gap between corporate and community interests, LaRoche-Morris and Melwani have been able to identify and address the needs of the city and their own organizations.

This year's luncheon, a culmination of two decades of honoring remarkable women and allies, highlighted how UWNYC works at the intersection of government, public, and private entities to drive lasting, systemic change. The organization seeks to deliver on the promise of New York City, a city where everyone can thrive with dignity no matter their zip code. From funding essential food programs and investing in educational programs, to expanding health access to historically under-resourced communities and broadening pathways to opportunity, UWNYC meets today's most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow.

UWNYC raised a record-setting $1.7 million. This support is what empowers UWNYC to address the affordability challenges facing our city and help New Yorkers thrive with dignity wherever they live.

"The Power of Women to Make a Difference Awards have always been about what's possible when citywide leadership, compassion, and action come together," said Grace Bonilla, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "At a moment when so many New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet, this community of women and allies continues to show up-mobilizing resources, breaking down barriers, and driving solutions that help families not just survive, but thrive with dignity. As this event marks 20 years of impact, we remain firmly committed to the partnerships and shared leadership that make long-term, systemic change possible."

Renee LaRoche-Morris was presented with the 2026 Woman of Power Award, an award that celebrates and pays tribute to trailblazing women leaders who also understand the influence of the collective strength of our community. Anish Melwani was presented with the inaugural Champion Award, a new honor that celebrates those who use their platform to lift others, open doors, and champion all voices in meaningful ways. This milestone anniversary marks the first male honoree, highlighting the importance of not only women leaders, but allies as well. Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez was honored as the Community Impact Honoree, an award that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to community-driven impact, such as expanding access to healthcare and strengthening neighborhoods. The luncheon was hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Cheryl Wills of Spectrum News NY1.

"I am so excited to be part of United Way of New York City's milestone 20th anniversary luncheon. I believe everyone has a role to play when it comes to ensuring the most vulnerable have the same opportunities to learn, advance, and thrive. I could not be prouder to be a part of UWNYC's impactful work in NYC, alongside DTCC's ongoing partnership with the organization. We share the same values of community as well as the continued investment in the critical infrastructure that sustains the great work at UWNYC." said Renee LaRoche-Morris, Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer at DTCC.

"Being honored as the Power of Women Luncheon's first-ever Champion honoree is profoundly meaningful to me. I am proud to serve on the UWNYC Board of Directors and for so many of my colleagues across the LVMH family of maisons to volunteer year-round with and support the work of UWNYC. UWNYC's mission reminds us that when we open doors for others, we strengthen the fabric of our entire community. LVMH and I are proud to stand with a partner that leads with compassion and works towards tangible change-because progress only happens when we lift every voice and bring everyone to the table," said Anish Melwani, Chairman and CEO of LVMH North America.

"I amdeeply honored to receive the Community Impact award from United Way of New York City. For me, community impact has always had a very human face. Since Urban Health Plan began our work as a single health center in the South Bronx, it's been about the faces of mothers, fathers, grandparents and children who walk through the doors every day seeking care with dignity and respect. We are proud that our extraordinary team continues to serve people with compassion now across the Bronx, Harlem and Queens. Together, with partners like United Way of New York City, we will continue building healthier, more equitable futures for New Yorkers,"said Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez, President and CEO of Urban Health Plan.

This year's event is presented by JPMorganChase, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), LVMH, EY, Tiffany, Barack Ferrazano, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Brown Brothers Harriman, Christian Dior | Parfums Christian Dior, CIBC Capital Markets, Cushman & Wakefield, Deloitte & Touche LLP, DLA Piper, Gibson Dunn, Google, IBM, M&T Bank | Wilmington Trust, MIO Partners, Morgan Stanley, National Grid, TPG, Weil, Gotshal, & Manges LLP, and Wells Fargo, among others.

UWNYC's Women Unitedbrings leaders together in the spirit of philanthropy and service through advocacy, volunteerism, professional development, and networking to make a difference in the lives of New Yorkers. From improving the quality of early childhood education to strengthening families, Women United is committed to responding to community needs and bringing lasting change to New York City's most vulnerable communities. In partnership with United Way Worldwide, Women United is part of a global movement of 55,000+ women, spanning 165 communities and six countries.

To learn more about the luncheon or to support, please visit: unitedwaynyc.org/powerofwomenluncheon.

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About United Way of New York City

For 88 years, United Way of New York City has worked with a coalition of trusted partners to unite community power with citywide possibility. We work at the intersection of government, private, and public partners to positively affect our communities, maximizing impact by coordinating and aligning service providers, companies, local government and New Yorkers to help people eliminate barriers and gain the agency to improve their lives for the better. We meet today's most urgent needs while building transformative solutions for tomorrow-striving for health, opportunity, and prosperity for every New Yorker in every neighborhood. To learn more, visit unitedwaynyc.org.