Camille Failla Murphy, the founder and 30-year director of Westchester County's Office for Women, was recognized Friday, March 25, with a special honor -- a place in the Women's Hall of Fame that she herself founded many years ago.
Hundreds gathered for the 27th Annual Women's Hall of Fame and Scholarship Awards luncheon marking Women's History Month to recognize Murphy and award scholarships to 65 deserving students. County Executive Robert P. Astorino presented Murphy with a service medal and commended her for working tirelessly for the women of Westchester County.
Murphy, who retired in August after 30 years as director, is being recognized as a national leader in the movement to improve the status of women. When founded in 1980, Westchester’s Office for Women was New York State’s first county government agency dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of women and families. As director, Murphy led the effort to promote education and research, influence public policy, and create coalitions and programs to address a variety of issues. She has implemented county programs and policies to increase child care and educational opportunities, promote pay equity, and end domestic violence, gender discrimination and sexual harassment.
Sixty-five students accepted $202,500 in college scholarships at the event thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors, private foundations and individuals. This year also marked the debut of the Abigail Kirsch Culinary Caring Award. Murphy also announced new scholarships in her name for survivors of domestic violence to be awarded throughout 2011.
Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Women’s Research and Education Fund (founded by Murphy) which funds programs for women and girls.