Background
The Women of Concern Awards Luncheon is a celebration of the accomplishments of women and girls around the world. Every year, Concern is proud to recognize the achievements of exceptional women who are using their platform to amplify the voices of women and girls worldwide.
We are privileged to honor Joanna Geraghty, Chief Executive Officer of JetBlue, as we urge our supporters to envision a world where gender equality is not just a dream but a tangible reality. A world where glass ceilings simply don't exist, pay parity is reached, and a household is supported not by one head or even two, but by a whole village.
We hope you will join us for the Women of Concern Awards Luncheon that has for 25 years propelled us towards an equitable future while paying tribute to those who embody justice, generosity, and compassion in their work and daily lives.
All proceeds support Concern Worldwide’s Women & Girls Fund, an always-on approach to collecting and deploying funds that reach women and girls who are disproportionately impacted by conflict, climate shocks, extreme hunger, and economic instability within the communities we partner with across 26 countries.
Honoree: Joanna Geraghty
Joanna Geraghty is chief executive officer of JetBlue Airways Corp., which encompasses JetBlue – New York’s Hometown Airline® – as well as subsidiaries JetBlue Ventures and JetBlue Travel Products. Her focus is on delivering a leading and safe customer service experience, and enhancing operational, commercial, and financial performance while nurturing JetBlue’s unique culture and standing as one of the best places to work.
Prior to becoming CEO of the company in February 2024, she served as president & chief operating officer since 2018. Earlier in her tenure she served as JetBlue’s executive vice president, customer experience, responsible for airports, customer support, and inflight service. She also served as executive vice president, chief people officer from 2010-2014, after being vice president, associate general counsel and director, litigation and regulatory affairs. Joanna has been with JetBlue since 2005.
Joanna serves on the board of directors of the JetBlue Foundation, Airlines for America (A4A), L3Harris Technologies, and is chairperson of the board of Concern Worldwide, an international not for profit. Before joining JetBlue, she was a partner at the law firm Holland & Knight.
She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, her master’s in international relations from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and her J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law.
Co-Chair: Gemma Toner
Gemma Toner is a media and telecommunications leader known for driving innovation.
In 2017, Gemma created TONE Networks, a SAAS microlearning platform designed for early to mid-career women to stay and advance in the workplace. She is dedicated to advocating for women in the workplace, participating in professional organizations, as well as a Wonder Woman and Tami award recipient. She’s been a board member of publicly traded companies including Sandvine and Engagement Labs, chairperson for CTAM and board member of multiple women’s organizations.
Prior to founding TONE, Gemma held executive positions in media and technology, for AMC and Cablevision Media, running the fastest ISP in the country. Additionally she has been granted patents for data analytics. Gemma began her career as an Auditor at Ernst and Whinney before moving to Rainbow Advertising Sales Company as an Account Executive.
A graduate of Villanova University, Gemma proudly serves the global humanitarian organization, Concern Worldwide. Gemma lives on Long Island with her husband and two children.
Co-Chair: Jumana Culligan
Jumana Culligan is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, community leader, and mother of two, who has been an active and deeply committed supporter to Concern Worldwide U.S. since 2005.
For the last ten years, she has been the founder-owner of Paper, Ribbon, and Wrap, a boutique design company and retail store.
Jumana builds on a 16-year career in marketing, client relations, and project management, which included tenure at AT&T Wireless Services, Bank of New York, and Dublin-based tech firm, Nua Inc. She is a graduate of the College of New Jersey, where she studied Finance, International Business, and French.
She has lived in New York City, Dublin and Amsterdam, and currently makes her home in her native New Jersey, in the town of Short Hills, with her husband Brendan and children Liam and Ella.
Her volunteer and community leadership experience includes Brides Against Breast Cancer, Christ Church Nursery, The Calhoun School, and Glenwood School, as well as a founding board member of Explore Millburn-Short Hills, the Special Improvement District (SID) for the Township of Millburn.
From a family of three children of a Syrian refugee father and Palestinian mother, her bond with Concern is deeply rooted, and strengthened by a firm dedication to helping the world’s poorest, a strong connection to Ireland, and firsthand experience.
Host & Auctioneer: Sophie Colgan
Sophie is originally from Ireland and has been working with nonprofits and charities in New York for 8 years. She is a Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer, and has already fundraised over half a million dollars for non profits on stage in 2024. Sophie ran the NYC Marathon in 2018 for Concern and is passionate about supporting the work Concern does. She is known for her infectious energy and trademark Irish charm.
Moderator: Emma Hinchliffe
Emma Hinchliffe is a senior writer at Fortune, where she covers women in business and gender issues across business, politics, and culture. Emma is the author of The Broadsheet, Fortune’s daily newsletter for and about the world’s most powerful women and a co-chair of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Summit, where she conducts live interviews with leading newsmakers. Her work includes cover stories and profiles of Canva founder Melanie Perkins, Spanx founder Sara Blakely, and Kim Kardashian. Emma is a graduate of Georgetown University.
