The best of the best in association and non-profit talent was honored in late October at an awards breakfast held by the New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE). Among this year’s honorees at the October 29 program held at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in Manhattan was CEW President Carlotta Jacobson, who was awarded The Lifetime Achievement Award for her 40-plus years of empowering and honoring female excellence in the beauty industry.

The “Synergy Awards” are an annual event hosted by NYSAE that recognizes individuals and organizations within the Metro New York area for their outstanding contributions and innovative practices. NYSAE describes the Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree as someone who has made consistent and significant contributions to an organization in their specific field or within their community.

Jacobson was presented her award by CEW Chairwoman and Beekman 1802 CEO, Jill Scalamandre, who acknowledged Jacobson’s grit and compassion and how she has kept true to her mission for more than four decades.

“Over the years I saw firsthand the pressures and expectations that were placed on women and how often their talents and voices were overlooked. It’s hard to believe that an industry that is focused on women needed an organization like ours to ensure women would have the opportunities and recognition they deserve. It is what inspired me to devote my work to advancing women. Seeing women rise, find their voice, and take their place as leaders has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Jacobson said in her acceptance speech.

Among the day’s additional award recipients were association executives recognized for their excellence in programming, education, marketing and communications, DEI, innovation, and leadership.

One of the highlights of the breakfast was its keynote, Christopher Vasami of Vasami Method, who shared his journey and experiences as a former college and professional baseball player, his cancer battle, and his years of coaching to help people work through their obstacles, act, persevere, and win.