Making a Fashionable Change

Advisory Board Member, Erika Engelson

2012-02-02T11:26:00.003-05:00

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

2012-02-01T16:41:00.003-05:00

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

2012-01-31T13:11:00.003-05:00

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.

Illuminate Host, Allegra Cohen

2012-01-30T12:17:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Allegra Cohen will be a host at this Thursday's, #Illuminate2012.

Favorite Quote: "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change," Wayne Dyer

Allegra has worked as a producer in all areas of entertainment: web, television, theater and film. She co-produced Best Comedy Winner at the New York Television Festival, Split the Difference, later bought by NBC. Allegra followed with The Crawl, which was sold to Spike TV and evolved into Spike’s Weekend Pre-Game. She produced the web series, From Down Here, starring Lynn Cohen, and directed by Troy Hall. The series chronicles a little person, Stephen Jutras, looking for love in NYC.

Allegra acts as Production Supervisor for Ten/Four Pictures, who most recently produced the feature film, Lucky, directed by Gil Cates Jr., starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, and Ann-Margret. Following the distribution with Phase 4 films, Lucky has been released this summer in theaters and is now available on dvd at major retailers and will be on major cable networks early 2012.

A new addition to the GlamourGals Advisory board, Allegra is looking forward to Illuminate because "it will be a fun way to connect with our guests and show them the importance of GlamourGals in today's society".

Like many GlamourGals supporters, Allegra connected to the mission because of her own personal relationship with her grandmother and notes, "My inspiration in supporting GlamourGals comes from my gratitude for the strong, beautiful, inspiring women who paved the way for our futures".

To register and join Allegra 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.

Illuminate Host, Jennifer Leidel

2012-01-30T10:43:00.003-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Jeni Leidel will be a host at this Thursday's #Illuminate2012.

Favorite quote: "To laugh often and love much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jennifer Leidel (Jeni) graduated with a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University in May 2010. She received her Certificate in Business Management from Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) in July 2010. Jeni currently works in the Marketing and Strategic Partnerships department at Sports Illustrated Kids and TIME For Kids at Time Inc. Jeni is a member of 85 Broads Global Women’s Network, the New York Athletic Club and its intraclub, the Mercury Society, the Cornell Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society, and serves on the Advisory Council for Cornell’s Pi Sigma Epsilon business fraternity. She is the recipient of the Lion’s Club Outstanding Community Service Award. During her time at Cornell, she served on the Executive Board for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was elected President of Pi Sigma Epsilon, was a Teaching Assistant for Psychology 101 and Education 2400, and was a Research Assistant in the Human Development department. Jeni’s interests include traveling, photography, skiing, going to sports games, philanthropy, and spending time with friends and family.

Jeni is an Advisory Board member who has a strong connection to the GlamourGals mission.

"My late grandmother, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, was the inspiration for me supporting GlamourGals. For several years I stood by my Grandma Sue’s side and comforted her as she endured the suffering of Alzheimer’s. I know that she was grateful for my commitment to her, but I doubt that she ever fully grasped the degree to which she served as a model for me even during her most difficult and afflicted moments. Her tenacity and persistence serve to underscore my own, and my commitment to work toward a better community was immeasurably enhanced by my grandmother’s unwillingness to accept the status quo, and her demonstration to me – conscious or not – of that resolve. Seeing the way teens are able to have such a warm and profound impact on the elderly has been really inspiring. The unique GlamourGals program cultivates compassion across generations, and provides young women the resources to become visionary leaders in their communities. As the two generations connect, teenage girls help to maintain the dignity of elderly women, while the elderly give teens the courage and confidence to disseminate their knowledge into society," she says.

To register join Jeni 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.

Illuminate Host, Micah Jesse

2012-01-27T10:36:00.004-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Micah Jesse will be one of the inspiring hosts at #Illuminate2012.

"DREAM. BELIEVE. WORK. ACHIEVE." - Micah Jesse (2011)

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Micah Jesse's early fascination with the fabulous lives of the rich and famous led him to New York City, where he attended Hofstra University. While in school, Micah began covering red carpet events for Us Weekly and OK! Magazine. Realizing the need to build his own platform, Micah created MicahJesse.com, which rapidly gained popularity for its refreshing take on celebrity and entertainment news.

In just a few short years, Micah Jesse has blossomed from “blogger” to bona fide Entertainment Personality and is celebrated throughout the industry for his positive perspective on celebrity and entertainment news. Today, he is revered as a “man about town” and can be seen on the red carpet mingling with celebs at star studded events from “The Hamptons to Hollywood”.

Micah supports GlamourGals due in part to his relationship with his own grandmother.

"My Grandma, Sylvia Gross (nickname "Double"), is my best friend and my personal GlamourGal! She has always been one of the strongest and happiest women I know and has always inspired me to be beautiful both inside and out. She understands the importance of both, and always instilled this in me, by calling me "Sunshine." GlamourGals is an incredible organization - celebrating exactly this - looking and feeling beautiful even in old(er) age," Micah says.

To register to join Micah 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.

Illuminate Host, Lindsey Smith

2012-01-26T14:33:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that GlamourGals Alumna and Advisory Board Member, Lindsey Smith will be a host at #Illuminate2012.

Favorite Quote:
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Gandhi

Originally from Irvington, NY, Lindsey Smith was the chapter president of the Irvington High School GlamourGals Chapter. Lindsey met Rachel Doyle over eight years ago at the Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership Conference at the end of her sophomore year of high school. Wanting to be a part of a community service project that she could have ownership of, Lindsey was thrilled to hear about GG. When she met Rachel Doyle, she knew right away that GlamourGals was the organization for her. Rachel's confidence, passion, dedication and leadership were inspiring and she needed to be a part of the organization.

"GlamourGals is important to me because it has helped me transform into the person I am today. I have gained leadership skills, confidence, and have seen how passion and motivation are the key drivers to being successful. GlamourGals has provided me with incredible experiences that have opened doors for me both academically and professionally. I am inspired to support GlamourGals because I want other young girls to have the same amazing experiences that I have had because of my involvement in GlamourGals," says Lindsey.

After high school, Lindsey wasn't done with her GG involvement and started the Vanderbilt University chapter in Tennessee. In 2010, Lindsey graduated with a degree in Human and Organizational Development with a minor in Corporate Strategies. She currently serves on the GlamourGals advisory board. Lindsey is currently living in New York City and is in her second year of Teach for America. She is teaching 3rd grade at Success Academy Harlem 1, while completing her masters in General Childhood Education (K-6).

Lindsey is excited to attend Illuminate for the first time. "I look forward to meeting other successful New Yorkers that are passionate about serving their communities, whether it is through volunteering or supporting a non-profit financially. I can't wait to mingle with other like-minded New York adults that are leaders in their own industry," she says.

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.

Advisory Board Member, Jennifer Leidel

2012-01-24T13:51:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Jennifer Leidel has joined the Advisory Board.

Jennifer Leidel (Jeni) graduated with a B.S. in Human Development from Cornell University in May 2010. She received her Certificate in Business Management from Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) in July 2010. Jeni currently works in the Marketing and Strategic Partnerships department at Sports Illustrated Kids and TIME For Kids at Time Inc. Jeni is a member of 85 Broads Global Women’s Network, the New York Athletic Club and its intraclub, the Mercury Society, the Cornell Club, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, and serves on the Advisory Council for Cornell’s Pi Sigma Epsilon professional business fraternity. She is the recipient of the Lion’s Club Outstanding Community Service Award. During her time at Cornell, she served on the Executive Board for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was elected President of Pi Sigma Epsilon, was a Teaching Assistant for Psychology 101 and Education 2400, was a Research Assistant in the Human Development department, and a Peer Advisor. Jeni’s interests include traveling, photography, skiing, going to sports games, philanthropy, and getting together with friends and family.

Like other GlamourGals supporters, Jeni became involved because of her grandmother.

"I felt a deep connection with the GG mission as my own late grandmother was afflicted with Alzheimer’s. For several years I stood by her side and comforted her as she endured the suffering of Alzheimer’s. Her persistence served to underscore my own, and my commitment to work toward a better community was immeasurably enhanced by my grandmother’s unwillingness to accept the status quo, and her demonstration to me – conscious or not – of that resolve. GlamourGals improves the quality of life for senior women – like my grandma, and I am honored to be part of the Advisory Board for such an incredible organization," Jeni says.

Jeni is looking forward to serving on the board and to see the profound impact that teens have on elderly women in senior homes.

"The unique GG program cultivates compassion across generations, and provides young women the resources and support to become visionary leaders in their respective communities. As the two generations interface, teenage girls help to maintain the dignity and value of elderly women, while the elderly give teens the courage and confidence to disseminate their knowledge into society," she notes.

To learn more about the GlamourGals Advisory Board and to meet the other members, click here.

Illuminate Host, Christian Boyens

2012-01-23T13:48:00.003-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Christian Boyens is a host for #Illuminate2012.

Favorite Quote: "The glass is half full, not half empty."

A graduate of Cornell University's Masters of Management in Hospitality program, Christian is currently the General Manager of the Ritz Paris.

A long time supporter of GlamourGals, Christian notes that he sees a great need to connect a more disconnected younger generation with the increasingly isolated elderly generations.

"I see the commitment of the leadership team every day to bridge this gap between the generations. Impressive!" he says.

To join Christian at #Illuminate2012, register 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.

Illluminate Host, Samantha Braunstein

2012-01-18T13:33:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to announce that Advisory Board Member, Samantha Braunstein, will be a host at #Illuminate2012.

Favorite Quote: "There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time." - Coco Chanel

Samantha graduated with a B.A. from Cornell University and went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Currently, Samantha is an Associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP concentrating in restructuring, banking, and credit matters. She enjoys tennis, running, horse-back riding, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Carmel.

Samantha is looking forward to, "spending time with friends and new fellow board members. And of course having some great drinks and delicious food in a unique space" at Illuminate 2012!

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, Cyrus Massoumi

2012-01-17T11:09:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is pleased to announce that Cyrus Massoumi will be a host of Illuminate 2012.

Cyrus Massoumi is co-founder and CEO of ZocDoc, which he created in 2007 after rupturing an eardrum. Massoumi struggled for four painful days to find a doctor, and became convinced that a better healthcare
system is possible. He has extensive experience in the healthcare-technology nexus, web commerce andmanagement.

Massoumi graduated in 2003 from Columbia University, where he earned an MBA and received the Heffernan Award for Outstanding Service.

A native of Florida, Massoumi currently resides in Manhattan, New York.

To register and join Cyrus 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.

Congrats, Stephanie Azzopardi

2012-01-13T15:20:00.002-05:00

Congrats to GlamourGals volunteer, Stephanie Azzopardi, who has been volunteering with one of our Staten Island Chapters for over 3 years.

A Senior at Staten Island Tech, Stephanie is one of the "Big Apple 24" semifinalists of the Intel Science Talent Search. To read the NY Post article about it, click here. Stephanie even mentioned her volunteering experience in the article!

"I have had so many great experiences with GlamourGals that I just had to mention it," she says.

Congrats to Stephanie and the other semifinalists.

Illuminate Host, Gregg Berman

2012-01-12T14:05:00.003-05:00

GlamourGals Executive Board Member, Gregg Berman, will be one of the hosts at Illuminate.

Favorite Quote: "...Never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force..."
~Winston Churchill 1941.

Gregg is a partner in Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.'s New York office and a Vice Chair of the Securities Practice Group.

He believes that GlamourGals is important because of the program's "work in maintaining the dignity of our seniors."

To register to join Gregg at Illuminate, please 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.

Rachel Doyle Semifinalist for Glamour Magazine and Sally Hansen's Best of You Contest

2012-01-11T12:17:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals' President and Founder, Rachel Doyle, is a semifinalist for Glamour Magazine and Sally Hansen's Best of You Contest.

Rachel was nominated by GlamourGals supporter, Stephanie Mattera.

“Rachel Doyle immediately came to mind when I read about Sally Hansen’s Best of You contest, which recognizes women that are impacting their communities through volunteerism and service. Rachel is one of the most passionate people I know, she’s an innovator, and is incredibly gifted at motivating others to action. Her work as the founder and president of GlamourGals is a testimony to her commitment to enriching the lives of seniors and cultivating young women to be compassionate leaders. As a GlamourGals volunteer, I have seen first-hand the impact Rachel is making in their lives and the transformative power of a makeover. Both the seniors and the young women leave changed by the intimate moments and stories that are shared. As the GlamourGals mantra states, “manicures and makeovers are just half the story," says Stephanie.

To vote, click here.

Don't forget to tweet about it the contest to share with your followers: Vote for @GlamourGals Founder & President, Rachel Doyle in @glamourmag and @SallyHansen's #BestofYou Contest! http://bit.ly/yWjXlo

Meet Illuminate Chair, Lauren Ruotolo

2012-01-10T11:35:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, Lauren Ruotolo will join Lynn Raynault in chairing Illuminate 2012.

Favorite Quote: “Laugh often, Dream big, Reach for the stars!" Dr. Suess

Lauren is the Director of Entertainment Promotions for Hearst Magazines. In her second year of chairing Illuminate, she notes,"I am looking forward to seeing everyone come to celebrate all the efforts of young girls today and what impact it has on our older generation," says Lauren.

GlamourGals is a special organization to Lauren. "My inspiration goes back to my great grandmother Nanny Dutch who lived the last 6 years of her life in a senior home and when we came to visit her, she would put on her fabulous Red Lipstick and give us a kiss on the cheek that would leave her lip marks all day long. Nanny, you are my inspiration and someone I miss each day," says Lauren.

To learn more about #Illuminate2012 and to register, click here.

Meet Illuminate Chair, Lynn Raynault

2012-01-09T12:54:00.003-05:00

Lynn Raynault is one of the chairs at this year's event to support GlamourGals, Illuminate.

A GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, Lynn Raynault is a marketing and new business development executive specializing in building and managing brands. Most recently Lynn was the Innovation Director for William Grant & Sons, identifying new business opportunities, negotiating acquisitions and positioning the portfolio of innovation brands. She holds a BA from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT and earned her MBA from Columbia Business School in New York. As Program Director for The Raynault Foundation from 1996 - 1999, Lynn was instrumental in setting up the Englewood on the Palisades Charter School in Englewood, NJ as well as managing the foundations other educational interests. She currently sits on the board of the Student World Assembly organization and has been a member of several non profit boards in the past.

"I am really looking forward to sharing a great night of Scotch and music with some wonderful people who are all out to support GlamourGals at our Illuminate 2012 event this year," says Lynn.

For information on #Illuminate2012 and to register, click here.

Eghosa Asemota, Alumni Council Member

2012-01-06T11:43:00.004-05:00

Eghosa Asemota is now a member of GlamourGals Alumni Council.

Eghosa joined GlamourGals as a volunteer at Thomas A. Edison High School in Jamaica, NY where she also served as the chapter's president in her senior year. Currently, Eghosa is studying Political Science and is Pre-Law at Adelphi University.

"My favorite Glamour Gals experience would have to be when my chapter along with a few GG Correspondents created 100 birthday cards for Gertrude Panem, a resident at Brookdale Senior Living. On her 100th birthday, I delivered the cards along with my younger brother. She was beyond grateful and even cried at the sight of them. I vividly remember her saying that it was the best gift she has gotten in a while. The addition of bringing my younger brother along to see how small acts of kindness can mean so much to one person made the experience even more memorable," says Eghosa.

Thanks to her extreme dedication and commitment to GlamourGals, Eghosa was the 2011 Glammy Winner. Since her graduation, she has remained a supporter, most recently as a Team Leader at the 8th Annual GLTI.

"I think it is important to stay involved with GlamourGals as an alumna because it's always great to be a part of something important and bigger than you. We think so much, but create so little, so the fact that Glamour Gals recognizes the issue of elder loneliness and is implementing ways to fix it amazes me daily," Eghosa notes.

Welcome New Advisory Board Member, Samantha Braunstein

2012-01-05T11:35:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals welcomes Samantha Braunstein to the Advisory Board.

Samantha graduated with a B.A. from Cornell University and went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Currently, Samantha is an Associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP concentrating in restructuring, banking, and credit matters. She enjoys tennis, running, horse-back riding, traveling, and spending time with friends, family, and her dog, Carmel.

Samantha was introduced to GlamourGals through pro bono work through an event. "My work resulted in an opportunity to work and meet with the wonderful group of people that makes GlamourGals a success. After the event was over, I knew GlamourGals was a fantastic organization with which I had to continue my involvement," she says.

"I was initially attracted to GlamourGals' mission because I had recently spent a lot of time in senior and rehabilitation homes. Through this experience, I realized that many people in such institutions do not always have a network of regular visitors. I also began to understand that even small tasks, such as painting a patient’s nails or applying skin cream, can have a large impact. I love how GlamourGals provides the structure and organization to increase the flow of volunteers into senior homes in order to help with these simple, but often neglected, visits and services. It was an additional bonus to find out how GlamourGals can be just as beneficial for the volunteers," Samantha notes.

GlamourGals is proud to have Samantha as a member of the Advisory Board.

Noa Krawczyk, Alumni Council Member

2012-01-04T11:11:00.004-05:00

Meet Noa Krawczyk, GlamourGals Alumni and a member of the new Alumni Council.

Noa was a member of the Irvington High School chapter in New York. After volunteering, Noa was the Co-President of her chapter in her junior year, and took over as President in her senior year.

Currently, Noa is a senior in the Macaulay Honors Program at CUNY's Hunter College in New York City, majoring in Biology, with a minor in History. Noa hopes to go on to study public health.

"I think it is important to stay involved in order to encourage more high school students to continue the mission of GG and to motivate them to continue volunteering," says Noa about staying active in GlamourGals as an alumna. "Glamour Gals introduced me to the value of volunteering and since then I have been involved in many community service projects and so grateful to GG for opening this door for me!"

Noa speaking at the 8th Annual GLTI

She also has very fond memories of volunteering and shares, "My favorite GlamourGals experience was when one of my favorite women at the nursing home my chapter would attend, Carmen, showed me a stack of Polaroid pictures she had saved over the last few years with different GG volunteers at makeovers."

GlamourGals welcomes Noa to the Alunni Council.

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Allegra Cohen.

2012-01-03T13:24:00.006-05:00

GlamourGals is proud to welcome Allegra Cohen to the Advisory Board.

Allegra has worked as a producer in all areas of entertainment: web, television, theater and film. She co-produced Best Comedy Winner at the New York Television Festival, Split the Difference, later bought by NBC. Allegra followed with The Crawl, which was sold to Spike TV and evolved into Spike’s Weekend Pre-Game. She produced the web series, From Down Here, starring Lynn Cohen, and directed by Troy Hall. The series chronicles a little person, Stephen Jutras, looking for love in NYC.

Allegra acts as Production Supervisor for Ten/Four Pictures, who most recently produced the feature film, Lucky, directed by Gil Cates Jr., starring Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, and Ann-Margret. Following the distribution with Phase 4 films, Lucky has been released this summer in theaters and is now available on dvd at major retailers and will be on major cable networks early 2012.

Allegra's biggest accomplishment to date as a producer is currently in post-production: PUTZEL, the independent feature film, starring Melanie Lynskey, Jack Carpenter, Susie Essman, and John Pankow. Executive Produced by the award-winning, Mary Jane Skalski (Win Win, The Station Agent, The Visitor) and Jonathan Gray (Prod. Counsel on Precious).

Allegra was introduced to GlamourGals by Advisory Board member, Julie Alexandria.

"Besides her beauty and talent for hosting, her aura is what always captivates me about her. She described to me her special times visiting her 97 year old friend, Sylvia, and invited me to attend the Lily Pulitzer event in December," says Allegra.

"One of the most touching aspects of the organization is witnessing the profound effect on the elderly women when they feel the sense of touch, kindness, and positive reinforcement. They benefit tremendously from the intimate makeovers, but the benefits become equally that of our own. The young girl volunteers selflessly exchange their optimism and youthful energy for the understanding of someone who has been on this Earth a lot longer."

Like many GlamourGals supporters, Allegra was also inspired by her own grandmother (pictured with Allegra below).

"I miss my Grandmom every day. I think of her inner wisdom and simple perspective that she imparted onto me about treating others as they themselves want to be treated - living each day by The Golden Rule. There are many older women who have made an impact on my life and have paved the way for me to grow and thrive in all I intend to do each day. I wish to pay it forward and share the importance and value of operating only from a place of love," she says.

Allegra also knows the importance of connecting with other people, something GlamourGals teens do each time they enter a senior home.

"We’re all so much more connected than we think. On a daily basis people walk in and out of our lives for a reason and leave an impression. At any moment we can experience an interaction with a stranger and have a spontaneous connection. Like a personal angel, their soul can lift up our spirit just in the right moment," she notes.

Welcome, Allegra!

Mary A Guest Blog By: Lou Valerio

2012-01-02T15:27:00.006-05:00

I got invited to a birthday party last month. I was traveling in Arizona and had no intention of returning East until Christmas. The party was scheduled for December 17th. I realized this was a party not to be missed.

It was for a relatively new friend in my life. I guess we think of making friends as something children do or adding friends who are peers as we move through life's path. This is a little different. My friend Mary Weiford turned 90. Mary is my partner Josh's grand mom. Since the passing of her husband a few years back, Mary has returned to New Jersey to live in a wonderful senior home near her immediate family.

Josh and I have enjoyed our visits with her and I can say without a doubt that she and I have become true friends. She kids me and calls me "Hollywood" and says I should have been in the movies. Who wouldn't want to hear that? I have leaned a lot about her life. Mary is an artist, she made honey, and she d lived on top of a mountain in West Virgina. When I think about it, we are very much like any two friends getting to know another, which is nice.

Our friendship will be limited by time and physical limitations, but, no matter what it's real.

That made me start to think, what Mary and I have isn't all that different than the friendships that develop between GlamourGals volunteers and the ladies they visit. Friendships grow at these makeovers. I think I understand more now as to how this wonderful thing called friendship works. The work of GlamourGals is something that the Marys of the world who are all alone need so badly. If you're a GlamourGals volunteer, I ask you to keep visiting. If you're a donor, please keep supporting and if you're just wondering, check it all out at glamourgals.org.

If you're wondering about Mary's Party, it was great. It took place in a room filled with old friends and new and loving family from all generations. And as you can see in the pictures, Mary beamed with beauty and happiness. I love her dearly.

Photographed above: Mary with her children and Mary with her Grandchildren.

Lou Valerio is an Executive Board Member of GlamourGals. For more info about Lou, click here. To read his past blogs, please visit, Making a Fashionable Change.

Mechanicsburg Mother/Daughter Tea

2011-12-22T11:44:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, December 11th, Mechanicsburg Area High School GlamourGals volunteers and their mothers visited residents at Bethany Towers for a special Holiday Tea complete with home baked cookies.

The volunteers worked to made beautiful cards for the residents, prepared gifts, and of course, treated the ladies to GlamourGals makeovers and manicures. This event was extra special because the volunteers brought their mothers!

"I feel like our chapter should make this a seasonal thing, seeing how happy the ladies were about meeting our mothers!" says Mechanicsburg's Rally Girl, Kieu Hanh.

This was a great opportunity for the volunteers as well, who were able to share their experiences with others.

"I finally got to show my mom what all we do in GG and she was really impressed," says volunteer, Emily.

Thanks to Mechanicsburg Area High School for planning such a special event!

Photographs courtesy of the Chapter's President,McKenna, photographed above with her mother, Stephanie.

Lilly Pulitzer Private Shopping Event

2011-12-13T15:29:00.009-05:00

On Thursday, December 8th, host Allison Hyers and guests shopped at Lilly Pulitzer in New York City.

Ten percent of the proceeds went to GlamourGals and guests enjoyed $25 off and a gift from Lilly Pulitzer for a purchase of $250 and more and $50 off and a gift for a purchase of $500 or more.

"Lilly Pulitzer and GG teamed up to offer friends, family, volunteers and board members an evening of holiday shopping with 10% of the proceeds going back to GG. We shared the GG mission and a testimonial, shopped, laughed, and raffled off a Lilly signature tote and scarf. The winner of the raffle was GlamourGals alumna, Noa Krawczyk! Great night with new friends!" says host and GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, Allison Hyers.

Thanks to the nearly fifty guests who were in attendance, Allison Hyers, GG Alumna who helped out (Tammy Tran, Noa Krawczyk, and Nikita Sabharwal) and most of all, Lilly Pulitzer!

Photos courtesy of Paul Viet Do.

GlamourGals Fundraising Event in CA

2011-12-12T13:08:00.008-05:00

On Sunday, December 4th, hosts, Selah Victor, Mandy Hjellming, and GlamourGals' Founder and President, Rachel Doyle, hosted a party to fundraise for GlamourGals Chapter at South High School in Bakersfield, CA.

"I started GlamourGals because I love serving my community, and GlamourGals was the most creative way of accomplishing this, and I love it! It is one of my most memorable experiences I have this far in high school, working with seniors and being able to help them is truly heart warming," says the chapter's president, Maria.

Guests shared holiday cookies, learned more about the GlamourGals program, and purchased raffle tickets to raise funds for the South High chapter.

"I was so honored to host this event and help raise money for my hometown chapter in Bakersfield, Ca. Giving back to the senior community has been very important to me for as long as I can remember, starting with my close relationship with my own grandmother (who came to our event!). I am so happy to be a part of the joy that GlamourGals brings!" says Selah Victor.

Thank you to Julian King of Tin Roof Bistro and Kevin Goldfein of Rosti Italian Kitchen Restaurant for donating gift certificates to the raffle.

Meet Mandy Hjellming

2011-11-29T15:24:00.002-05:00

Photographed at top: Mandy Hjellming (left) with fellow GG supporter Cassie Hitchner.

Mandy Hjellming has been involved with GlamourGals since 2007, first as an intern, then as a National Correspondent, and then a member of the Advisory Board. This fall, Mandy relocated from New York City to Los Angeles and is currently a Marketing Communications Associate at Total Beauty Media.

"Even though I will not be able to attend some of the GlamourGals events in New York City, I’m excited to continue my role with the Advisory Board as Chair of the Communications Committee. From afar, I’ll be helping with the GlamourGals strategic communications plan, and I’m very excited for a strong kick-off in 2012," says Mandy.

"GlamourGals is more than just makeovers and manicures. I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact that our program has for both teens and elderly women, and I encourage everyone to learn more about the cause."

Congrats to GG Volunteer, Stephanie Abouhalkah

2011-11-23T14:58:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to GG volunteer, Stephanie Abouhalkah for winning a $500 dollar college scholarship from the Charles C. Anderson American Legion Post 148.

Stephanie is a volunteer at R. Nelson Snider High School in Fort Wayne, IN, who started their chapter this August.

Stephanie was one of 3 winners, chosen by their personal achievements, as well as their essay discussing what Veteran's Day meant to them.

"GlamourGals makeovers bring me a lot of happiness by seeing the joy on the women's faces," says Stephanie.

For more information about the award, click here.

Photo above courtesy of Michelle Davies Photography.

The 8th Annual GlamourGals Leadership Training

2011-11-22T12:49:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, November 19th, GlamourGals volunteers from all over the tri state area, GG staff, speakers, alumni, and special guests, gathered at Helen Mills in Manhattan to be empowered and to learn more about this year's theme, "Your Fashionable Future."

Volunteers had the unique opportunity to meet other GlamourGals volunteers and learn from each other as well as alumni team leaders.

"Meeting other girls like me and being able to do many different workshops with them gave me ideas about how to recruit new members," says Kristie from the Wallington High School chapter in New Jersey.

In between participating in skill building workshops, volunteers had the opportunity to hear truly amazing speakers like the Intern Queen, Lauren Berger, Karen Darby Scott of Darby Scott, Michelle Savage of Evolvis Corporation, Katherina Ansink of MQS Capitol, Advisory Board member and Advertising Copy Editor, Didi Fraoli, and Executive Board Member, Lou Valerio.

"You never really comprehend the full extent of your volunteering until you see the impact your cause has had on the community. To hear so many other volunteers share their stories was truly enlightening. I have been volunteering at senior homes for years now, partly because it has just always been in my personality to feel more comfortable around those who are older than me, and also partly because I have a vision of the woman I want to be as I age," said Abigail (of the Hunter College High School in New York City) of the event. "Even though I am only sixteen, I also think about what my life will be like at, say, 75, and I can only hope that the next few generations pick up what we've started with the same enthusiasm that I saw at the GLTI workshops."

A special thank you to photographers, Mike Petzinger and Paul Viet Do, videographer, Bruce Cullen, and this year's Hot Pink Carpet Correspondent, Johanna Botta. Thanks also to Helen Mills and Mark Unthank, our volunteers, and team leaders.

GlamourGals is extremely grateful to our sponsors, PwC, Jana Water, and Cocoa Bakery for making this event possible.

To view photos from the GLTI, click here.

Meet GLTI Speaker: Karen Darby Scott

2011-11-15T11:31:00.003-05:00

Karen Darby Scott will be speaking at the 8th Annual GLTI on Saturday, November 19th.

Darby Scott is a distinctive American designer noted for her creative sensibility and impeccable craftsmanship. Her clothing, handbag, and jewelry collections have secured and elevated her position within the global fashion conversation; garnering her a loyal client following.

“Good design is transcendent, timeless”, says Scott, who strives for that level of relevancy in her collections. A longtime collector of classic vintage and wear-forever designs, she places a premium on the highest quality materials and finest workmanship to create pieces with timeless applicability. Her design philosophy is to create products both aesthetically beautiful and of enduring quality.

Working with two seamstresses, Scott launched her signature collection of luxurious evening and cocktail dresses in 1994. Her exclusive use of luxe fabrics immediately attracted top retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Scott took a brief hiatus following the tragic death of her husband. After re-strategizing her brand, she returned to the fashion world with an acclaimed collection of handbags. Her vision in combining rich skins and opulent fabrics with semi precious stones, natural shell, horn, bone and wood offered a unique perspective. She subsequently broadened that aesthetic by including an elegant jewelry collection.

Scott, ever the innovator, found another passion in the harnessing of technology and subsequently shifting her business, “Darby Scott Ltd.” to an e-commerce driven company. Darby Scott has become a leader in the luxury fashion business, offering immediate and unparalleled service that her clients deserve and have come to expect.

Motivated by a growing demand for her to return to ready-to-wear clothes and determined to simplify luxurious clothing. Scott’s ready-to-wear collection focuses on practicality and versatility. She designs with women like herself in mind: a mother and businesswoman who wants to look polished and elegant, without a great deal of fuss and without chasing short-lived fashion trends.

As a result, www.darbyscott.com, now offers the modern woman the ease of online shopping and an exquisite collection of separates, handbags, and jewelry.

A native New Englander, Scott grew up in Harvard, Massachusetts and received her degree from Smith College. Darby Scott moved to New York City in 1984 to pursue her passion for design. Her early career was spent in various design positions at international fashion houses including Karl Lagerfeld and Perry Ellis. Prior to founding her company, Scott was Vice President of Women’s Merchandising and Design for the North American division of Aquascutum London.

Meet GLTI Team Leader, Abby Lindquist

2011-11-14T12:16:00.002-05:00

Abby Lindquist will be one of the team leaders at the 8th Annual GLTI this Saturday. A long time supporter of GG (you may have seen her helping out at the Glammys or Glamour in the City), Abby graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2003 with a degree in English Literature. After working in publishing in New York City, she is obtaining her Master's in Library Science from Pratt Institute.

"I enjoyed volunteering at a retirement home in high school, and I would have loved to have been in GlamourGals then. It provides a wonderful opportunity to connect and brighten someone's day, so I choose to volunteer at the events to show support for the organization," says Abby. "I am looking forward to talking with the volunteers and hearing about their experiences."

Meet GLTI Speaker: Katherina Ansink

2011-11-14T10:30:00.002-05:00

GlamourGals is pleased to announce that Katherina (Kat) Ansink will be a speaker at the 8th Annual GLTI. Kat has over 15 years experience in the financial markets. She is the Director of Marketing for MQS Capital and is charged with managing the hedge fund’s marketing and investor relations efforts.

Previously, Kat was a VP of Emerging Markets Debt Origination at Dresdner Kleinwort both in New York and in London. She started her career at BNP Paribas on the Emerging Markets Fixed Income Sales and Trading team and later moved to the US High Grade Debt Origination team.

In 2007, Kat was the North American 1st Runner up at the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award an annual entrepreneurship competition where she presented a business plan for Kika Villareal a luxury lingerie line created to serve the specific needs and body shapes of America’s Latina population. Presented at the Women’s Forum in Deauville, France.

She is a recent Board Member of the National Society of Hispanic MBAs where. Prior to that she served on the Financial Women’s Association Financial Literacy Committee and is a past member of the New York Junior League. Currently she is involved with the HOPE Dinner for the HIV/AIDS community through her church The Oratory of Saint Boniface in Brooklyn, NY.

Kat speaks fluent Spanish, holds a B.S. in Finance from NYU and an MBA from Cornell University.

Meet GLTI Team Leader, Nikita Sabharwal

2011-11-11T16:06:00.002-05:00

Nikita Sabharwal will be a Team Leader at the 8th Annual GLTI.

Nikita was a GlamourGals volunteer at the Irvington high school chapter where she served as both a Co-President and a President. In 2006, Nikita won a "Chapter Motivator" Glammy. Nikita went to The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Nikita also wrote her Senior Thesis about the Intergenerational Interaction between young girls and elderly women. Her thesis was picked to be presented at The Theodore Clevernger, Jr. Undergraduate Honors Conference of the SSCA for 2011 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Nikita grew up in Sweden, and moved to New York in her youth. Like many GG volunteers, Nikita learned about GlamourGals at HOBY. She currently works in the Content Distribution & Marketing Department at MTV Networks (Viacom Media Networks) in New York City.

"I am SO excited to help out with the GLTI this year because now that I am out of college, I am able to give back my time to help the organization that helped change and enhance my life and experiences. GlamourGals has a special power to touch people lives through the simple act of makeovers and manicures. Something as simple as makeup can open up our worlds to conversations that allow us to see different generations in a whole new life. I want to help mentor other young Glamour Gals volunteers and show them how important and great it is to be a part of such a wonderful organization," says Nikita.

Meet GLTI Hot Pink Carpet Correspondent, Johanna Botta

2011-11-11T12:50:00.002-05:00

Johanna Botta will be the Hot Pink Carpet Correspondent at this year's GLTI. A GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, Johanna Botta was born and raised in Lima Peru, and moved to Northern California at the age of 11. She attended UCR, where she received a BA in Sociology and studied abroad in Siena, Italy where she learned to speak Italian. Briefly after graduation, Johanna deferred Columbia University Graduate program and became one of the seven strangers picked to live in a house for the 16th season of MTV's the Real World Austin.

She has since traveled the world and now resides in New York City where she is pursuing a career in acting and hosting. You can watch Johanna in several English and Spanish commercials ranging from Claritin to Wendy's.

Johanna is looking forward to the GLTI to "see all of the wonderful faces that are creating change in the world."

Meet GLTI Team Leader: Candice Herschkorn

2011-11-10T12:06:00.003-05:00

Candice Herschkorn will be a Team Leader at the 8th Annual GLTI. Candice volunteered for the Irvington High School chapter in New York when she was in High School and later encouraged her cousin Nicole to start the Ardsley High School chapter now in its fourth year.

In May, Candice graduated with her BA in Journalism with focus in PR and is working in the media of a reputable marketing company.

As an alumni, Candice knows just how important GlamourGals is to both teens and seniors.

"Volunteering for GlamourGals events is an incredible way for young teens and adults to continue to lead by example and inspire others in the community. I truly admire all of the women involved with GlamourGals who make it possible for me and other aspiring individuals to continue to persevere and do something meaningful for our society," she says.

Candice is looking forward to another event with GlamourGals and having the opportunity to mentor GG volunteers.

"I am definitely most excited about bonding with all of the GG's in training! At the end of the day, I want them to walk away feeling like confident young leaders and most importantly, I want them to have a memorable experience they can share with others!"

Meet GLTI Volunteer: Jennifer Leidel

2011-11-09T16:35:00.003-05:00

Jennifer Leidel will be a volunteer at the 8th Annual GLTI.

Jennifer Leidel (Jeni) earned her B.S. at Cornell University in May 2010 where she majored in Human Development and had concentrations in Psychology and Applied Economics & Management. She received her Certificate in Business Management from Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) in July 2010.

Jeni currently works in the Marketing and Strategic Partnerships department at the Sports Illustrated and TIME media groups at Time Inc. Jeni is a member of the 85 Broads Global Women’s Network, the New York Athletic Club and its intraclub, the Mercury Society, the Cornell Club, and Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology. She is the recipient of the Lion’s Club Outstanding Community Service Award. During her time at Cornell, she was elected President of Pi Sigma Epsilon, served on the Executive Board for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, was a Teaching Assistant for Psychology 101 and Education 2400, and was a Research Assistant in the Human Development department.

At Stanford GSB, she was awarded first place in her final group project on AT&T’s partnership with the iphone. Jeni’s interests include traveling, photography, skiing, watching baseball games, philanthropy, and getting together with family and friends.

"The unique GlamourGals program cultivates compassion across generations, and gives young women the resources and support to help them develop confidence, leadership and the courage to disseminate their knowledge into greater society," says Jennifer.

Meet New Executive Board Member, Gregg Berman

2011-11-09T13:27:00.004-05:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Gregg Berman to the Executive Board.

Gregg Berman is a partner in Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.'s New York office and a Vice Chair of the Securities Practice Group.

Mr. Berman is a frequent contributor to the media. Additionally, he is a Director of the Churchill Centre, Co-President of the NY Churchillians and an Advisory Board member of Thomson Reuters Accelus.

For more information on Mr. Berman and our other Executive Board members, please click here.

GG's Founder Wins Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship

2011-11-08T13:16:00.003-05:00

GlamourGals' founder and president, Rachel Doyle, was honored at the Manhattan Institute’s 11th Annual Social Entrepreneurship Awards on November 3, 2011. The Manhattan Institute recognized entrepreneurs whose creative approaches to some of society’s greatest challenges influence the way we think about helping those in need.

"What is so impressive about this award is the fact that it not only brings validity to our work from a policy standpoint but also generous resources as well," says Rachel.

Nominated by Executive Board Member, Louis Valerio, Rachel Doyle, is one of five winners awarded the Richard Cornuelle Award for Social Entrepreneurship with a prize of $25,000.

“What impresses me most is that this is not an organization that was started by a student and then left behind when high school ended, but instead has flourished and continued to grow through the commitment of volunteers, donors like myself, and its dedicated founder,” says Mr. Valerio.

Congrats to Rachel and thank you to the Manhattan Institute for recognizing GlamourGals.

Photographed at top, Rachel Doyle with Louis Valerio. Photograph Courtesy of Joshua Wise.

Meet GLTI Speaker: Didi Fraioli

2011-11-07T12:05:00.002-05:00

Didi Fraioli, GlamourGals Advisory Board Member, will be another speaker at the 8th Annual GLTI.

An advertising copywriter, Didi is a native of Pasadena, CA and a Graduate of the University of Southern California and Touro Law School in New York. As a member of the New York Junior League since 2003, Didi is currently active on its External Communications Committee.

"Because many of the senior women have little to no contact with friends or family outside of their assisted living facilities, their interaction with GG Volunteers helps lift their spirits, and makes them feel valued and worthy. GG provides a service that is very near and dear to my heart -- I feel genuinely privileged to be part of this organization," notes Didi of her involvement with GlamourGals Foundation.

Didi is excited for the GLTI and knows that volunteers have a lot too look forward to in their "fashionable future" thanks to volunteering with GG.

"Volunteerism is as beneficial to your career as it is to those you help. It fosters the development of teamwork, leadership, communication skills, self-confidence, and the ability to meet challenges head-on. These are core skills, and they're invaluable to your future. So, it's a misconception to think that volunteering doesn't qualify as real-life work experience. In fact, many articles have been published recently touting volunteer work as essential in helping you stand out amidst a pool of applicants when you enter the job market," says Didi. "I hope after GLTI, GG Volunteers get inspired, because they're about to embark on an amazing -- and quite likely, life-changing -- journey."

Meet the GLTI Kickoff Keynote, Lauren Berger

2011-11-04T10:03:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals is pleased to announce it's Kickoff Keynote at the 8th Annual GLTI: Lauren Berger.

Lauren Berger is CEO of Intern Queen Inc, an online internship destination that helps students find and apply for internships while also educating them on how to make the most of their experiences.

Lauren Berger grew up in Clearwater, Florida and participated in 15 internships during her 4 years of college, hence the title "Intern Queen". Berger earned a degree in Organizational Business Communications at the University of Central Florida and interned for top-notch companies across the country such as MTV, FOX, BWR Public Relations, and NBC. To read more about Lauren, click here.

Lauren met GlamourGals founder, Rachel Doyle, through mutual friends. "It's rare that I meet another female entrepreneur that I admire so much," says Lauren.

At the 8th Annual GLTI, Lauren will be speaking with volunteers about being empowered in their "fashionable future".

"To be empowered is to take initiative, to be productive, to put yourself out there, to take risks. By being involved with an organization like GlamourGals, students are taking that initiative and also giving back. This will be a powerful tool and experience for the rest of their lives," Lauren notes.

To learn more about Lauren and Intern Queen Inc, click here.

Meet GLTI Alumni Coordinator, Katrina Neuwirth

2011-11-03T10:02:00.002-04:00

Katrina Neuwirth, last year's GLTI Chairwoman is this year's GLTI Alumni Coordinator!

Katrina started volunteering with GlamourGals as a freshmen in college and continued all 4 years, 2 of which she was President of the SUNY Albany Chapter. She realized while volunteering that nothing was better than the smile on a resident's face after a makeover and manicure!

After graduating, she enrolled in a cosmetology program to become licensed in all aspects of the industry in hopes to find a career that would change how people felt about themselves. She is working to become fully licensed by June 2012, and is already a Certified Hair Extension Specialist.

“I felt last year's GLTI was very successful and had a lot of do with the mentorship from the team leaders. I’m excited to see how they will play into this years’ theme. Having someone the volunteers can look up to and ask questions to throughout the day is such a critical role in helping volunteers see how being involved in GlamourGals can truly change one's life,” says Katrina.

Meet Michelle Savage, GLTI Speaker

2011-11-02T12:36:00.004-04:00

Michelle Savage will be speaking at the 8th Annual GLTI!

Michelle serves as CEO and Founder of Evolvis Corporation, a digital media and interactive firm, where she is able to combine a passion for the media industry with a love for technology. At Evolvis, Michelle and her team design, develop, and implement interactive projects for their clients using some of the newest ecommerce, internet, and device technologies on the market. Additionally, Michelle is a member of GlamourGals Advisory Board.

Michelle is looking forward to sharing her personal experiences about finding her passion. "I think my own personal hardships and professional triumphs have often times put me behind the 8-ball, so to speak, so I've had to dig myself out of a lot of situations that people told me were impossible or very unlikely for me to achieve," says Michelle.

Want a sneak peek at one of Michelle's awesome tips for finding your passion when choosing a career? "My mom used to say "Getting from Point A to Point B is not necessarily a straight line" -- I think the most important thing is to accept that career trajectory isn't always straightforward and obvious and being open-minded enough to try new things, learn new skill sets, to get you where you ultimately want to be," Michelle noted.

We look forward to hearing Michelle's words of wisdom on Saturday, November 19th!

Meet Alexandra Eaton, GLTI Chair

2011-11-01T15:31:00.002-04:00

Alexandra Eaton, long time GlamourGals volunteer, supporter, and current Advisory Board member will be chairing this year's 8th Annual GlamourGals Leadership Training Institute (GLTI).

Alexandra began volunteering for GlamourGals when she was a student at Townsend Harris High School in Queens, NY.

"A girl a year ahead of me started the chapter in my high school. I saw the flyers for the first meeting and felt an instant connection to the cause since my grandmother is in a nursing home and I was a high school girl that loved make-up (and still do). It was a perfect fit!" says Alexandra.

Additionally, she was responsible for starting the chapter at the University of Albany, where she was the Chapter's president. Currently, the chapter has over 30 volunteers.

Alexandra is very excited to be chairing this year's GLTI and states, "When I attended the GLTI as a high school and college volunteer, it was great to learn about the new things other chapters had done/were doing. I was able to improve my chapter and meet other volunteers across the country with a passion for GG like myself. I am excited for all the volunteers to experience this!"

"This year we have alumni volunteers leading the group sessions. It will be great to see a legacy of volunteers interacting at one event. It shows how far and how much support GG has gained over the last decade," she says.

Interested in learning more about, attending, or sponsoring a GG Chapter to attend the GLTI? Click here.

Starstruck Cat Studio: Crafting for Indianapolis Seniors!

2011-10-31T16:07:00.007-04:00

Knitters, crocheters, and weavers, gathered at Starstruck Cat Studio in Greenwood, IN to make scarves to gift to seniors at Brookdale Senior Living's Robin Run Village at the GlamourGals Mega Makeover on December 9th.

Director of Programs, knitter, crocheter, and Greenwood, native, visited Starstruck Cat Studio last year. Owner, Jill Carnell has been very generous, donating to the GlamourGals Hot Pink Party and responding to the request that the Indianapolis community make scarves for residents by spreading the word at her shop.

"Because the community of knitters, crocheters, and weavers here at the shop is a very generous group, I pitched the idea at that week's Friday Open Studio. The response was instant and overwhelming!," says Jill.

We know the residents will LOVE these gifts this holiday season and are so proud of the community for coming together to support GlamourGals!

For more information on the Starstruck Cat Studio, click here. If you are interested in participating in the Mega Makeover on December 9th, click here.

Life Must Go On: A Guest Blog by Lou Valerio

2011-10-31T11:45:00.002-04:00

Photographed at Top, A Mother Seton High School Volunteer with a Brighton Gardens Resident.

Dad went to heaven since my last blog post. Mom has had a very hard two months, losing her spouse of 66 years followed with continued illness and struggle. She has been moved to a new facility and is trying to adjust. Click here to read my first blog about my parents.

A few weeks ago, I got word that a new GlamourGals chapter had been established in Jersey and was ready to do their first makeover at Brighton Gardens where mom and dad lived for years. The ground work I had laid two years ago had come to be! Of course, everyone at GlamourGas foundation invited me to attend. I just wasn't sure I could handle it all.

The week of the makeover, another one of those Brighton Gardens angels called and asked me to please come. I knew it was the right thing to do and I got back on the New Jersey turnpike for one last time.

I've attended many makeovers but this was different. Every senior who got a makeover was a lady I knew and had met before, and yet, for the first time, I saw them so engaged, happy, and laughing.

I once wrote that angels were everywhere at Brighton Gardens, but I never realized I could help bring more young incredible angels to care for these wonderful seniors!

Thank you Angels!!!!

GlamourGals Welcomes Bergen County Technical High School

2011-10-18T10:41:00.003-04:00

GlamourGals welcomes Bergen County Technical High School to its growing number of New Jersey Chapters. The chapter, located in Teterboro, will have its first makeover at Brightside Manor on October 29th.

"One weekend at HOBY was all it took for me to fall in love with GlamourGals. The idea of doing makeup on elderly women in senior homes amazed me!" says Bergen County Technical HS's Chapter Presiden, Irfan.

"While watching the presentation, in my head I was thinking, “Would people actually do this with me if I started this at school? Would they make fun of me for doing this because I am a boy? ” So I took a brochure, and asked a couple of friends if they would start a chapter with me. Surprised with the great positive responses, I asked another HOBY alumnus and together, with the help of another one of my friends, we got started! We were all very excited to make a difference in the lives of many women!"

Welcome, Bergen County Technical High School!

GlamourGals Welcomes Bard High School Early College

2011-10-17T12:30:00.004-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Bard High School Early College in New York, NY. The Bard High School chapter will be visiting the residents of New East Side Nursing Home and are having their first makeover on October 29th.

"I started Glamour Gals at BHSEC with my two beautiful and wonderful grandmothers in mind. I love them so much. If I weren't around to spend time with them, I'd be so comforted to know that groups like Glamour Gals exist to prevent elder loneliness," says Naiche, the Chapter's President.

Congrats on starting your chapter and welcome to GlamourGals!

GlamourGals Welcomes Wallington High School

2011-10-13T14:11:00.004-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome the Wallington High School chapter of Wallington, NJ who will be visiting the residents of Daughters of Miriam in Clifton, NJ.

"When I heard about GlamourGals at the NJ HOBY seminar this year, I knew I had to start my own chapter," says the Chapter's president, Katherine.

"It was something that would be fun, exciting, and the benefits would be wonderful. We are all very excited about our first makeover and we all know that there will never be a last makeover!"

The Wallington chapter will visit residents for their first makeover on October 27th!

GlamourGals Welcomes Mother Seton Regional High School Chapter!

2011-10-12T12:14:00.003-04:00

GlamourGals welcomes the Mother Seton Regional High School Chapter of Clark, NJ, who will be visiting residents at Brighton Gardens of Edison.

"My co-president, Zina, and I started a GlamourGals chapter at Mother Seton Regional High School after hearing Kavita Mehra's speech at the 2011 NJ HOBY Seminar. Kavita's presentation inspired us to do our part to help residents in local senior homes," says Emily, the Chapter's President.

"Zina and I believe in the service GlamourGals provides to residents of senior facilities, and we wanted to start our own GG chapter to provide other MSR students with the opportunity to take part in such a wonderful organization. We believe that the GG mission is an extraordinary and important one, and we're so excited to be a part of the GlamourGals community!"

Kavita Mehra, GlamourGals' NYC Metro Program Director is a graduate of Mother Seton Regional and is extremely excited that she was able to influence students to start a chapter at her alma mater.

“I cannot be more thrilled about the recently development GlamourGals Chapter at Mother Seton Regional High School. GlamourGals mission of providing ongoing companionship and complimentary beauty makeovers to elderly women living in senior homes is closely aligned with MSR’s dedication to fostering leadership in young women," says Kavita.

The MSR chapter will have their first makeover on Friday, October 14th and will be joined by both Kavita and Executive Board Member, Louis Valerio.

GlamourGals Welcomes Red Bank Regional High School!

2011-10-11T12:48:00.003-04:00

Red Bank Regional High School in Red Bank, NJ started a GlamourGals chapter this fall.

The chapter will begin visiting The Chelsea at Tinton Falls this month and have two makeovers scheduled!

"Helping people is more than just having a big heart, it's about sharing an unspoken bond with others that cherish those moments. Since many of the residents may not have family or friends to visit, we are making them feel special!" says the Chapter's president, Lynese.

"It makes my day to know that I can put a smile on someone else's face. This is why I started my chapter of GlamourGals."

Congrats to Red Bank Regional and good luck at your first makeovers this month!

GlamourGals Welcomes Union Catholic High School!

2011-10-10T16:00:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals welcomes new chapter, Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, NJ.

They will be providing complimentary makeovers, manicures, and companionship to the residents at the Ashbrook Nursing Home And Rehabilitation Center beginning this Wednesday!

"My co-president and I decided to start GlamourGals after I told her about the
organization. Anna has a grandmother in a senior home and sees firsthand how lonely other ladies are. Union Catholic has many clubs but none of them bridge the gap between two generations,"says Union Catholic's Chapter President, Katie.
"GlamourGals provides a service to the community that is unique and special. We felt inspired by GlamourGals and wanted to start a chapter at Union Catholic. We knew other girls would be interested in helping too."

Congrats to the Union Catholic High School chapter. Have a fantastic first makeover this week!

Rachel Doyle Receives Alumni of Distinction Award

2011-10-03T11:13:00.010-04:00

Photographed from Left to Right: Catherine Nolan, Commack HS Principal, Rachel Doyle, Dr. Susan Ettinger Heuter, General Ferdinand Irizarry, Susan Shapiro, Commack HS Assistant Principal, Leslie Boritz, Commack HS Assistant Principal, and Carrie Caufield, Commack Middle School Teacher.

On Saturday, September 24, 2011, GlamourGals' Founder and President, Rachel Doyle, was awarded Commack High School's Alumni of Distinction Award.

The award was established in 2001 as a means of honoring those alumni who have excelled in their chosen careers and who have made significant contributions to the community.

Rachel, with her mother, Seri Doyle.

"The Commack Alumni of Distinction Award is selective and prestigious. A diverse committee reviews the applications and selects the award winners based on varied criteria. Rachel's longstanding history of giving back to her community makes this award so special. The Commack Community is proud and honored to recognize the amazing accomplishments of one of "our own stars!" says Assistant Principal, Susan Shapiro. "We were thrilled and excited to honor Rachel Doyle as a Commack Alumni of Distinction during our Homecoming weekend festivities. Rachel has made a significant contribution to the Commack Community in the past, present and will in the future. Rachel has built GlamourGals into an inter generational organization with multiple chapters across the United States. We are extremely proud of Rachel's accomplishments and her enthusiastic approach towards life and work.

Rachel was extremely grateful to receive this award, which was presented to her personally by Commack High School's principal, Catherine Nolan.

"It was an honor to be recognized for my work with GG by Commack High School. It is exciting to know that an idea that I had in high school has blossomed into an organization that can inspire other high school girls," says Rachel.

Rachel with Executive Board Member, Lou Valerio.

Congratulations to Rachel on this amazing accomplishment.

Cosmetic Donation Request

2011-09-26T13:25:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals Foundation, Inc. is seeking donations of the following new, unopened items:

-Dark Foundations
-Nail Polishes
-Lip Moisturizers
-disposable cosmetic applicators
-Lipstick spatulas
-blush brushes

If you are able to donate any of these items please email julia at glamourgals.org for more information and where to send.

Indy Gets a Dose of Hot Pink at the Hot Pink Party

2011-09-19T12:12:00.007-04:00

Photographs courtesy of Rachel Enlow Photography.

GlamourGals supporters gathered at 14 West on Thursday, September 15th, 2011, knitting hot pink scarves, learning more about the GG mission, and raising funds for Indiana expansion.

Guests enjoyed food from 3 Sisters Cafe, drinks, and dessert from Panera Bread, mingled with others and special guests, WIBC's Terri Stacy, and WZPL's, Nikki Reed, bought raffle tickets, and learned to knit hot pink scarves. (Hopefully, they will learn as well as Elizabeth Porter, a hot pink party attendee in 2009 who gained enough skill to be an instructor at this one!)

"The event was not only a great way to get people interested in the work that GlamourGals does, but I seriously had the best time! I made new friends with the ladies at my table, learned to knit, and just got to enjoy the company in the room. So glad I got to experience it!!" says WZPL's Afternoon Drive Air Personality, Nikki Reed, who also blogged about her experience.

Interested in learning more about GlamourGals in Indy? Consider joining us on December 9th for a Mega Makeover at Robin Run Village. Email julia at glamourgals.org to RSVP and for more info.

Special Thanks to: Lion Brand Yarn, 14 West, Colored Threads, Rachel Enlow Photography,3 Sisters Cafe, Panera Bread, McAllister's Deli, Starstruck Cat Studio, Jag Baggs, Peyback Foundaiton, Allison Winn Scotch, Susan McCorkindale, Laura Dave, The Indianapolis Melting Pot, Malabrigo, Erin Albert, IUPUI, Indianapolis Indians, Glam Design Resale Boutique, SuperKnits, Whimsical Dezign, Creation Cafe, Knits While He Naps, Laura Zukaite, Jag Baggs, Amanda Mackay, Stella and Dot.

Also, a very special thank you to our Hosts, Catherine Haley, Carrie Martin, Melissa Seibert, and Laurie Rice as well as our special helpers, Jackie Porter, Ashley Porter, and Breanna Holder, for making the event possible!

Rachel Doyle is Citizen's Bank Citizen of the Week!

2011-09-13T10:58:00.002-04:00

Congrats to GlamourGals' President and Founder, Rachel Doyle who is Citizen's Bank Citizen of the week! Rachel was chosen based on her inspiring work in founding GlamourGals.

“It is an honor and I hope that the people who view and hear the clip take a moment to check out GlamourGals," says Rachel.

If you live in Long Island, you can catch the clip live on News 12 this week in both the morning and evening. The clip will air tonight, Tuesday, September 13th between 6-6:15 and can be seen a variety of times throughout the week.

GlamourGals Volunteers Give Back on the 9/11 Day of Service

2011-09-12T14:37:00.003-04:00

To honor the victims and survivors of September 11th, the nation joined in tribute this weekend to remember and reflect through a day of service.

GlamourGals volunteers from our Castle High School (Newburgh, IN), Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) and South Side High School (Rockville Centre, NY) chapters held makeovers at their local senior homes to serve elderly residents.

“Yesterday, GG volunteers were able to take a tragic moment in our country’s history and use this opportunity to make it a day of service," says GlamourGals NYC Metro Program Director, Kavita Mehra. "It was yet another moment that helped me realize how GG is strengthening our communities by empowering teens who provide companionship to residents living in assisted living facilities."

As well as being a memorable day for GlamourGals staff and volunteers, it meant a lot to the residents as well.

"As always, the GlamourGals were a welcome sight at Maple Pointe Assisted Living! Their September 11th visit brought smiles, laughter, stories and memories to a very special group of ladies. The residents can't stop talking about their latest visit. These girls are an extremely warm and dedicated group of students," says Maple Pointe Assisted Living's Executive Director, Tammy Marshall.

What makes this experience even more inspiring is this is an act of service that will continue each month as GlamourGals volunteers nationwide will continue to provide complimentary beauty makeovers and companionship to residents at local senior homes throughout the year.

Become a GG Correspondent!

2011-09-01T10:54:00.002-04:00

Pictured above, 2011 Summer GG Correspondents, Sarah Warnock and Alexis Rodriguez at a GlamourGals makeover at Maple Pointe in Rockville Centre, NY.

GlamourGals is looking for a Fall GG Correspondent!

Being a GG Correspondent isn't just an internship, but an amazing opportunity to be personally mentored.

"My time as a GlamourGals Correspondent showed me the ins and outs of not only a non profit, but any business. I learned a lot that I did / could not learn in a classroom; i.e. professionalism in the work place, writing in a business setting, and office etiquette. I think the most important thing I learned is always ask questions if you are unclear about anything," says Breanna Kreider, 2010 Summer Correspondent, who recently moved to New York and is an Account Coordinator at Saatchi & Saatchi Healthcare Communications.

GG Correspondents go on to do amazing things thanks to their unique internship opportunity with GlamourGals.

Former Correspondent, Star Li, is currently working on her mobile start up, Vidappe. "Vidappe is an iPhone/Android app that will alert you of all the free discounts you can use in real-time based on any card (credit card, student ID, metro fare card, etc) you have," says Star of her new endeavor.

"My GG internship gave me the tools to think on my feet. I tackled the summer with an entrepreneurial spirit, and I got to see my work come through first-hand throughout the school year. GlamourGals is such a fantastic organization that highly values creativity, ideas and leadership, which is fostered with hard work. I grew very much both professionally and personally during my time as a GG intern, and the skills I developed have very much helped me with my career in marketing",says past GG Correspondent and 2011 Glamour in the City Host, Mandy Hjellming.

To read more about the GG Correspondent program and see quotes from our 2011 Correspondents, click here.

Please call Kavita at 631.404.0761 if you are interested in applying.

GlamourGals welcomes a new chapter in Fort Wayne, IN

2011-08-25T16:18:00.003-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome the Snider High School Chapter in Fort Wayne, IN. The Chapter’s advisor, Jordan Bentley, attended the Robin Run Village Holiday Makeover in Indianapolis and was hooked, encouraging the Snider soccer team to start a chapter.

After their first makeover on August 6th at Heritage Park, the volunteers were equally as excited, AND were even featured in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel.

Click here to read the article.

Congrats to the Snider High School Chapter and we look forward to seeing all of the amazing things that you accomplish!

Happy 100th Birthday, Jimmy Reilly!

2011-08-10T09:32:00.004-04:00

Today, Brookdale Senior Living Grand Court resident, Jimmy Reilly turns 100 years old in Fort Myers, FL.

GlamourGals volunteers wanted to be a part of Jimmy’s special day. Chapters across the country got together to make cards to send to Jimmy. Volunteers from Sussex High School in Delaware, Mechanicsburg High School in Pennsylvania, Snider High School in Indiana, and St. Joseph High School in New York made cards. (Two alumna, Candice Herskorn and Eghosa Asemota also participated!) Additionally, volunteers from The George Washington University Chapter sent post cards from their summer vacation spots!

“We had a blast making birthday cards for Jimmy. It's not something you get to do every day so it was a great opportunity. The fact that we managed to make so many cards with only just a few of us present was the highlight of the night,” says Isabel Wharton, Chapter President of the Sussex High School Chapter.

GlamourGals is excited to be a part of Jimmy’s big day and wish him a wonderful birthday!

GG Alumn is featured in Seventeen Magazine!

2011-08-09T10:40:00.004-04:00

Stephanie Plasencia, who graduated from St. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, NY in 2008, is one of Seventeen Magazine's Bestie Beauty Bloggers and will be in the September 2011 issue!

Click here to read Stephanie's blog on Seventeen.com!

Stephanie, an alumna of the St. Joseph High School GlamourGals chapter credits her service to her beauty blogging.

"GlamourGals has effected me in so many ways! The organization taught me about how much just feeling beautiful can make such an impact at any age. I love sharing my tips and secrets with everyone so we all can have that same spark in our eyes as the women in the nursing home do during GG makeovers," says Stephanie.

"GlamourGals has been really important to me growing up, because it showed me how to appreciate beauty in all things."

Follow Stephanie's blog, Simply Stephy and follow her on twitter for more makeup tips!

Guest Blog Series: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2011-08-03T14:49:00.001-04:00

By Lou Valerio
Photographed at the top: Lou's parents, Lucille and Daniel Valerio on vacation.

They say, "Don't sweat the small stuff" and it's true!

It's been a tough couple of days. Dad had a bad fall Friday night. As it turns out, he fractured his hip and femur, which is not good at any age, let alone 88.

By Sunday morning, I was back on the New Jersey Turnpike. I pondered a lot about what to expect. There must be a reason why people like my dad are called our greatest generation. I think it's because they are a generation that has an unbelievable fortitude to carry on in the face of terrible odds.

It's odd having the responsibility of being a care provider, as much as you think you're in control, you really aren't . Life is very real to the last moments. Our bodies may age, but our will almost gets stronger.

Dad is holding on and me?

I'm still his son, learning and trying to be as brave as my heroic father.

Thanks again Dad!

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Michelle Savage!

2011-08-01T11:16:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Michelle Savage to the Advisory Board.

Michelle serves as CEO and Founder of Evolvis Corporation, a digital media and interactive firm, where she is able to combine a passion for the media industry with a love for technology. At Evolvis, Michelle and her team design, develop, and implement interactive projects for their clients using some of the newest ecommerce, internet, and device technologies on the market.

Before starting Evolvis, Michelle got her start as a computer programmer during the Dot Com Era. Wanting to gain industry-specific experience in mass media, Michelle worked in the film industry on a documentary film featuring living Nobel Peace Prize Laureates from India, Tibet, Ireland, Burma, Argentina, and Iran. Transitioning to a management role, Michelle went on to work in corporate finance and business development at Viacom, CBS, CNN, and Fortune Magazine.

Recently, Evolvis has expanded their business to clients outside of the United States and the company plans to do more work abroad as well as in New York City. She has an undergraduate degree from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Michelle has had a long time interest in cross-generational volunteering.

"In my mind, it was the classic “win-win” strategy. That is to say, cross-generational volunteering allowed the exchange of the wisdom and experience of our older citizens to help the newer generations, while simultaneously providing inspiration and companionship to the older citizens," she notes.

After reading about GlamourGals, Michelle knew that it was an organization she wanted to become involved with.

"My favorite aspect of the GlamourGals program and the part that makes me feel quite fortunate to be a part of GlamourGals are the senior visits to the nursing homes themselves. For me, that is where I can really see firsthand how both sides of the GlamourGals members benefit and that is where it is all worth it and makes the experience incredibly rewarding," says Michelle.

Welcome New Advisory Board Member, Mary Kopczynski

2011-07-26T08:45:00.003-04:00

GlamourGals welcomes Mary Kopczynski to the Advisory Board. The CEO and Founder of 8 of 9 consulting, met NYC Metro Program Director, Kavita Mehra, and was interested in learning more. "By the end of our dinner, I was sold! GlamourGals was a non-profit to check out," says Mary.

Mary's favorite aspect of GlamourGals? It's double bottom line and the prospects for long term sustainability.

"In addition to being able to do so much with so little, GlamourGals is perpetually building on its future donors. Girls learn from service and working with older women, then they turn 21, when they can (and want) to attend super fancy parties where – unlike other non-profits – it makes complete sense to be dressed to the nines for a good cause. Over time, the young women will serve on the board and then someday, they too, will have young women do their make up in nursing homes."

For more information on Mary and 8 of 9 Consulting, click here.

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Julie Alexandria!

2011-07-21T13:44:00.004-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Julie Alexandria to the Advisory Board.

Julie Alexandria is a TV host and sports broadcasting personality in New York City having appeared on such networks as MTV, SNY, CBS, VBC, and SpikeTV. She is currently sideline reporting for the Major League Gaming Pro Tour, as well as performing as a TV and radio Voice Over artist.

Julie Is thrilled to be a part of the Glamour Gals board; ever since being introduced to the charity in 2010. She acted as Host and MC for the 2011 Glammy awards, and has attended makeovers at the Brooklyn, NY facility.

Julie at the Cobble Hill Health Center in Brooklyn, NY with Sylvia.

Glamour Gals holds a special place in her heart; for the elderly women, the tireless volunteers and the inspiring young women who make it all happen.

For more information on Julie, click here.

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Johanna Botta!

2011-07-20T15:01:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Johanna Botta to the GlamourGals Advisory Board.

Johanna Botta was born and raised in Lima Peru, and moved to Northern California at the age of 11. She attended UCR, where she received a BA in Sociology and studied abroad in Siena, Italy where she learned to speak Italian. Briefly after graduation, Johanna deferred Columbia University Graduate program and became one of the seven strangers picked to live in a house for the 16th season of MTV's the Real World Austin. She has since traveled the world and now resides in New York City where she is pursuing a career in acting and hosting. You can watch Johanna in several English and Spanish commercials ranging from Claritin to Wendy's. She also hosts 1st look NY on LXTV sat nights at 7 pm on NBC.

Johanna is a regular volunteer with New York Cares. Johanna loves to do outdoor activities and has ran the New York City marathon as well as recently completing her first sprint triathlon which she used as a tool to raise funds for GlamourGals.

"I was interested in GlamourGals because I truly believe in what the organization is offering. It’s simple and right to the point and it makes such a huge difference in the lives of many. I wanted to get involved in something that spoke to me. I volunteer a lot at senior homes and I see how lonely a lot of the seniors are and how happy they get when they have someone to talk to," says Johanna.

"Not only does GlamourGals provide an outlet for seniors, but it provides an outlet for teenage girls to focus their energy and time into things that really matter while teaching them compassion and a sense of responsibility. In my eyes, it is a win win situation."

Indianapolis Hot Pink Party

2011-07-18T10:58:00.003-04:00

On September 15, GlamourGals is hosting its 4th Hot Pink Party at The Fisbeck Room at 14 West. This year, we're holding it in Indianapolis to support Indiana expansion.

Join our special guests, WZPL's Nikki Reed and WIBC's Terri Stacy, as well as hosts, Laurie Rice, Carrie Martin, Dianna Porter, and Melissa Seibert as we spread awareness about GlamourGals and raise critical funds to support new chapters to serve more elderly women and empower more teens.

Register Now!

Guests will learn to make hot pink scarves, purchase raffles, and mingle with special guests and like minded philanthropic, fashionable Indy women while enjoying snacks and spreading awareness.

To learn more about the event, see all of the raffle items, and register, click here!

GlamourGals teams up with HOBY NY for a Makeover at Maple Pointe!

2011-06-20T16:03:00.008-04:00

On Saturday, June 18th, GlamourGals NY Metro Program Director, Kavita Mehra, GG Correspondents Alexis Rodriguez and Sarah Warnock, and GG Alumns and HOBY Junior Counselors, Nikita Sabharwal and Deana Davoudiasl went to Maple Pointe Assisted Living with HOBY Ambassadors to give complimentary beauty makeovers and manicures to the residents.

"It was amazing how it easy it was for us to talk to the women, I never realized how much we would have in common. Plus it was so much fun I didn't even realize that I was doing community service, the hour just went by so quickly and all the women were amazing and really funny," says HOBY Ambassador, Elizabeth O'Connor.

Maple Pointe Assisted residents were treated with conversation, beautiful manicures, and were able to spend time with some truly inspiring young ladies.

To see more photos from the makeover, click here!

Kristina Napoli, Finalist for 2011 Charlotte-Shapiro Young Woman Leadership Award

2011-06-15T12:25:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to GlamourGals Volunteer, Kristina Napoli, who is a finalist for the 2011 Charlotte-Shapiro Young Woman Leadership Award.

Kristina is the Chapter President of the Half Hollow Hills High School South West Chapter in Dix Hills, NY.

"I'm honored to be nominated for this award for doing something I enjoy and love," says Kristina.

The winner of the Young Woman Leadership Award will be presented with it on October 20, 2011 at our “Women Achievers Against the Odds” Awards Breakfast at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, NY.

Good Luck, Kristina!

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Didi Fraioli!

2011-06-14T10:20:00.002-04:00

Meet Didi Fraioli, the newest addition to the GlamourGals Advisory Board.

An advertising copywriter, Didi is a native of Pasadena, CA and a Graduate of the University of Southern California and Touro Law School in New York. As a member of the New York Junior League since 2003, Didi is currently active on its External Communications Committee.

Didi heard about GlamourGals from advisory board member, Lynn Raynault, and attended the 7th Annual Glammy Awards in April.

"I was instantly touched by the organization's mission. Aside from promoting leadership skills and a sense of empowerment and compassion in young girls, I was most drawn to GlamourGals because of the many stories of senior ladies whose lives have been touched in such an important and profound way. GlamourGals absolutely helps to fill that void — offering them both emotional support, and an improved quality of life. I'm both thrilled and honored to become an Advisory Board member for such a wonderful organization," says Didi.

Welcome to GlamourGals, Didi!

GlamourGals visits Robin Run with HOBY Indiana Teens

2011-06-13T12:41:00.007-04:00

On Saturday June 11th, Indian HOBY (Hugh O'Brien Youth) ambassadors (teens from all over Indiana), along with adult volunteers and staff, visited residents at Brookdale Senior Living's Robin Run Village for a fun filled afternoon of makeovers, manicures, and companionship.

GlamourGals has partnered with HOBY before, but this was the first time that GlamourGals was involved with HOBY Indiana.

“The mission of HOBY is to inspire and develop youth to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. Giving our students the opportunity to do makeovers, in conjunction with GlamourGals, allows them to bring the classroom out into the community, caring for those around them. This project is one of several Leadership for Service projects that help students put their training into practice, gaining experience and confidence to implement similar leadership projects in their hometowns, making a difference right where they live,” says Carla Gillespie, Leadership Service Director of HOBY Indiana.

Indianapolis's Mayor Gregory Ballard addressed the group and visited with teens and residents.

“The partnership between GlamourGals and HOBY provides a special opportunity for teens to become involved in volunteer service through a very meaningful program. GlamourGals allows youth participants to connect on a personal level with our senior residents and truly make a difference in their lives,” says Indianapolis Mayor, Gregory Ballard.

At this makeover, everyone was able to witness first hand examples of how "makeovers and manicures are just half the story" as teens participated in impromptu knitting lessons from residents, learned how to shuffle cards, and even played the wii together. One teen even admitted that she was a pretty talented pianist and wowed the crowd with her skills.

Special thanks to: Mayor and Mrs. Ballard, Dave Bertorello, Carla Gillespie, Sabrina Cook, Kathleen Unterborn, David Pruett, Lou Valerio, Catherine Haley, Paulette Dolores Dukes, Eva Pilgrim, Rachel Enlow, Fox 59, and all of the HOBY teens and Robin Run Residents who participated!

All photographs courtesy of Rachel Enlow Photography.

7th Annual Glamour in the City

2011-06-06T16:16:00.006-04:00

Thanks to all of GlamourGals' hosts, donors, supporters, and volunteers for making the 7th Annual Glamour in the City, held at The Griffin in NYC, one of our most successful events to date.

Guests walked the hot pink carpet, sipped on specialty cocktails created by The Tealogist, ate delicious Gigi cupcakes, and enjoyed fresh beats spun by DJ Zeke, while supporting GlamourGals' hot pink leadership program.

The 7th Annual Glamour in the City would not have been possible without the support of Stoli, The Teaologist, Gigi Cupcakes, The Griffin and DJ Zeke. Special thanks to photographers Sunny Norton and Mike Petzinger, and OPI, Butterfield 8, Lather, Dasha Wellness, Charlotte Russe, Lash Cards, Perline Naidoo, Namaste Inc, Hearst Magazines, Pretty City, Barnes and Noble, Con Air, Susan McCorkindale, Tarte, Kittichai, It's a Glam Thing, Cosmetic Executive Women, Nadine Loren, and the Loews Regency Hotel. Thank you also to the Co-Chairs, Mandy Hjellming and Amanda Brotherton, our host committee, host network, The WGirls, and volunteers and staff for working tirelessly to help make this a spectacular night.

"Glamour in the City was again a huge success. Not only do we have a great time, we're supporting a great cause. Anyone can be a mentor and make a change in someone’ s life, whether they are 18 or 85. The more you give back, the more you get back," says Ashly Priest, a Glamour in the City host.

Our goal is to raise $25,000 from this event which will be matched by Executive Board Member, Andrew Tisch. Help us make that goal and donate now!

To see photos from Sunny Norton Photography, click here.

To view Mike Petzinger's photos, click here.

Interested in helping out at the 8th Annual Glamour in the City next Spring? Contact Kavita Mehra at Kavita[@]glamourgals.org.

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Lynn Raynault!

2011-06-06T14:08:00.004-04:00

Lynn Raynault is a marketing and new business development executive specializing in building and managing brands. Most recently Lynn was the Innovation Director for William Grant & Sons, identifying new business opportunities, negotiating acquisitions and positioning the portfolio of innovation brands. She holds a BA from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT and earned her MBA from Columbia Business School in New York. As Program Director for The Raynault Foundation from 1996 - 1999, Lynn was instrumental in setting up the Englewood on the Palisades Charter School in Englewood, NJ as well as managing the foundations other educational interests. She currently sits on the board of the Student World Assembly organization and has been a member of several non profit boards in the past.

Lynn became involved with GlamourGals through the Nonprofit Board Clearinghouse run by the New York Junior League.

"When I heard about GlamourGals' mission and how the organization was started, I was truly inspired, the dedication and energy of everyone involved is truly impressive," says Lynn. "What impresses me most about GlamourGals is the connection it enables between generations of women, promoting and inspiring leadership in young women, showing them that every little effort they make can make a difference in someone's life. It allows for a dialogue, either verbal or physical, between two generations that have more than just companionship to give one another."

GlamourGals is excited to have Lynn as a new advisory board member!

Nadine Loren, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-27T12:29:00.002-04:00

Meet Nadine Loren, long time GG supporter, musician, and Glamour in the City host!

Neighborhood: Los Angeles, California
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Alma mater: Auckland University (New Zealand), Melbourne University (Australia)
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
Why your support GlamourGals? I support GlamourGlas because I've seen the amazing empowerment GG Leadership programs offer to teen girls, and the joy GG services provide to the elderly women who are receiving the makeovers. The imprint GG leaves on the lives of everyone connected is literally live changing, providing memories to be cherished forever.
Favorite Food: Granola Parfait! I could eat breakfast for lunch and dinner too!
Website: www.nadineloren.com www.twitter.com/nadineloren

For more information about Glamour in the City and to Register, click here.

Kavita Mehra, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-26T11:29:00.003-04:00

Kavita Mehra is not only the NYC Metro Program Director for GG, but she is also one of our hosts for Glamour in the City! Additionally, today is Kavita's birthday! What better way to celebrate then to register now to attend the 7th Annual Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Jersey City, NJ
Hometown: Carteret, NJ
Alma mater:Columbia University
Occupation: NYC Program Director for GlamourGals Foundation, best job ever.
Why are you supporting GlamourGals? GlamourGals’ mission continues to inspire me, as it is brings together the leaders of yesterday with the leaders of tomorrow.
Favorite Food: KOREAN—specifically Kalbi or Bulgogi
Website: www.glamourgals.org

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Rachel Doyle, Glamour in the City Host!

2011-05-25T13:41:00.003-04:00

Meet Rachel Doyle, the founder and president of GlamourGals AND a host for this year's 7th Annual Glamour in the City.

Hometown: Commack, NY (Born in Boston)
Neighborhood: Global
Alma Mater: Cornell University
Occupation: President and Founder, GlamourGals
Why You Support GlamourGals? Yesterday I attended a makeover in Brooklyn, NY and randomly found out one of our GG volunteers was the Valedictorian of her class!
Favorite Food: Avocados!
Website: www.GlamourGals.org

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Ashly Priest, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-23T13:34:00.002-04:00

Meet Ashly Priest, GG supporter and Glamour in the City host!

Neighborhood: Park Slope, Brooklyn
Hometown: Grove City, OH
Alma mater: Parsons School of Design, BFA in Fashion Design
Occupation: Associate Lingerie Designer, Private Label Victoria’ s Secret & Dillards
Why do you support GlamourGals? Education, community and my peers have always
been an integral part of my life and upbringing. What inspires me the most about
GlamourGals is that it brings people together to benefit others that are close to home. Anyone can be a mentor and make a change in someone’ s life, whether they are 18 or 85. The more you give back, the more you get back.
Favorite Food: Anything that’s bad for me.
Websites:
www.pearlnaidoo.com
www.conspiretoinspire.org/
www.girlswhorock.org
www.shesthefirst.org

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Nitika Chopra, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-23T12:58:00.002-04:00

Meet Nitika Chopra, GlamourGals Supper and Glamour in the City Host!

Neighborhood: West Village in NYC
Hometown: Kettering, OH
Alma Mater:I did two years at the University of Hartford and finished my last two years at Marymount Manhattan College
Occupation: I wear many hats, I am the founding editor-in-chief of www.YourBellaLife.com, a television host, and a licensed real estate agent!
Why your support GlamourGals? I support GlamourGals because I believe in honoring the women that came before us. My grandmother has been a role model in my life and her wisdom and grace is something I strive towards constantly and I love the GlamourGals is making women like her feel loved and honored with their inspiring work!
Favorite Food:Anything my friend Sarah makes, she's a sensational cook!
Website: http://www.YourBellaLife.com

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Kiran Ali, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-23T12:37:00.003-04:00

Meet GlamourGals supporter and Glamour in the City host, Kiran Ali.

Neighborhood: Da Bronx
Hometown: NYC
Alma mater: American University
Occupation: Attorney
Why your support GlamourGals? I think linking women from different generations strengthens the bonds of womanhood. It teaches the young women of today, that despite the changes in time and culture, the issues that women grapple with are the same across the board.
Favorite Food: Penang Curry
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranali

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Nick Martucci, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-20T10:39:00.003-04:00

Neighborhood: Lower East Side, NYC
Hometown: Carmel
Alma mater: Florida State University
Occupation: Advertising
Why your support GlamourGals? I support Glamour Girls because I was raised to always respect your elders and I think it is a wonderful cause.
Favorite Food: Pasta

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Charles Princiotto, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-20T10:29:00.003-04:00

Neighborhood: Northern New Jersey
Hometown: Woodcliff Lake
Alma mater: DeSales University
Occupation: Director of Marketing - Park Ave Sports & Entertainment
Why your support GlamourGals? I support GlamourGals because it successfully bridges the gap between generations in a creative, fun and effective way that is mutually beneficial for both the teens and elderly.
Favorite Food: I love Italian food, especially homemade spaghetti.
Website: www.parkaveentertainment.com

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Stephanie Mattera, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-19T12:23:00.003-04:00

Stephanie Mattera has been a long time supporter of GlamourGals, attending makeovers and interviewing guests on the hot pink carpet at events. Now, Stephanie is a host for the 7th Annual Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Hoboken, NJ
Hometown: Exeter, RI
Alma Mater: New York University
Occupation: Communications Specialist and Brand Ambassador for Glamour
Why do you support GlamourGals?: GlamourGals serves two populations that are very important to me, young women and the elderly by providing companionship that benefits both parties, leadership development opportunities, and team building exercises. I believe compassion is as necessary to strong leadership as business
and financial know-how. At this time in history, young women are positioned to change the world we live in and the skills they need to lead are cultivated by volunteering with GlamourGals.
Favorite Food: I love dessert especially anything with chocolate!
Website: http://www.glamour.com/ and www.StephanieStyle.com coming soon...

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Julie Alexandria, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-19T11:30:00.003-04:00

Not only was she the host of the Glammy Awards, and a hit at a Mega Makeover at the Cobble Hill Health Center in Brooklyn, but Julie Alexandria is also one of the hosts for the 7th Annual Glamour in the City!

Neighborhood: New York, NY
Hometown: Seal Beach, CA
Alma Mater: California State University Long Beach
Occupation: TV Host
Why do you support GlamourGals?: Kindness and experience go hand in hand; GG is an amazing opportunity to give back, touch lives, and to feel beautiful inside and out.
Favorite Food: Peanut Butter. Preferably Chunky!
Website: www.juliealexandria.com

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Rolena Richardson, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-18T10:35:00.003-04:00

Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Hometown: Vail, Colorado
Alma Mater: Cornell University
Occupation: Sales Consulant
Why you support GlamourGals? Because the organization fulfills a huge need in our society - showing appreciation for and the beauty in our female elders. I also appreciate the organization's mission to motivate teens to become involved and give back to our communities... understanding the importance of charitable work is such an important life skill!
Favorite Food: Chocolate

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Jyoti Singhvi, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-17T13:40:00.002-04:00

GlamourGals Advisory Board member, Jyoti, is also a host for June's Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Exchange Place (NJ)
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Alma mater: Harvard,MIT
Occupation: Luxury Goods
Why your support GlamourGals?I like how it is mobilizing two distinct groups of women and helping them grow and feel loved. This organization touches the hearts of the elderly and helps shape the lives of the young women.
Favorite Food: I love food! I love Asian and South Asian cuisines because they have so many flavors!

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Lou Valerio, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-16T11:43:00.003-04:00

Lou Valerio, a GlamourGals Excecutive Board Member and GG supporter is also a host of this year's Glamour in the City!

Neighborhood: Philadelphia, PA/ Phoenix AZ
Hometown: Richmond Hill, NY
Alma Mater: St John's University
Occupation: Chairman/CEO Progressive Financial Services, Inc
Why Do you Support GlamourGals? GlamourGals serves two very important populations: the elderly who have given us so much and our youth who we depend upon for the future.
Favorite Food: I love Indian food, especially Saag Paneer.

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Staci Perkins, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-12T12:18:00.000-04:00

Neighborhood: Herald Square
Hometown: Burleson, Texas
Alma Mater: University of Texas Austin
Occupation: Director of Events
Why do you support GlamourGals?: I love that it gets teens involved helping others & how great everyone in the organization is.
Favorite food: Mexican Food
Website: www.sometimestuesday.tumblr.com

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Meet the 2011 Glammy Winner: Eghosa Asemota

2011-05-11T16:35:00.000-04:00

The 7th Annual Glammy Award went to Thomas Edison Chapter President, Eghosa Asemota. Eghosa received $250 to Charlotte Russe and an autographed Jeremy Bloom poster along with her award, created by Indy Laser Engraving.

"I am extremely thrilled to be the recipient of the 2011 Glammy Award and even more excited to keep the same GG momentum going after high school. The moment I got home, my mother snatched it out of my hands, shined it, and put it in our trophy case. It is the most cherished award I have received yet!" says Eghosa.

Below, is Eghosa's essay that won her the award and photographed at top is Eghosa reading the essay at the 7th Annual Glammy Awards, courtesy of Sunny Norton Photography.

Innovation and commitment have worked collectively to contribute to the success of my chapter. The former president officially passed on the role of Chapter President to me after we had lost 57 volunteers, half of whom were inactive. My initial thought was, 'How do we attract more volunteers who will be committed?" I kicked
off a two week advertising campaign, where posters were hung all over the school, announcements were made daily stating statistics around elder loneliness and social networking was performed via Facebook and Tumblr. I personally try to create new ideas for GlamourGals and its cause to be recognized school wide and community
wide. Such ideas include: our chapter's first awareness event, where we asked the entire school population to wear pink, and a 'Spa Day' at the nursing home where a few students from Gateway High School, interested in starting a GlamourGals chapter, were invited. The reputation of acting on new ideas is what keeps our volunteers enthusiastic and committed to GlamourGals. As of today, we have over 80 active volunteers in our chapter.

When asked about beauty, I define it as rising above suffering like a lotus flower that grows out of the mud and blossoms above the muddy water surface. The summer before entering junior high school, I was involved in a car accident that left me with a scar on the right side of my face. Throughout middle school, I struggled with my exterior, resulting in low confidence. I had convinced myself and that I wasn't like everyone else - I didn't look like everyone else. This outlook changed once I was introduced to GlamourGals. With this, I wasn't just saving an elderly woman from a blank wall, I was empowering her as she was empowering me. GlamourGals has
allowed me to unravel myself from a coiled position of introversion to the strong-willed person I am today. The experience gave me the opportunity to turn wounds into wisdom, hence its importance to me. The same effect GlamourGals has had on me personally is also why GlamourGals is important to my community as it combines courtesy and empowerment. Senior citizens are by far one of the most fragile populations of our nation, with this organization they are speaking through us.

WGirls NYC, Glamour in the City Host Network

2011-05-11T11:41:00.000-04:00

The NYC chapter of the WGirls have been long time supporters of GlamourGals. This year, they are our Host Network for Glamour in the City!

Neighborhood: NYC Metro Area
Hometown: We have girls from across the country!
Alma mater: We are from different colleges/universities across the nation
Occupation: We are working in a variety of different fields
Why do you support GlamourGals? Coming together around organizations that support women and children in need is important to us. We truly believe in the mission and work that GlamourGals does!
Favorite Food: Hummus
Website: www.wgirls.org

For more information on Glamour in the City and to join the WGirls at the event, click here.

Meet New Advisory Board Member, Jyoti Singhvi

2011-05-10T18:29:00.004-04:00

GlamourGals would like to welcome Jyoti Singhvi to the GlamourGals advisory board.

Introduced to GlamourGals by New York City Metro Area Program Director, Kavita Mehra, Jyoti is excited to work with the inspirational women at GlamourGals.

Jyoti has over a decade of combined experience in luxury goods and eCommerce. Coming from a family in luxury business for four generations, her passion is to launch and develop luxury brands. Most recently, Jyoti had been leading the CRM and Business Development efforts at Cartier. Jyoti has an MPA from Harvard University and an MBA from MIT. Jyoti is also an advisor for SAWLF (South Asian Women Leadership Forum).

Jyoti loves the concept that GlamourGals is building leadership for tomorrow by taking care of the women who laid a foundation yesterday for today.

Welcome, Jyoti!

Rebecca Marcus, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-10T10:29:00.002-04:00

Meet Rebecca, a long time GlamourGals supporter and a host at this year's Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Manhattan, East Village
Hometown: Great Neck, NY
Alma mater: Cornell University
Occupation: Graduate Student studying Clinical Psychology
Why do you support GlamourGals? The elderly in America are often neglected and being placed in a nursing home can be traumatizing. GlamourGals provides this isolated population with much needed support and companionship.
Favorite Food: Fresh Fruit!

For information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Joshua Wise, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-09T10:32:00.003-04:00

Meet Joshua Wise, GG supporter, and Glamour in the City Host!

Neighborhood: Center City, Philadelphia
Hometown: Erdenheim, Pennsylvania
Alma Mater: Peirce College
Occupation: Accounting, Garces Restaurant Group
Favorite Thing to Eat: Homemade Italian Gravy and Macaroni
Website: www.facebook.com/absolutwiseguy

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Nikita Sabharwal, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-06T10:43:00.002-04:00

Longtime GG volunteer, Nikita Saharwal, joins the Glamour in the City Hosts.

What is your neighborhood?: Washington, DC and Westchester, New York
Hometown?: Lund Sweden and now Irvington, NY
Alma mater: The George Washington University class of 2011
Occupation: Student
Why you support GlamourGals:I have been working with GG since 2005, when I met Rachel at HOBY, helped with a GG DC Mega Makeover, and started GW's college GG chapter.
Favorite Food: Chicken
Website: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1363230038

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Breanna Kreider, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-05T10:19:00.003-04:00

Last summer, Breanna Kreider was a GG Correspondent for GlamourGals. Today, Breanna is a soon to be college graduate and a Glamour in the City host!

Hometown: Quarryville, PA
Occupation: Student (gradating on May 7th)
Alma mater: Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP)
Why Breanna supports GlamourGals: I support GlamourGals because I believe having a relationship with someone from a different generation can be one of the most rewarding and amazing friendship you can have.
Favorite Food: I love ice cream!
My website: Twitter: http://twitter.com/Busy_Bee
Linked-In: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/breanna-kreider/29/a89/206

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

The Glammys: A Guest Blog By Lou Valerio

2011-05-04T10:17:00.003-04:00

Baby boomers, I've got good news for all of us.

Our future is bright if the young women who make up the GlamourGals foundation have anything to do with it!

Don't even think of telling these gals something is too hard to accomplish . They are remarkable. I am always amazed when I see their level of commitment to serving others, the sincere concern they have for the older generation, and the leadership qualities they in such a humble manner.

The Glammy awards honored not just certain individuals, but all GlamourGals volunteers.

When listening to Glammy winner Eghosa Asemota and The Daniel and Lucille Valerio Outstanding Volunteer winner, Cassidy Greenzeig, you would never know that they were the winners as they praised their chapter members and mentors.

Get involved and witness the greatness that is on our horizon. My life is changed forever by this movement compromised of energy filled teens ready to make our world a better place.

Visit www.glamourgals.org to get involved!

Photographed at top: Lou Valerio with the winner of The Daniel and Lucille Valerio Outstanding Volunteering award (created to honor his parents), Cassidy Greenzeig. Photograph courtesy of Sunny Norton Photography. www.sunnynorton.com

The 7th Annual Glammy Awards

2011-05-03T14:08:00.004-04:00

On Saturday, April 30th, GlamourGals celebrated its volunteers at the 7th Annual Glammy Awards held at NYC's The 40/40 Club.

Guests mingled in the ESPN lounge where they enjoyed snacks, purchased raffle tickets for Charlotte Russe Dresses, a gift certificate to Sprinkles cupcakes, and a swarovski Amika flat iron, had their straightened by Amika, were given makeovers by the style editor of Dailyfashionista.com, Dana Prigge and Glamourous Cosmetics makeup artists, Jessica Romano and Carol Hanna, and enjoyed taking pictures on the hot pink carpet and in a photo booth by East Coast Photo Booths.

TV personality, Julie Alexandria, hosted the event. Susan Schulz, Editorial Brand Director, Cosmopolitan and Chairwoman of the GlamourGals Advisory Board, announced the recipients of the Hot Pink Leadership Certificate and Executive Board Member, Lou Valerio announced that Cassidy Greenzeig of Pascack Valley High School was the winner of his new award, The Daniel and Lucille Valerio Outstanding Volunteer award created to honor his parents. Eghosa Asemota, the Chapter President of the Thomas Edison High School chapter in Queens, NY was awarded the coveted Glammy Award. Athlete and founder of Jeremy Bloom's Wish of a Lifetime, Jeremy Bloom, was awarded the Inspiration Glammy by Executive Board member, Sara Terry, the Vice President of Optimum Life at Brookdale Senior Living. At the end of the event, musician, Howard Jennings sang a GG favorite, "25 to 89" and one of his new songs.

Each guest received a gift bag sponsored by Charlotte Russe and a Lash Card.

To view Sunny Norton's photos from the Glammys, click here.

Special thanks to The 40/40 Club, Amika, Dana Prigge, Glamourous Cosmetics, Jessica Romano, Carol Hana, Charlotte Russe, Lash Cards, East Coast Photo Booth, Indy Laser Engraving, Sunny Norton, Mark Kim, Dream Images, BNB Photography, Palindrone Productions, Julie Alexandria, Sara Terry, Lou Valerio, Jeremy Bloom, Howard Jennings, GlamourGals Executive and Advisory Boards, and Dr. Goodman.

Pictured at top (from left to right): Inspiration Glammy Winner, Jeremy Bloom, GlamourGals Founder and President, Rachel Doyle, Glammy Winner, Eghosa Asemota, and Cassidy Greenzeig, the winner of The Daniel and Lucille Valerio Outstanding Volunteer Award.

Mega Makeover at Cobble Hill

2011-05-03T13:14:00.008-04:00

Thanks to a DoSomething.org Growth Grant that Thomas Edison High School was awarded, GlamourGals was able to throw an extra special makeover on Friday, April 29th at the Cobble Hill Health Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Volunteers from Thomas Edison High School in Queens, NY and from St. Joseph High School in Brooklyn, NY came together to makeover more than 30 Cobble Hill Health Center Residents.

Special Guests New York State Senator, Daniel Squadron, Assemblywoman, Joan Millman, Brooklyn Borough President, Marty Markowitz, CEO of Cobble Hill Health Center, Olga Lipschitz, TV personality, Julie Alexandria, GlamourGlas Executive Board Member, Lou Valerio, and GlamourGals Founder and President, Rachel Doyle, joined volunteers and GlamourGals Director of Programs, Julia Porter and the NYC Program Director, Kavita Mehra.

Daniel Squadron presented GlamourGals with a proclamation and each politician spoke to the residents and the volunteers. Brooklyn News 12 interviewed residents and volunteers for a news segment that aired that evening.

Thanks to the generous grant, volunteers were each able to receive and wear a GlamourGals t-shirt and were able to gift residents with Lather products to help them remember their special day.

Photographed at top (Left to Right): Lou Valerio with volunteers, Julie Alexandria with 97 year old resident, Sylvia, and Senator Squadron giving Rachel Doyle the GlamourGals proclamation.

Candice Herschkorn, Glamour in the City Host

2011-05-02T13:45:00.002-04:00

Meet Candice, a former GlamourGals volunteer. Candice has remained involved with GlamourGals, helping out at events and even recruiting her cousin, Nicole Galletta to start the Ardsley high school chapter. Now, Candice is supporting GlamourGals by being a host for Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Westchester County, NY
Hometown: Irvington
Alma Mater: Senior at Rider University -- Lawrenceville, NJ
Occupation: Student, Currently looking for a full-time job as I am graduating this May!
Why I support GlamourGals: I continue to support GlamourGals because it is important that people realize that the elderly deserve our love and attention, no matter what age or health condition. Just because many of these women cannot still live full, active lives, does not mean they are not significant people-- indeed, they have a lot to offer to young adults! We should cherish our relationships with those who have the potential to teach us some of life's most important lessons. And GlamourGals helps to encourage that bond between teenagers and their elders.
What is your favorite thing to eat: Anything Italian!
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/candice-herschkorn/2b/693/916

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Matt Jabinksky, Glamour in the City Host

2011-04-27T10:57:00.003-04:00

Matt Jabinsky, long time GG supporter is a host at this year's Glamour in the City.

Neighborhood: Long Island, NY
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Alma mater: Cornell University
Occupation: Financial Recruiter
Why your support GlamourGals? For the past 10 years I've been a supporter and strongly endorse the benefit of the organization's good work.
Favorite Food: Lots, if I had to pick one meal it would probably be a great hamburger...with some fries of course!
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jabinsky

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

GlamourGals on Indianapolis' WIBC!

2011-04-26T10:48:00.005-04:00

On Friday, April 15th, WIBC's Terri Stacy came to GlamourGals Mega Makeover at Robin Run Village in Indianapolis where she interviewed Director of Programs, Julia Porter, and chatted with residents. Download to listen on Itunes.

glamour gals.m4a

Alexandra Eaton, Glamour in the City Host

2011-04-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

Meet Alexandra Eaton, who is not only a Glamour in the City host, the chair of the events committee for the GlamourGals advisory board, but Alex was also a GG volunteer through high school and college.

Neighborhood: Forest Hills, NY
Hometown: Howard Beach, NY
Alma Mater: SUNY Albany
Occupation: Tax Accountant
Why do you support GlamourGals? I have supported GlamourGals in different phases throughout the last eight years. First as a high school volunteer, then as the co-founder of the SUNY Albany Chapter, and now as an alumni advisory board member. I first became involved because the mission was very close to my heart having a grandmother in a nursing home and understanding the emotional struggles faced when living in a nursing home. As a volunteer I experience first hand how the GlamourGals program has provided a teen leadership program to counteract those struggles. I continue to be involved because I cannot image not having GlamourGals in my life and continue to support the program for current and future volunteers and nursing home residents.
Favorite Food: Cheeseburgers

For more information about Glamour in the City and to register, click here.

Amanda Brotherton, Glamour in the City Chair of Sponsorships

2011-04-22T15:21:00.000-04:00

Meet Amanda, the Chair of Sponsorships for the 7th Annual Glamour in the City, which is an event held annually to raise funds for GlamourGals.

Neighborhood: Murray Hill, but will hopefully be moving to the west side soon
Hometown: Titusville, Florida
Alma Mater: Florida State University - Go Noles!
Occupation: Partnerships & Entertainment Promotions Manager at Hearst Magazines
Why do you support GlamourGals?: I support GlamourGals to honor my grandmother. My grandma was not only the person in whom I confided, but she was also my beauty icon. She was flawless -- her lipstick always perfectly applied, every curl perfectly set on her head. She even slept with a nightcap on to be sure she wouldn't muss her hair between weekly appointments at the salon. In 2000 she was diagnosed with colon cancer which eventually spread to her liver. During her chemo and radiation treatments her beauty standards were still a priority -- as weak as she felt, a simple swipe of lipstick would easily lift her spirits. Some of the last memories shared with my grandma involve beauty as I would give her manicures and pedicures as she rested in her recliner. It didn't matter how sick she was, she still wanted -- and needed -- to feel beautiful. Beauty allowed me to continually bond with her, even in her worst condition, and form memories that I will forever cherish.
What is your favorite thing to eat: ice cream

For more information and to register for Glamour in the City, click here.

Mandy Hjellming, Glamour in the City Chair of Hosts

2011-04-21T11:56:00.000-04:00

Meet Mandy, the Chair of Hosts for the 7th Annual Glamour in the City, which is an event held annually to raise funds for GlamourGals.

Neighborhood: Stuy Town
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Alma mater: Cornell University
Occupation: Marketing & New Business Coordinator at Kaplow PR
Why Mandy Supports GG: I support GG because our volunteers are working day in and day out to make people feel special and are changing lives.
What Mandy likes to eat: Everything. I'm definitely a meat and potatoes kind of girl!
Website: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mandy-hjellming/13/65/2a8?_mSplash=1

For more information on Glamour in the City and to register, click here.