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HEAF\u2019s 2024 Annual Gala was held on Wednesday, October 23 at the beautiful Gotham Hall. This year\u2019s theme of \u201cOpening Doors, Empowering Futures\u201d is the blueprint of HEAF\u2019s success; for 35 years HEAF has worked with students and their families to open doors to college and into meaningful careers.\u00a0The evening celebrated two honorees who are inspirational change-makers, role models and trailblazers:<\/p>\n
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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/193-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF Board Vice Chair Dave Wildman” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||16px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
HEAF Board Vice Chair and Bloomberg\u2019s Global Head of Facilities and Infrastructure Dave Wildman<\/strong><\/a> welcomed guests. He quoted Lydon B. Johnson during his remarks saying, \u201cWe must open the doors of opportunity. But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.\u201d A fitting quote as it matched the theme of the gala to perfection.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|16px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Long time friend of HEAF and one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health, a respected practitioner and regular contributor to CNN, MSNBC, Fox and the Today Show, Dr. Jeff Gardere<\/strong><\/a> returned as the night\u2019s Emcee. Dr. Gardere reminded the audience why they were there saying, \u201cHEAF is opening doors for New York City students, with your support. YOU hold the key. And when we work together to open doors to opportunity, to education and to careers, there will be no stopping these students.\u201d<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/217-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF Gala Emcee Dr. Jeff Gardere” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/233-scaled-e1732030366316.jpg” title_text=”HEAF Student Speaker” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||16px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n HEAF 11th grade student Darnell<\/strong> proudly shared his story and how HEAF has played a role in empowering his future. He proudly said: \u201cMy goal is to be an optometrist. I think everyone needs the chance to see clearly and I want to help. I am intentionally ensuring that I leave a last impression in the world.\u201d He continued by speaking about the doors HEAF has opened for him, like the opportunity to travel to Ecuador and Costa Rica through the Learning for Social and Global Impact program.<\/p>\n Read more about the Ecuador<\/strong><\/a> and Costa Rica<\/strong><\/a> LSGI Trips here.<\/p>\n Darnell introduced the first honoree of the night Voza Rivers<\/strong>, saying: \u201cVoza\u2019s vision, voice, and dedication have empowered artists of Color and helped establish Harlem as a vibrant cultural center.\u201d<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|16px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mr. Rivers gave the audience a glimpse of his incredible career and how Harlem has been at the center of it all. As a testament to Mr. Rivers\u2019 commitment to empowering youth, New Heritage Theatre group gifted HEAF students with the Harlem Master Class. \u201cThe energy and passion of these young people and my community fuels my spirit and reminds me that the fight for justice and equality through art is an ongoing journey.\u201d<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/256-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF 2024 Gala Honoree Voza Rivers” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/265-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF Board Member Gladys Palma de Schrynemakers, EdD” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||16px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a fierce advocate for the power of education, Gladys Palma de Schrynemakers<\/strong><\/a>, HEAF Board Member and Chief Academic & Diversity Officer of CUNY\u2019s School of Labor and Urban Studies related to HEAF\u2019s mission saying, \u201cAt the core of HEAF is its mission of empowering students, which deeply resonates with my own pedagogic goals.\u201d Dr. Palma de Schrynemakers also stated: \u201cEmpowering students is more than simply providing services and opening the door to opportunities. Empowerment is an active process where you gain freedom and power to do what you want or control what happens to you.\u201d<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|16px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Michael Johnson<\/strong><\/a>, HEAF President and CEO, welcomed guests back after dinner with a powerful keynote address. He stressed the importance of HEAF, especially now in a time where fewer students of Color are applying to top colleges like MIT and The University of North Carolina \u2013 Chapel Hill. \u201cAt HEAF, we remain determined to ensure that our students not only walk through those doors, but that they continue to find opportunities waiting on the other side.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/287-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF President and CEO Michael Johnson” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Next, HEAF students took to the stage to share the doors they need help opening for their futures. From computer scientists to chefs and even a Supreme Court Justice, the future is bright with HEAF students leading the way.<\/p>\n Building on the excitement in the room, Auctioneer Pat Tully<\/strong><\/a> leapt into action and kept the energy high and the paddles in the air! Highlights of the Live Auction included a Brooklyn Nets suite and dinner with HEAF Board Member and beloved astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson<\/strong>. The excitement didn\u2019t stop there, as the Live Appeal successfully raised funds for HEAF\u2019s incredible students.\u00a0<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/418-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF Student Speaker” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|||16px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n HEAF 9th grader Khloe<\/strong> took to the stage to share her dream of helping others – either through hematology or psychology, where she pointed out: \u201cI do not see as many women as men in the medical field and I want to change that.\u201d<\/p>\n Khloe introduced Gala honoree, HEAF Alumna and Global DEI Program Manager at Ford Motor Company, Esm\u00e9-Thea Sanders<\/strong>. \u201cLearning about Esm\u00e9\u2019s successes inspired me to pursue my passions \u2013 to open doors for myself, and hold them open for others to follow.\u201d<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|16px|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Ms. Sanders regaled the audience with tales from her time at HEAF, and underscored how the program underscored the value of education and opened doors for her to be the successful business professional she is today. \u201cCollege visits opened by eyes to the experiences and diversities of HBCU\u2019s and because of that, I went to and graduated from Howard University.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/heaf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/441-scaled.jpg” title_text=”HEAF 2024 Gala Honoree Esm\u00e9-Thea Sanders” _builder_version=”4.27.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Click here for more photos from HEAF’s 2024 Gala.<\/span><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n Thank you to HEAF supporters and friends for an incredible night, including:<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Accelerator Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n Alexandra Alger & David Chung<\/p>\n Sustainer Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n Clyde&Co<\/p>\n \n Visionary Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n O’Melveny \n Leader Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n Brett & Felicia McColloguh \n Achiever Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n Geller \n Scholar Gift<\/strong><\/p>\n EY Karla Maloof & Christopher Adrianos \n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" HEAF\u2019s 2024 Annual Gala was held on Wednesday, October 23 at the beautiful Gotham Hall. This year\u2019s theme of \u201cOpening Doors, Empowering Futures\u201d is the blueprint of HEAF\u2019s success; for 35 years HEAF has worked with students and their families to open doors to college and into meaningful careers.\u00a0The evening celebrated two honorees who are […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34278","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n
Carlton Fields
Lewis Brisbois
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Tom & Cindy Secunda
Helping Africa Foundation<\/p>\n
Cozon O’Connor
Audrey & Ben Semel
Marsh McLennan
Dave & Hind Wildman
Hines
Emily Rose & Jim Marrow
Harin De Silva<\/p>\n
Margie & Bruce Warwick
Sterlingrisk Insurance
Texni<\/p>\n
Robert B. Catell
Amwins<\/p>\n<\/ul>\n