Tag: Her Story

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Architecture Design Featured

Downtown Q&A: GISUE HARIRI

GISUE HARIRI Architects, authors, jewelry designers for Swarovski, and founders of Hariri & Hariri in 1986. Members of the Interior Design Hall of Fame. They left their home in Iran in the 1970’s to study architecture at Cornell University. In 2005, Hariri & Hariri won the Academy Award in Architecture at the American Academy of Arts and Letters awards, and their work has been included in exhibitions in the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim. Gisue Hariri serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University, a visiting critic at Cornell, Parsons School of Design, and McGill University. Hariri & Hariri is described by critics as one of the most progressive firms currently working in the United States.

1. Name three women that inspire you, and tell us why.

Joan of Arc was one of my childhood idols, and I admire her courage, outstanding achievements, and her superhuman-like abilities—I believe that all women have the kind of power she possessed, but need to find it within themselves. Gloria Steinem became one of my role models later on. I was fortunate enough to see this longtime feminist Icon, writer, and political activist at the 2017 Women’s March in Washington DC. She emphasized that sometimes we must put our bodies where our beliefs are. This resonated with me and I have since become an activist, realizing that women have to speak up and be there physically to support one another if we want to make a change. And finally the in 2016 U.S. presidential election, we witnessed how an incredibly qualified, experienced, educated, compassionate woman—Hillary Clinton—was side-tracked by a white male, unfit to hold office. Hillary’s strength, courage, and determination to crack the highest glass ceiling will always inspire me. 

2. What has been the secret to your success? 

Being a warrior and not having fear of defeat. Examine everything and look within myself for answers and to find a way to express your own ideas and experiences in life. If architecture is about ideas and ideas are what we experience, then architecture that is created by women must be very different from architecture designed by men. Women experience and think very different than men. Our design approach and outlook on life is different, how could that not have an impact on what we create? Defining for ourselves what success is, what Architecture is, and what our goals are. For us, architecture cannot be defined as one thing, style, philosophy, or ism. It is the amalgamation of many things, which at its best can help us define who we are today and who we might be tomorrow. It is where beauty, sensuality, functionality, technology, and philosophy connect the body and mind. 

3. If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman, what would it be? In the “Old Boy” network mentality, being part of the “Boys Club” was a measure of success that defined who you were. For us, it is finding your “inner-voice,” using your Feminine-wisdom, and trusting your vision that gives you success and ultimately defines who you are. 

4. In the fight for equality, what area do you think needs the most attention? 

In my generation, most women ignored the gender-related roadblocks in our careers and now, when I look at my two daughters I realize that young women today are still dealing with the same issues! We must speak up and change this. Women can and should do a better job of helping one another. Society can and should support female-owned businesses, even if it does not make sense at times. In order to have equality, we first need equity and access to capital. The media and our cultural institutions have a duty to seek and find great, visionary women, educate them and introduce them to the larger public. 

5. What are you most proud of in your career?

I’m proud of our 35 years of hard work in a male-dominated profession and the fact that we never gave into the idea that we needed a male partner to succeed. A competition in Salzburg Austria, which we won, called JEWELS OF SALZBURG by the town’s Mayor. This residential and mixed-use complex is currently one of the largest all-encompassing projects Hariri & Hariri Architecture has completed. Winning among the world’s best known architects such as Souto Moura (Portugal), Snøhetta (Oslo), Kengo Kuma (Tokyo), Yamaguchi (Osaka), Toshiko Mori (NY), Delugan-Meissl (Vienna), Langhof (Berlin) to name a few. This 80 Million Dollar development includes 100 Apartments, exhibition space, courtyards, and underground parking Garage. It is, however, neither the scale nor the challenges we confronted that makes our Salzburg project significant. It is this relationship between architecture and nature that have created a dialogue and meditative experience that we have carved at the edge of the site’s rock face which guides and invites the public through the site. For us, architecture is more than construction of buildings—it is where our dreams transcend the realities of life. It is a commitment that will carry you to places you had never dreamed of or known could exist before. Finally, this project is significant being one of the very few new constructions permitted in the historic city of Salzburg, offering Mozart’s birthplace a destination for the architecture of the 21st century. 

6. Where do you get your confidence? 

From my inner guide, believing in myself, vision, and talent. 

7. What makes a woman beautiful? 

Having a sense of self, CONFIDENCE, and having a point of view. 

8. What gives you joy?

Sisterhood among women architects and women supporting one another. Having 102 Women in the U.S. House of Representatives. 

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Bars Dining Featured

Downtown Q&A: Allison Parc

ALLISON PARC Founder and president of Brenne French Single Malt Whisky, recognized as one of the leading American entrepreneurs in the world-whisky segment. Named World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year by Whisky Magazine’s  Icons of Whisky, USA, the only woman to receive the award.

1. Name three women that inspire you, and tell us why.

RBG – It can get overwhelming to know how to join a cause that you feel passionate about, and I’ve always been inspired by how early on Ruth Bader Ginsburg knew she wasn’t a “marcher,” but instead she focused in on how she could use her work to do her part in the women’s rights movement. She has continued to make changes at the highest level that are helping make this country a more balanced and safe place for all.

My Grandmother, Grace lived to be 102 years and never stopped learning until her final week. She also worked as a school teacher until they kicked her out for being “too old.” She would have continued to teach well into her 100’s had she been allowed. She taught me many things, one of which being is that the most interesting person in the room is one who is actively studying something (anything!). A passion for learning keeps you young, interesting, and fun.

Choosing a third is impossible. There are too many!

2. What has been the secret to your success?

Laser focus of the end goal, flexibility and agility in the ways in which we continuously work to get there, and the right balance of confidence and humility.

3. If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman, what would it be?

Never be discouraged; there is always a way to move forward. Whenever I start to feel discouraged, that’s when I take an afternoon off to go stroll through a museum or a park solo. I need to immerse myself in a world outside of whatever I’m focused on and feel humbled by the immense creations that others have done before me. It’s usually in remembering that there are thousands of avenues to create in life that I start to unlock the creative solutions to solve my current challenges.

4. In the fight for equality, what area do you think needs the most attention?

First and foremost: equal pay for equal jobs. As a society, we are only going to grow together if we can have better communication across all of the aisles/sides. We need to be able to really hear each other and build a stronger tomorrow together. 

5. What are you most proud of in your career?

1) Having actually created something that people enjoy.

2) Being the first woman to accomplish certain milestones.

3) Many people now see the bright future of my company. It’s great when it shifted from me telling people why Brenne is so important to them telling me. I smile and think internally, “Yeah, welcome aboard my friend!”

6. Where do you get your confidence?

From my gut. 

7. What makes a woman beautiful?

Confidence.

8. What gives you joy?

Too many things to list! But writing that list over a glass of Brenne Whisky would be a lovely way to start! 

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Chefs Dining Featured

Downtown Q&A: Adrienne Cheatham

ADRIENNE CHEATHAM worked for Marcus Samuelsson and Eric Ripert; was a runner-up on Top Chef; and hosts Sunday Best, a monthly dinner series, in Harlem.

1. Name three women that inspire you, and tell us why.
Susan Tentler, my mother, forged a path through the food industry during a time when it was especially difficult for women. She didn’t allow harassment, intimidation, or threats to keep her from pushing forward and working to reach a higher level. She left college to get married and have kids. Since then, she had to work extra hard to prove herself among peers that had finished when she moved into a more corporate setting. Her work ethic and determination inspires me everyday. 

In the time that I was fortunate to know Fatima Ali, she inspired me in so many ways. She was always full of positivity and passion for everything she did. She accomplished so much, but there was still so much she wanted to do. She reminded me that while we’re working hard toward our goals, you have to keep what’s important in perspective; family and loved ones, nurturing relationships, and not letting fear or doubt hold you back. She would have done so much more, and I want to honor that by achieving everything I can while I can.

Lena Richard did it all in the food industry. She was a formally trained chef who’s talent and skills made her famous. She owned restaurants, created a frozen food company, wrote cookbooks, and had a cooking segment on television. This was all during the 1920’s-1940’s in Louisiana. Her legacy shows that you can overcome almost anything and realize your dreams if you don’t let things stand in your way. She also helped me see that while you may have one goal in mind, what you’re capable of accomplishing can be so much more than you thought.

2. What is the secret to your success?
The secret to my success has been hard work. Things change frequently (in life, trends in industries, etc.) and you have to be adaptable. I set long-term goals and make decisions based on the potential to help get me there. At every step, I work my hardest to make sure that more opportunities follow that will lead to another step in the direction I want to go.

3. If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman, what would it be?
There is so much advice I’d want to pass on that makes it hard to decide on one piece! One very important thing is to let go of fear. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something; don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or others; don’t be afraid to be a leader; and don’t be afraid to be the best.

4.In the fight for equality, what area needs the most attention?
In the fight for women’s equality, what needs the most attention is how we see women that are different from ourselves and how we treat each other as a result. It’s a subtle thing that takes the humanity out of our interactions. When we only see what’s different (race, etc.), we become blind to what we have in common—we lose the ability to relate and acknowledge them as a woman with hopes, fears, responsibilities, that also face some of the same challenges that we do. If you can’t see aspects of yourself in someone, there’s a tendency to overlook them or worse, dismiss their value. We have to be aware of this because uplifting women and gaining equality won’t happen if we can’t do it among ourselves.

5. What are you most proud of in your career?
In my career, there’s a lot that I still want to accomplish but a lot that I’m proud of. Most of all, I’m proud that I followed my passion despite being scary and difficult; and even when the path was hazy, I worked hard to be better at my craft knowing that it would lead me to where I wanted to go.

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Entertainment Featured

Stephanie Monseu Q&A

STEPHANIE MONSEU Queens native and founder of Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, a New York-Based troupe, Monseu is a 25-year veteran of the circus who studied metalsmithing at FIT, became a fire-eater, juggler, stilt-walker, and static trapeze artist, and is currently the ringmaster of Big Apple Circus.

 Downtown: Name three women that inspire you, and why.

Stephanie Monseu: Three women who inspire me? Just three? It will be hard to narrow it down, but I’ll focus on three different realms. Artistically, Nina Simone has always inspired me, as she is a powerful creator who followed her impulses, honed her voice and composition skills to perfection, and used her music to talk about important human and social issues. She also lifted emerging musicians and brought them into eminence. Socially, it’s women in my adopted community of Hudson, NY who run the Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood. Their work supports families and children, focusing on out-of-school-time learning, bringing children and incarcerated parents together in a safe and supported environment, providing young families with parenting guidance, and empowering marginalized members of our community. And personally, my paternal grandmother. She broke away from a forced camp-bound march from Nazi occupied Warsaw with three young children and her own dying mother, hiding in forests, barns, and abandoned homes. Although my grandfather had been arrested and taken to Dachau already, she never lost hope and kept moving. Long story short, they were reunited, resettling in Queens. She was peaceful. She knew what the really important things in life were. She saw terrible things, yet kept light in her spirit.

DT: What has been the secret of your success?

SM: At 50, I finally understand that I get to define success for myself. It’s not about shiny things, or comparing mine to yours or hers.  It also means knowing what I don’t know, and seeking guidance and mentorship so I can learn and grow. In this process, I’ve found fulfillment on a level that goes way beyond status and attainment.

DT: If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman looking for success, what would it be?

SM: My advice for women would be, do not subscribe to the idea that the universe is stingy. There is enough fulfillment to go around. Just because someone else has success in your field, or had a great idea first, or gets recognition for something you do too, doesn’t mean you won’t have it as well. Keep following your true self, and never be afraid to lift up another woman along the way.

DT: In the fight for women’s equality what area do you think needs the most attention?

SM: In my own world, I see women in power on the grass-roots level. We need top-down change. It’s amazing to see the number of women running for political office. I think having more women, from all backgrounds, represented in government on local and federal levels will effect long-needed changes in areas like fair pay, family leave, child care, healthcare, prison reform, as well as diplomacy, environmental policy, scientific research, and global humanitarian issues. I have hope that the culture of sexual aggression will be eradicated with more females in leadership roles. In 2019 and going forward, people who identify across all genders should be working for social and economic justice for everyone. 

DT: What are you most proud of in your career? 

SM: In my 20’s and 30’s, I was very competitive, pushy, rebellious. I looked out for my interests first. At this point, I’m seeing the big picture – strengthening others and helping them succeed makes us all better. In my capacity as a circus producer, educator, and leader at the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus, I’m part of an organization that has been a platform for artists, youth, and the circus community. And as a performer at the Big Apple Circus, I get to welcome audiences into an incredible world where they see the possibility of human achievement.

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Featured Real Estate

Dottie Herman Q&A

DOTTIE HERMAN Dottie Herman began her real estate career in 1978, working as a broker for Merrill Lynch. When the real estate division was sold to Prudential, she became one of their leading brokers. In 1990, she borrowed $7 million from Prudential to purchase Prudential Long Island Realty. Despite the voices that told her she would not succeed, she turned the company into one of the most powerful brokerage firms on Long Island and in the Hamptons. In 2003, she and her partner, Howard Lorber, purchased Douglas Elliman, which has become the largest residential real estate brokerage in New York, and the third largest firm in the United States. This year, Herman will launch a new business venture that will focus on entrepreneurship for women, and a podcast aimed at women who are over 50. In addition, she is currently writing a book, and plans to expand into coaching, speaking engagements, and television. 

Downtown: Name three women that inspire you, and why:
 
Dottie Herman: I am inspired by Ruth Bader Ginsberg because of what she achieved on behalf of women and how she navigated a very biased field with grace, determination, and intelligence; Estee Lauder, because she started from nothing out of her kitchen and as a result of intense drive and ambition, made her dream into an incredible success, and welcomed everyone around her into her family; Lady Gaga because she followed her dream despite tremendous discouragement; she is incredibly talented and extremely brave.
 
DT: What has been the secret of your success?
 
DH: My success comes from having a vision, being persistent, working hard, and always possessing passion. I never let my success go to my head. I follow my heart. I follow my heart. I believe in helping other people and recognize the importance of being an effective leader, communicating my vision to the people around me and helping them be successful too.
 
DT: If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman looking for success, what would it be?
 
DH: You have to learn how to navigate the highs and lows, face inevitable challenges and ride the ups and the downs.  I learned early on that when there’s an obstacle in your path, you can’t let it stop you. Instead, you must figure a way around it. Take a breath, step back and stay committed to your vision.
 
DT: In the fight for women’s equality, what area do you think needs the most attention?
 
DH: Pay Equality. There is still a gender gap in pay. Women make approximately make 89 percent of what a man holding the same position earns.
 
DT: What are you most proud of in your career?
 
DH: I’m so proud of the fact that my partner and I built and raised the single largest independently owned company in the United States. I’m proud that I did something that I loved and did it well and helped many others along the way. 
 
DT: Where do you get your confidence?
 
DH: I’ve always possessed a lot of inner strength. I make sure that I associate with people who are positive.
 
DT: What makes a woman beautiful?
 
DH: Poise. Intelligence. A great smile.  Positive Energy.
 
DT: What gives you joy?
 
DH: My family gives me joy. Great friends. Lively debates. I’m an entrepreneur and I love that. I really enjoy building a company from nothing. And I love the serene and calming beauty of the ocean. I also love music.

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Chefs Culture

Lidia Bastianich Q&A

LIDIA BASTIANICH Emmy award-winning public television host, seven-time James Beard award winner, best -selling cookbook author, restaurateur, and owner of a flourishing food and entertainment business. Lidia has married her two passions in life—her family and food, to create multiple culinary endeavors with her children, Joseph and Tanya. Owner of Felidia, Becco, Esca, and Del Posto. Along with daughter Tanyam she owns Lidia’s Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Partner in Eataly NYC, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Sao Paolo, Brazil. Member of Les Dames D’Escoffier and founding member of Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, two non-profit organizations of women leaders in the food and hospitality industries, and champion for the United Nations Association of the United States’ Adopt-A-Future program, in support of refugee education. 

Downtown: Name three women that inspire you, and why.

Lidia Bastianich: I am inspired by Eleanor Roosevelt. I recall being a twelve-year old immigrant and learning about her in American history. This First Lady was already standing up for Women’s Rights and the rights of African Americans and she left quite an impression on me; Julia Child was a beacon of confidence and direction, especially when I was a young female chef in 1971 and opening up my first restaurant in an industry that did not easily embrace women.  Her straightforward way of cooking and teaching America how to cook was an inspiration and confirmed that there was a place for women in the culinary industry. She visited me a decade later when we opened Felidia in Manhattan, and we remained friends until she passed away; I love classical music and am friends with great conductors such as Maestro Valery Gergiev. I was especially thrilled to see Marin Alsop, former conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and current music director, join the ranks of such esteemed talent.

DT: What has been the secret of your success?

LB: I believe my success comes from the fact that I have always been passionate about food. I love what I do, and my work gives me a great amount of pleasure and rewards.  I am always learning and discovering new things and am grateful to all the mentors along the way. My success is also based on the happiness that I feel when I can also give back and mentor young talented chefs coming into the industry.

DT: If you were going to pass on one piece of advice to a young woman looking for success, what would it be?

LB: To young women just starting out I say, gender is not what defines you in our industry; it is the belief that you have in yourself.  Invest time in yourself and you will become better at your profession. Show passion and dedication and always be ready to learn.

DT: In the fight for women’s equality, what area do you think needs the most attention?

LB: The banks and financial institutions need to give more attention to women and their fight for equality.  For women to grow and become owners in their industries, they need encouraging financial institutions to back them.

DT: What are you most proud of in your career?

LB: I am very proud of the support that I receive from my family and the fact that my children, Tanya and Joseph, are carrying on the businesses which are continuing to grow.

DT: Where do you get your confidence?

LB: I think confidence comes from within and from the people that surround you. So, believe in yourself and listen to others.

DT: What makes a woman beautiful?

LB: A woman is beautiful when she is confident, content and willing to share with others.

DT: What gives you joy?

LB: What gives me the most joy is to cook and nurture people and see them enjoy my work.