Joy Mangano Honored at Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon
HSN star, nationally renowned inventor and entrepreneur, and self-made millionaire Joy Mangano was honored recently by the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women at their 2018 Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon.
The annual networking event draws a diverse mix of educated, civic-minded, and driven professionals—85 percent of attendees are women ranging from young professionals just beginning their careers to CEOs of major companies. The luncheon provides a unique opportunity for women leaders in business, philanthropy, local government, education, and more to connect with each other, share ideas, and discuss the issues they face in their business and personal lives.
“We continue to hear such positive feedback about this year’s hugely successful Waves of Change Luncheon honoring Joy Mangano,” said Ann Madsen, Executive Director The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women, Inc. “The Centre for Women is home to the Tampa Bay Women’s Business Centre. The luncheon supports our efforts to provide counseling and training for female entrepreneurs across Tampa Bay. As one of the world’s leading entrepreneurs, Joy was a perfect choice to be our 2018 honoree. Our audience was inspired by her story and incredible journey to success.”
In receiving this year’s Helen Gordon Davis Women’s Leadership Award, Joy joins an elite group of powerful women leaders, including Gloria Steinem and Sheila Johnson—the two previous recipients of the award—as well as Helen Gordon Davis herself.
A former legislator and lifelong champion for women’s and civil rights, Helen Gordon Davis established The Women’s Survival Center—later renamed in her honor—to help women gain financial independence. Since its inception, the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women has helped more than 80,000 individuals build more successful, fulfilling lives for themselves and their families.
It’s no surprise that Joy was honored with the Women’s Leadership Award. Her rise from a single mother struggling to make ends meet to one of HSN’s top-selling purveyors is a testament to her singular power and vision. Her invention of the Miracle Mop—and its subsequent rise to retail fame—inspired the critically acclaimed film Joy, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, and Bradley Cooper.
Joy Mangano and the Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women both embody what HSN Cares is all about—empowering women to build a better life for themselves and their families. Bravo, Joy!