The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) Foundation has announced its upcoming gala event titled “Year of the Woman: Unmasking Her Power.” The event will take place at the Newark Museum of Art on May 30 at 6:30 p.m. It aims to honor four distinguished women leaders and distribute six college scholarships.
The event, which serves as an annual fundraiser, seeks to empower and support low- and middle-income students. This year, the gala will honor Cristina Pinzon, president & CEO of Stateside Affairs, who will receive the Brand Amplifier Award. Natasha Davis, founder of the BLOC Society and the nonprofit Someone’s Daughter, will be given the Construction Trailblazer Award. Crystal Orr, president & CEO of the Urban League of Union County, will receive the Urban Changemaker Award. Finally, Iliana Chevres, site director of Prevention Links and a member of the Elizabeth Board of Education, will be awarded the Community Champion Award.
The gala is crucial for funding the HACE Foundation’s programs. Among these are a college readiness program and a tour offering students access and exposure to resources for postsecondary education. The gala will also grant six $2,000 scholarships available to Elizabeth residents pursuing education at various institutions, including trade schools and graduate schools. The application deadline for these scholarships is April 15.
Curtis Myers Jr., director of Finance and Administration and the scholarship committee chair, stated, “We are deeply committed to creating educational opportunities that leave a lasting impact and drive sustainable change within our community.” He further emphasized the foundation's pride in recognizing women who are breaking barriers and their commitment to creating agency.
Those interested in attending or supporting the gala can purchase tickets or sponsorship packages.
