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Thank you for making our 72nd Annual Humanitarian Award Celebration an evening we'll remember long after the final applause. Through the powerful stories of our honorees, the voices of our speakers, and the presence of our student ambassadors, we were reminded why this work matters and how much becomes possible when we show up for one another.
To everyone who attended, sponsored, donated, volunteered, or supported us from afar: you helped turn an inspiring evening into a commitment that reaches beyond the ballroom and into our schools, workplaces, and communities. Your generosity helps ensure that more young people feel seen, valued, and confident that they belong.
We were proud to honor Connie Hill-Johnson, Kevin K. Johnson, and Cipriano S. Beredo III, and to recognize Phyllis Seven Harris and Calil Cage for their leadership and impact.
Our heartfelt thanks to our dinner board co-chairs, honorary co-chairs, celebration and host committees, sponsors, Board and Life Directors, and dedicated staff and volunteers. You helped make this celebration possible.
A special thank you to our board member Tony Weber and Goldfarb Weber Creative Media for helping create the powerful video shared during the evening, bringing our story to life and reminding us why this work matters.
CARRY THE EVENING WITH YOU
Watch our video:
View our digital Tribute Book:
WORDS TO CARRY FORWARD
The words shared throughout the evening remind us of what we can make possible together, and inspire us to keep building a community where everyone belongs.
“Leadership is about more than occupying a seat. It is about what our presence makes possible for others.”
— Connie Hill-Johnson, Humanitarian Award Honoree
“Tonight, I'm asking you to be the thread that holds someone in.”
— Kevin K. Johnson, Humanitarian Award Honoree
“Let’s keep showing up. When a neighbor is targeted, speak up. When a colleague is pushed aside, stand beside them.”
— Cipriano S. Beredo III, Humanitarian Award Honoree
“Looking back, LeadDIVERSITY was a leadership springboard for me.”
— Phyllis Seven Harris, Outstanding LeadDIVERSITY Alumni Award Recipient
“No one has to do everything, but everyone has to do something.”
— Calil Cage, Outstanding Education Leadership Award Recipient
“When young people practice listening across differences, recognizing bias, and speaking up when someone is excluded, they are learning how to show up for one another.”
— Mark Swaim-Fox, President & CEO
“Every gift helps a young person learn to value differences and helps build a community where everyone belongs.”
— Tracie Longpre, Board Chair
“Thank you for showing up. Thank you for staying.”
— Peggy Zone Fisher, introducing Cip Beredo
“With Connie, community is never an abstract idea. It’s people. It’s listening, remembering, and showing up.”
— Cecil Lipscomb, introducing Connie and Kevin
“They have taught us that leadership is not a spotlight — it’s a long, unglamorous commitment to other people’s futures.”
— Teleange’ Thomas, introducing Connie and Kevin
“Thank you for your generosity, your commitment, and for being part of this inspiring journey towards a more inclusive and accepting community.”
— Lynna Lai, Emcee
As we look toward our hundredth year, thank you for helping carry this work forward and for helping build a community where everyone belongs.
With gratitude,
Mark Swaim-Fox
President and CEO
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