NYC Commission on Women's Issues, Chair Anne Sutherland Fuchs
as told by Butterfly Co-Founder Bradi Nathan
Anne Sutherland Fuchs, proud mother of two boys, has done more than scratch the surface. She has put a jackhammer to it. Anne is the Chair of the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues, serving as a liaison between Mayor Bloomberg and the female community.
I know Anne personally as the former Group Publisher at Hearst Publications. I know Anne as a remarkable woman who took a chance on hiring me, a 25-year old with the relentless determination to become the Beauty Manager for Town & Country magazine. Twelve years later, Anne revealed she hired and mentored me because, “I believed that I could do anything.” In my eyes, it is Anne who believes that she can do anything. I feel very proud and moved to honor Anne Sutherland Fuchs this March in recognition of Women’s History Month. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Anne shares her journey and her accomplishments in motherhood and mentoring:
BN: What had you achieved in your career prior to having children?
ASF: My business career was mainly in publishing running magazines such as Vogue, Town and Country, Redbook, House Beautiful, Woman’s Day, Healthy Living and others. I launched 3 magazines including O, the Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire and Elle.
BN: How, if at all, did your work routine shift after you had kids?
ASF: When the Fuchs boys were younger, I was out, from the crack of dawn to multiple events each evening. Giving many, long smothering kisses – on my way--- out the door. Running home to help with homework, to attend school meetings, sports events – on my way out the door.
When I became a single Mom, I just stopped, - going out the door. – I put my briefcase and my business ambition on a shelf– momentarily – where I can still easily pick it up ----but I am--- at home and definitely not out the door.
BN: Did you wrestle with any emotions in particular in trying to balance the demands of your career and motherhood? Please share.
ASF: Of course. Think we all do. I always wanted children and no matter where I was in my career, I knew one day, I would have them. At the same time, I loved my business and the people that were my colleagues. I enjoyed the challenges of meeting the needs of consumers with a new product every 4 weeks. When I had both the full time career and full time motherhood, it was difficult but at the time, I thrived on trying to do it all.
BN: What have you personally gained from working?
ASF: Self-confidence, knowledge that one can survive independently, that one can – if one works hard enough – can rise to the top if desired.
BN: What is the mission of the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues?
ASF: The Commission’s goal is to brand New York City as THE city of choice for women…. To focus attention on women’s needs so that women in the city can thrive, obtain a good education, be safe, have careers and families and be successful with both. It is a higher quality of life that will attract women to New York City… and keep them here.
BN: How can women contribute to the committees or programs within the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues?
ASF: Best is to look over our website: nyc.gov/women to explore areas of interest. The commissioners are appointed by Mayor Bloomberg but there are programs listed where volunteers are needed. More importantly, through the website, one can connect with other organizations to find one where your passions and interests are and that’s the areas where one should volunteer.
Pro bono work has always given me more long-term satisfaction than any magazine launch and has included many projects.
BN: How do you believe women have become empowered by what the commission has accomplished?
ASF: Depends – we have had various programs – focusing on entrepreneurship, health, children’s education, mentorship.
BN: What type of mentorship, job sharing or flex-friendly program has the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues implemented in NYC?
ASF: NYC Ladders for Leaders is an innovative program that offers high school and college students the opportunity to participate in summer internships with some of the most dynamic corporations and businesses in New York City. Participants receive pre-employment training before starting their seven-week summer internships, and also attend regular workshops throughout the summer that focus on work readiness, college orientation, health, and leadership development. NYC Ladders for Leaders is a partnership between DYCD and the Commission on Women's Issues.
BN: Do you believe that work/life balance is achievable?
ASF: Yes but the description for work/balance is different for each person. Some may do all at once; others may focus on children for a time period then work alternatively. I do not believe there is any formula that can apply to all.
BN: What’s next for Anne Sutherland Fuchs?
ASF: More and more exciting ventures. Many with my children and others in businesses and others with friends, traveling the world. No definite plans except that definitely, it will all happen.
BN: Who has inspired you on your journey as a professional career woman and advocate for women’s issues?
ASF: Have always been involved with women’s issues through my business but also was inspired by my parents both of whom always were involved in giving back.
Having struggled to achieve myself in the beginning of my career, I believe we – should always try to reach out a hand – to pull others up – to lift the veil of the impossible – so they too can achieve their life dreams.
NYC Commission on Women’s Issues
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It has been my personal mission to both service and celebrate moms since becoming a mother myself, eight years ago. Through my mommy and me business, For You Two, I have been able to bring mothers together during a most overwhelming time in their lives. I’ve witnessed perfect strangers emerge into best friends. The testimonials that I have personally received over the years have affirmed my commitment to mothers. Butterfly is a clear extension of For You Two. I recognize that I have only scratched the surface. |
I know Anne personally as the former Group Publisher at Hearst Publications. I know Anne as a remarkable woman who took a chance on hiring me, a 25-year old with the relentless determination to become the Beauty Manager for Town & Country magazine. Twelve years later, Anne revealed she hired and mentored me because, “I believed that I could do anything.” In my eyes, it is Anne who believes that she can do anything. I feel very proud and moved to honor Anne Sutherland Fuchs this March in recognition of Women’s History Month. In an exclusive interview with Butterfly, Anne shares her journey and her accomplishments in motherhood and mentoring:
BN: What had you achieved in your career prior to having children?
ASF: My business career was mainly in publishing running magazines such as Vogue, Town and Country, Redbook, House Beautiful, Woman’s Day, Healthy Living and others. I launched 3 magazines including O, the Oprah Magazine, Marie Claire and Elle.
BN: How, if at all, did your work routine shift after you had kids?
ASF: When the Fuchs boys were younger, I was out, from the crack of dawn to multiple events each evening. Giving many, long smothering kisses – on my way--- out the door. Running home to help with homework, to attend school meetings, sports events – on my way out the door.
When I became a single Mom, I just stopped, - going out the door. – I put my briefcase and my business ambition on a shelf– momentarily – where I can still easily pick it up ----but I am--- at home and definitely not out the door.
BN: Did you wrestle with any emotions in particular in trying to balance the demands of your career and motherhood? Please share.
ASF: Of course. Think we all do. I always wanted children and no matter where I was in my career, I knew one day, I would have them. At the same time, I loved my business and the people that were my colleagues. I enjoyed the challenges of meeting the needs of consumers with a new product every 4 weeks. When I had both the full time career and full time motherhood, it was difficult but at the time, I thrived on trying to do it all.
BN: What have you personally gained from working?
ASF: Self-confidence, knowledge that one can survive independently, that one can – if one works hard enough – can rise to the top if desired.
BN: What is the mission of the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues?
ASF: The Commission’s goal is to brand New York City as THE city of choice for women…. To focus attention on women’s needs so that women in the city can thrive, obtain a good education, be safe, have careers and families and be successful with both. It is a higher quality of life that will attract women to New York City… and keep them here.
BN: How can women contribute to the committees or programs within the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues?
ASF: Best is to look over our website: nyc.gov/women to explore areas of interest. The commissioners are appointed by Mayor Bloomberg but there are programs listed where volunteers are needed. More importantly, through the website, one can connect with other organizations to find one where your passions and interests are and that’s the areas where one should volunteer.
Pro bono work has always given me more long-term satisfaction than any magazine launch and has included many projects.
BN: How do you believe women have become empowered by what the commission has accomplished?
ASF: Depends – we have had various programs – focusing on entrepreneurship, health, children’s education, mentorship.
BN: What type of mentorship, job sharing or flex-friendly program has the NYC Commission on Women’s Issues implemented in NYC?
ASF: NYC Ladders for Leaders is an innovative program that offers high school and college students the opportunity to participate in summer internships with some of the most dynamic corporations and businesses in New York City. Participants receive pre-employment training before starting their seven-week summer internships, and also attend regular workshops throughout the summer that focus on work readiness, college orientation, health, and leadership development. NYC Ladders for Leaders is a partnership between DYCD and the Commission on Women's Issues.
BN: Do you believe that work/life balance is achievable?
ASF: Yes but the description for work/balance is different for each person. Some may do all at once; others may focus on children for a time period then work alternatively. I do not believe there is any formula that can apply to all.
BN: What’s next for Anne Sutherland Fuchs?
ASF: More and more exciting ventures. Many with my children and others in businesses and others with friends, traveling the world. No definite plans except that definitely, it will all happen.
BN: Who has inspired you on your journey as a professional career woman and advocate for women’s issues?
ASF: Have always been involved with women’s issues through my business but also was inspired by my parents both of whom always were involved in giving back.
Having struggled to achieve myself in the beginning of my career, I believe we – should always try to reach out a hand – to pull others up – to lift the veil of the impossible – so they too can achieve their life dreams.
NYC Commission on Women’s Issues
Back to Peers
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