Madeira Global Co-hosts Launch Of NYC Chapter Of Women's Forum for the Economy and Society

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Madeira Global, a premier New York-based investment and advisory firm servicing qualified investors and institutions in the area of impact investing, co-hosted the inaugural launch of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society's New York City Chapter, in advance of the 10^th Women's Forum Global Meeting in Deauville, France, on October 15-17. 

Founded in 2005, the Women's Forum is one of the world's premier platforms featuring women's views and voices on major social and economic issues, attracting the participation of global female leaders including Christine Lagarde, Aung San Suu Kyi, Melanne Verveer and Salma Hayek Pinault.

The Women's Forum New York City Chapter will be co-chaired by Christina M. Alfonso, CEO of Madeira Global and a Women's Forum Rising Talent 2014, and by Jean-Christian Agid, who has represented the Women's Forum in the United States since 2007.  Alfonso and Agid welcomed more than 200 distinguished guests to a private cocktail reception held on September 11th at the French Institute Alliance Francaise to mark the memorable occasion.  

In her opening remarks, Alfonso noted, "Given the value alignment between our two organizations, I am very proud that Madeira was able to be the Women's Forum NYC Chapter's first sponsor. Madeira's thesis is simple. Through impact investing, we believe that one should not have to forego a financial return in order to achieve a meaningful social or environmental outcome. By the same token, and through the support of the Women's Forum, I believe that professional success and a purposeful life and the desire to share that success and sense of purpose with others should not be mutually exclusive."  

Alfonso addressed the leaders in attendance by further asserting, "Certainly all in this room can appreciate the distinction between mere networking circles and a meaningful support network. I have found that unparalleled value in the Women's Forum."

The event featured a question and answer session moderated by Stephanie Ruhle, Managing Editor and Anchor at Bloomberg Television, with guest speaker Dina Habib Powell, Head of the Urban Investment Group and President of the Goldman Sachs Foundation, Goldman Sachs. 

In the dialog, Powell discussed Goldman Sach's 10,000 Women Program, a global initiative that fosters economic growth by providing women entrepreneurs around the world with a business and management education, mentoring and networking, and access to capital.  Calling women "the smartest investment," she addressed the situation of women in emerging markets.

"Female entrepreneurs are an excellent investment," Powell said.  "Countries that allow women a voice and empower women economically are both stronger from an economic perspective and make better allies."

"We express our thanks to Dina, Stephanie, and all the distinguished women – and men – who joined us to make the launch of the New York City Chapter of the Women's Forum such a success," said Alexandra P. Cart, Madeira cofounder and director of Strategic Development.

About Madeira Global

Madeira Global (www.mgimpact.com) is a premier New York-based investment and advisory firm servicing qualified investors and institutions in the area of Impact Investing. Madeira develops, structures and manages investment strategies and products that complement clients' overall asset allocation by aligning financial returns with sustainable social and environmental solutions.

About the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society

Since 2005, the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society (www.womens-forum.com) has been the world's leading platform featuring women's views and voices on major social and economic issues. Deploying women's experience and expertise across all generations and geographies, it offers practical discussions on how to overcome barriers and create new horizons and opportunities, as well as broad, rich and surprising debate on important ideas. The Women's Forum also promotes the advancement of women around the world through business and social networks.

SOURCE Madeira Global