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Tonight’s Speakers

  • Ashley Graham is an American supermodel, designer, author, and entrepreneur whose influence has reshaped the fashion and media industries and redefined traditional beauty standards. Read full bio >

  • Amanda Hindlian is a seasoned financial services executive. She most recently served as President of Fixed Income and Data Services at Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), where she was a member of the firm’s Management Committee. As President, Amanda led a $2 billion global portfolio of businesses, including public and private market data, benchmarking, bond trading platforms, data center access, desktops and feeds. Read full bio >

  • Nancy Twine was introduced to Room to Grow in fall 2021 and joined the National Board in December 2021. Nancy is the founder of Briogeo, a globally recognized prestige personal care company and the fastest growing hair care product line at Sephora and Ulta, globally. Read full bio >

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  • Akilah joined the Room to Grow team in 2015 and has held several roles in the areas of program operations, external relations, and evaluation, before being appointed Executive Director of Room to Grow New York in June 2018 and Chief Executive Officer in 2020. With a deep desire to achieve health equity for all families and local communities, Akilah began her career in research at the renowned Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and its affiliated nonprofit, the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS). Read full bio >

  • Uma Thurman was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and has spent the last 20 years raising her children in New York. An acclaimed actress, Thurman has received accolades for her work in theater, film, and television. Deeply committed to engagement with the local New York community, Uma is a long-time ambassador and founding Board Member of Room to Grow.

 
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  • We’re a family that laughs loud, loves big, and embraces our weird side. Since high school, we’ve been building memories together—and now with our little one, the adventure is even sweeter.

  • Sandra Medeiros joined Room to Grow as the Executive Director of the New York region in March 2021. Having worked in urban education and nonprofit management for 20 years, she brings experience in teaching and learning, program development and implementation, and people management. Her dedication to educational equity and increasing opportunities for historically marginalized communities drives her work. Read full bio >

  • Jennifer is an Author, Singer, Voice Over artist, and Pre-k teacher. Analise is an aspiring, astronaut, equestrian, dancer, and future Influencer.

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  • Shaniqua Pearson joined the Room to Grow team in June of 2020 as a Site Operations Assistant. She is hard-working and loves to collaborate and work on a team. In her free time, she loves to take her four children to museums to create new memories and experiences. She is fondly called a “sneakerhead” by friends because of her big shoe and sneaker collection.

  • My name is Nilka, I am working with my husband with our small business, Express Boiler & Heating LLC. I am blessed to be a mother of 4 successful amazing children who continue to make me proud everyday. When I'm not helping my husband tend to our company, I enjoy cooking new dishes to share with everyone!

    Gabriel is an undergraduate at Mercy University, studying physical therapy,  hoping to help others and ensure their recovery. One of his hobbies is practicing piano and is hoping to one day teach students.

  • Caroline Ervin is a jewelry specialist, gemologist, auctioneer, and media personality. She has over 10 years of experience in auctioneering and auction management across multiple disciplines. 

    Caroline received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Colorado College in 2007 and a graduate degree in Gemology from the Gemological Institute of America in Manhattan in 2017. Caroline is currently the Director of Online Platforms at Bonhams auction house, as well as an on-air guest expert for QVC.

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With Special Performance By

  • Parson James is a singer, songwriter, and performer whose genre-blending sound and deeply emotional storytelling have positioned him as one of the most distinctive voices in modern pop and dance music. Best known for co-writing and performing on Kygo’s multi-platinum hit “Stole The Show,” which has surpassed 1 billion streams globally, Parson has spent the last decade captivating audiences across streaming platforms, global charts, and stadium stages.

    Born in South Carolina and now based between Nashville and London, Parson’s music is rooted in contrast, soul and euphoria, gospel and EDM, struggle and resilience. His perspective as a queer, biracial artist raised in the conservative South has shaped a narrative that is as emotionally powerful as it is culturally important.

    Following his breakout with “Stole The Show,” Parson has toured the world alongside Kygo and collaborated with a range of top-tier artists including Sam Feldt, The Knocks, Vandelux, Said the Sky, Audien, CAZZETTE, Hook N Sling, Big Gigantic, and others. His solo releases, including the Temple EP (RCA), “Only You,” “Little Fires,” and “Right Now,” reflect an evolving voice that pairs cinematic vocals with bold, genre-spanning production.

    In 2025, Parson James signed with Tileyard Records, the London-based label that is part of Tileyard, Europe’s largest creative community for music, tech, and the arts. Known for housing artists and collaborators such as Sigala, Joel Corry, Ella Eyre, and countless hit songwriters, Tileyard provides an immersive, artist-first ecosystem that will support the next chapter of Parson’s artistry, with his first release on the label, "Water Me," slated for late 2025. The partnership is poised to elevate his reach while maintaining his emotional core.

    Parson James continues to break barriers, onstage, in the studio, and through his outspoken advocacy for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and authenticity in music. With over a billion streams and a new era on the horizon, he’s not just telling his story, he’s rewriting the rules.

  • Grammy Nominated Artist and Songwriter JUSTIN JESSO has over 2 billion streams for his collaborations, most notably with Norwegian dance producer Kygo (co-writing and featuring on their global smash “Stargazing”). 

    Justin released his debut EP “Let it Be Me,” landing many top 5 charting European radio records, including single “Getting Closer” (a top 5 radio record in Europe) and "As Far As Feelings Go," with Alle Farben, peaking at #3 on German Radio charts. 

    Justin’s 2022 two part EP, “Finding the Opposite of Loneliness,” has amassed over 100M+ streams and is jam-packed with his soulful vocals, pop sensibility, and stadium-sized energy. Justin takes listeners on a sonic and emotional ride - navigating depression, anxiety, relationships, and his sense of self. He wants his music to be a force for healing and self-discovery, as writing the music has helped him identify his path to happiness.

    As a writer, Justin co-wrote and earned a Latin Grammy nomination for the No.1 smash "Vente Pa' Ca" (Ricky Martin, Maluma) as well as writing singles for up and comers like AJ Mitchell, HRVY, K-pop acts like Shinee and Red Velvet, and seasoned veteran acts like the Backstreet Boys, Armin Van Buren, Madcon, Aloe Blacc, Steve Aoki, MAX and many more. 

    He has also created music for film and tv. Select records include: “Beautiful World," a duet with Michael Bolton, and "Sound of Freedom" the end-title song for the Angel Studios feature film “Sound Of Freedom,” which achieved United States box office opening weekend gross #1 in July 2023, and aims to spread awareness and help end child trafficking. 

    Justin’s recent releases include DJ collaborations with artists Offenbach, Kygo, and Sam Feldt as he prepares to release new solo music. His latest single “Unreasonable” was released on July 18th, 2025.

 

Champions of Change Honorees

  • Birthday Buds was born from a simple but powerful idea: every child deserves to feel celebrated on their birthday. They connect children in need with caring peers who share their age and birth month, providing gifts and essentials that make every birthday special. Founded by Grace Cowan, the organization grew out of her time volunteering with Room to Grow, where she saw firsthand how meaningful it is to honor and support families year-round. Now celebrating 13 years of partnership with Room to Grow, Birthday Buds continues to bring joy, dignity, and connection to thousands of children each year.

  • Rodney L. White Foundation has generously supported Room to Grow since 2008. Over these 17 years of partnership, the Foundation's giving has totaled $675,000. This investment reflects the Foundation's strong belief in the importance of supporting both children and families and its confidence in Room to Grow.

 
 
  • Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books. With a global reach in more than 135 countries, Scholastic fosters a lifelong love of reading through bestselling books, classroom resources, and award-winning media. Scholastic is proud to collaborate with Room to Grow to help families in under-resourced communities build strong foundations for learning.

  • As Creative Director of Gap Inc., Zac serves as a cultural curator and creative partner to CEO Richard Dickson, and as Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, he leads design, merchandising and marketing for the second largest apparel brand in the US., and Gap Inc.’s largest brand.  Zac is an award-winning fashion designer and entrepreneur, celebrated for his technical excellence and body-positive designs. Over 25 years, his extensive career has included red-carpet couture, ready to wear, accessories and costume design. Zac was invited to be a member of France's chambre syndicale de la haute couture and his work has received awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and many others. During his tenure at his namesake clothing line, Zac Posen, he also served as Creative Director for Brooks Brothers Womenswear, designed secondary lines at the House of Z LLC, and redesigned uniforms for Delta Airlines. His work has also been featured in the feature film, The Outfit, the Sex and the City franchise, and in Ryan Murphy’s television series “Feud.”  Born and raised in New York, Posen attended London’s Central Saint Martins University.  (photo by Mario Sorrenti)

 

 

Thank You to Our Gala Leadership

GALA CO-CHAIRS

Ashley Graham
Amanda Hindlian
Nancy Twine

HOST COMMITTEE

Jasmine Ellis Cooper | Jay Ellis | Stephanie Gottlieb | Stephanie Horton | Dr. Tovah Klein | Thomas Luciano & Timothy Goebel | Ivana Stolnik-Lourie | Maggie & Amor Towles  | Tanaye White | Va$htie

STEERING COMMITTEE

Olivia Abramowitz | Maggie Borner | Dom Casamento | Brooke Ellis |  Hadley Gallagher | Holly Jordan | Jackie Lasaracina | Caitlin Levine | Jessica Lobosco | Jeanne McEnerney | Maria Radler | Rita Regan | Abyah Wynn | Alex Yudkoff 

 
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Thank you to Our Sponsors

VISIONARY

Amanda Hindlian & Raymond Barzana


CHAMPION

James & Camille Brennan | Brent & Nicole Ferrin |  Eric Sutherland | Nancy Twine


LEADER

Jason Bond | Ashley Graham


ADVOCATE

Olivia & Scott Abramowitz | Gregory Hall | Holly Jordan | Hoda Kotb | Jaclyn Lasaracina & Corey Sanders | Caitlin & Alex Levine | Jeanne McEnerney & Ken Blazejewski | Abyah Wynn


PARTNER

Dom Casamento | Claire Ellis & Chad Cooper | Jennifer & Robert Dowd | Lionel Harris | Patrice & Mike Meagher | Rashaan & Donville Reid | Hadassah Richardson | Maggie & Amor Towles | Christi & Nick Wood | Alexandra & Jody Yudkoff


SUPPORTER

Thomas Luciano & Timothy Goebel | Adrianne Nickerson | Joanna Shlesinger


PRODUCTION SPONSOR

MEDIA STORYTELLING PARTNER

Room to Grow has received permission to use logos included in this program.

 

Thank You to Our Supporters

Alec Cohen | Alysesther, Camilo & Jonathan | Amanda Elsner | Ariel Markowitz | Bethany & Damon Metzner | Birthday Buds | Brianna & Elohim | Brooklyn Museum | Buffalo Bills | Camille Fishel & Michael Rubin | Cap Juluca, A Belmond Hotel | Challenger Events | Clos Dubreuil | Coppa | Deep Purple Flowers | Delisha, Jylein & Ezra | Disney On Ice Jump In! at UBS Arena at Belmont Park | Dr. Dorfman | Dr. Lara Devgan | Eli Zabar | Fifteen (XV) Beacon Hotel | Fran Sienicki | Full Picture | Gabriel Suazo | Generation Love | Gerry Capahi | Grant Henry | Jack Frederick | Jamie Van Valkenburg | Jennifer & Analise | Jupiter | Justin Jesso | Late Night with Seth Meyers | Lauren Scopetta | Leane Romeo | Lily Davis | Lucci | Mat & Erin Rotenberg | Melissa Aquiles | Mike Kutchman | Mixxi Matcha | MLS Works | Monica + Andy | Nathali & Rafael David | New York Liberty | New York Yankees | Nicole Rovine | Nilka & Gabriel | OMEGA | Overland Entertainment | Parson James | Pop & Bottle | Preakness Hills Country Club | Quality Print | Rodney L. White Foundation | Room to Grow Team | Sayeda, Excier, Ella & Erham | Scholastic Inc. | Solutions | The Whitney Museum | Treat House | Va$htie | Venus Et Fleur | Zac Posen | Ziegfeld Ballroom

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Silent Auction

FEATURED LOTS

Golf Foursome at Preakness Hills

Omega Seamaster Watch

Brooklyn Museum Membership

The Silent Auction will close at 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

  • Room to Grow (its officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, and committee members) does not assume any risk or responsibility for the authenticity, quality, or value of items. Moreover, Room to Grow, including anyone who assists in the conduction of the auction, assumes no liability for any loss or damage caused by any person traveling or vacationing on any of the offered trips, nor any occurrence resulting from the use of the auctioned items and/or services sold. Estimates of retail values and descriptions of items have been made based on information provided by donors and deemed reliable. All items are sold “as is” subject to the conditions and restrictions stipulated by the donors. All auction items and services must be used within the time limits specified in the descriptions and are subject to the terms and conditions stipulated by the donors. All items are subject to scheduling and other restrictions and expire on October 21, 2026, unless otherwise indicated; dates and times are to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the donor and buyer.

    Please note buyers may not request refunds or exchanges from any donor or Room to Grow. Room to Grow reserves the right to withdraw any item at any time before the actual sale. Before items are released to the winning bidder, items must be fully paid. Items may be picked up from the South Bronx Family Center or shipped to you directly. A representative from Room to Grow will reach out to make arrangements for receiving your item(s). All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, which is over and above the item's market value.

    Silent Auction
    The Silent Auction will close at 12:00 PM (noon) on Wednesday, October 22, 2025. You will be notified via phone/email from GiveSmart if you have successfully won your item. Once you have paid for your items, Room to Grow staff will contact you to coordinate pick up. Please plan to redeem your item(s) within 6 months, or items will be forfeited to Room to Grow. Please note that items cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.

 
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Live Auction

    • Four (4) courtside tickets

    • Date options: 11/19, 12/23, 1/7, or 2/19

    • Complimentary parking

    • Pregame shootaround

    • Dinner in Director’s Lounge

    • Gear

    • Three (3) nights at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel

    • Beachfront Junior Suite

    • Breakfast included

    • 60-minute massage at the Cap Juluca Spa by Guerlain

    • Expires October 21, 2026. Bookings are subject to availability.

    • Three (3) nights at Maison Dubreil

    • Six (6) bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, sleeps 12

    • Fully staffed

    • Breakfast included

    • Heated pool, gym, bar & more!

    • 1-year Wine Club membership

    • Two (2) shipments of 12 bottles  each (6 red, 6 white)

    • Dates subject to availability. Party size is limited to 12. Expires October 21, 2026.

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    • US Open Women’s Finals courtside tickets for two (2) 

    • NY Liberty tickets for four (4) and take a photo on the court!

    • Knicks tickets for two (2)

      • Date options: 11/11, 12/3, 12/21, 1/21

    • Mets tickets for two (2)

    • Yankees field side tickets for four (4)

    • Major League Soccer tickets for four (4)

    • All games are home games during the regular season. Game choice will be mutually agreed upon/subject to availability and excludes premium games, unless otherwise noted.

    • With Ashley Graham, Akilah King, Nancy Twine, and two friends

    • Styling by Emily Evans

    • Hair & Makeup

    • Dinner, drinks & dancing at NYC’s iconic social clubs, including ZZ’s, Zero Bond, and Chez Margaux

    • Date to be mutually agreed upon.

 
 
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