In celebration of Women’s History Month, The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce salutes the visionary women who have served as the architects of our community’s resilience and the primary drivers of its cultural and economic soul. Harlem has long been a global stage for female self-determination—from the revolutionary salons of the Renaissance to the modern-day entrepreneurs and activists who continue to lead the way.
This year, we lift-up six extraordinary women who embody the enduring spirit of excellence. We salute the economic legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, the steadfast public service of Inez Dickens, the theatrical brilliance of Vy Higginsen, the glass-ceiling-shattering advocacy of Irene Gandy, the compassionate community nourishment provided by Betty Park, and the global creative force that is Teyana Taylor. Together, these women represent the "brilliance and excellence of Harlem, proving that when Harlem’s women lead, the entire world takes notice. We invite you to join us in this celebration by exploring our Member Driven Events & Activities Calendar and participating in a month of programs dedicated to the past, amplifying the present, and exploring the future of Harlem’s leading ladies.
IRENE GANDY
A trailblazing force in the theater industry for over half a century, Irene Gandy is a multi-Tony Award-winning producer and a legendary publicist who has shattered numerous glass ceilings as the first and only African American female member of the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM). Her commitment to the next generation is cemented through the Drama League Irene Gandy Directing Assistantships, a program renamed in her honor to support early-career directors from historically marginalized communities. As an extension of her leadership within the community, Gandy co-produces and moderates the HARLEM WEEK Spotlight on Broadway, an annual summit that brings together industry leaders to discuss diversity and inclusion in the arts. She is also a recipient of the HARLEM WEEK Vivian Robinson Arts & Culture Award for her tireless work in promoting and upholding the cultural legacy of the community.
VY HIGGINSEN
Born and raised in the heart of Harlem, Vy Higginsen is a stellar American trailblazer who has spent her career shattering glass ceilings and centering Black culture. A true pioneer, she became one of the first women to host a primetime radio show in New York City before forever changing the landscape of American theater. As the co-writer and producer of the legendary Mama, I Want to Sing! —the first and longest-running Black off-Broadway musical—Higginsen pioneered representation for Black women on stage and successfully drew large-scale African American audiences to the theater for the first time. A devoted cultural storyteller and champion for her community, she founded the Mama Foundation for the Arts and the Gospel for Teenschoir, ensuring that the legacy of gospel music and high-quality arts mentorship remains accessible to the next generation of Harlem’s talent.
BETTY PARK
A cornerstone of Harlem’s culinary and philanthropic landscape, Betty Park is the owner and operator of Manna’s Restaurant, Harlem’s original soul food buffet. Of Korean heritage, Park has spent decades seamlessly weaving her entrepreneurial success into the fabric of the neighborhood, proving that the heart of Harlem is defined by shared values and service. Her commitment to the community reached a historic high during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she partnered with the GHCC Harlem Now initiative, joining local chefs and restaurateurs to serve over a million meals to families in need. A steadfast ally to Harlem’s religious and civic leaders, Park has spent several decades preparing Thanksgiving dinners for the underserved and honoring her family’s legacy through a scholarship program dedicated to her late son. Through Manna’s, Betty Parks has created more than a restaurant; she has built a sanctuary of nourishment and opportunity that remains a lifeline for the people of Harlem.
TEYANA TAYLOR
An award-winning actress and multi-hyphenate star, Harlem native Teyana Taylor is a creative force whose artistry carries the neighborhood’s signature confidence, style, and originality. Born and raised with deep Harlem roots, she rose from a teenage choreography prodigy to a powerhouse in music, film, and fashion, consistently paying homage to her upbringing as both her inspiration and identity. Beyond her global "star power"—highlighted by her acclaimed performance in the holiday film A Thousand and One and the classic "Christmas in Harlem"—Taylor remains a fierce champion for her community, notably raising significant funds for Harlem’s Dunlevy Milbank Center. Whether directing through her all-female production company or designing record-breaking sneakers, she proves that Harlem’s unique hustle can command any stage in the world.
INEZ DICKENS
A towering figure in Harlem’s political and economic landscape, Inez Dickens is a lifelong champion of the neighborhood whose legacy is defined by a deep commitment to social justice and community development. Following in the illustrious footsteps of her father, the late Lloyd Dickens—a legendary Harlem real estate pioneer and political leader—she seamlessly blended business acumen with public service to become a formidable advocate for her constituents. Over a storied career spanning the New York City Council, where she served as Majority Whip, and the New York State Assembly, Dickens has been a fierce protector of affordable housing and a catalyst for the economic revitalization of 125th Street. Her "Harlem-first" approach to leadership has ensured that the neighborhood’s historic character remains intact while fostering new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Whether navigating the halls of power in Albany or managing her family’s storied real estate firm, Inez Dickens remains a steadfast guardian of her father’s vision and a primary architect of modern Harlem.
MADAM CJ WALKER
A cornerstone of Harlem’s Golden Age, Madam C.J. Walker moved to the neighborhood in 1916, where she quickly became a founding influencer of economic independence and Black excellence. As America’s first self-made female millionaire, she did not just build a beauty empire; she built a movement for Black women’s empowerment, providing thousands with the tools to achieve financial freedom as "Walker Agents." Her commitment to her community was as legendary as her business acumen; she was a fierce philanthropist and activist who contributed significantly to the NAACP’s anti-lynching movement, the YMCA, and numerous Black colleges. From her elegant Harlem townhouse to her advocacy on the world stage, Walker remained a trailblazer who proved that Black entrepreneurship was a vital tool for social justice and racial harmony.
