Written by Lhea Scotto-Laub and Loria Parker
The Fran Slotkin Scholarship Fund
Fran Slotkin, Co-Founder
Fran Slotkin passed away at the age of 83 on January 23, 2010. She was a woman with a mission, blazing the trail for professional women throughout
Long Island. Her two sons, Jay and Roger have graciously partnered with the LIC to establish an annual scholarship in Fran Slotkin’s name.
In the early 1970’s Fran Slotkin rode the winds of change addressing the attitudes toward women in the Long Island workplace. As President of Lecture Consultants of Long Island, a speakers’ bureau, Fran met and partnered with Helen Warren. Helen was an Administrative Officer at Polytechnic Institute on Route 110. The mindset of the mostly male faculty toward young women engineering students prompted them to present workshops and seminars addressing the business challenges faced by young working women. These successful programs gave birth to the 110 Center for Business and Professional Women in 1974. On October 26, 1977 the Center held the first Salute to Long Island Achievers. This event gave rise to the Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women (LIC). The Long Island Center is more than 32 years old and recognized as the premiere not-for-profit, Island-wide networking organization for executive level, professional and entrepreneurial women.
Reflecting on Fran Slotkin’s impact, several past-presidents and board members of the LIC have shared their thoughts: Past-presidents Diane Womack and Mindy Alpert both addressed the magnificent legacy Fran leaves to the Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women. Esther Bogin, past-president said, “Our co-founder made a difference in so many lives; Fran lived a life worth writing about.” Past board member, Mindy Ferrentino Wolfle expressed that Fran was an important role model in her professional life and a gorgeous woman, inside and out. Most poignant were the thoughts of Fran’s two sons, Dr. Jay Slotkin and Roger Slotkin. Jay, speaking for family said, “Fran was a dreamer who really cared about the community and the challenges facing professional women. She participated in many initiatives, but the one that we believe that has made the biggest difference is the Long Island Center.”
Thanks to the vision of Fran Slotkin and Helen Warren, The Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women continues its tradition to honor women annually who are outstanding achievers in business, industry and the professions.
Donations can be sent to:
Fran Slotkin Scholarship Fund
Long Island Center for Business & Professional Women
535 Broadhollow Road, Suite B-33
Melville, NY 11747
