Beverly Cooper Neufeld

A stalwart advocate and optimist, Beverly Neufeld's (she/her) lifework has been dedicated to expanding opportunities for women and girls. Frustrated by the slow progress, she launched PowHer^TM New York: a community working across sectors and issues to energize a movement and accelerate economic equality for women. PowHer^TM New York (PowHerNY), now over 100 organizations plus dedicated individuals, is a unique model of collaboration and diversity pushing a multi-issue, progressive agenda. It is one of the innovative projects she designed as president of BCN Consulting Group LLC which helps nonprofits create change through advocacy, programming, and organizational development.

PowHerNY, a non-partisan nonprofit entity, has been a driving force behind New York’s pro-women policy reform on key issues including equal pay, paid family leave, and sexual harassment. Neufeld leads the decade-long Equal Pay Campaign which is influencing business policies and legislative successes like the Equal Pay Act, Women’s Equality Act, the NYC and NYS Salary History Ban Law which is changing hiring practices across the country. Most recently, the campaign achieved passage of the NYC Salary Range Disclosure Act which went into effect on November 1, 2022. A similar state bill is awaiting the signature of Governor Kathy Hochul. PowHerNY’s target is full opportunity and wage equity in New York. PowHerNY is part of the Equal Pay Today!, National Paycheck Fairness Coalition and the United Nations/ILO Equal Pay Initiative Coalition.

A strong proponent of working across sectors, Neufeld is a member of the NYS Council on Women and Girls and NYC Commission on Gender Equity. Her recent honors include the UN Women Champion of Change and City & State Gender Parity Awards. Previously, as Executive Director of The White House Project, she oversaw research on women’s political leadership, and helped develop SheSource and Vote, Run, Lead. As President of the New York Women’s Agenda, Neufeld invigorated the 20-year old institution with innovative programming and advocacy. Working for Congresswoman Nita Lowey influenced her passionate commitment to women’s inclusion at all tables. Her board service includes 2020 Women on Boards, Free the Children, Sing for Hope, Women’s Campaign Forum, and Westchester Children’s Association.