2014 Honoree

Christie Brinkley

Philanthropist, actor, model

“…our society seems to devour a steady diet of tabloid reporting, and the objectification of women seems to be the main course (and dessert).”

Who inspires you the most?

Mothers and Teachers because what they do out of love shapes our future… Children who go out into the world with love, respect, gratitude, compassion and kindness make our world a better more beautiful place. These are the special ingredients that guarantee success in anything you do in life.

What do you now know about yourself that you wish you knew ten/fifteen/twenty years ago?

To be choosier. I’m not the best “picker.” Hey, 2 out of 4 ain’t bad, right?

Fill in the blank: You can never have enough _______.

LAUGHTER!

What City best describes your personality?

Capri because despite being ancient it’s still kicking!

What gets you through even the toughest days and what are you most grateful for?

Appreciating life’s ironies and not taking myself too seriously. And I’m grateful for my friends who remind me of that.  

What socio-political women’s issue do you care about the most?

Violence against women and the suppresion of womens basic fundamental rights. Brave young girls like Malala, and all the young girls stolen by terrorists determined to keep women suppressed by denying them an education. The world needs to respond to this. But also here at home, we have a culture of domestic violence and abuse, that includes the verbal abuse so prevalent on social media and privately in homes, that can make a woman feel worthless, depressed, lost and alone, and a family court and divorce court system that desperately needs reform to take into account the abuses inflicted when determining custody.

Do you feel that women are typically presented fairly in the media?

Culturally we have room for improvement… our society seems to devour a steady diet of tabloid reporting and the objectification of women seems to be the main course (and dessert).

Despite separation between Church & State, religion still seems to govern decisions regarding women – abortions, birth control, etc. How do we shift power over women’s bodies to women?

Women must Vote, and now with men evolving I think they will start voting for women’s rights too.

What is your best read? Favorite character you would most like to be?

Charlotte in Charlotte’s Web, and Nancy Drew.

What will it take for women to be viewed as equal to men?

Fairness for one and all.

What was your best decision to date? Worst decision?

Following my heart and following my heart.

Social media has exploded. How can women use it to market themselves without seeming narcissistic?

I hope that’s what I am doing on my Instagram site @christiebrinkley.

Write a fortune you’d like for all women to receive in a fortune cookie.

“I see Christie Brinkley Authentic Skincare in your perfect future.”

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be?

To be a Pediatrician who could make the sick children of the world all better.