Where Hope Lives, Futures Rise.

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!

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

Dress Festive • Valet & Self Parking Available

Thursday, April 30, 2026

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

2025 Arlene Kogod
Philanthropic Legacy Award
Presented to:

WorldBank Group

Meet our 2025 Gala Emcee:

2025 Community Champion Award
Presented to:

Chris Hornig

&

2025 Corporate Champion Award Presented to:

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, Publicis Groupe

    Carrie E. Markovitz, NORC at the University of Chicago

    Nancy Miranda, RE/MAX Allegiance

    Lungi Okoko Gates Foundation

    Aiyshen Padilla, Amazon

    Christian Rhodes, William Julius Wilson Institute at Harlem Children’s Zone

    Kimberly Salameh, Floor Coverings International

    Corey Sesin, PenFed Credit Union

    Andrew Van Etten, Community Advocate

    Samuel Williams, Pepco Holdings

    Candice Wilmore, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

    Amanda Wood, Becker

  • Gloria Aparicio, University of Maryland

    Maia Brundred, Marriott International

    Nicole Carrington, Community Advocate

    Veronica Cool, Cool & Associates LLC

    Jeannie Engel, Neighbors Rising

    Maritza Gonzalez. JP Morgan Chase

    Lori M. Kaplan, Community Advocate

    Sherise Malachi, Community Advocate

    Liz and Chet Burrel, Community Advocate

    Andy Van Etten, Community Advocate

    Matthew Stankevich, Alliance Material Handling

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 2026 Possible!

As of 2/10/2026

Partner Sponsor

Youth Investor

Heleny Cook

Youth Champion

Youth Advocate

Youth Leader

Matthew and Jennifer Stankevich