June 25 marked the launch of Vital Voices’ New York Council at an event hosted by media icon Tina Brown. Seventy women leaders representing the fields of media, government, business, fashion and the arts were in attendance to celebrate the launch of the council, established to support Vital Voices and its critical work advocating for women’s rights and fostering women’s leadership globally.
Addressing the gathering was Cambodian Parliamentarian and women’s rights activist Mu Sochua, who has served as a fearless advocate for the disadvantaged and forgotten of her native Cambodia. In the 2005 Global Leadership Awards, Vital Voices honored Sochua for her work to end child trafficking. Sochua visited the United States to meet with members of government and civil society to urge that foreign policy related to Cambodia be re-evaluated in an effort to advance human rights, especially those of the most vulnerable.
New York Council Chair and Board Member Jill Iscol, Vital Voices President and Co-Founder Alyse Nelson, and Board Members Diane von Furstenburg and Alice Kandell were among others in attendance to celebrate the exciting launch.