Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women's Foundation, is Championing Women's Rights in 2024

Business

Ana Oliveira, President and CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation, is Championing Women’s Rights in 2024

January 26, 2024
8:58 pm

At the heart of non-profit work is service, a value that has been deeply ingrained by her parents in Ana L. Oliveira, the President and CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF). Exceptionally inspired by the generosity and determination of women leaders in New York, Oliveira’s journey in the non-profit sector has been one of discovery, growth, and profound insights from the diversity and richness that comes from interacting with the communities and their narratives.

A compassionate visionary propelled by an unwavering commitment to uplift the lives of the less privileged, Oliveira has significantly transformed the fortunes and narrative of The New York Women’s Foundation. Under her remarkable leadership, The Foundation’s annual grantmaking rose from a humble $1.7M to a notable $10M annually, benefitting more than six million women and girls across New York City.

An impactful groundbreaker, Oliveira was pivotal in co-creating the first Girls and Young Women of Color, a revolutionary fund of its kind in the United States. The establishment of the fund was a testament to her tenacity and deep-seated belief in advocating for the rights, equity, and success of women and girls, particularly those from communities of color.

Oliveira continued her innovative strides, co-founding the Young Women’s Initiative in 2015. As the first nationwide initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for young women and girls, the Young Women’s Initiative sought to make long-term investments in young women and girls in New York City. A second iteration of this initiative, which now encompasses 16 participating organizations, was launched recently.

Oliveira has always been at the forefront of issues concerning social and economic inequity, gender, and criminal justice. Her role as a fearless thought leader enabled her to lead cross-sectoral partnerships to advance women’s issues and join the Independent Commission on Criminal Justice Reform in NYC.

In her words, Oliveira says: “We want a world where everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or disability status. This can be achieved when we have policies that uplift the voices of women, girls, and gender-diverse people. This means enacting an expanded version of the Equal Rights Amendment to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ and disabled people and having policies that ensure economic security and opportunity for all, such as universal childcare, health care, and education.”

“I am proudest when The New York Women’s Foundation expands our trust-based philanthropic practices to create collaborations across movements, sectors, New York, and the country,” said Oliveira.

“I am proudest when our donor and grantee partners see what they are achieving together to build women’s power and influence. I am proudest when we acknowledge and honor the power of women moving the world forward together.”

Oliveira’s tireless effort to prioritize and amplify the voices of often marginalized individuals steers the NYWF into serving as a beacon of hope and change. Her work continuously resonates with her personal belief – the belief that non-profit work is not just about service but about unending journeys of growth, learning, and personal discovery.

Needless to say, Oliveira commands respect and admiration, not just as the President and CEO of The New York Women’s Foundation, but as a formidable champion of women’s rights. Through her relentless drive and passion, she continuously sets an inspiring precedent for women and girls worldwide, arduously shaping a world where fairness, justice, and equality are not just promised but delivered.

Her life and work are proof that service to others, dedication, and compassionate leadership can truly change the world. As we look toward 2024 and beyond, Oliveira’s unwavering commitment gives us hope for a future where every girl and woman can live in a world that respects, values, and champions their rights and potential.

Engage with the impactful work of The New York Women’s Foundation and stay updated with their initiatives through their social media platforms: Instagram (@nywomensfdn) and their official website, https://nywf.org/.