What happens when a tech company CEO, a reporter and a beauty brand executive walk into the room? This isn’t the beginning of a joke – that’s exactly what happened on the morning of Wednesday, October 2, when Marie Claire MagazineEditor-in-Chief Nikki Ogunnaike and Clé de Peau Beauté Chief Brand Officer Mizuki Hashimoto joined forces to celebrate International Day of the Girl and pay tribute to Girls Who Code CEO Reshma Saujani.
While the luncheon featured the requisite mimosas and photo ops, more importantly, it provided a backdrop for a strong group of women at the Fifth Avenue Hotel to support each other.
Tory Burch Foundation President Tiffany Dufu socializes with Saujani and panelist Phoebe Robinson two drug queens). Plur founder Chrishell Lim and Clé de Peau Beauté global color director Benjamin Puckey gathered in a corner while some guests tried to sneak in with Marie Claire MagazineHalle Berry cover story by Lola Ogunnaike.
Clé de Peau Beauté interior and Marie Claire Magazine Lunch
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Tiffany Duff, Phoebe Robinson, Reshma Shojani and Nikki Ogunnaike
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Lola Ogunneke and Dee Poku
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Whether talking to content creators, journalists or tech founders, the invisible rope that runs through the room is the belief that women have the power to support women. Marie Claire. “For 30 years, Marie Claire has been a place for women and the issues that matter most to them. We have always been and always will be a champion for female empowerment,” Ogunike said in her opening remarks. “We are beyond excited and honored to partner with Clé de Peau Beauté, a global luxury skin care and makeup brand dedicated to pioneering science-based breakthroughs while empowering the next generation of young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. career path”.
Shojani has made the latter her mission, devoting her life to the economic empowerment of women and girls, working to close the gender gap in tech, and most recently advocating through her nonprofit for policies to support those affected by the pandemic. Moms. That’s why she won the SkinKey Power Radiance Award and delivered the afternoon keynote address.
Reshma Saujani, Mizuki Hashimoto, Nikki Ogunnaike
Lauren Chen and Katie Sturino
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Andrea Stanley, Samantha Holland, Lucia Tonelli and Neha Prakash
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Her inspiring talk—which highlighted the work of Neha Shulka, a 19-year-old student who created a technology platform for social good using Girls Who Code (see SixFeetApart or the PA Homeless Guide app)— — sparking meaningful conversations at every table.
I found myself chatting with Shilpa Yarlagadda, founder of Shiffonco and former spokesperson for Marie Claire C Power Play, about how her jewelry brand is a powerful entry point for female entrepreneurs to have equal access to startup capital. Names like Kamala Harris, Gloria Steinem, Michelle Obama and Serena Williams often pop up in the conversation.
After several taps of the glass with a spoon, the guests awoke from their engaging conversation (and delicious halibut) to engage in a discussion between Ogunnaike, Saujani, Duf, and Robinson. Panel discussions covered it all: how groups are empowering the next generation, mentors who have changed their own lives, and even tidbits of sage wisdom shared with the audience.
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Rakana Minami, Haruka Nakanishi, Elizabeth Bagdasarian, Darby Kaye, Mizuki Hashimoto, Emily Coppock, Alessio Rossi, Yazia Tilhi
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Krisline, Benjamin Pucky
(Image credit: Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
My favorite takeaway is an idea Shaojani instilled in Du Fu years ago: “If you want to bring any real change to the world, you must learn how to not stand in line.” Trust your instincts, stand firm in your beliefs, and push boundaries — on International Day of the Girl and every day, no matter who is in the room.
