Mount Vernon Hero Honored At Star-Studded Women of Valor Tea Gala

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A hometown hero was recognized for her work right here at home and across the region.

Andrea Mangroo, Project Lead at the Walt Disney Company, was honored this month at the annual Women of Valor Tea Awards hosted by St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters. The gala was emceed by Emmy Award-winning journalist Ernie Anastos and the celebration included musical performances by Tony Danza’s Stars of Tomorrow Project as well as a keynote address from FDNY Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanagh.

Women of Valor is an annual celebration recognizing honorees for their professional success as well as their commitment to philanthropy. Each honoree is a distinguished leader in both their industry and community who has teamed up with St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters in the fight against hunger.

This year’s event raised $375,000 to support the organization’s mission of feeding families facing food insecurity in the tri-state area.

Mangroo's tenure with Disney began in 2012. She is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a project, including bridging the gap between strategy and execution, according to the organizers of the event.

"It is a blessing what St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters is able to do for the communities they serve," Mangroo said of the recognition. "I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this work and to help provide hope for those who are struggling with food insecurity."

The 2023 Women of Valor honorees included:

• Sydney Benhar – Account Executive, Benhar Office Interiors
• Carrie Brown – Director of Business Development, AECOM Tishman
• Sarah D’Annibale – Senior Client Services Manager, M Moser Associates
• Zoë Hutzler – Founding Principal, Mantis Direct
• Lisa Knip – Principal and Financial Sector Lead, HLW International LLP
• Andrea Mangroo – CRE, Design and Delivery Project Lead, The Walt Disney Company
• Nekesha Sawh – Senior Portfolio Programs Manager, Hines
• Sandra Yencho – Vice President, East Region, Pacific Program Management

"We are humbled and grateful that each of these women has given so much of her time, energy, and resources to help us in our mission," said Marina Watson, Executive Director of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters. "Families who are struggling will at least not have to worry about where to get their next meal and that is due to the generosity of our honorees, their employers and everyone who has supported them. Thank you to Andrea and all our honorees for making what we do possible."

Women of Valor is one of many events hosted by St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters throughout the year. The funds raised provide food distribution to pantries and food banks who depend on the organization. Other services include lunches for senior citizens, delivery of feminine hygiene products, back to school drives, supply kits for new mothers, and much more to meet the needs of local underserved communities.

About St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters

St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters was established to remedy the physical and emotional hunger of the poor and needy in a dignified and supportive manner. They take a comprehensive approach in providing and supporting services that alleviate not only hunger, but the structural causes of hunger. Their network of charitable programs provides a broad range of services for those in need, including the provision of food, clothing, shelter, and related social services for the poor. Working together with the staff and volunteers at various locations to promote emotional and physical well-being through programs sponsored by banks, hospitals, social service providers, and the corporate community,they raise awareness of the needs within the community and forges new relationships.

To learn more and get involved, visit their website.