Photo Flash: United Way of NYC Honors Andrea Jung, Hayley Boesky

Hosted by Tracie Strahan, Emmy Award-winning reporter for NBC 4 New York, this year's event honored Hayley Boesky, Vice Chairman of Global Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Andrea Jung, President and CEO of Grameen America. The event featured an inspirational conversation between Strahan and the honorees on the collective power of women and the challenges and triumphs of their corporate careers. Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City, Monique Nelson, CEO of UniWorld Group, Tory Burch, fashion designer and CEO of Tory Burch LLC, Lori Silverbush, filmmaker and hunger relief advocate, Kathryn Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, and Marianne Collins, Chief Revenue Officer of SourceMedia, were also in attendance.

"I am thrilled to be recognizing two exceptional women today for their accomplishments, exceptional leadership and commitment to community service," said Sheena Wright, President and CEO of United Way of New York City. "These women embody the spirit of philanthropy and the true power of women to make a difference."

"It is an honor to be recognized by United Way of New York City," said Andrea Jung, President and CEO of Grameen America. "We share the passionate conviction that women are the engines of growth in this city. The future of New York depends on them."

"I am honored to be receiving this acknowledgement and proud to represent Bank of America - I am especially humbled to receive this award in the presence of the many inspiring women leaders gathered in this room," saidHayley Boesky, Vice Chairman of Global Markets at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Nearly 600 female leaders in the business, finance and nonprofit sectors came together at Cipriani 42nd Street on Wednesday, March 11, for United Way of New York City's Women's Leadership Council's (WLC) ninth annual Power of Women to Make a Difference award luncheon. The luncheon honored female leaders who have positively impacted their communities and made a difference in the lives of others. The event raised $875,000 to support United Way of New York City's education initiatives, serving thousands of young people across the five boroughs each year.

Luxury Italian fashion house Max Mara, presenting sponsor of the honoree reception, showcased its Spring 2015 collection at the event and dressed both Strahan and Wright for the red carpet. Additionally, banking and financial services company Barclays was the event's signature sponsor, and SourceMedia, parent company to the financial services industry's leading resource American Banker, was the executive media sponsor. Special gifts for the honorees, the WLC's luncheon host committee and the WLC Executive Committee were provided by Swarovski and Max Mara. One special guest chosen at random received a luxurious leather handbag valued at $1,200 courtesy of Max Mara. The Women's Leadership Council is a network of women who are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of New York City's young people. The WLC celebrates the power of women by honoring those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in business and philanthropy. WLC has raised nearly $5 million in support of United Way of New York City's education programming. Photos by Martin Dixon