president – Downtown Magazine

MAGGIE BOEPPLE A graduate of Brooklyn College, Boepple joined The Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center (PAC@WTC) in 2012 as President/Director, following a distinguished international career in public service, administration, and government relations. Prior to her role at PAC@WTC, Boepple was a senior advisor to the Commissioner of Transport for the London Underground, and held senior positions at the MTA and was the first woman to be appointed Director of Intergovernmental Relations.

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

I’m inspired by Governor Madeleine Kunin, a three-term Governor of Vermont, US Deputy Secretary of Education and the US Ambassador to Switzerland, who is one of the most committed feminists I know.

My mother-in-law, Petie Palmer, still practices the piano every day at 99 and watches Morning Joe and Chris Mathews everyday and devours Presidential biographies.

My 94-year-old Mum still lives in her own home, despite having advanced macular degeneration. Fiercely independent and determined to stay away from assisted living, she gets her news from the radio every day.

2. What has been the secret to your success?

Hard work, humor, and picking jobs and bosses carefully.

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

I have always suggested that a young woman get a job in government in the field that interests her. Then after a few years, because she will have gained responsibility and skills in a work environment that outpaces the private sector, move on, if she wants, with all she has learned from government.

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

Equality in pay.

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

I have learned many things from the different jobs I have held. I was never afraid of changing jobs though I did not hop around. Right now, it’s building the Perelman Performing Arts Center.

6. Where do you get your confidence?

My father, who told me that if I worked hard enough I could do anything!

7. What makes a woman beautiful?

Happiness, warmth, and a good haircut.

8. What gives you joy?

A Friday evening drink with my husband and catching up on the week’s action.

JESSICA LAPPIN President of Alliance for Downtown New York, which manages the country’s largest Business Improvement District. Instituted a solar-powered recycling program, created Lower Manhattan HQ, an innovation hub and collaboration center, and secured $100 million in resiliency funding for Lower Manhattan.

President Jessica Lappin; Brookfiled Place; Jessica Lappin headshot

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

The women who inspire me are: my mom for breaking down doors on Wall Street and starting her own successful business in a field where women were practically nonexistent; RBG because she’s a badass and expanded legal rights for all women; And, my sister-in-law who’s a single mom of three and works her butt off to be an awesome mom.

2. What has been the secret to your success?

Hard work, organization, and preparation; and a loving and supportive family, especially my husband.

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

Don’t let the haters get to you. You’ve got to set your sights on a goal, make a plan, and keep pushing until you get there. Setbacks will happen, that’s part of the process, but you’ve got to keep pushing forward even through tough times.

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

Equal pay for equal work and an Equal Rights Amendment to our constitution.

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

I have been blessed with a career that’s consistently fulfilled my need to give back to this great city, and I’m proud of the work I have done on the ground to improve the lives of every day New Yorkers.

6. Where do you get your confidence?

My parents always told me I could be anything I wanted to be, and I believed them. I try to instill that same confidence in my children.

7. What makes a woman beautiful?

Her soul.

8. What gives you joy?

My children!