Old Westbury resident Esther Fortunoff recently received the Social Justice Leadership Award from the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island. This award honors individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of humankind, recognizing people who have made significant contributions in the areas of peace, justice, human rights or humanitarian causes. Their work reflects the values that ethical humanists cherish, including the fervent desire for peace among nations, the recognition of the dignity and worth of each individual, and the obligation of each of us to work for societal change.
Since 1922, the Fortunoff name has meant integrity and quality in business. Esther Fortunoff, the founders’ granddaughter, continues that legacy in her fine-jewelry store in Westbury. Almost 50 years after the famed retailer first opened its doors to the Westbury flagship store Esther orchestrated its return to Long Island with the September 2014 opening of Fortunoff Fine Jewelry.
The merchandise at the Fortunoff store is more than just fine jewelry. It is also reflective of Esther’s values and ethics. She follows her mother’s advice—“Try to cater to different ethnic groups, ages and income so everyone can find something. Good quality should be more than just your personal taste.” Every piece in the store has meaning—for example, there are designs handcrafted at a worker’s cooperative in Vietnam that offers health benefits and where children are educated.
Esther is an active member of the Ethical Initiatives Committee of the Jewelers of America. This committee concerns itself with such issues as human rights abuses. They work collectively to ensure just and fair business practices at every level of the supply chain.
Esther is an active board member of the Long Island Association, which advocates and promotes the interests of and cooperation between the communities of business, labor, education, technology and not for profit community groups. They seek to create economic opportunities and jobs in a clean, healthy and safe environment.
Esther is the vice president of the board of directors of the Safe Center. The mission of the Safe Center is to protect, assist and empower victims of family violence and sexual assault while challenging and changing social systems that tolerate and perpetuate abuse.
—Submitted by the Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island
