These 10 Humanitarians Are Our Heroes — And They're All Over 50

Carole J. Wacey, 51, Chief Executive Officer of the Women's City Club of New York, a non-profit activist organization.

"At 51, I have three-year-old twin boys who bring so much joy to my life. I feel a deep responsibility to ensure they grow up in a society that values fairness and equality and protects our environment. I raise my boys to do good, be kind, and be engaged. That's where personal and professional intersect. As CEO of Women's City Club of New York, I celebrate our strength as individuals to shape policies and improve the lives of all New Yorkers."

Maggie Iza, 71, Founder of The Open Door, an organization that develops the full potential of immigrant families.

"I know myself at 71 — I'm more independent and I'm more me, which is very empowering. As an immigrant from Cuba, I know the pain and fear people feel when they get to this country. The kids learn English, and families feel a gap. The Open Door is about helping immigrant parents become part of American society through education, ESL, and other support. We see our members as our family."

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Nasha Thomas, 55, former ballet dancer and National Director of AileyCamp, an Alvin Ailey summer camp based in dance for underserved youth.

"At 55, I have patience, gratitude, and the ability to let things go. This year's program theme is 'joy,' so I've been thinking about everyday things that can connect the kids with joy. I like bacon, being in the sun, and not wearing shoes. Being able to tap into those simple joys with the kids is why I love mentoring even more than performing."

Wardrobe: Systematic Organic Tank, EILEEN FISHER, $68; Jacket and Pants, WILFRED AT ARTIZIA; Addaz Sandals, ALIAS MAE, $190

Cheryl McCarthy, RN, 55, Operating Room Nurse and Patient Care Coordinator at Montefiore Medical Center.

"This age has brought me the unexpected freedom to speak. I'm finding my voice. I've never been a person who takes strong stands on things. I listen. But at this age, I feel freer to think what I want to think and not to follow the herd. I'm an experienced nurse, and every patient is me, or my husband, or my daughter, or my sister. Every single one. There are so many unsung heroes in this job — and I'm grateful to be doing it."

Wardrobe: Faux Wrap Dress, ANNE KLEIN, $74; Hammered Hoop, JULIE VOS, $130

Sharmila Makhija, MD, MBA, 51, Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynecology and the Chella and Moise Safra Endowed Chair at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

"In my 50s, I'm embracing myself for who I am, while lovingly improving myself in areas that are meaningful. When I was just starting my career in academic medicine, I accepted the standard norms centered on gaining knowledge and accomplishing specific achievements, such as promotions and publications. Now, I focus on how we work together as physicians to make an impact on a patient's life, which is quite humbling."

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Jennifer Mieres, MD, 58, Senior Vice President, Center for Equity of Care and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Northwell Health.

"This has been the decade of fighting for women and gender equity in health. I have served as Executive Producer of two documentaries, including the Emmy-nominated A Woman's Heart, and I'm working on a third called Misdiagnosed. In my 50s, I am wiser and I feel very comfortable in my own skin. As the decades go by, I think of myself as a lifelong learner. I leave myself open to learning, forgiving, and trying new pathways."

Nina Smiley, 66, PhD, Director of Mindfulness Programming at Mohonk Mountain House and co-author of The Three Minute Meditator.

"At 66, I have more insight and a more nuanced understanding of the world — more perspective and less ego. I'm mellow. I can take a breath, and again and again, I return to my center. I was too busy in my younger years to be centered. And I want people to know that they can find this awareness in just a few moments. I want to make mindfulness more accessible to people. Once you get started — even for just three minutes — it's an ongoing practice."

Wardrobe: Paige Top, RAMY BROOK, $295; Linen 7/8 Trouser, BODEN, $95

Dr. Cheryl Pegus, MD, 50, President of Caluent and Chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists.

"Wellness is a life priority now, which lends balance to my work efforts. I've learned to listen to my intuition and follow through on it. In this moment, I'm celebrating the numbers of women in the pipeline in medicine — they are more than 50 percent of medical students. That changes the views of patients and young elementary school students when they think of what they want to grow up to be. And the accessibility of technology allows everyone — no matter their socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity — to have these visual cues."

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Jacqueline Ebanks, 57, Executive Director of the New York City Commission on Gender Equity, working to build a safer, more inclusive city for women, girls, transgender, and gender non-conforming people.

"For me, there's a sense of release and a fuller independence in my 50s. I actually get to write the script for this portion of my life. And the time is always right to support others because change is a process and social justice is a journey, which is never done. I've been developing all the tools to this point. Now I get to deploy them, and I'm in control."

Wardrobe: Finesse Crepe Candace Dress, LAFAYETTE 148, $548; Laree Grand Pump, COLE HAAN, $220; Lilous Rose Gold Earrings, LULUS, $13; Mimi Titan Crystal Bracelet, VITA FEDE, $390

Diana Byer, 71, Founder and Artistic Director of New York Theatre Ballet and New York Theatre Ballet School and developer of the LIFT Community Services Program.

"After 40 years of running a small arts organization in a major arts capital, I can credibly teach my dancers, students, and LIFT children from city homeless shelters that taking risks and attacking life fully without fear of mistakes is a valuable way to prepare for all of life's obstacles. In my 70s, I'm happy to have the ability to continue my work."

Wardrobe: No Iron Cotton Button Back Shirt, CHICOS, $75; Pants, STELLA MCCARTNEY