- Former
Mayor
Mike
Bloomberg
« Women
for
Mike National Leadership Council
Bloomberg 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2020
Mike Bloomberg 2020 Launches Women for Mike National Leadership Council
LOS
ANGELES
— Today, the Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign announced its Women
for Mike National Leadership Council. This follows the launch of “Women
for Mike” — a groundswell movement to energize women across the country
who support Mike’s efforts to defeat Donald Trump, unite the country,
and rebuild America. Women for Mike is organizing in communities across
the country to amplify women’s voices on the issues that matter most.
In conjunction with the launch of the Women for Mike Leadership
Council, today kicks off a weeklong bus tour across Southern California
that will highlight Mike Bloomberg’s record and plans to promote issues
of importance to women.
The Women for Mike Leadership Council is comprised of 90 women who are endorsing Mike for president and are reflective of the breadth of his support across the country. As members of the Women for Mike Leadership Council, these women will lend their voices to the campaign while activating their networks to support his candidacy in communities across the country.
“I started working for Mike in 1994, and in the years since, I’ve had a front row seat as he’s grown his business, served three terms as mayor of New York City, and given generously to causes he believes in through his foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies. Every step of the way, he hasn’t just supported women – he’s empowered them to lead, to grow, and to help shape his company, his administration, his charitable giving, and his personal values,” said Patti Harris, Mike Bloomberg 2020 Campaign Chair. “I’m honored to serve as chair of his campaign, and I’m delighted to join so many brilliant women on the Women for Mike National Leadership Council. Now more than ever, we need someone in the White House who will be a fierce advocate for women and women’s rights, while building a fairer, more equitable future for this country. I know that Mike will be that type of leader – and I look forward to working with this group, and women across the country, to make him the next president of the United States.”
At this critical moment for the country and for the Democratic Party, women will be instrumental in selecting the party’s nominee and defeating President Trump in November. Many women view Trump as an existential threat to decency, and the safety and security of the nation. The Women for Mike Leadership Council will work to engage women on the issues they care most about and rally them in support of Mike.
The Council Co-Chairs include:
“I am proud to stand up for Mike Bloomberg in this race and proud to be a part of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council,” continued Ali. “Together, the women of this Council, along with a diverse group of women from around the country, will unite and work together to get Mike elected in November.”
The first stop of the bus tour was the Mike Bloomberg 2020 Los Angeles field office earlier today. The bus tour will continue on and celebrate its inaugural run with a conversation at The Riveter, a women’s co-working space, as part of a weeklong swing through Southern California.
“As we all know, California is going to play a critical role in this election, and I want to make it clear that women, in particular, have the power to make or break a candidacy. That’s the message we’re trying to get out today, and I’m glad to be able to use my voice as a member of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council to let people know who Mike is and why we are standing behind him,” said Mayor of Compton, California Aja Brown. “And what we believe is that Mike has the only vision for America that is truly inclusive, truly equitable, and where women are concerned, truly dedicated to developing holistic policies that address the many areas in which women want a strong advocate in Washington.”
Since launching the campaign, Mike Bloomberg has released a series of policies that will help women and working families, including reproductive rights and access, paid family leave, pay equity, improving the quality of child care and early childhood education, and to address the maternal mortality crisis head-on.
“I’ve known Mike since I was on the board of NARAL Pro Choice New York – and since he was running for mayor of New York City,” said Jill Lafer, former board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NARAL Pro-Choice New York. “I’ve long held Mike in high regard both as a person and for his unwavering commitment to women and children. I know Mike, and he is a man of his word. When he says that he will fight for things like women’s reproductive health and rights, pay equity, generous child care policies, and paid family leave, I know we can consider these policies as good as done. That means something to me, and I am proud to be part of his team. Together with my fellow members of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council, I am confident that we can send Mike to the White House and finally look forward to an administration that is behind women one hundred percent.”
As Mayor of New York City, Mike increased the number of contracts that were awarded to women-owned businesses and increased access to reproductive healthcare. At Bloomberg LP, he has worked to create an environment where women can and do succeed. The company provides equal pay, good benefits, and opportunities for advancement. As a philanthropist and political donor, Mike has supported numerous causes like Planned Parenthood that advance women rights and helped elect dozens of women to office through organizations like EMILY’s List.
Since the Women for Mike coalition was launched in mid-January, there have been more than 100 Women for Mike events across the country. The campaign has also launched other coalitions, including Proud for Mike, United for Mike, Ganamos con Mike, Mike for Black America, and Veterans and Military Families for Mike. These groups demonstrate Mike’s diverse base of support around the country, based on the fact that they know Mike is the Democrat best poised to beat Trump in November.
Members of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council include:
Council Co-Chairs
Lonnie Ali, Activist, Philanthropist, and wife of Muhammad Ali
Emma Bloomberg, Founder and CEO, Murmuration
Georgina Bloomberg
Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, California; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Patti Harris, Campaign Chair, Mike Bloomberg 2020
Calandrian Simpson Kemp, Gun Violence Survivor; Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer; Founder, Village of Mothers
Jill Lafer, former board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NARAL Pro-Choice New York
Mary Salas, Mayor of Chula Vista, California; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Diana Taylor, Finance Executive; Former New York Superintendent of Banks
Marjorie Tiven, Founder and President, Global Cities, Inc.
Dr. Paula Stone Williams, Teaching Pastor, RLT Pathways, Inc.
Council Members
Mona Aboelnaga, Managing Partner, K6 Investments
Andi Bernstein, CEO, Beach Walk Media; Executive Team Member, Compass and Oxygen Media; Board Member, Women for Women and The Public Theater
Paula Grant Berry, Trustee, National September 11 Memorial and Museum
Diahann Billings-Burford, First-ever Chief Service Officer for New York City
Lisa Blau, Partner, Able Partners
Guessippina Bonner, Councilmember, Ward 1, Lufkin, Texas
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington D.C. and National Campaign Co-Chair
Nancy Bowman, Gun Violence Survivor and Moms Demand Action volunteer
Lorraine Bracco, Actor and Activist
London Breed, Mayor of San Francisco, California; First Chair of Mike for Black America Leadership Council
Christine Bremer-Muggli, Attorney & Former DNC Member from Wisconsin
Shaundelle Brooks, Gun Violence Survivor and Activist; Founder, Akilah Dasilva Foundation
Anastasia Brown, Music Industry Executive
Sharmaine S. Brown, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network ; Founder, Jared’s Heart of Success Inc.
Karen Cahn, Founder & CEO of iFundWomen
Tara Cortes, PhD,RN, Executive Director and Professor, Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Anne Davis, Nashville native and Environmental Activist
Donna Dees, Founder, The Million Mom March
Beth Dozoretz, President, Dozoretz Foundation
Diana Earl, Gun Violence Survivor and Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Verna Eggleston, Head of Women’s Economic Development Initiatives, Bloomberg Philanthropies
Laura Ensler, President, Laura Ensler Consulting
Emma Ellis-Cosigua, Boardmember, FISH Hospitality Pantries; Knoxville community organizer and immigrant rights advocate
C. Virginia Fields, former Borough President of Manhattan, New York
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Former Mayor of Gary, Indiana
Kelisha Garrett, Principal Consultant, Gen-X Consulting Group
Betsy Gotbaum, Former New York City Public Advocate
Linda Grais, Biotech CEO and Independent Board Member
Amy Griffin, Founder and Managing Partner, G9 Ventures
Desiree Gruber, CEO, Full Picture
Janet Hanson, Founder and CEO, 85 Broads
Jean Hobby, Board Member, Catholic Charities Dallas
Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President, Ariel Investments
Cathy Isaacson, Civic Leader and Retired Attorney
Mary Ann Jacob, Gun Violence Survivor and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Yolanda Jimenez, Former Commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence; Former Executive Director, Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation
Courtney Johnson Rose, Principal Broker, George E. Johnson Properties
Julie Johnson, Representative, Texas House of Representatives; Texas State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts
Jennifer Jones Austin
Sydney Kamlager Dove, Assemblymember, California State Assembly; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Amee Kapadia, Climate Activist and Student
Sari Kaufman, Senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; Students Demand Action Member and Lead Organizer of Parkland March for Our Lives
Sister Paulette LoMonaco, former Executive Director, Good Shepherd Services, New York City
Pat Maisch, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network
Shelley McMahon, Gun Violence Survivor and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Lily Mei, Mayor of Fremont, California
Amy Mello, Former Field Director, Freedom to Marry
Anne Milling, Community Philanthropist/Activist
Brenda K. Mitchell, Everytown Survivor Network Fellow; Inter Faith Outreach Leader for Moms Demand Action in South Suburban Chicago
Brenda Moss, Gun Violence Survivor and Activist
Stephanie Murphy, U.S Representative (FL-7), U.S. House of Representatives; Campaign Co-Chair, Mike Bloomberg 2020
Patty Newburger, Executive Vice President, Event Strategy, Tribeca Enterprises
Maria Pike, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer with Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Bev Perdue, Former Governor of North Carolina
Gina Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island
Mary Reed, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Susan Rockefeller, Documentary Filmmaker, Artist and Conservationist; Founder and CEO, Musings
Desiree Rogers, CEO and Co-Owner, Black Opal Beauty
Lela Rose, Fashion Designer
Daryl Roth, Tony Award Winning Broadway Producer
Cynthia Rowley, Fashion Designer
Gail Schwartz, Former State Senator for Western and Southern Colorado
Laura Turner Seydel, International Environmental Advocate
Cynthia D. Shapira, Pittsburgh Community Leader
Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany, New York
Pam Simon, Gun Violence Survivor and advocate for gun safety with Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Audrey Smaltz, Entrepreneur and Personality
Dr. Abigail Spangler, Founder of Protest Easy Guns, President of the C.D. Spangler Foundation, and Board of Directors of Spangler Companies, Inc; Virginia State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Silda Wall Spitzer, Co-founder, CEO and Publisher of NewYorkMakers.com
Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (MI-11), U.S House of Representatives
Katie Sturino, Body Positive Advocate
Pamela Thomas-Graham, Founder & CEO, Dandelion Chandelier; Former CEO, CNBC Television; Former Executive Board Member, Credit Suisse
Lovely Warren, Mayor of Rochester, New York
Shirley Washington, Mayor of Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Karen Weaver, Former Mayor of Flint, Michigan
Wilma J. Webb, Former State Representative, Former First Lady of Denver
Maureen Weigl, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma, Washington
Mike Bloomberg 2020
January 15, 2020
The Women for Mike Leadership Council is comprised of 90 women who are endorsing Mike for president and are reflective of the breadth of his support across the country. As members of the Women for Mike Leadership Council, these women will lend their voices to the campaign while activating their networks to support his candidacy in communities across the country.
“I started working for Mike in 1994, and in the years since, I’ve had a front row seat as he’s grown his business, served three terms as mayor of New York City, and given generously to causes he believes in through his foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies. Every step of the way, he hasn’t just supported women – he’s empowered them to lead, to grow, and to help shape his company, his administration, his charitable giving, and his personal values,” said Patti Harris, Mike Bloomberg 2020 Campaign Chair. “I’m honored to serve as chair of his campaign, and I’m delighted to join so many brilliant women on the Women for Mike National Leadership Council. Now more than ever, we need someone in the White House who will be a fierce advocate for women and women’s rights, while building a fairer, more equitable future for this country. I know that Mike will be that type of leader – and I look forward to working with this group, and women across the country, to make him the next president of the United States.”
At this critical moment for the country and for the Democratic Party, women will be instrumental in selecting the party’s nominee and defeating President Trump in November. Many women view Trump as an existential threat to decency, and the safety and security of the nation. The Women for Mike Leadership Council will work to engage women on the issues they care most about and rally them in support of Mike.
The Council Co-Chairs include:
- Lonnie Ali, Activist, Philanthropist, and wife of Muhammad Ali
- Emma Bloomberg, Founder and CEO, Murmuration
- Georgina Bloomberg
- Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, California; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
- Patti Harris, Campaign Chair, Mike Bloomberg 2020
- Calandrian Simpson Kemp, Gun Violence Prevention Activist, and Founder, Village of Mothers
- Jill Lafer, Former board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NARAL Pro-Choice New York
- Mary Salas, Mayor of Chula Vista, California; California State C0-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
- Diana Taylor, Finance Executive; Former New York Superintendent of Banks
- Marjorie Tiven, Founder and President, Global Cities, Inc.
- Dr. Paula Stone Williams, Teaching Pastor, RLT Pathways, Inc.
“I am proud to stand up for Mike Bloomberg in this race and proud to be a part of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council,” continued Ali. “Together, the women of this Council, along with a diverse group of women from around the country, will unite and work together to get Mike elected in November.”
The first stop of the bus tour was the Mike Bloomberg 2020 Los Angeles field office earlier today. The bus tour will continue on and celebrate its inaugural run with a conversation at The Riveter, a women’s co-working space, as part of a weeklong swing through Southern California.
“As we all know, California is going to play a critical role in this election, and I want to make it clear that women, in particular, have the power to make or break a candidacy. That’s the message we’re trying to get out today, and I’m glad to be able to use my voice as a member of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council to let people know who Mike is and why we are standing behind him,” said Mayor of Compton, California Aja Brown. “And what we believe is that Mike has the only vision for America that is truly inclusive, truly equitable, and where women are concerned, truly dedicated to developing holistic policies that address the many areas in which women want a strong advocate in Washington.”
Since launching the campaign, Mike Bloomberg has released a series of policies that will help women and working families, including reproductive rights and access, paid family leave, pay equity, improving the quality of child care and early childhood education, and to address the maternal mortality crisis head-on.
“I’ve known Mike since I was on the board of NARAL Pro Choice New York – and since he was running for mayor of New York City,” said Jill Lafer, former board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NARAL Pro-Choice New York. “I’ve long held Mike in high regard both as a person and for his unwavering commitment to women and children. I know Mike, and he is a man of his word. When he says that he will fight for things like women’s reproductive health and rights, pay equity, generous child care policies, and paid family leave, I know we can consider these policies as good as done. That means something to me, and I am proud to be part of his team. Together with my fellow members of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council, I am confident that we can send Mike to the White House and finally look forward to an administration that is behind women one hundred percent.”
As Mayor of New York City, Mike increased the number of contracts that were awarded to women-owned businesses and increased access to reproductive healthcare. At Bloomberg LP, he has worked to create an environment where women can and do succeed. The company provides equal pay, good benefits, and opportunities for advancement. As a philanthropist and political donor, Mike has supported numerous causes like Planned Parenthood that advance women rights and helped elect dozens of women to office through organizations like EMILY’s List.
Since the Women for Mike coalition was launched in mid-January, there have been more than 100 Women for Mike events across the country. The campaign has also launched other coalitions, including Proud for Mike, United for Mike, Ganamos con Mike, Mike for Black America, and Veterans and Military Families for Mike. These groups demonstrate Mike’s diverse base of support around the country, based on the fact that they know Mike is the Democrat best poised to beat Trump in November.
Members of the Women for Mike National Leadership Council include:
Council Co-Chairs
Lonnie Ali, Activist, Philanthropist, and wife of Muhammad Ali
Emma Bloomberg, Founder and CEO, Murmuration
Georgina Bloomberg
Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, California; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Patti Harris, Campaign Chair, Mike Bloomberg 2020
Calandrian Simpson Kemp, Gun Violence Survivor; Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer; Founder, Village of Mothers
Jill Lafer, former board chair of Planned Parenthood Federation of America and NARAL Pro-Choice New York
Mary Salas, Mayor of Chula Vista, California; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Diana Taylor, Finance Executive; Former New York Superintendent of Banks
Marjorie Tiven, Founder and President, Global Cities, Inc.
Dr. Paula Stone Williams, Teaching Pastor, RLT Pathways, Inc.
Council Members
Mona Aboelnaga, Managing Partner, K6 Investments
Andi Bernstein, CEO, Beach Walk Media; Executive Team Member, Compass and Oxygen Media; Board Member, Women for Women and The Public Theater
Paula Grant Berry, Trustee, National September 11 Memorial and Museum
Diahann Billings-Burford, First-ever Chief Service Officer for New York City
Lisa Blau, Partner, Able Partners
Guessippina Bonner, Councilmember, Ward 1, Lufkin, Texas
Muriel Bowser, Mayor of Washington D.C. and National Campaign Co-Chair
Nancy Bowman, Gun Violence Survivor and Moms Demand Action volunteer
Lorraine Bracco, Actor and Activist
London Breed, Mayor of San Francisco, California; First Chair of Mike for Black America Leadership Council
Christine Bremer-Muggli, Attorney & Former DNC Member from Wisconsin
Shaundelle Brooks, Gun Violence Survivor and Activist; Founder, Akilah Dasilva Foundation
Anastasia Brown, Music Industry Executive
Sharmaine S. Brown, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network ; Founder, Jared’s Heart of Success Inc.
Karen Cahn, Founder & CEO of iFundWomen
Tara Cortes, PhD,RN, Executive Director and Professor, Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing, NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing
Anne Davis, Nashville native and Environmental Activist
Donna Dees, Founder, The Million Mom March
Beth Dozoretz, President, Dozoretz Foundation
Diana Earl, Gun Violence Survivor and Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Verna Eggleston, Head of Women’s Economic Development Initiatives, Bloomberg Philanthropies
Laura Ensler, President, Laura Ensler Consulting
Emma Ellis-Cosigua, Boardmember, FISH Hospitality Pantries; Knoxville community organizer and immigrant rights advocate
C. Virginia Fields, former Borough President of Manhattan, New York
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Former Mayor of Gary, Indiana
Kelisha Garrett, Principal Consultant, Gen-X Consulting Group
Betsy Gotbaum, Former New York City Public Advocate
Linda Grais, Biotech CEO and Independent Board Member
Amy Griffin, Founder and Managing Partner, G9 Ventures
Desiree Gruber, CEO, Full Picture
Janet Hanson, Founder and CEO, 85 Broads
Jean Hobby, Board Member, Catholic Charities Dallas
Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President, Ariel Investments
Cathy Isaacson, Civic Leader and Retired Attorney
Mary Ann Jacob, Gun Violence Survivor and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Yolanda Jimenez, Former Commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence; Former Executive Director, Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation
Courtney Johnson Rose, Principal Broker, George E. Johnson Properties
Julie Johnson, Representative, Texas House of Representatives; Texas State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Sheila Johnson, founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts
Jennifer Jones Austin
Sydney Kamlager Dove, Assemblymember, California State Assembly; California State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Amee Kapadia, Climate Activist and Student
Sari Kaufman, Senior at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School; Students Demand Action Member and Lead Organizer of Parkland March for Our Lives
Sister Paulette LoMonaco, former Executive Director, Good Shepherd Services, New York City
Pat Maisch, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and Everytown Survivor Network
Shelley McMahon, Gun Violence Survivor and Everytown Survivor Network volunteer
Lily Mei, Mayor of Fremont, California
Amy Mello, Former Field Director, Freedom to Marry
Anne Milling, Community Philanthropist/Activist
Brenda K. Mitchell, Everytown Survivor Network Fellow; Inter Faith Outreach Leader for Moms Demand Action in South Suburban Chicago
Brenda Moss, Gun Violence Survivor and Activist
Stephanie Murphy, U.S Representative (FL-7), U.S. House of Representatives; Campaign Co-Chair, Mike Bloomberg 2020
Patty Newburger, Executive Vice President, Event Strategy, Tribeca Enterprises
Maria Pike, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer with Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Bev Perdue, Former Governor of North Carolina
Gina Raimondo, Governor of Rhode Island
Mary Reed, Gun Violence Survivor and volunteer for Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Susan Rockefeller, Documentary Filmmaker, Artist and Conservationist; Founder and CEO, Musings
Desiree Rogers, CEO and Co-Owner, Black Opal Beauty
Lela Rose, Fashion Designer
Daryl Roth, Tony Award Winning Broadway Producer
Cynthia Rowley, Fashion Designer
Gail Schwartz, Former State Senator for Western and Southern Colorado
Laura Turner Seydel, International Environmental Advocate
Cynthia D. Shapira, Pittsburgh Community Leader
Kathy Sheehan, Mayor of Albany, New York
Pam Simon, Gun Violence Survivor and advocate for gun safety with Moms Demand Action and the Everytown Survivor Network
Audrey Smaltz, Entrepreneur and Personality
Dr. Abigail Spangler, Founder of Protest Easy Guns, President of the C.D. Spangler Foundation, and Board of Directors of Spangler Companies, Inc; Virginia State Co-Chair for Mike Bloomberg 2020
Silda Wall Spitzer, Co-founder, CEO and Publisher of NewYorkMakers.com
Haley Stevens, U.S. Representative (MI-11), U.S House of Representatives
Katie Sturino, Body Positive Advocate
Pamela Thomas-Graham, Founder & CEO, Dandelion Chandelier; Former CEO, CNBC Television; Former Executive Board Member, Credit Suisse
Lovely Warren, Mayor of Rochester, New York
Shirley Washington, Mayor of Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Karen Weaver, Former Mayor of Flint, Michigan
Wilma J. Webb, Former State Representative, Former First Lady of Denver
Maureen Weigl, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired)
Victoria Woodards, Mayor of Tacoma, Washington
Mike Bloomberg 2020
January 15, 2020
Mike Bloomberg 2020 Launches “Women For Mike”
For
more
information on Mike’s record of supporting women and plans for the
future, visit here.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — The Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign launched “Women for Mike” — a groundswell movement to energize women across the country who support Bloomberg’s efforts to defeat Donald Trump, unite the country, and rebuild America. Women for Mike will organize in communities across the country to amplify women’s voices on the issues that matter most. Before Super Tuesday, supporters will host 100 locally-organized Women for Mike events nationwide.
Tonight, more than 1,000 supporters gathered in New York as Mike delivered his vision for the country and his promise of an inclusive agenda that supports and advances all women.
“On all of our most urgent challenges, women are leading the way — from the moms demanding an end to gun violence to all of the women who ran for and won seats in Congress in 2018, whom I was glad to support. And when we defeat President Trump in November, I know it will be because women rose up to say: ‘Enough,'” said Mike. “I am so grateful to have the support of Women for Mike. And I hope they know they will always have mine.”
In his remarks, Mike shared lessons from the strong women who have shaped his life, like his mother Charlotte, and championed causes he has long supported, from maternal health and reproductive rights to climate change and gun safety. Women have been at the core of every team Mike has ever built, and they’re leading the way on every issue he’s involved in — and as president he will continue to build on that work.
At this critical moment for the country and for the Democratic Party, women will be instrumental in selecting the party’s nominee and defeating President Trump in November. In 2016, 58% of Democratic primary voters were women. Many women view Trump as an existential threat to decency, and the safety and security of the nation. Bloomberg has vowed to beat Trump and restore calm, reasoned, and experienced leadership to the White House.
Other speakers at the event included award-winning actress Lorraine Bracco, the first person to endorse Bloomberg during his first mayoral run in 2001; former Manhattan Borough president C. Virginia Fields; gun violence survivor Shenee Johnson; and student climate activist Amee Kapadia.
As Mayor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mike has long supported advancing gender equality, maternal and reproductive health, and women’s economic development both in the U.S. and around the world.
“Working alongside Mike Bloomberg for twenty-five years, I’ve seen the depth of his commitment to creating opportunities for women in the workforce and promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of women, children, and families in New York and beyond,” said Patti Harris, Mike Bloomberg 2020 Campaign Chair. “I’m proud to help lead Mike’s campaign because I know he will bring that same commitment, integrity, and laser focus on getting things done to Washington.”
Earlier this month, Mike Bloomberg 2020 launched “Veterans and Military Families for Mike” in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
For more information on Mike’s record of supporting women and plans for the future, visit here.
More information about tonight’s Women for Mike speakers are below.
Audrey Smaltz, Model and Personality
Fashion show manager Audrey Lavinia Smaltz was born on June 2, 1937 in New York City. Growing up in the Harlem River Houses with neighbors such as Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Bob Moses, and David Scott, Smaltz attended P.S. 46, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Girls Junior High School, the High School of Music & Art, and CCNY. In 1977, Smaltz organized her Ground Crew team, a backstage management group which has staffed many fashion shows including those by Donna Karen, Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Alice Roi, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Nanette Lepore, Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Rucci. Smaltz has also worked with corporations like Nike, Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and J. Crew. A contributing editor to Vogue, Mirabella, and Mode magazines, Smaltz appears frequently on QVC and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has served on numerous boards, including Black Fashion Museum, Dress for Success, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, and Fashion Group International.
Lorraine Bracco, Actress
Lorraine Bracco is an American actress. She is best known for her performances as Karen Friedman Hill in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas, for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is a native of Brooklyn, New York.
C. Virginia Fields, Former Manhattan Borough President
C. Virginia Fields is the President and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on Health Inc., (NBLCH), formerly known as the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. Her expertise in government and politics has led to the successful implementation of noteworthy public policy achievements in health promotion and disease prevention, including HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. Ms. Fields is the former President of the Borough of Manhattan, a position to which she was elected in 1997 and reelected in 2001. She served as a member of the New York City Council from 1989-1997. Prior to elected office, Ms. Fields established a distinguished career in her professional field of social work. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Fields was active in the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where she spent six days in jail. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Knoxville College in Tennessee and a master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University. In addition to her political career, Fields continues to be active in her community.
Shenee Johnson, Gun Violence Survivor, Everytown Survivor Fellow, Moms Demand Action volunteer leader
Shenee’s first experience with gun violence was in 2003 when her fiance, Shonnon Kittrell Day, was murdered in Far Rockaway, New York. At the time, Shenee was two months pregnant with her now 15-year-old son. In May of 2010, Shenee’s 17-year-old son, Kedrick Ali Morrow Jr., was murdered in Queens, New York, just weeks before his high school graduation.
Amee Kapadia, Climate Activist and Student
Amee is a climate activist and student at Johns Hopkins University studying biomedical engineering. Amee grew up near Virginia a coal plant which wreaked havoc on her health contributing to severe skin-based and respiratory environmental allergies. Through this experience, Amee was driven to support action to end our reliance on coal and combat the climate crisis.
Diana Taylor
Diana Taylor, partner to Mike Bloomberg for the last two decades, grew up in Connecticut in a close-knit family that emphasized hard work and the value of a great education. She was in the second-ever class of women who graduated from Dartmouth College. Armed with an economics degree, Diana launched her career in New York City working in the state’s department of social services. Soon after, she received graduate degrees in public health and business administration from Columbia University. Diana began a career in finance and co-founded a small business before switching to public service and working again for the state. And in recent years, Diana has worked closely with a handful of organizations to generate opportunities and advocate for health, including the New York-based Hot Bread Kitchen, the International Women’s Health Coalition, the financially inclusive non-profit Accion, the Mailman School of Public Health, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, the behavioral sciences non-profit Ideas42, and the Girls Education and Mentoring Services.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK — The Mike Bloomberg 2020 campaign launched “Women for Mike” — a groundswell movement to energize women across the country who support Bloomberg’s efforts to defeat Donald Trump, unite the country, and rebuild America. Women for Mike will organize in communities across the country to amplify women’s voices on the issues that matter most. Before Super Tuesday, supporters will host 100 locally-organized Women for Mike events nationwide.
Tonight, more than 1,000 supporters gathered in New York as Mike delivered his vision for the country and his promise of an inclusive agenda that supports and advances all women.
“On all of our most urgent challenges, women are leading the way — from the moms demanding an end to gun violence to all of the women who ran for and won seats in Congress in 2018, whom I was glad to support. And when we defeat President Trump in November, I know it will be because women rose up to say: ‘Enough,'” said Mike. “I am so grateful to have the support of Women for Mike. And I hope they know they will always have mine.”
In his remarks, Mike shared lessons from the strong women who have shaped his life, like his mother Charlotte, and championed causes he has long supported, from maternal health and reproductive rights to climate change and gun safety. Women have been at the core of every team Mike has ever built, and they’re leading the way on every issue he’s involved in — and as president he will continue to build on that work.
At this critical moment for the country and for the Democratic Party, women will be instrumental in selecting the party’s nominee and defeating President Trump in November. In 2016, 58% of Democratic primary voters were women. Many women view Trump as an existential threat to decency, and the safety and security of the nation. Bloomberg has vowed to beat Trump and restore calm, reasoned, and experienced leadership to the White House.
Other speakers at the event included award-winning actress Lorraine Bracco, the first person to endorse Bloomberg during his first mayoral run in 2001; former Manhattan Borough president C. Virginia Fields; gun violence survivor Shenee Johnson; and student climate activist Amee Kapadia.
As Mayor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Mike has long supported advancing gender equality, maternal and reproductive health, and women’s economic development both in the U.S. and around the world.
“Working alongside Mike Bloomberg for twenty-five years, I’ve seen the depth of his commitment to creating opportunities for women in the workforce and promoting the health, safety, and wellbeing of women, children, and families in New York and beyond,” said Patti Harris, Mike Bloomberg 2020 Campaign Chair. “I’m proud to help lead Mike’s campaign because I know he will bring that same commitment, integrity, and laser focus on getting things done to Washington.”
Earlier this month, Mike Bloomberg 2020 launched “Veterans and Military Families for Mike” in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
For more information on Mike’s record of supporting women and plans for the future, visit here.
More information about tonight’s Women for Mike speakers are below.
Audrey Smaltz, Model and Personality
Fashion show manager Audrey Lavinia Smaltz was born on June 2, 1937 in New York City. Growing up in the Harlem River Houses with neighbors such as Dr. Alvin Poussaint, Bob Moses, and David Scott, Smaltz attended P.S. 46, the Harriet Beecher Stowe Girls Junior High School, the High School of Music & Art, and CCNY. In 1977, Smaltz organized her Ground Crew team, a backstage management group which has staffed many fashion shows including those by Donna Karen, Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Alice Roi, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Nanette Lepore, Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Rucci. Smaltz has also worked with corporations like Nike, Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and J. Crew. A contributing editor to Vogue, Mirabella, and Mode magazines, Smaltz appears frequently on QVC and the Oprah Winfrey Show. She has served on numerous boards, including Black Fashion Museum, Dress for Success, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, and Fashion Group International.
Lorraine Bracco, Actress
Lorraine Bracco is an American actress. She is best known for her performances as Karen Friedman Hill in the 1990 Martin Scorsese film Goodfellas, for which she was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She is a native of Brooklyn, New York.
C. Virginia Fields, Former Manhattan Borough President
C. Virginia Fields is the President and CEO of the National Black Leadership Commission on Health Inc., (NBLCH), formerly known as the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. Her expertise in government and politics has led to the successful implementation of noteworthy public policy achievements in health promotion and disease prevention, including HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care. Ms. Fields is the former President of the Borough of Manhattan, a position to which she was elected in 1997 and reelected in 2001. She served as a member of the New York City Council from 1989-1997. Prior to elected office, Ms. Fields established a distinguished career in her professional field of social work. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Ms. Fields was active in the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. where she spent six days in jail. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Knoxville College in Tennessee and a master’s degree in Social Work from Indiana University. In addition to her political career, Fields continues to be active in her community.
Shenee Johnson, Gun Violence Survivor, Everytown Survivor Fellow, Moms Demand Action volunteer leader
Shenee’s first experience with gun violence was in 2003 when her fiance, Shonnon Kittrell Day, was murdered in Far Rockaway, New York. At the time, Shenee was two months pregnant with her now 15-year-old son. In May of 2010, Shenee’s 17-year-old son, Kedrick Ali Morrow Jr., was murdered in Queens, New York, just weeks before his high school graduation.
Amee Kapadia, Climate Activist and Student
Amee is a climate activist and student at Johns Hopkins University studying biomedical engineering. Amee grew up near Virginia a coal plant which wreaked havoc on her health contributing to severe skin-based and respiratory environmental allergies. Through this experience, Amee was driven to support action to end our reliance on coal and combat the climate crisis.
Diana Taylor
Diana Taylor, partner to Mike Bloomberg for the last two decades, grew up in Connecticut in a close-knit family that emphasized hard work and the value of a great education. She was in the second-ever class of women who graduated from Dartmouth College. Armed with an economics degree, Diana launched her career in New York City working in the state’s department of social services. Soon after, she received graduate degrees in public health and business administration from Columbia University. Diana began a career in finance and co-founded a small business before switching to public service and working again for the state. And in recent years, Diana has worked closely with a handful of organizations to generate opportunities and advocate for health, including the New York-based Hot Bread Kitchen, the International Women’s Health Coalition, the financially inclusive non-profit Accion, the Mailman School of Public Health, Cold Spring Harbor Labs, the behavioral sciences non-profit Ideas42, and the Girls Education and Mentoring Services.
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