New York City shines bright on IWD

 February 23, 2019

The Durst Organization proudly marked International Women's Day (IWD) for a third year of lighting up New York to celebrate women's achievements and raise awareness about the need for a more gender-balanced world. Managed, operated, and leased by The Durst Organization, One World Trade Center is a center of innovation and creativity, and is the most recognized office address in the world.

The iconic structure has impressive design, construction, sustainability and beauty, and heralds the revitalization of Lower Manhattan. International Women's Day saw the Podium of One World Trade Center awash with IWD's recognizable purple.

One World Trade Center  stands at 1,776 feet (541m) in New York City. The lighting of the spire of the One World Trade Center adorns the skies of New York to mark International Women's Day.

As this massive sky scrapper lights up the night, New Yorkers are reminded of the courage and sacrifice women have made throughout history and the pains and gains from the suffrage movement through to the present.

International Women's Day iconic purple lights up New York

Attending the lighting once again is the leading voice for women in New York's financial community, the Security Traders Association of New York - Women in Finance (STANY WIF).

"STANY WIF is honored that One World Trade Center’s spire and base will be lit purple for International Women’s Day (IWD). The beacon of Purple (IWD's iconic color) raises awareness about the need for greater equality around the world and celebrates women's achievements," said Beth Hamburger, Co-Chair of STANY’s Women in Finance Committee.

“The Purple light will always shine brightly on future generations in their quest for a gender-balanced world. Everyone has to play a part – all the time, everywhere. The world expects balance. We notice its absence and celebrate its presence. Balance drives a better working world. Let’s all create a balance for better,” said Beth Hamburger, Co-Chair of STANY’s Women in Finance Committee.

“We are proud to partner with STANY WIF and are honored to be a part of International Women’s Day,” said Robert Becker, Vice President of The Durst Organization.

Collective action and shared responsibility

STANY WIF Committee member, Johanna Rossi, a Hedge Fund Trader, commented: "Winning women in finance set themselves apart from the pack by their sheer determination to embrace a balance for better, to reach goals, to win and never give up. It symbolizes our essential values of collective action and shared responsibilities, inclusively engaging, always connecting, always listening and building a network of influential promoters. Being a part of the investment community brings great rewards, but none offer more personal enrichment than making a difference in the lives of others."

"Last year, I was absolutely touched by the response of our #PressforProgress movement and the resulting awareness that was generated by our efforts. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook were awash supporting International Women's Day and trending as the top hashtags through the day. It is a great privilege to act upon a responsibility in engaging the men and women of the investment industry and with whom we as professionals deal with on a daily basis in the hope of making a material difference in the lives of others," Johanna adds. "This year's International Women's Day theme Better for Balance encourages everyone to forge a more gender-balanced world. I can't think of a better way than using the New York City Skyline as a lighted billboard," said Johanna.

15 senior women will attend the Durst Organization's lighting of the New York skyline - that will see a surge of impressive social media activity.

“We are proud to partner with STANY WIF and are honored to be a part of International Women’s Day,” said Robert Becker, Vice President of The Durst Organization.

This is the third year that STANY WIF (Johanna Rossi, Beth Hamburger below) have celebrated IWD in New York via this momentous event. 

Durst also honored IWD at NASDAQ MarketSite in Times Square

Durst amplified their commitment on Instagram saying: "In honor of #InternationalWomensDay we’d like to take a moment to appreciate women’s achievements and the need for greater equality around the world. Helena Durst, Principal of Durest Organization, is one of the brilliant women leading the charge for #BalanceforBetter to encourage women to reach goals, to win and never give up."

Important action and a great collaboration from all - thank you Durst Organization and STANYWIF.