Lenore Janis, president of Professional Women in Construction (PWC) was honored by the New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce (NYWCC) as one of the 2011 New York Women of Excellence at the organization’s annual awards ceremony and Celebrating All Women Fundraising Breakfast. The event was held on Dec. 16 at Bridgewaters at the South Street Seaport overlooking the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge.

Accepting the award, Janis — one of the twelve original founders of PWC in 1980 — told the audience, “PWC paved the way for the women who weren’t allowed on job sites in the 1970s.” She hailed the construction industry saying, “To me, topping off a building beats any opening night on Broadway.”

Stephanie Burns, director of community affairs of Turner Construction Co., applauded Janis for her role as “a leading advocate for women and minorities in construction.”

NYWCC President Quenia Abreu called the honorees “outstanding women” and said that New York’s workforce of women is “the economic engine that drives the city.”

Suzie David, NYWCC chair and president of Asian & Hispanic Trading & Consulting, praised the “extraordinary women” being recognized for their “dedication, commitment, leadership and advocacy.”

Proceeds raised at the NYWCC event benefit the New York Fund which will provide opportunities for women and minority-owned business enterprises (W/MBEs) to gain access to capital.

For more information, call 212/486-7745 or visit www.pwcusa.org.

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