Partnership with Children 2026 Inspiration Gala Program
JUNE 2, 2026 PIER SIXTY, NYC
EVENING’S PROGRAM
STUDENT PERFORMANCE
“Seize the Day” from Broadway’s Newsies
Renaissance School of the Arts
WELCOME AND REMARKS
Pedro Rivera, ABC7 Morning News Anchor Helena Willner, President, Board of Directors, Partnership with Children Wesner Pierre, CEO, Partnership with Children
VIDEO PRESENTATION: THIS IS MY TUESDAY
DINNER
VIDEO PRESENTATION: THE POWER OF PWC
PRESENTATION OF INSPIRATION AWARDS
SPECIAL GUEST
VIDEO PRESENTATION: JOY IS A COLLECTIVE ACT
DESSERT AND DANCING
DEAR FRIENDS,
Thank you for being here tonight and for being part of this community.
Tonight’s theme, Joy Is a Collective Act, reflects something we witness every day across the communities we serve throughout New York City. Joy grows through connection. Through caring adults. Through classrooms, creative spaces, families, schools, and communities across all five boroughs that remind young people they matter, that they are supported, and that they are never alone.
At Partnership With Children, we work alongside more than 20,000 students and families across more than 40 New York City schools. Through mental health support, community-based programming, and the healing power of the arts, we help create the conditions for children not only to move through challenges and trauma, but to thrive.
Tonight, that community expands.
Every person in this room is now part of that collective act of joy. Your presence, your partnership, and your belief help surround young people with the care, stability, and opportunity they deserve.
We are proud to celebrate this evening alongside our 2026 honorees, Jeremy Beal of Morgan Stanley and Ryu Yokoi of Unilever, whose leadership reflects not only professional excellence, but a deep commitment to people and community.
Together, tonight and in the years ahead, we are part of a caring community that supports young people, strengthens families, and creates something larger than any one of us could alone.
Thank you for joining us, for believing, and for being part of this collective act of joy.
With gratitude and joy,
WESNER J. PIERRE Chief Executive Officer, Partnership with Children
ARE
Empowering Students Supporting Families Transforming Schools WHO WE
Partnership with Children (PWC) has been a vital safety net for generations of New Yorkers, providing a steady source of care and connection in an ever changing city.
Since 1908, Partnership with Children has grown with New York City — evolving to meet the needs of each generation and standing alongside the students, families, and communities who need us most. Our aim is to strengthen the emotional, social, and cognitive skills of children in New York City to succeed in school, society, and life. To be their authentic selves, to develop self-sufficiency, and to build the foundation for strong, supportive relationships — these skills shape not just the whole child, but the communities they are already part of.
Today, PWC is one of the city’s largest school-based mental health providers and Community School partners. With licensed clinical social workers, youth development professionals, and teaching artists working daily in public schools, the organization carries forward a 118-year tradition of evolving alongside the children it serves — demonstrating that when schools address the intersections of poverty, racism, and mental health, young people don’t just cope, they thrive.
SPONSORS
AS OF 5/19/26
A Hero shows up when it matters most: with conviction, with generosity, and with an unwavering belief in what is possible. Your commitment to NYC’s children goes above and beyond. We are endlessly grateful.
HEROES
Jed and Heather Finn
A Visionary doesn’t wait to see change. They create it. Your investment in PWC reflects a deep belief in the potential of every child in this city. Thank you for building with us.
VISIONARIES
20,000+ Children and Families supported in 2025
SPONSORS
AS OF 5/19/26
Champions are exactly what our students need — and exactly what you are. Thank you for your investment in NYC’s young people and in the future we are building together.
CHAMPIONS
Ares Management
Blackstone
Blue Owl
David Cohen & the IAB Family
Ernst & Young
Fortress Investment Group
GTIS Partners
Hartford Funds / Wellington Management
Invesco
J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management
KKR
10,000+ Students served each year
Lord Abbett
Natixis Investment Managers
Nuveen
Pacific Life
Proskauer
CBRE / Ramneek Rikhy
T. Rowe Price
United Healthcare
Vanguard
Warner Bros. Discovery
Westwood Holdings Group, Inc
WPP Media
WHAT WE DO
PWC’s work is grounded in a holistic, three-tiered approach that supports students, families, and school communities.
TRAUMA-INFORMED COUNSELING
We embed full-time Licensed Clinical Social Workers and mental health teams in schools to provide:
INDIVIDUAL & GROUP COUNSELING to support emotional wellness
SCHOOL-WIDE & CLASSROOM PROGRAMS that build safe, supportive spaces
COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMMING
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT for teachers and school staff
We strengthen ecosystems of support around each student by engaging families, school staff, and local partners through:
COMMUNITY SCHOOLS that foster deep school-family connections
HEALING-BASED
AFTERSCHOOL & SUMMER PROGRAMS that nurture leadership and creativity
ARTS EDUCATION
FAMILY OUTREACH through home visits, workshops, and meeting essential needs
We deliver culturally responsive arts instruction that helps students process and express their experiences and build confidence, healing, and success through:
SCHOOL-BASED RESIDENCIES across all art forms
PARENTS AS ART PARTNERS to foster shared creative expression
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM supporting internships in creative industries
40
Partner Schools across all 5 boroughs of NYC
PWC meets children where they are: in school, during the school day, and without barriers such as insurance requirements, financial resources or diagnostic labels. More than half of all children receiving mental health services do so exclusively through schools, and our model leverages that reality by integrating mental health support into daily school life.
SPONSORS
AS OF 5/19/26
The word mentor means something at PWC: showing up, believing in someone’s potential, and investing in what they can become. Thank you for embodying that tonight and beyond.
MENTORS
Alexandra and Matthew Murray
Allspring Global / Golub Capital
Macquarie Group
American Beacon Partners
AMG
Aristotle
BlackRock
Jill Braufman & Daniel Nir
Brookfield Oaktree
Capco
CIM Group
Cohen & Steers
Columbia Threadneedle
Investments / Hamilton Lane
Corebridge Financial
ESPN
First Eagle / American Century
Google
iCapital
Index Exchange
Instacart
Ironwood Capital Management
Jackson
Jeffries & Anu Willoughby
K1
NBCUniversal
New York Life Investment and Voya Investment Management
Nexxen
Nomura / Future Standard
Partners Group
PGIM / State Street
Pinterest
Principal Asset Management
Reddit
Sculptor Capital
Starboard Value LP
State Street
StepStone
TCW
Touchstone Investments
Unilever
VanEck
CHANGING LIVES
When
you invest in PWC, you strengthen an entire school community — students gain lifelong coping skills, teachers are better supported, and families feel seen and empowered.
TRANSFORMING STUDENTS LIVES
94% felt happier / more motivated to attend school on days they met their PWC Social Worker
88% of students demonstrated progress towards their individual goals
88% reported there are adults at their schools they could trust and turn to for support
HEALING THROUGH THE ARTS
87% felt they could be brave and try something new in their programs
85% felt their thoughts and feelings were important when participating in their programs
83% felt their art programs were a safe space to be themselves and share who they are
20+ years Experience in Trauma-Informed Care
EMPOWERING FAMILIES
90% felt encouraged to be an active partner with the school in educating their child(ren)
88% felt their school supports families and connects them to needed resources
87% felt their school provides materials reflecting their child’s culture, ethnicity and identity
EQUIPPING EDUCATORS
teachers using arts and SEL saw students show more confidence and risk-taking
88% saw positive changes in students’ classroom behavior
88% saw positive changes in students’ social and emotional learning skills
AWARDS
HONORING
Jeremy Beal
Managing Director
Head of Investment Solutions, Wealth Management
Morgan Stanley
Jeremy Beal is a Managing Director and Head of Investment Solutions for Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Investment Solutions is comprised of product solutions (i.e., Alternative Investments, Private Markets, Insurance and Annuities, as well as Traditional Investment Solutions), Capital Markets, Field and Client Business Development, Asset Manager Relationship Management, Global Investment Manager Analysis (GIMA), MS Portfolio Solutions (MSPS), and the Consulting Group (advisory) business. Prior to that role, he was Head of Products and Advisory Solutions for Wealth Management. Jeremy joined Morgan Stanley in 2002 as an associate in the Managed Futures business. Subsequently, he held a variety of product, operational and strategy roles in the managed futures and alternative investments businesses, including Head of Alternative Investments from 2016-2023.
Jeremy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pacific University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Willamette University, as well as a Juris Doctor (JD) and Certificate of Dispute Resolution from Willamette University’s College of Law. He is a member of the New York State Bar Association, a member of the Managed Money Institute (MMI) and a member of the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA).
HONORING
Ryu Yokoi
Chief Media and Marketing Capability Officer
Unilever North America
Ryu Yokoi is Chief Media and Marketing Capability Officer for Unilever North America and its Personal Care business unit. A Unilever veteran of 20 years, Ryu leads Media, Digital Marketing and Capabilities, Retailer Marketing, and Partnerships with a focus on end-to-end demand generation that penetrates culture with impact.
Prior to moving into the digital and media space, Ryu served as CEO of Schmidt’s, a natural personal care brand that Unilever acquired in 2017, and director of marketing for its Hellmann’s and Savory categories in North America. He has led brands across various categories, including roles on Hellmann’s, Dove Men + Care, Degree, and Lipton.
Ryu earned his MBA from the Wharton School, holds a BA from Williams College, and graduated from Townsend Harris High School. A Japanese Colombian American raised in Queens, Ryu brings both personal and professional commitment to advancing opportunity for young people. Now the proud father of two, he feels a deep connection to Partnership with Children’s mission to ensure students and families have the support they need to thrive.
Ryu also serves as a sponsor and member of Unilever’s Latin American and Asian business resource groups.
SPECIAL GUESTS CELEBRITY HOST
Pedro Rivera is an Emmy and LA Press Club Award-winning journalist who co-anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on weekday mornings for WABC in New York City. Born and raised in the Bronx and educated in New York City’s public schools, Pedro has spent his career reporting on the stories that matter most — always with warmth, integrity, and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. He remains connected to his roots through his work with Pace University’s Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and as co-chair of the Afro-Latino Task Force for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. When he’s not on air, you’ll find him cheering on the Yankees, Eagles, Rangers, and Hornets.
COCKTAIL HOUR MUSICIANS
Angel Milyon & Noe Socha
ENTERTAINMENT
Audio Canvas
Pedro Rivera
Morning News Anchor ABC7 New York
SUPPORTERS
AS OF 5/19/26
CONTRIBUTORS
Federated Hermes
Jonathan Fassberg
Josephine & Eric Mogelof
MFS
Raj Dhanda
Victory Capital
ADVOCATES
Allianz
Amazon Ads
André Branch
Calamos Investments
Fidelity Investments
iHeartMedia
Kargo
Doug Krupa
TelevisaUnivision
The Trade Desk
FRIENDS
Nel Akoth
Criteo
Etienne DeLisle
Fetch
Teddy Fusaro
Genius
Growth for Good
Hines Private Wealth
Solutions, LLC
Janus Henderson Investors
J O Hambro
Nicholas Lubsen
Lyrical Asset Management
Marisa Stubin Mamarella
Lissette Petry
Wesner Pierre
Precisify
Screenvision Media
Thornburg Investment Management
Walmart Connect
Zeta Global
FEATURED ARTIST
We are grateful to welcome Jeremyville to tonight’s gala — an artist whose entire philosophy is built on the belief that art belongs to the community, and that joy, shared, is how we change the world.
Jeremyville is an Australian raised, New York-based artist. His art is about thought-provoking messages, told in an instantly recognizable style, and his mediums include public art installations, monumental sculptures, murals, animation, paintings, drawings and prints.
Jeremyville has had projects and installations at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York, The Brooklyn Museum, The Andy Warhol Museum, La Casa Encendida in Madrid, 798 Arts District in Beijing, the Madre Museum of Napoli, Bunkamura Gallery in Shibuya Tokyo, Korean International Art Fair (KIAF), Art Busan Korea, colette in Paris, The Centre Pompidou, The New Museum, the Museum of Art and Design in New York, and a 4 mile installation of giant sculptures along the West Bund, Shanghai.
Instagram: @Jeremyville
Visit our Joy Lounge at the waterfront bar and experience the healing, joyful spaces PWC’s social work teams create in NYC’s public schools every day.
Scan this QR code and make a donation tonight. Every tax-deductible dollar directly supports these spaces and student mental health services for the 2026–2027 school year.
Every
THE JOY OF ART
Tonight only, you can go home with an original Jeremyville drawing or a limitededition signed print. Scan the QR code to learn more. Visit our pop-up gallery in the Grand Hall to see artwork by our featured artist, Jeremyville, whose work captures the collective, living spirit of this evening.
donation and purchase tonight is an act of joy — and a direct investment in NYC children.
Thank you for joining us tonight!
SPREAD JOY
TALENT & INSPIRATION
Every voice you hear tonight, every face you see on screen — they are the reason we are all here. We are honored to share their gifts and their joy with you. We are especially grateful to the extraordinary young people who are with us in this room tonight, bringing their stories to life with courage, creativity, and heart.
STUDENT PERFORMERS
Renaissance School of the Arts
Co-Directors: Uthman Ebrahim and Heather Edwards
Rick Wilson, Principal
Pilar Wilkins, Assistant Principal
Jenny Rawlings, PWC Clinical Director
STUDENT SPEAKER
Insiya Mamun
Student at Fashion Institute of Technology
2026 INSPIRATION GALA
VIDEOS
Filmed and edited by: House of Baum
A very special thank you to our featured students and accommodating staff at:
P.S. 284 THE GREGORY “JOCKO”
JACKSON SCHOOL OF SPORTS, ART, AND TECHNOLOGY
Keva PItts-Girard, Principal
Keisha Ferguson, Assistant Principal
Zaire Hall, Age 8
Megan Dinkins, Parent
Anthony Dinkins, Parent
Brittney Barclay, Community School Director
Janielee Ortega, Social Work Director
Karleen Beckles, Social Worker
Nyema Rice, Family Outreach Coordinator
Alexandra Teitel, PWC Program Director
P.S. 298 DR. BETTY SHABAZZ
Danaika De Los Rios, Principal
Jennifer Robinson, Assistant Principal
Paris Stewart, Age 9
Dularie Dyal, Parent
Keycia Rose, Community School Director
Lavona Cassimy, Social Work Director
Rosalie Murray, Social Worker
Chelsea Clouden, Family Outreach Coordinator
Shanice Trotman, PWC Program Director
LEADERSHIP
Our Board of Directors leads with vision, dedication, and an unwavering belief in New York City’s children. We are grateful for their guidance and their partnership in this mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Helena Willner, President
Nelly Akoth
Dan Benardette
Andy Bettwy
Tom Booker
André Branch
Jill Braufman
David Cohen
Jonathan Fassberg
Jed Finn
Omino Gardezi
Patrick Grandinetti
Nancy Hall
Pinar Kip
Helen Lin
Alexandra Murray
Ramneek Rikhy
Freddy Rolón
John Walsh
Anu Willoughby
We thank our Leadership Council and Young Professionals Board for their continued support of Partnership with Children’s mission.
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Christian Heilmann
Alan Klinger, Esq.
Asheet Mehta
Kenneth Mortenson
Thong Nguyen
Greg Raimann
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BOARD
Adrian Pangilinan
Aishwarya Balaji
Amit Shah
Angelie Oberoi
Becca Gil
Caroline O’Rourke
Connie Gao
Jade Nieves-Calderon
JP Drechsler
Lakshay Goyal
Marcus Scurry
Matthew Genovese
Kevin Rinker
Patricia Soussloff
Milton Lewis
Reeana Tazreean
Sarah Hautzinger Loumeau
Tara Bathali
Zoe Haveles
A sincere thank you to our Gala Co-Chairs: Margaret Flynn-Martin (Head of Relationship Management Group, Morgan Stanley), Alison Nest (Head of Investment Solutions Products, Morgan Stanley), and Dominick Pace (President, Media, WPP Unite), whose vision and generosity of spirit made tonight possible.
We are also deeply grateful to Jed Finn, Chris Pagano, Jen Mrozik and Nancy Hall, for their tremendous support in bringing this evening to life.
Tonight’s experience was thoughtfully made possible by partners who believed it was worth it. Our deepest thanks for their support.
FLORAL SPONSOR
Abbey Capital
COCKTAIL SPONSOR
Bitwise Investments
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE SPONSOR
First Trust Portfolios
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
Calamos Investments
Support the Next Generation of New York City Students
DONATE
Support our work and help expand mental health services for students. partnershipwithchildren.org/donate
VOLUNTEER
Mentor a student, host learning opportunities, or join our Young Professionals Board. development@partnershipwithchildren.org
PARTNER WITH US
Host a backpack, coat, or book drive. Hire a PWC high school summer intern. events@partnershipwithchildren.org
FUNDRAISE
Join a marathon fundraising team or organize a community fundraiser. development@partnershipwithchildren.org
STAY CONNECTED
Be a part of our network of supporters, and hear the latest news as it happens. partnershipwithchildren.org/enews
