Inspiring Youth & Building Futures

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor the youth, partners, and community leaders who make our mission possible. Through powerful stories, vibrant performances, and opportunities to invest in transformative programs, the Gala shines a light on the places—and people—where hope truly lives. View photos from last year's Gala here!

Thursday, April 30, 2026

The Westin DC Downtown
999 9th St, NW
Washington, DC 20001

5:30 PM - Networking Reception
7:00 PM - Live Auction, Dinner, Program
9:30 PM - After Party

Dress Festive • Valet & Self Parking Available

2026 Arlene Kogod
Philanthropic Legacy Award
Presented to:

2026 Community Champion Award
Presented to:

Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba

2026 Corporate Champion Award Presented to:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Millie Perez

Meet our 2026 Gala Emcee:

Erika Gonzalez

News4 Anchor/Reporter

Yvonna Stevens, Chair
Jennifer Mauskaup Smalls, Vice Chair
Shari Thomas, Secretary
Adam Spiegel, Treasurer
Betsy Brand, Community Advocate
Erica Chicola, FTI Consulting
Simon Fairclough, Capital One
Ceara N. Flake, National Retail Federation
Lena Hernandez, D&P Creative Strategies
Esperanza Lugo, Community Advocate
Carrie E. Markovitz, NORC at the University of Chicago
Nancy Miranda, RE/MAX Allegiance
Lungi Okoko, Gates Foundation
Aiyshen Padilla, CINQCARE
Christian Rhodes, William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone
Kimberly Salameh, Floor Coverings International
Corey Sesin, PenFed Credit Union
Andrew Van Etten, CareFirst BCDC, Retired
Samuel Williams, Pepco Holdings
Candice Wilmore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Amanda Wood, Becker & Poliakoff, PA.

Gloria Aparicio Blackwell, University of Maryland
Maia Brundred, Marriott International
Elizabeth & Chet Burrell, Community Advocate
Nicole Carrington, Community Advocate
Veronica Cool, Cool & Associates, LLC
Jeannie Engel, Neighbors Rising
Maritza Gonzalez, Chase Bank
Lori M. Kaplan, Community Advocate
Sherise Malachi, Community Advocate
Andrew Van Etten, CareFirst BCBS, Retired
Matthew Stankevich, Alliance Material Handling