Grant Established in Riccio’s Honor to Assist Women with Disabilities

New York, NY (August 22, 2019) – To honor the extraordinary life and accomplishments of former Member and Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, the late Janet Riccio, The New York Women’s Foundation has established a grant in her name that will focus on assisting organizations furthering the pathways to economic justice and security for women with disabilities. A tireless champion for women, whose personal and professional advocacy spanned decades, Ms. Riccio served The New York Women’s Foundation from 2011 – 2019.

As Chair of the Communications Committee, Ms. Riccio oversaw the introduction of “radical generosity” as an integral part of The Foundation’s identity that coalesces its guiding principles: that problems and solutions live in the same place; that communities know best how to fix problems they experience; and that philanthropy is more powerful when it is collective and inclusive. She was the very embodiment of radical generosity as she worked side by side with fellow Board members, staff and grantee partners to further The Foundation’s mission, influence and impact.

“Janet Riccio was a fierce ally for New York’s underserved women and children, as well as a generous spirit who imbued leadership with kindness. We miss her greatly. With this namesake grant, we hope to ensure that her legacy at The New York Women’s Foundation lives on,” said Ana Oliveira, President & CEO of The Foundation.

Ms. Riccio was Executive Vice President of Omnicom Group; Founder of Omniwomen, the in-house women’s network; and Dean of Omnicom University, its in-house global leadership development faculty. She also led Omnicom’s Common Ground initiative — an agreement amongst the five largest holding companies to support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

She died from ALS on July 30, 2019.

More information about The New York Women’s Foundation grant honoring Ms. Riccio may be found here.
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About The New York Women’s Foundation
Since 1987, The New York Women’s Foundation has advanced a dynamic philanthropic strategy based on the fundamental reality that, when women thrive, their families and communities also thrive. The Foundation’s grantmaking places it at the top of public women’s foundations in the United States, and in the top two in the world. We invest in women-led, community-based solutions that promote the economic security, safety, and health of women and families in New York City. We foster women’s leadership, create partnerships that spark catalytic change, exchange insights with experts across sectors, and empower women by training them in activism and philanthropy to accelerate and sustain forward progress. Visit http://www.nywf.org to learn more about our work to transform lives, families, and communities – and create a better New York City for all.