A Q&A WITH JEAN SHAFIROFF
First Lady of Philanthropy on Her Fashion
and Philanthropy
Gracing the covers of many magazines both in the United States and then in different countries throughout the world, one would think Jean Shafiroff leads a very easy and glamorous life. But what people do not realize is that Jean Shafiroff is a hard-working philanthropist who has authored a book on philanthropy, hosts a weekly TV show, and serves on multiple charity boards. Often referred to as the First Lady of Philanthropy by international and national press, Jean is a tireless and positive thinking leader who has dedicated her life to her work in philanthropy. She advocates for many causes with a particular focus on underserved populations, women’s rights, animal rights and health care. Jean has been honored by dozens of charities for her generosity, leadership, and fundraising abilities.
NYLM: What encouraged you to become a philanthropist? How did you come to the realization that this was your path?
Jean Shafiroff: At a very young age, I was encouraged to get involved in helping those in need by both my teachers and parents. I attended 12 years of Catholic school on Long Island where the nuns taught us the importance of helping the less fortunate. Both my parents were good role models, too. My father was a schoolteacher, and my mother was a stay-at-home mom. They instilled in me good values. My higher education, travel experiences and then work experience were also key in encouraging me to become a philanthropist.
After high school, I continued my education at Columbia University where I earned a BS in Physical Therapy and then an MBA in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University. My education played a key role in the philanthropic work I do because it taught me valuable skills that I would need to become a leader, organizer and volunteer fundraiser in philanthropy. In between college and graduate school, I worked for one year as a physical therapist at the inner-city hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City. There I worked with patients who lived at or below the poverty level and who also had serious illnesses.
This experience made me see first-hand all the suffering that existed in this world. I then decided to go to graduate school to pursue higher education. After earning my MBA, I worked on Wall Street as an investment banker for a number of years where I learned a great deal about business. Soon, I realized I had to do more with my life to help those who truly suffered. I gradually got involved with different charities by volunteering, donating resources, and serving on the board of directors of a few different charities. Then, I started to volunteer at my daughters’ schools.
Today I serve on seven charity boards, one honorary board and two advisory boards. Some are charities with a regional scope while others are international in their influence. Each year, I chair about eight to nine charity galas. I also host and underwrite many large cocktail parties in my homes and elsewhere for various non-profit organizations. In addition, I host a TV show on philanthropy called “Successful Philanthropy.” Philanthropy is my life’s mission. It is greatly fulfilling. I plan to stay involved with it for the rest of my life.
NYLM: The number of projects you support as a philanthropist is unbelievable. Which ones are a priority for you at the moment?
Jean Shafiroff: I have four areas of focus: women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care and animal rights. Although these are my main interests, I also support LGBTQ rights and the arts. Since fashion is a great interest of mine, my involvement as a long-standing board member of the Couture Council of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology is also something I love to support.
NYLM: You are the author of “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give”. Please tell us what this book is about.
Jean Shafiroff: The main message of my book is that anyone can become a philanthropist. If you do not have large amounts of money to donate, you can become a philanthropist by giving your time and knowledge. Time and knowledge are very valuable resources. However, I do believe that those that have financial resources have an obligation to give financially. Another important message in my book is that giving is greatly rewarding. When we generously give to help others, we achieve great personal satisfaction. Giving is most often far more satisfying than receiving. The purpose of writing my book was to motivate others and then to serve as a guide for philanthropic work.
NYLM: In your TV show “Successful Philanthropy” you interviewed many people, including candidates for the US presidency. Why did you decide to produce and host this TV show?
Jean Shafiroff: On “Successful Philanthropy” I have interviewed many different celebrities, politicians, fashion designers, executive directors of charities and billionaire philanthropists. My TV show gives others a platform to speak about their philanthropic work. The show is designed to motivate others so that they too will want to become involved in the giving process.
NYLM: What is your main dream as a philanthropist?
Jean Shafiroff: I love to inspire others to become interested in the giving process. Especially important to me is encouraging future generations to get involved and excited about philanthropy. It is my dream to see a world where more and more people on all socioeconomic levels realize that they can help change this world for the better. The divide between those that have resources and those that do not is too large. Philanthropy can help to greatly reduce that divide. I dream of a day when poverty and war no longer exist. I also dream of a world where all people have an opportunity to receive a good education and improve the conditions of their lives, and others as well.
NYLM: You have been honored by many charities and in 2022 you were recognized as the “First Lady of Philanthropy of New York” by the New York State Assembly, at what point did you decide to make this your life’s work?
Jean Shafiroff: It all happened gradually. Once my daughters went off to college, I became more and more involved with different charity boards, charity galas and then hosting philanthropic events in my homes and elsewhere. I also started to do a great deal of volunteer fundraising. I love the volunteer work I do and believe it is a great privilege to be able to do it. As I said, it is far more enjoyable to give than to receive. There is a sense of satisfaction, or accomplishment, from a spiritual point of view, when giving. Remember, philanthropy helps to bridge the gap between those who have resources and those who do not. I feel it is my duty and obligation to do this work.
NYLM: You are widely known for your fashion and wonderful sense of style. You have been on many best-dressed lists. Which designers do you especially love to wear?
Jean Shafiroff: For years I have purchased and worn clothing by Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, and Chanel. In addition, I love to support the work of many other great designers who are not as well known. These include Malan Breton, Victor dE Souza, Zang Toi, B Michael, Ese Azenabor, and Ron Dyce. I have a large ballgown collection that I plan to donate to a museum one day.
NYLM: You have over 1.2 million Instagram followers. How do you keep your followers interested?
Jean Shafiroff: My Instagram platform @jeanshafiroff promotes positivity and my love of philanthropy and fashion. In other words, it’s about good works, giving and beauty. People love inspirational and aspirational content.
You can follow Jean Shafiroff on Instagram: @jeanshafiroff & @jeanshafiroffatwork