Founded in 1992 by Elinor Guggenheimer, NYWA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of women and children of New York.
Through NYWA, these groups unite to work on issues of common interest and to advocate for public policy.
NYWA is involved in various activities which focus on a broad range of public policy issues that affect the quality of life of women and their families.
These are grouped into three main areas, or "agendas" that are the focus of NYWA's work each year.
In 2008, the Star Breakfast presented the inaugural Elinor Guggenheimer Lifetime Achievement Award to Barbara Walters.