Transcript:
Leslie Gordon, President & CEO, Food Bank For NYC:
I consider mom a mentor, a role model. She’s always been my why.
Myra Gordon, Former Executive Director, Hunts Point Produce Market:
I was the executive director of the Hunts Point Produce Market for thirty-five years. I was the only female working there.
Leslie:
She did pave the way for women. Mom was in a sea of hundreds, if not thousands, of men in a very industrial environment.
Myra:
I did what I had to do, and I showed respect. But they also respected me for what I was doing.
Leslie:
So often women are quick to apologize for who they are. Mom was never that. You learn by example. I do believe that I was born to lead people. One of the things I took away from mom is that people matter.
Myra:
My father grew up extraordinarily poor. Everything we ate pretty much was from the garden. If he found out there were people in need, they always got something from our garden.
Leslie:
That’s what I inherited, and that’s what I carry with me as a legacy today. Food banking is a really good fit for me. There is a genuine warmth to making people’s lives better.
A lot of the women that stand on our lines are some of the most resilient people I’ve ever met. It’s an incredible emotional burden just to make sure that you’re able to feed your families. Women are able to balance a lot—all at one time.
There is no role under this roof here at Food Bank For New York City that women can’t hold. I’m really keen on welcoming women into rooms and making sure they have a seat at the table.
Myra:
I am extremely proud of Leslie. Extremely. Leslie is very caring. She’s very compassionate.
Leslie:
Love and generosity—that’s what continues to fuel my hope day after day.
