2024 HEAF Gala

A Night of Opening Doors and Empowering the Futures of our Students.

We Honored:
Voza Rivers, Executive Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group
Chairman, Harlem Arts Alliance
Esmé-Thea Sanders, Global DEI Program Manager, Ford Motor Company and HEAF Alumna

Event Details

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Reception | 6:00 PM
Dinner | 7:00 PM

*
Gotham Hall
1356 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

To see the 2024 Gala Digital Journal – click here

About our 2024 Honorees

Voza Rivers is Executive Producer and founding member of New Heritage Theatre Group (NHTG) established in 1964. He is also Executive Producer of Impact Repertory Theater, which he co-founded in 1997 with Professor, Author and Filmmaker Jamal Joseph. Impact is an Oscar and Grammy nominated youth division of NHTG. Together, Mr. Rivers and Mr. Joseph also launched New Heritage Films in 1997 and have completed 50+ documentary films.

Mr. Rivers serves as Chairman and Co-Founder of Harlem Arts Alliance (HAA) founded in 2001. HAA is a cultural arts service membership organization with 350 members.

Mr. Rivers was nominated for a Grammy with South African musician Hugh Masekela and South African playwright/author and musician Mbongeni Ngema for Sarafina! The Musical, which was also nominated for five Tony awards including “Best Musical”.

Mr. Rivers’ New Heritage Theatre produced Asinamali! by Mbongeni Ngema in their Harlem Theater. Asinamali! toured nationally and was on Broadway. It was nominated for a Tony award.

Currently, Mr. Rivers serves as Vice President of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and Executive Producer of HARLEM WEEK Inc., which Mr. Rivers co-founded as a one-day cultural tribute to Harlem more than 50 years ago. In that time, the event has evolved to become a month-long tribute and celebration of Harlem’s economic and political history.

Mr. Rivers is Chairman of the Board and Executive Producer of 360 Entertainment International (360EI). Parent of UOhnit.com, a digital streaming platform and entertainment portal; and Clean Money Music—360EI providing exposure, performance and business opportunities to independent artists, filmmakers, producers and affiliates.

Mr. Rivers has produced events and concerts featuring world-renowned artists. A partial listing includes:

Anita Baker | Ashford & Simpson | Boyz II Men | Celia Cruz | Chuck Jackson | Count Basie & His Orchestra | Dionne Warwick | Doug E. Fresh | Gregory Porter| Somi| Herbie Hancock | Hugh Masekela | James Brown | Jazzmobile All Star Orchestra featuring Bobby Sanabria | Ledisi | John Legend | Jonathan Batiste | Living Color | Luther Vandross | Mary J. Blige | Max Roach | Michele Ndegeocello | Miriam Makeba | Nancy Wilson | National Jazz Museum All Star Orchestra | Nina Simone| Ray Charles | Ruby Dee | Sweet Honey & The Rock | Tito Puente | Tony Bennett | Tsidii LeLoka | Waseda University Jazz Orchestra (Japan)

Esmé-Thea Sanders is a dedicated and passionate strategist currently serving as the Global DEI Leader at Ford Motor Company. Her journey from the vibrant streets of Harlem, NY to the dynamic city of Washington, DC is a testament to her commitment to making a meaningful difference both personally and professionally.

Raised by a single mother who emphasized the importance of education, Ms. Sanders’ early exposure to diverse cultures through the Harlem Educational Activities Fund was a life-changing experience. This program opened doors beyond Harlem and ignited her lifelong passion for travel and deep appreciation for education.

Ms. Sanders continued her educational journey at Howard University, earning a BA in Economics. Her time at this renowned HBCU reinforced her dedication to diversity and set the stage for her career. She furthered her expertise with an MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, where she received prestigious fellowships and awards, including those from the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management, the Forte Foundation, the National Black MBA Association, and Management Leadership for Tomorrow.

At Ford Motor Company, Ms. Sanders is renowned for her innovative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She leads global DEI initiatives with a unique blend of strategic insight and personal passion, working to create inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. Her impressive career also includes impactful roles at Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Capital One, Danaher, and Marsh & McLennan, where she consistently championed diversity and drove cultural change.

Outside of her professional life, Ms. Sanders is committed to giving back. She mentors young talents through the Washington Nationals Baseball Academy and serves as an Alumni Representative for the Consortium for Graduate Studies in Management. In her spare time, Esmé enjoys playing tennis and planning new adventures with her husband, Cameron, and their puppy, Koda.

For more future sponsorship opportunities, please contact Stefin Woolever,
at [email protected] or 212.663.9732 ext 318