Women of Influence: The Event, Hosted by UJA Federation of New York at the Essex House - May 7, 2013

The UJA-Federation of New York's Women in Philanthropy group hosted a Women of Influence Event this past Tuesday (May 7, 2013) at the iconic JW Marriot Essex House in Central Park, New York City.  This year's event honored and brought together four notable women at the forefront of beauty, fashion, and digital media.  They included high fashion blogger Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, Bonnie Fuller - founder of Hollywood Life , American womenswear designer Charlotte Ronson, and CEO of Ahava North America Elana Drell-Szyfer.  

The Women of Influence event was an inspiring night of great food, cocktails, and conversation.  Guests mingled and sipped on delicious springtime cocktails, accompanied by a selection of international cuisine.  Afterwards, Donny Deutsch moderated a lively discussion about the challenges women face in business - a topic that's very much in the national debate from Sheryl Sandberg's Book Lean In.  Honorees shared personal experiences of how they balance work and family life to some of the best advice they've gotten over the years.  According to Leandra Medine's- it's not how much knowledge you have that's most important, but it's the people that you surround yourself with in life. 

Honoree Designer Charlotte Ronson  and her mother, jewelry designer Ann Dexter-Jones during Cocktail Hour

Leandra Medine of Man Repeller went with rainbow chokers and a dragon inspired blazer, with sleeves rolled up for her metal snake spiral bracelet 

Springtime cocktails of this event - includes Peach Bellini and Watermelon Daiquiri, all so refreshing!

Bianna Golodrya (left) of Good Morning America poses before she emceed the panel discussion 

Elana Drell-Szyfer, CEO of Ahava North America poses with her family 

Designer Yigal Azrouel (far right) relaxes to a glass of red wine during cocktail hour

Bonnie Fuller, founder of Hollywood Life came in a beautiful wrap dress of abstract paint prints.

The Peking Duck station in the reception room of the Essex House

This event attracted many young professionals in digital media.

Jennifer Gross (far left), Chair of the Women's Executive circle poses with guests of the event

A colorful selection of Sushi

Fish and Vegetarian Ceviche

Guests getting seated for a panel discussion featuring the four honorees and Donny Deutsch

Panel discussion with Donny Deutsch, from left to right - Elana Drell-Szyfer, Bonnie Fuller, Leandra Medine, Charlotte Ronson