Thank you for making Gala 2025 a night to remember!
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for LAYC Gala 2025. Your presence, generosity, and commitment to youth empowerment helped make the evening a true celebration of community and impact.
View photos from the night here!
5:30 PM - Networking Reception
7:00 PM - Live Auction, Dinner, Program
9:30 PM - After Party
Dress Festive • Valet & Self Parking Available
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The Westin DC Downtown
999 9th St, NW
Washington, DC 20001
2025 Arlene Kogod
Philanthropic Legacy Award
Presented to:
Alice “Wendy” True Gasch, MS, RD, MD
Ophthalmologist & Dietitian
Meet our 2025 Gala Emcee:
2025 Community Champion Award
Presented to:
Virginia Ali
Co-founder, Ben’s Chili Bowl
&
2025 Corporate Champion Award Presented to:
Erika Gonzalez
News4 Anchor/Reporter
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Yvonna Stevens, Chair
Jennifer Mauskaup Smalls, Vice Chair
Shari Thomas, Secretary
Adam Spiegel, TreasurerJaliel Amador, Divergent Benefits
Betsy Brand, Community Advocate
Simon Fairclough, Capital One
Alfonso Guzman, JP Morgan Chase
Lena Hernandez, D&P Creative Strategies
Esperanza Lugo, Publicis Groupe
Carrie E. Markovitz, NORC at the University of Chicago
Nancy Miranda, RE/MAX Allegiance
Carlos Oliva, Sterling Check
Kimberly Salameh, Floor Coverings International
Christian Rhodes, William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone
Andrew Van Etten, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Samuel Williams, Pepco Holdings
Candice Wilmore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Amanda Wood, Becker
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Nicole Carrington, Community Advocate
Jeannie Engel, Neighbors Rising
Claudia Gamero, M&T Bank
Lori M. Kaplan, Community Advocate
Edgar Jason Monroy, Pepco Holdings
Get a taste of Gala
Check out the photo album of last year’s gala to get a taste of what you can expect!
The Sponsors Making Gala 2025 Possible!
As of 4/17/2025
Partner Sponsor
Youth Investor
Heleny Cook
Oakpoint Charitable Foundation
Youth Dreammaker
Youth Advocate
Youth Leader
Lori M. Kaplan
Kevin Dolan
Matthew and Jennifer Stankevich
Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba
Youth Promotor
Neighbors Rising
Nancy Miranda
Adam & Ellen Spiegel
Meg and John Hauge
Mary Zients
LAYC Alumni & Friends
Clark Construction Group, LLC
Gelman, Rosenberg & Freedman, CPAs
SkyPoint FCU
UnitedHealthCare
The Honorable Eric Olson, Prince George’s County Council (District 3)
Lafayette Federal Credit Union
National Retail Federation
Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington
Antonio & Pamela Marquez
Jennifer Mauskapf Smalls
Montgomery College
