Sr. Valerie Heinonen is the recipient of the inaugural Legacy Award given by the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) to recognize those whose work has provided a strong moral foundation and an enduring record of demonstrated influence on corporate policies. The ICCR introduced the Legacy Award this year to give recognition to a foundation, non-governmental organization, corporation or individuals whose work has advocated corporate social responsibility.

Sr. Valerie is one of two ICCR members who received the Legacy Award. Sr. Valerie and Mr. Paul Neuhauser, Attorney, have been committed to social justice their entire lives and have been active members since the organization’s founding 40 years ago.

In a 2005 New York Times article, Sr. Valerie Heinonen said, “Part of what we are doing is planting seeds.” Valerie’s own words aptly describe her 35-year commitment to corporate social responsibility. She has “planted seeds” through countless dialogues and resolutions with companies, fearlessly encouraging them to be accountable for the impacts of their businesses.

Issues she has boldly pursued include human trafficking of women and children, protection of the rights of indigenous persons and immigrants, fair treatment of workers, effects of weapons and militarism, environmental and human impacts of chemicals, and fair and equitable access to capital.

Valerie began her ministry in corporate social responsibility in 1976 where she served as ICCR program staff, and briefly as its interim executive director, for 20 years. During the past 15 years, she has served as a corporate social responsibility consultant for her own congregation, as well as for the Dominican Sisters of Hope and the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Speaking of Sr. Valerie in the Washington Post, a corporate representative said, “If she has a disagreement with me, she'll put her velvet elbow in my eye, and she'll still be a friend.”

Sr. Valerie was honored at ICCR’s special event, Taking Stock: Shaping a New Age in Corporate Responsibility on September 22nd at Bridgewaters at the South Street Seaport.