Power Women

Bonnie Hammer is vice chairman at NBCUniversal.  As a strategic advisor to Jeff Shell, CEO, she leverages her strong business and creative experience, broad industry relationships, and long-standing commitment to prosocial advocacy to further company initiatives. Over the course of her leadership tenure at NBCUniversal, Hammer previously was chairman of cable entertainment, direct-to-consumer and digital enterprises, as well as most recently the company’s Universal Studio Group. 

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
Gender parity has grown past just a pay gap to also include the necessary changes needed to provide women with the infrastructure they need to thrive in the workplace. This includes loosening our grip on in-person office requirements and the typical nine-to-five workdays, as well as dedicated lactation rooms, affordable on-site care and so much more. 

We also need to implement gender-neutral leave policies for new parents — and aggressively encourage fathers to use them. When men, on average, take just one day of parental leave for every month a woman takes, they unintentionally reinforce sexist stereotypes and harm new moms, who end up hitting a “maternal wall” when they do take longer leave.

Companies should widen the hiring pool for parents who’ve left the workforce. At NBCUniversal, we’ve been doing this for years through our “Returnships,” which offer comeback opportunities for people who’ve put their careers on hold, in many cases to devote their time to parenting. As a result, our company is attracting more ambitious working women than I could have dreamed of back when I started here a few decades ago. I am pleased to see that this is becoming a bigger hiring trend in business.

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?
Athena — goddess of wisdom, inspiration, strategic warfare, and the arts . . . all of the things I’ve needed throughout my career. Coco Chanel — a businesswoman who was both savvy and stylish. KiMae — my daughter, who is part of my history, who keeps me in the moment, teases my curiosity, and indulges my emotions.

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
Enjoy the journey. Don’t concentrate on the woes of the past or the wishes of the future — the best way to live is to embrace the present.

Julie Harris is the CAO and global head of operations for Asset & Wealth Management at JPMorgan Chase. She has devoted much of her time to LGBT+ endeavors, including taking part in Cycle for the Cause Northeast AIDS ride, taking leadership roles at the NYC LGBT+ Center and sponsoring various JPMC LGBT+ networks. Harris holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Western Michigan University and an M.B.A. in Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Management from Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management. Harris resides in Montclair, New Jersey, with her wife Shari and twin sons Nathanial and Thaddeus.

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
Those with disproportionate power and influence need to use it to balance the scales. While we need to stand up as women and bring up the next generation, men need to likewise engage in the solution. And in order to be an effective advocate, people need to actively seek out experiences that vary from their own and really listen. Truly seeking to understand someone’s “lived experience” is a gift that can shape your worldview — if you let it.

What can New York policymakers do to support the interests of women across the state?
First, listen to your female colleagues and constituents. Continue to focus on addressing inequities and barriers to progress, and don’t think of them all as simply “work-life balance” issues (though those are certainly real). Focus on representation in the way you staff committees, in the voices you hear in your “listening posts.” Break the echo chamber of partisan politics and look at the issues that impact women in their everyday lives.

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg has always been an incredible inspiration to me in terms of her lifetime advocacy for those who needed to be lifted up, especially women. Harriet Tubman would be my second — what she did in terms of perpetually risking her own life in service of saving so many others was beyond phenomenal. And the last person would be my Grandmother, Lillian, who I would like to ask everything I didn’t get to ask her, get one more hug, and tell her how she influences me to this day.

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
Focus on relationships. Not the quantity, but the quality. Learn from every person you encounter, even if it’s simply “what not to do.” The older you get, the smaller the world gets. Be someone who puts good karma out into the world, because karma has a way of coming back to you.

Tirana Hassan is deputy executive director and chief programs officer at Human Rights Watch. Ms. Hassan leads the organization’s research, advocacy, media, legal and policy work, overseeing over 300 professionals in more than 50 countries. Tirana specializes in human rights investigations during conflicts and crises. Between 2010-2015, she worked as a senior researcher in Human Rights Watch’s Emergencies Division, where she carried out dozens of investigations in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. She is a qualified social worker and lawyer who has spent the past two decades working with individuals and communities pursuing their rights and fighting for justice. She graduated with honors degrees in both social work and law in Australia and holds a master’s in international human rights law from Oxford University.

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in central Brooklyn. She is the first Haitian-American woman elected in New York City, and she is the first Black woman to lead a county party in New York City — the Brooklyn Democratic Party.

Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been a champion in moving the equity agenda forward for women’s health and small businesses as chair of the Task Force on Women’s Issues and chair of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Subcommittee. Key legislation includes the Jonah Bichotte Cowan Law regarding maternal health care; New York City’s MWBE discretionary spending threshold increase to $1 million; the Michael K. Williams bill against mass incarceration; and Sedrick’s Law, which helps to improve safety in New York City subways with mandated subway cameras.

She is pursuing a juris doctorate at Brooklyn Law School while expecting a baby as a new mother.

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?
Sojourner Truth: Sojourner Truth etched an indelible impact that will be felt for generations to come. Truth’s influence on the abolitionist movement is historical and she was a powerful advocate for civil and women’s rights. She amplified the often unheard calls for women’s suffrage, especially through her profound “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech. As a Black legislator and law student, I especially admire the precedent she set as the first Black woman to prevail in a lawsuit against a white man, to recover her enslaved son. It was groundbreaking during that discriminatory era.  

Harriet Tubman: Harriet Tubman is an inspiring leader that every American can look up to when fighting for a better future. Tubman freed thousands of slaves and tirelessly fought for abolition and women’s rights. Even after the Underground Railroad, Tubman served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army — an icon of courage and freedom. As a daughter of Hatian immigrants, I am particularly inspired by Tubman’s efforts to offer sanctuary and support to those who need it most, and strive to do the same for the immigrant community I represent. 

Oprah Winfrey: Oprah Winfrey triumphed over poverty, assault, and myriad evils by constantly spreading powerful messages of inspiration and positivity. Oprah is a true American icon and embodiment of women’s economic equity and empowerment. Oprah rose from horrific conditions to become a self-made billionaire and one of the most influential people on earth, and her philanthropy, actions, and triumphs serve as a continual inspiration. Like many Black women, I especially look up to Oprah as a role model.

Tracy Richelle High is a partner in Sullivan & Cromwell’s Litigation Group, a co-head of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law Group, a member of the Criminal Defense and Investigations Practice and co-chair of S&C’s Diversity Committee. Ms. High’s practice focuses on representing financial institutions and other corporations in complex civil litigation, arbitration and mediation proceedings, corporate internal investigations, and labor and employment matters. She has represented clients before a wide variety of state and federal regulatory and prosecutorial agencies, congressional committees and independent examiners appointed by court order.

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
First, we must embrace the fact that gender parity isn’t just a “woman problem” — lack of parity affects everyone. Too often as a society, we focus on what historically disadvantaged people or women can do to achieve parity, equality, or equity. While these groups are part of the solution, everyone has a role to play. The concept of allyship is thus a crucial component to realizing necessary gains. An allyship approach makes clear that everyone has work to perform, although how each individual performs their work is necessarily relative to their circumstances, and their contribution must be considered as part of the whole. 

What can New York policymakers do to support the interests of women across the state?
We know from empirical data that when we increase the economic security of one woman, the effect is to improve more than her life — her whole family is uplifted. We need our policymakers to be real changemakers such that they ensure that all women have equitable access to the resources that allow them to live with real dignity, and not simply eke out an existence. New York women, and their families, deserve nothing less.

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?

– Cleopatra: She was a savvy ruler of renowned intelligence living in an incredible historical era.

– Rosa Parks: Although she is best known for being the catalyst of the Montgomery bus boycott, her legacy is much deeper. She was a long-time investigator for the NAACP combatting violence against women and advocating for criminal justice reform.

– My ancestors: I’d like to meet one woman from each side of my family who were slaves.  I want to absorb their ability to be resilient under unimaginable circumstances and witness their joy in hearing about the strides women have made so far.

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
I’d share a few things. First, when you’re confident in yourself, your intelligence and abilities, others will be too. Of course, don’t be cocky or arrogant — but always hold your head up high and carry yourself with poise. Second, don’t be shy to ask for support when you need it; the mark of a strong person isn’t shouldering everything on your own. Finally, be willing to extend grace to others. You’ll need grace in return one day.

Governor Kathy Hochul is the 57th and first female governor of New York State. She entered public service on her local Town Board, before serving as Erie County clerk, as a member of Congress, and later as lieutenant governor. Since being sworn into office, Governor Hochul has worked to usher in a new era for New York, passing a transformative budget that invests in public safety, affordable housing, child care and clean energy. Governor Hochul and her husband Bill are the proud parents of two children and one grandchild.

Angela Hwang is a member of Pfizer’s Executive Team and group president of the Pfizer Biopharmaceuticals Group, which is the commercial organization of Pfizer. Her organization of 26,000 colleagues across 125 countries is responsible for bringing over 600 innovative medicines and products to patients. In 2021, more than 1.4 billion people benefited from Pfizer medicines or vaccines to improve their health and, in some cases, save their lives.

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
First, companies need to be accountable for gender parity. At Pfizer, we established bold Equity Commitments to achieve by 2025. Setting these goals has enabled us to make tremendous progress. For my organization, as of May, VP+ female representation has increased to 46.3% (from 39.9% in January 2021) and VP+ U.S. minority representation has increased to 35.8% (from 29.4% in January 2021). Second, we all have a role to play in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. In particular, women should be comfortable asking for help and leaning into allyship more, both from men and other minorities, including women. 

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
Stop second-guessing yourself. The best opportunities are the ones that stretch you — be brave! Try different things and take the scary role — that is where the learning happens. Think about the worst thing that could happen — and if you can live with that, go for it, you have nothing to lose. Next, take care of yourself and make the time to reenergize and reset! This is so important and allows you to be fully present wherever you are — whether it’s at work or with family and friends.

In 2019, Letitia “Tish” James became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New York and the first woman to be elected attorney general. Previously, Tish served as New York City public advocate, becoming the first woman of color to hold citywide office, and spent 10 years representing the 35th District in the New York City Council. Throughout her time in public service, and now as the “People’s Lawyer,” Tish has focused on fighting for justice, investigating bad actors, and standing up for vulnerable communities.

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
As NYC public advocate, I introduced legislation to prohibit employers from asking prospective employees about their previous salary because this practice perpetuates lower pay for women and institutionalized disparity. This legislation became law in New York City, and was adopted statewide, so all New Yorkers are now protected from this practice.  

As attorney general, I have been proud to crack down on wage theft and workplace sexual harassment, to protect workers and punish offenders. However, more needs to be done. In order to better increase gender parity, we must empower women with career advancement and training opportunities. The progress must continue. 

What can New York policymakers do to support the interests of women across the state?
We are living in a time of great uncertainty, especially at the national level. If we’re going to respond to these threats and assaults against women’s hard-won rights, New York needs to serve as a beacon of hope. We’ve made great strides by codifying abortion rights into state law and helping women from states that are hostile to abortion rights. However, if we are going to keep the clock from rolling backwards, we need our policymakers to keep pushing forwards. 

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?
Shirley Chisholm, Barbara Jordan, and Fannie Lou Hamer. If I could add a fourth, it would be Eleanor Roosevelt. Many women, myself included, would not be where we are today if not for the trailblazers and sheroes who paved the way. These women did not waver in the face of adversity as they faced overwhelming odds. Not only were they instrumental in fighting for their own rights, they were also catalysts for change for the generations who followed them. I am grateful for their tenacity and legacy, and I am proud to follow their spirit and help continue their work. 

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
I would tell my younger self to stand tall, and that despite every setback you’re going to face, you must keep moving forward. I would stress that while the challenges ahead seem daunting, the work may at times be draining, and hours may be long, it is all worth it because it is leading to incredible opportunities to serve others and move our society forward. I would want my younger self to know that everything she is dealing with now will lead her to a place where she can protect the rights of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable.

Rashida Jones is president of MSNBC. She is the first Black executive to lead a major television news network. Previously, Jones served as senior vice president of NBC News and MSNBC, where she spearheaded cross-platform coverage, including the coronavirus pandemic, presidential debates, town halls, primaries and more. Jones won an Emmy for coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage and executive produced the most-watched Democratic presidential debate in history during the 2020 election cycle.

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
Use your background as a superpower. Lean into your character as a Black woman, a HBCU graduate, and a person raised in the South or whatever your superpower is. Bring that to the table, because there’s another young person looking at you and thinking, ‘maybe I can do this too.’

Meera Joshi is New York City’s deputy mayor for operations, overseeing the City’s infrastructure portfolio. Previously, as President Biden’s nominee for administrator of USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, she led initiatives on improving roadway safety and policies related to accountability mechanisms to integrate automation. She was chair and CEO of New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, the nation’s largest for-hire transportation regulator, where she spearheaded Vision Zero campaigns, established open transportation data standards, enacted the nation’s first for-hire driver pay protection program, and provided on demand access to for-hire transportation for wheelchair passengers.

What steps still need to be taken to increase gender parity?
Acknowledging the many jobs most women have and adjusting accordingly. For example, providing additional time off or more flexible work schedules during public school holidays from September through June and providing more benefits to defray the cost of childcare.

What can New York policymakers do to support the interests of women across the state?
Listen to women of all walks of life and, most importantly, meet them where they are. Most often, that means going to their place of work (because most working women don’t have time to come to you or join Zooms). Gather tangible recommendations, follow-through, and report back. 

If you could have dinner with any three women from history, who would they be and why?
Jane Jacobs — would love her perspective on NYC in 2022, her vision for NYC in 2030 and of course her assistance and name on a few key New York City infrastructure grant proposals. Dolly Parton — talent, wit, fortitude, humility, heart and great hair — all in one. Kara Switzer — it’s hard enough to run a marathon, let alone to run one when the race director is physically trying to pull you off the course.

What advice or wisdom would you share with a younger version of yourself?
Put away your projector, you don’t know how this film is going to end.