During the early 70's, I was president of Lecture Consultants of Long Island, a speakers bureau where I booked speakers and produced special events. In 1974, I met Helen Warren, Administrative Officer at Polytechnic Institute on Rte.110 and we decided on a joint venture between Polytechnic and Lecture Consultants. The theme was "Living and Working on Long Island."
A few months later, Helen called with a problem: communications and the attitude of the mostly male faculty towards young women engineering students. Helen asked if we could present some workshops and seminars addressing these issues.
The package we put together included a light supper and speakers on these topics and it was opened to the public as well. The project was so successful we realized we were filling a void on Long Island. Although programs were designed for both men and women, as more women attended, fewer men came.
Knowing we were on to something special, we organized a small group of business women - the 110 Center for Business and Professional Women. I was the first president. That year we all agreed that the 110 Center should hold a special event to honor outstanding local business and professional women. The first Salute to Long Island Women Achievers took place on Wednesday, October 26, 1977.
Two years later Helen Warren became president, providing the necessary leadership, knowledge and motivation as the 110 Center continued to grow. And today, the LI Center continues its tradition: "To honor women who are outstanding achievers in business and a variety of professions."