Facebook boss honoured for distinctive contribution
RECEIVING JEWISH Care’s Woman of Distinction award from Samantha Cameron at a Central London lunch, Lady Nicola Mendelsohn said it was an exciting time for women. “And it’s a privilege to be part of anything that can make a difference.”
The award is given annually to a woman who has made a significant contribution to industry and society.
Lady Mendelsohn is Facebook’s vice-president for Europe, Middle East and Africa, co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, a director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction, a member of the Mayor of London’s Business Advisory Board and copresident of Norwood alongside her husband.
Paying tribute,
Ms Cameron described her as “a truly amazing, inspirational woman who is still so young, so glamorous and has achieved so much”.
The recipient said her life had been enriched by people who had supported her.
She had learnt that “thank you” was the best thing anyone could say — and she said it a lot.
Earlier this year, Lady Mendelsohn revealed she had been diagnosed with the blood cancer, follicular lymphoma.
She told the 200 lunch guests that “happiness comes when we stop complaining about the troubles we have and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have”.
She also said empowering women “is not just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do.
“One of the initiatives I am most proud to support at Facebook is She Means Business, a partnership that looks to inspire future women business owners. This year, we have committed to training 50,000 women in
the UK.”
The event raised a £75,000 for the charity’s Sidney Corob House, a home for Jewish adults with mental health needs.
Sidney Corob resident Mark shared his story, explaining: “In many ways I had a typical North-West London Jewish life.
“Nothing in those early years of my life would suggest I would be standing here talking to you today.
“That’s the thing about mental health — it can affect any one of us. I suffer and always have from the intermittent depression. I came to Sidney Corob House in March 2017 at the suggestion of my sister who felt I would benefit from being in a supportive care home with a warm Jewish atmosphere.
“It’s difficult to put into words how important the home has been for me.”
Lady Mendelsohn said afterwards it was humbling to be honoured by an organisation “I care deeply about. I have always been supportive of the work of Jewish Care and I am inspired by the care offered at homes like Sidney Corob.”
I am inspired by the care at homes like Sidney Corob’