FEBRUARY 2025

In this issue:

Honoring Leaders, Empowering Youth: The Achievers in Industry Gala Legacy

gala honorees and achievers

The Harlem Y continues to celebrate emerging corporate professionals through the Annual National Salute to Achievers in Industry Gala, as it has for the last 53 years. Founded in 1971 by Dr. Leo B. Marsh, the Gala marked the start of the Harlem Y and corporate partners coming together to transform the lives of New York City’s youth, empowering them and strengthening our communities in the process. Under the central theme of “Celebrating Success, Developing Leaders, and Cultivating Communities”, the Achievers in Industry has received a tremendous amount of support from Colgate, Deloitte, New York Life, and NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, Con Edison, and many other incredible partners over the years.

At this year’s event, the Deloitte Corporate Community Award was presented to Georges Leconte, CEO on behalf of NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, who fiercely serve our community and save lives every day. The Leo B. Marsh Award was given to Tonya O. Parris, President and Founder of The Parris Foundation S.T.E.M.ulating Minds and CEO of the Parris Group, Inc., a financial and technology professional who is dedicated to providing educational opportunities in STEM to disenfranchised youth through scholarship and community outreach programs. Alongside Parris, the Carrie Terrell Youth Achiever Award recipient was Maurice Anderson, a senior at Thurgood Marshall Academy.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

Through the Achievers in Industry (bai) Initiative, the Harlem Y and its corporate partners have honored more than 4,600 corporate executives, raised over $2.3M, and awarded more than 911 scholarship awards to teens throughout NYC for over 50 years—an incredible achievement.

Lunar New Year at the Chinatown YMCA

Chinatown Y families celebrate Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year event, a cherished tradition at the Chinatown YMCA since 2006, once again brought the community together in a joyful celebration of renewal. 

Held on January 25, this year's festivities featured an exciting lineup of cultural performances and interactive activities for all ages. The Columbia University Lion Dance Club delivered a lively performance, while families and children enjoyed activities like Chinese calligraphy, lantern making, face painting, and a Zodiac fortune note station.

The event’s sponsor, Citizens Bank, truly helped bring this celebration to life. Thank you to our local vendors and partners who helped make the day even more special, with treats from Soft Swerve, Send Chinatown Love, and Harper’s Bread Goods, and support from Fidelis Care, Affinity by Molina Healthcare, and NYPD Recruitment.

The Lunar New Year event not only honored tradition but also highlighted the strength of community support that makes these moments possible.

The Heritage Society Luncheon is Back!

We are delighted to welcome back the Heritage Society Luncheon, a special gathering honoring our esteemed donors who have chosen to leave a lasting legacy by including the Y in their estate plans. Join us on Wednesday, April 23, in Manhattan for an afternoon of camaraderie, gratitude, and inspiring stories of impact.

For more details, please contact Jessica Raha at jraha@ymcanyc.org or 929-697-1488.

Not yet a member of the Heritage Society? We invite you to discover how you can join our community of visionary philanthropists who are shaping the future of New York. Connect with Jessica Raha or explore our FAQ to learn more.

By creating a legacy giving plan with the Y, you ensure that future generations of New Yorkers have the support they need to thrive, succeed, and build a brighter tomorrow.

UPCOMING EVENTS

LEADERSHIP UPDATE WITH SHARON GREENBERGER, PRESIDENT AND CEO

THURSDAY, MARCH 20 | 12PM

With your support, the Y achieves incomparable reach and scale in New York City. Join the bi-annual Leadership Update with Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO for specific updates on how your philanthropy shapes lives in NYC. Click here to register.