In recognition of International Women’s Day, 12 women from across the globe were recognized by The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York.

NEW YORK, March 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — The Society Of Foreign Consuls in New York held its annual Women’s Award Ceremony March 18th, 2016 at the Bohemian National Hall in New York.

In recognition of International Women’s Day, 12 women from all over the world were honored for their outstanding professional achievements and contribution to community empowerment in New York and America.

“As the President of SOFC, I wish to start by appreciating all the Consulates General for participating in the past and present award ceremonies organized by our society. I want to congratulate the 12 women awarded today for their amazing achievements. These accomplished women are wonderful role models, with their outstanding professional achievements they contribute significantly to the America’s society, and they give back to their own communities with their leadership, mentoring, charity work and professionally linking their countries with the USA,” said Hon. Jana Trnovcova, Consul General of Slovakia. She is herself very active in the field of empowering women, networking women professionals and women leaders. Slovakia was the hosting country last year.

On this occasion SOFC has received a letter from the Mayor of New York City. “New York is committed to advancing the critical conversations that will keep us moving forward in our march towards a more equitable tomorrow where every girl and woman feels safe and is treated fairly. In this spirit, Chirlane and I are happy to join with the SOFC in honoring talented women from around the globe who are giving back to their communities and inspiring their sisters to pursue their dreams and find their own success. We applaud the Society and our city’s consular community for spreading a message of empowerment to women everywhere and for working towards a stronger, more inclusive tomorrow,” wrote Mayor Bill de Blasio.

Initiated in 2011 by Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Yesbulatova, the reception in celebration of Women’s Day was so successful that it was established as an annual celebration. Since than every year the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan graciously carries the flag of organizers.

Participating countries this year included Algeria, Barbados, Hungary, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Poland, Philippines,Russia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Turkey. All participating countries contributed to the reception with their national specialties.

PR for this event was managed by 2014 awardee Katarina Novakova, Director of Relations at Blue Horizon International in New York. Doreen Santora, Chief Operating Officer of BHI said: “Katarina Novakova received this award and we think an investment in women is an investment in our future. We commend all of the honorees,” she added. Blue Horizon International was one of the event’s partners in 2015 and this year.

Blue Horizon International is a healthcare consulting company with a unique mission that combines treatment, research and philanthropic efforts. Across the globe quality care and services for medical treatments are provided along with resources needed to assist children and adults who are medically underserved. For more information, please visit Blue Horizon International at www.bluehorizoninternational.com.

The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York, Inc.
Since its founding in 1925, SOFC in New York. is a prestigious organisation uniting foreign consulates in the world’s largest diplomatic community of New York. Among other goals, the Society strives to promote relations between the Consular Corps and New York and the United States of America. The Society arranges useful forums, organising professional, social, cultural and charitable events. The Society has regularly held fund-raising events and have a long and proud philanthropic record.