Above & Beyond 2016: The 25 most remarkable women in NYC politics

Every day, women go above and beyond what’s asked of them.

They blaze trails in typically male-dominated fields like construction and biotechnology.

They rise to the highest levels in major nonprofit organizations, labor unions and media companies.

They advocate for their causes at City Hall, in Albany and in Washington, D.C., and they hold influential roles at every level of government.

And, fair or not, they often do it all while being the primary caregiver in their families, tending to children and elderly relatives alike.

In recognition of their accomplishments, City & State is honoring 25 remarkable New York women serving in government, business, nonprofit organizations, organized labor or the media.

One of the women honored in this year’s Above & Beyond class is driving immigration policy in New York City and beyond. Another has been at the forefront of groundbreaking changes in national health care policy. A third has reported from places like the White House and ground zero after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

You likely know some of these remarkable women already, but we’re pleased to introduce you to the ones you haven’t met.

Profiles by Jeff Coltin, Ashley Hupfl, Jon Lentz, Gabe Ponce de León, Aimée Simpierre, Justin Sondel, Jeff Stein and Sarina Trangle

LABOR

Evelyn  DeJesus,  UFT, Vice President of Education

Marisol  Alcantara,  NYS Nurses Association, Program Representative

Erica  Vargas,  District Council 37, Assistant Director

Eunic  Ortiz,  Stonewall Democrats of New York City, President/1199 SEIU, Director of Online Communications

Nancy True,  L237, IBT, Director, Retiree Division

NONPROFIT

Ana  Oliveira,  New York Women's Foundation, President & CEO

Beth  Finkel,  AARP New York, State Director

Audrey  Weiner,  Jewish home life Care, president and CEO

Lou-Ellen  Barkan,  CaringKind, President and CEO

Amanda  Norejko,  Sanctuary for Families, CBWLS, Director, Matrimonial & Economic Justice Project

PUBLIC SERVICE

Christine Quinn,  WIN, President & CEO

Michelle  Anderson,  The CUNY School of Law, Dean

Lesley A.  Massiah-Arthur,  Fordham University, Associate Vice President for Governmental Relations and Urban Affairs

Nisha  Agarwal,  Mayor's Office for Immigrant Affairs, Commissioner

Camille Joseph,  New York City Comptroller's Office

BUSINESS

Karen  Ignagni,  EmblemHealth, President and CEO

Jeanne  Mullgrav,  Capalino+Company, Executive Vice President

Suzanne  Shank,  Siebert Brandford Shank & Co., CEO/Chairwoman and majority owner

Molly  Williams,  Pfizer, Director of Advocacy

Deborah  Bradley,  Women Builders Council, President

MEDIA

Cheryl  Wills,  New York 1 News, Reporter/Anchor/Author

Elizabeth  Jensen,  NPR, Public Editor

Vicki  Schneps,  Schneps Communications, CEO

Jennifer  Goodstein,  NYC Community Media, LLC, Publisher/CEO

Veronica  White,  Bloomberg L.P., chief of staff to the vice chairman