Roosevelt Islander Jim Luce cashed in his savings from a Wall Street career and launched the J. Luce Foundation. Now, after 24 years of astonishing growth, the group announced its first award for its annual ceremony set for November 7th. Diversity is the name of the game, here.
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, renowned for its dedication to empowering and acknowledging young global leaders, is delighted to announce a historic milestone in the Foundation’s distinguished history.
J. Luce Foundation Award Goes to Sydney Ireland
The “24 Under 24 Award” and the “Global Leader Award” will be bestowed upon an exceptional daughter-father duo, Ms. Sydney Ireland and her father, Gary Ireland. This recognition is in honor of their tireless and transformative efforts in advocating for gender inclusivity within the Boy Scouts of America.
For more than a decade, Ms. Sydney Ireland passionately championed her cause, echoing the simple request, “Let me in,” to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award.
Her steadfast determination led to a pivotal moment where the Boy Scouts of America not only granted entry to girls and young women but also rebranded their flagship program as “Scouts BSA” to reflect a more inclusive stance on gender.
Ms. Sydney Ireland and Gary Ireland, staunch advocates for gender equality and inclusivity, spearheaded the movement that allowed girls to join the Boy Scouts.
Their unwavering passion, dedication, and their challenge to traditional gender norms in the previously male-dominated Scouts BSA have been nothing short of remarkable.
The Boy Scouts of America, a renowned training ground for youth leadership, which counts former President Gerald Ford, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and now, Sydney Ireland among its alumni, was forever transformed by the Ireland family’s pioneering efforts.
Their impact resonated globally, inspiring over 400,000 young girls in the United States to follow their passions and join a movement that was once exclusively for boys. It also generated an estimated $40 million for the scouting organization.
In recognizing Ms. Sydney Ireland with the 24 Under 24 Award, the J. Luce Foundation acknowledges her exceptional leadership, vision, and her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world.
The acknowledgment of her father, Gary Ireland, with the Global Leader Award, celebrates his significant contributions to fostering a better, more inclusive world.
Together, the profound influence of this father-daughter team, as they challenged conventions and championed inclusion, has left an indelible mark on the world of scouting and beyond, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equality for all young people.
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation’s awards ceremony, set to take place on November 7, 2023, will also introduce “Complete Playground,” an innovative and inclusive family center and sensory gym.
Biographies
About Ms. Sydney Ireland:
At the age of 10, Sydney Ireland initiated a petition to the Boy Scouts of America, simply asking to be granted the opportunity to earn the Eagle Scout Award.
Little did she know that this request would lead to a decade-long journey that not only launched a successful global initiative but also transformed the Boy Scouts of America, allowing girls and young women to join in 2019.
Additionally, her actions led to the organization’s premier program being renamed Scouts BSA.
Today, Ms. Ireland’s legacy is visible in the more than 400,000 girls and young women participating in Scouts BSA, contributing an estimated additional revenue of $40 million in a single year.
Her relentless pursuit of gender equality in the premier youth leadership program is in development as a major theatrical motion picture by acclaimed filmmaker John A. Corso.
About Gary Ireland, Esq.:
Gary Ireland is an accomplished attorney, advocate, and educator who supports executives in transition, as well as start-ups and emerging businesses.
He brings a wealth of experience to this role, having worked with a variety of clients across different industries. Gary has been recognized for his legal advocacy by organizations such as the National Organization for Women, the Congresswoman Bella Abzug Leadership Institute, and the NAACP.
He is currently on the board of directors of the Bella Abzug Leadership Institute and teaches advocacy at the summer intensive program.
Gary is known for partnering with local and national organizations to effectuate positive change, advocating for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental activism, and all human rights.
About The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation: The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation is dedicated to supporting young leaders and their efforts to make a positive impact on society. The Foundation’s programs, awards, and initiatives celebrate and empower the next generation of global leaders who are committed to creating a better world.
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