GlamourGals Foundation

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS DEPUTY CHAIR • ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER SINCE 2012

Mary Pennisi

"GlamourGals takes a truly holistic approach, connecting teens with the elderly in senior homes nationwide."
Why Mary serves with GlamourGals

Mary Pennisi (she/her) has been a member of the Advisory Council since 2012, and served as Chairwoman from 2015 to 2023. She joined the Advisory Board after attending the Glammy Awards in 2012 and learning about the enormous impact the organization has on both teens and the elderly directly from the stories of the teens themselves.

Mary is an Associate General Counsel in the legal department of SS&C Technologies, focused on litigation and employment law. After previously representing women at risk on pro bono cases, working at the United Nations on a multi-generational project focused on climate change, and spending a lot of time with her own grandparents throughout her life, Mary understood the significance of GlamourGals' mission to facilitate multi-generational dialogue as a means to empower women of all generations. The compassion, patience, and wisdom the teenage volunteers develop by visiting senior homes on a regular basis provides them with a solid foundation for the rest of their lives, while simultaneously providing companionship and comfort to elderly individuals who are often left forgotten and lonely.

“I joined GlamourGals’ Advisory Council over a decade ago, and am proud to continue to support the organization’s mission, growth, and collaboration with the larger community. GlamourGals takes a truly holistic approach, connecting teens with the elderly in senior homes nationwide, and has recently expanded to further assist the elderly through its My Dear Friend campaign. I am excited for its next chapter, and to continue helping the organization foster a community of service-minded professionals and volunteers.”

3 Questions With Mary

Who is the senior in your own life who shaped you?

"My grandma and grandpa have influenced my life immensely. I’m grateful that they are still with us at 100 and 98. My grandpa is a World War II veteran who served alongside his four brothers. Growing up in Brooklyn together, multigenerational conversations with them helped me develop strong values, resilience, and a love of Italian cuisine, which has always been a way for our family to connect. My grandma also has exceptional taste in fashion and classic style, and taught me the importance of always being authentic.”

What’s your “main character energy” song?

"My MCE song is “East Village” by Elijah Fox. I’ve always had a love for classical music. I played violin in my high school orchestra. As a lifelong New Yorker, I love how this piece captures the beauty, energy, and introspection of New York.”

What would you tell your teenage self about leadership?

"Good leadership requires the curiosity to keep learning and listening, the communication skills to speak clearly when it matters, and the ability to collaborate and bring others along to build an effective, inspired team."