Inspiring Youth & Building Futures
Gala 2026: Hope Lives Here - Inspiring Youth & Building Futures was an unforgettable evening honoring the young people, partners, and community leaders who make our mission possible. Through powerful stories, inspiring youth performances, and moments of connection, the night highlighted the impact of investing in opportunity—and the people and places where hope truly lives.
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
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Yvonna Stevens, Chair
Jennifer Mauskaup Smalls, Vice Chair
Shari Thomas, Secretary
Adam Spiegel, TreasurerBetsy 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.
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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
The Sponsors Making Gala 2026 Possible!
As of 4/21/2026
Partner Sponsor
Youth Investor
Oakpoint Charitable Foundation
Meg & John Hauge
Heleny Cook
Youth Champion
Chris Hornig & Nancy Garruba
Youth Advocate
Neighbors Rising
Youth Leader
Kevin Dolan
The Zients Family Foundation
Lori M. Kaplan
UnitedHealthcare
Youth Promotor
Adam & Ellen Spiegal
Antonio & Pamela Marquez
