HEAF’s 2024 Annual Gala was held on Wednesday, October 23 at the beautiful Gotham Hall. This year’s theme of “Opening Doors, Empowering Futures” is the blueprint of HEAF’s success; for 35 years HEAF has worked with students and their families to open doors to college and into meaningful careers. The evening celebrated two honorees who are inspirational change-makers, role models and trailblazers:
- Voza Rivers, Executive Producer, New Heritage Theatre Group and Chairman, Harlem Arts Alliance
- Esmé-Thea Sanders, Global DEI Program Manager, Ford Motor Company and HEAF Alumna
HEAF Board Vice Chair and Bloomberg’s Global Head of Facilities and Infrastructure Dave Wildman welcomed guests. He quoted Lydon B. Johnson during his remarks saying, “We must open the doors of opportunity. But we must also equip our people to walk through those doors.” A fitting quote as it matched the theme of the gala to perfection.
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 returned as the night’s Emcee. Dr. Gardere reminded the audience why they were there saying, “HEAF 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.”
HEAF 11th grade student Darnell proudly shared his story and how HEAF has played a role in empowering his future. He proudly said: “My 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.” 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.
Read more about the Ecuador and Costa Rica LSGI Trips here.
Darnell introduced the first honoree of the night Voza Rivers, saying: “Voza’s vision, voice, and dedication have empowered artists of Color and helped establish Harlem as a vibrant cultural center.”
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’ commitment to empowering youth, New Heritage Theatre group gifted HEAF students with the Harlem Master Class. “The 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.”
As a fierce advocate for the power of education, Gladys Palma de Schrynemakers, HEAF Board Member and Chief Academic & Diversity Officer of CUNY’s School of Labor and Urban Studies related to HEAF’s mission saying, “At the core of HEAF is its mission of empowering students, which deeply resonates with my own pedagogic goals.” Dr. Palma de Schrynemakers also stated: “Empowering 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.”
Michael Johnson, 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 – Chapel Hill. “At 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.”
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.
Building on the excitement in the room, Auctioneer Pat Tully 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. The excitement didn’t stop there, as the Live Appeal successfully raised funds for HEAF’s incredible students.
HEAF 9th grader Khloe took to the stage to share her dream of helping others – either through hematology or psychology, where she pointed out: “I do not see as many women as men in the medical field and I want to change that.”
Khloe introduced Gala honoree, HEAF Alumna and Global DEI Program Manager at Ford Motor Company, Esmé-Thea Sanders. “Learning about Esmé’s successes inspired me to pursue my passions – to open doors for myself, and hold them open for others to follow.”
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. “College visits opened by eyes to the experiences and diversities of HBCU’s and because of that, I went to and graduated from Howard University.”
Click here for more photos from HEAF’s 2024 Gala.
Thank you to HEAF supporters and friends for an incredible night, including:
Accelerator Gift
Alexandra Alger & David Chung
Sustainer Gift
Clyde&Co
Visionary Gift
O’Melveny
Carlton Fields
Lewis Brisbois
Bloomberg Philanthropies
Tom & Cindy Secunda
Helping Africa Foundation
Leader Gift
Brett & Felicia McColloguh
Cozon O’Connor
Audrey & Ben Semel
Marsh McLennan
Dave & Hind Wildman
Hines
Emily Rose & Jim Marrow
Harin De Silva
Achiever Gift
Geller
Margie & Bruce Warwick
Sterlingrisk Insurance
Texni
Scholar Gift
EY Karla Maloof & Christopher Adrianos
Robert B. Catell
Amwins