TO THE HONORABLE KAREN UPLINGER AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING THIS THURSDAY APRIL 11TH

Karen DeCrow, an ardent feminist, fought for women’s full and equal participation in the world outside the home – from the courtroom to the boardroom to the halls of political influence.  She actively sought a world where “the gender of a baby [would have] little or no relevance to future pursuits or pleasures – personal, political, economic, social and professional.”  She was an activist, lawyer, mentor, international lecturer and author.  Karen was the founding member of the upstate chapter of the National Organization for Women and served as the organization’s fourth national president.  She was a founding member of the Central New York Women’s Bar Association and remained an active member throughout her life.  Her influence extended beyond feminism alone to challenging gender role stereotypes, solidifying men’s parental rights and promoting social equality for all races, creeds, ethnicities and sexual orientations.  Karen believed civil rights were human rights that should be extended to all, and she devoted her life to fighting for them through legal process, political activism, education and debate.   

The CNYWBA is pleased to present the third annual Karen DeCrow Award to the Honorable Karen Uplinger.  During her career, Judge Uplinger worked tirelessly to advance the principles that Karen promoted throughout her life.