Four women were recognized in May for their vision, leadership, and contributions as the Women’s Division of Einstein hosted its 71st Spirit of Achievement Luncheon at the Rainbow Room in New York City.
The annual luncheon is the signature fundraising event for this group of female philanthropists who support biomedical research at Einstein. More than 220 guests, including trustees, board members, donors, and distinguished friends of the institution, attended the event.
From left: Einstein Dean Yaron Tomer, M.D.; Linda Altman, Einstein Trustee and Spirit of Achievement honoree; Einstein Board Chair Ruth Gottesman, Ed.D.; Teresa V. Bowman, Ph.D., Einstein professor and Spirit honoree; Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi of Central Synagogue and event speaker; Bobbi Brown, founder of Jones Road Beauty and Spirit honoree; and Lauren Bush Lauren, founder and chief executive officer of FEED Projects and Spirit honoree.
The program featured remarks from Philip O. Ozuah, M.D., Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Montefiore Einstein, and Yaron Tomer, M.D., the Marilyn and Stanley M. Katz Dean at Einstein. Angela Buchdahl, senior rabbi of Central Synagogue, offered words of inspiration to kick off the event.
The 2025 Spirit of Achievement honorees included:
Einstein Trustee Linda Altman, who received the Leadership Award.
Teresa V. Bowman, Ph.D., professor and chair of developmental & molecular biology at Einstein, who was given the Ruth L. Gottesman Award for Scientific Advancement. Dr. Bowman is also a professor of oncology and of medicine and the Renée E. and Robert A. Belfer Chair in Developmental Biology.
Bobbi Brown, makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty, who received the Trailblazer Award.
Lauren Bush Lauren, founder and chief executive officer of FEED Projects, who was given the Visionary Award.
The luncheon raised more than $350,000 to advance Einstein’s scientific research mission, such as the groundbreaking work being done by Dr. Bowman, who is increasing the understanding of how blood stem cells form and function throughout life.
Dr. Bowman is uncovering how genetic changes can lead to blood disorders such as myelodysplastic syndromes. Her lab uses zebrafish, whose transparent embryos allow scientists to watch stem cells develop in real time, alongside studies of human cells. Her research has already revealed new potential treatment strategies, including a weakness in diseased stem cells that could be targeted with existing drugs. Her group’s work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and many foundations, including the American Cancer Society and the Edward P. Evans Foundation.
If you would like to learn more about the Women’s Division, or make a contribution of your own, please contact Suzanne Murphy, Ed.D., vice president of development, at suzanne.murphy@einsteinmed.edu or 917.312.1462.
