On April 8, welcomed 500 guests to our 3rd Annual Leadership Gala and raised over $600,000 to help us work even harder to increase the number of low-income students that graduate from college, generate access to capital for minority and women owned businesses, and expand and enhance civic participation and leadership in our communities!

A few highlights of the evening:

James Esposito of Goldman Sachs presented Janice Savin Williams and Christopher Williams of The Williams Capital Group with an award for “New York City Vision Leadership” in honor of their tireless commitment to New York City’s cultural and educational institutions.

Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott recognized Joel Greenblatt, John Petry and Eva Moskowitz, founders of the Success Charter Network, for the exceptional results their students are showing and for the new opportunities they are presenting to hundreds of low income children of color.

American Express CEO Ken Chenault honored Earvin “Magic” Johnson for his outstanding leadership as an entrepreneur in urban communities – and Magic Johnson spoke movingly and with deep inspiration about the significance of economic development as a tool to empower minority and women business owners and to elevate the neighborhoods they live in.

We were honored to highlight the example these leaders set every day through their unwavering dedication to minority business enterprise, innovative education reform and leadership growth and development across New York City and State.

To our incredibly generous and committed corporate partners, our gala chairs and host committee, and to all of our donors and guests: This evening and the important work it allows us to carry on would not be possible without your support.

Thank you for believing in and so wholeheartedly supporting our shared goals and vision!