Mayors Visit GlamourGals Makeovers

GlamourGals volunteers have been planning extra special makeovers this month for Valentine's Day. They've been hard at work making special valentines, gifts, and recruiting volunteers to help them pass out roses at local senior homes. Some chapters were even joined by local mayors last week!



On Thursday, February 8th, the South Side High School GlamourGals Chapter was was joined at Maple Pointe Assisted Living in Rockville Centre, NY by not only Miss New York International, Adele Scala, but also Mayor Frances Murray and Deputy Mayor, Nancy Howard.



On Saturday, February 11th, the Center High School GlamourGals chapter made valentines for the residents of Greenwood Meadows and were joined by Mayor Mark Myers.



Thanks to everyone who supported these chapters and joined them at their makeovers!

Tammy Tran, Alumni Council Member

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Tammy Tran has joined the GlamourGals Alumni Council. Tammy has been involved with GlamourGals for quite some time, as a volunteer and later, Chapter President at Thomas Edison High School in Queens,NY and most recently as the founder and President of the Lawrence University Chapter in Appleton, WI.


Tammy, pictured at far right, helping out at GlamourGals Lily Pullitzer shopping event with fellow Alumni Council members.

"I remember volunteering with my high school chapter once and working with other volunteers to put on a Diwali fashion show. It was a really fun way to share some cultural festivities with the residents and a great way to bring some vibrance into the senior home," says Tammy.

This 2010 Glammy Winner and Posse Scholarship award winner is a Double Major in English and Government with a Minor in Chinese.

"I think staying involved with GlamourGals is important because its important to remember that being a compassionate leader doesn't stop when you leave a makeover. I believe that GlamourGals teaches young women the value of volunteerism, selflessness, and confidence, while providing opportunities for volunteers to develop real and meaningful leadership skills. Its so crucial that volunteers treasure the skills and lessons they've acquired through conversations during makeovers or through the leadership roles they took on in their chapters. I think there is a lot of value in continuing to stay involved with a cause I am passionate about and know makes a real difference in the world we live in," Tammy says of her continued dedication to GG.

To learn more about Tammy, read these recent articles in HerCampus and The Lawrentian about her AND her GlamourGals Chapter.

Illuminate 2012

On Thursday, February 2nd, GlamourGals supporters flocked to The Kitchen NYC to mingle with chairwomen, Lauren Ruotolo and Lynn Raynault and Illuminate hosts, to meet special guests while sipping on customized cocktails by Solerno, enjoying hors d’oeuvres by The Mansfield, and desserts, while bidding on luxury auction items, and enjoying live performances and rare experiences. Click here to see photos from Illuminate.

“It was an honor for me to be a part of GlamourGals Illuminate for the second year, helping to raise awareness and critical funds for an organization benefiting not one, but two generations: young and old. My grandma is my best friend, and my personal Glamour Gal, so it brought me so much joy to support this cause on her behalf, as I would want her to feel fabulous and confident always, just as she has taught be since I was young,” says Illuminate host, blogger, and TV personality, Micah Jesse.

Illuminate sold out to a crowd of over 150 people where we raised nearly $18,500 towards our $25,000 goal. Our online auction powered by charitybuzz will be live through February 21st. Click here to bid on one of our exclusive experiences to help us reach our goal.

At Illuminate, GlamourGals inaugurated and raised critical funds for its scholarship program through a live auction. We will be giving out three $1,000 dollar scholarships at our Glammy Awards on Saturday, April, 28th. To donate to support the scholarship program or to sponsor a chapter to attend the awards, click here.

“Every GlamourGals event is a fantastic party, but the reason for celebration is never far from your mind. GG always includes personal touches to their event venue with hot pink accents like lighting and delicious GG cupcakes, but also through prominently displayed photographs, stories, and messages from their loyal volunteers,” says GlamourGals supporter, Ashly Priest, who covered the event for Lifestyle and Charity Magazine and who will be Chair of Raffles for Glamour in the City.

Did you miss Illuminate or eager to come to another fabulous event to benefit GlamourGals? The 8th Annual Glamour in the City will take place on Thursday, June 7th at Arena NYC. Registration is only $29 for a limited time, so register now. If you’re interested in being a host or a sponsor, email kavita at glamourgals.org.

Special thanks to Chairwomen Lauren Ruotolo and Lynn Raynault, presenting sponsor, The Mansfield Hotel, Solerno, The Kitchen NYC, Scotch Ambassador, Heather Greene, Empire Merchants, and Roxanna’s Cakes.

Thank you to Ursa Minor and DJs Jason Nevins and Jay Dabhi of 92.3.

Thank you to silent auction donors Pearl Naidoo, Lilly Pulitzer, Butterfield 8, The Greenwich Hotel, Self Magazine, The Anderson Show, Furla,TOTO NYC, Janet Stark, Lladro, Michael Kors, Entertainment Weekly, Popchips, Charles Jourdan, L.A.M.B., Dana Bands, Marla Cielo, and Kangoo.

Thank you to gift bag donors, PrettyCity.com, The Mansfield Hotel, The Kitchen NYC, Popchips, to photographers, Mark Kim, Paul Viet Do, Mike Petzinger, and videographer Carrie Mitchell.

Thank you to Illuminate hosts: Gregg Berman, Cyrus Massoumi, Heather Greene, Jeni Leidel, Mike Woods, Samantha Braunstein, Micah Jesse, Allegra Cohen, Mary Kopczynski, Didi Fraioli, Christian Boyens, Julie Alexandria, Johanna Botta, LaShaun Skillings, Ashok Parameswaran, Aericka Heavens, Jyoti Singhvi, and Lindsey Smith.

And a very special thank you volunteer, Nicole Cloutier and the GlamourGals Alumni Council for providing event support throughout the night.

Photographs courtesy of BnB Photography.

Advisory Board Member, LaShaun Skillings

GlamourGals is proud to announce that LaShaun Skillings has joined the GlamourGals Advisory Board.

LaShaun attended Brown University where she earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, a B.A. in Internal Relations, and an M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering. She has worked for Fortune 500 companies such as Lucent Technologies and Ratheon Company. In 2006, LaShaun earned an MBA from Columbia Business School focusing on General Management. Since earning her MBA, LaShaun has worked for Internet companies like Monster and Yahoo. Currently, she is a Senior Program Manager at Polycom. Additionally, LaShaun is a Faculty Member at Axia College (University of Phoenix). She loves serving the greater community and is a a Luminary Circle Member of the Step Up Women's Network. LaShaun is also actively recruiting talent for her alma mater, Brown University. In her spare time, LaShaun loves to take spin classes.

LaShaun was introduced to GlamourGals via the New York Junior League.

"GG takes me to the special relationship that I have with my grandmother. I recently had a spa day with her and I will never forget the expression on her face and her overall appreciation for the pampering. Her happiness brightened my day!" she said.

"My favorite aspect of the GG program is the commitment to bringing happiness – that smile on the face - to the growing group of elderly that are served by GG. That special feeling that comes from the makeovers is priceless. I love that these women feel loved."

Welcome, LaShaun!

Advisory Board Member, Erika Engelson

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Erika Engelson has joined GlamourGals Advisory Board.

Erika B. Engelson is a special counsel in the New York office of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. Her practice is concentrated in the area of complex commercial litigation. Erika graduated summa cum laude from Florida State University in 1999. During her time at Florida State, Erika was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. She was also a television correspondent for the school's news program. Erika also was actively involved with the athletic department through her involvement as a Garnet & Gold member. Erika earned her J.D. degree cum laude from Florida State University College of Law in 2002, where she was a member of the Law Review and Moot Court team. Erika is the Co-Chair of the
Professional Development Committee of her law firm's Women's Leadership Initiative. She is also a representative on Cadwalader's Firm Committee.

Erika became involved with GG after hearing its founder and president, Rachel Doyle speak. "The idea of being able to help young teens, while at the same time putting a smile on a senior woman's face, is truly remarkable," she says.

Erika's favorite aspect of GlamourGals is its unique ability to bring together two different generations who benefit from one another.

"The impact of allowing young women to become leaders and involved in their community will only further enhance the prospect of a bright future. And, as the granddaughter of a woman who still goes to the salon, I personally see how gratifying a little make over can make a senior woman feel," she notes.

For more information on the GlamourGals Advisory Board, please click here.

Illuminate Host, Jyoti Singhvi

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Jyoti Singhvi will be a host at tomorrow's #Illuminate2012.

Favorite quote: Imagine life. Then live the life you imagined. Make sure you breathe, smile, love and give along the way.

Jyoti Singhvi is a GlamourGals Advisory Board Member and the CEO of the couture jewelry brand JYOTI (www.JyotiNewYork.com). Jyoti designs one-of-a-kind bespoke jewels that bring your story to life while mirroring your lifestyle, your personality, and your style.

In addition to being 7th generation in the jewelry industry and growing up with the most magnificent jewels imaginable, Jyoti worked at other legendary brands such as Cartier. Jyoti has an MPA from Harvard University and an MBA from MIT.

Like many GlamourGals supporters, Jyoti is attracted to GlamourGals mission due in part to her own relationship with her grandmother.

"The mission of GlamourGals is brilliant. It nurtures two very important generations: the elderly and the teenagers. My grandmother passed away 2 years ago and I miss her so much! I only wish I could have spent more time with her. We get busy with our everyday lives and tend to forget to take care of the elderly in our lives. If they hadn’t worked hard and laid a strong foundation for us, we would not have the comfortable lives and the opportunities we have today. Through GlamourGals, we have the opportunity to bring joy and happiness in the lives of all these wonderful and inspirational women. GlamourGals is also a great platform to develop leadership, compassion, confidence and purpose in the lives of younger women. If I can make even a small difference in one of their lives I would be very happy and honored," says Jyoti.

Illuminate 2012. Illuminate February 2, 2012, The Kitchen, NYC, 7-10 p.m.
Mingle with our hosts, meet special guests, and taste-makers, while you sip on customized cocktails, enrich your senses with savory hors d'oeuvres by the Mansfield Hotel and desserts by Roxana’s Cakes, bid on luxury auction items, and hear a live performance by Ursa Minor and DJ Jay Dabhi of 92.3.

Illuminate Host, Mary Kopczynski

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Mary Kopczynski will be a host at #Illuminate2012.

Favorite Quote: "First do what's necessary, then do what's possible. Before you know it, you're doing the impossible."

The CEO and Founder of 8 of 9 Consulting and GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, Mary is looking forward to her first Illuminate and is looking forward to mingling with host, Cyrus Massoumi, the CEO of ZocDoc, which she says, "is the greatest website of all time."

Mary's inspiration in supporting GlamourGals is the "double bottom line of service." "Both the teens giving the makeovers and the women receiving the makeover help each other," she says.

To register to join Mary at Illuminate, click here.

Illuminate 2012. Illuminate February 2, 2012, The Kitchen, NYC, 7-10 p.m.
Mingle with our hosts, meet special guests, and taste-makers, while you sip on customized cocktails, enrich your senses with savory hors d'oeuvres by the Mansfield Hotel and desserts by Roxana’s Cakes, bid on luxury auction items, and hear a live performance by Ursa Minor and DJ Jay Dabhi of 92.3.