Two prominent leaders dedicated to helping women and families living on the financial edge received the United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s 2024 ‘Woman of Distinction” award on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at its 12th Annual Celebration of Women in Philanthropy. Karen Erren, President and CEO of Feeding Westchester, and Leslie Lampert, Executive Chef and Proprietor of Ladle of Love and Love Hospitality, were honored for their work addressing food insecurity in the Hudson Valley. NewYork Presbyterian and PepsiCo were presenting sponsors for the event.

The annual breakfast recognizes and reinforces the work of women helping financially vulnerable women in Westchester and Putnam counties become self-sufficient through targeted resources and programs. The event at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill in Tarrytown was attended by 400 nonprofit and business leaders.

In addition to NewYork Presbyterian and PepsiCo, this year’s sponsors include Con Edison, PURE Insurance, Thompson & Bender, Fifth Third Wealth Advisors, Valley Bank, Wegmans, and Westchester Medical Center Health Network.

During the breakfast, Erren and Lampert shared personal stories about the satisfaction they get working to make a difference in their communities. Both women also reminded the audience that everyone has experienced adversity, and no one is immune from falling on hard times. All of us, they said, can make a difference in small ways.

“What I would say to everyone here is, just listen to yourself,’’ said Erren. “For me, it’s hunger, for you, it might be trees or dogs. Whatever matters most to you. It is the cumulative effort of all of us that changes the world.’’

Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, said the United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council chose these two women for their role in helping to solve a significant issue for those living on the financial edge.

“Food insecurity continues to be a major issue for 40% of Westchester and Putnam families who are living paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “The personal mission of these two honorees aligns perfectly with the United Way and the Women’s Leadership Council’s goal to help financially vulnerable women and families. Karen and Leslie serve as examples of what can be accomplished with vision and dedication.”

Proceeds from the annual Women’s Leadership Council breakfast are used to help support the lives of ALICE women, children, and their families in Westchester and Putnam, who struggle daily to afford their most basic needs. ALICE is an acronym for Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed, once known as the working poor.