Roads to Success

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, something extraordinary unfolded at the Edison Ballroom. More than 170 partners, supporters, and champions of youth gathered for an extraordinary evening that captured the very essence of what it means to transform lives through community and unwavering belief.

The evening sparkled under the masterful guidance of our host, the incomparable Soledad O'Brien, whose warmth and authenticity set the perfect tone for a night dedicated to celebrating the Roads to Success mission and the remarkable people who make it possible.

Leadership That Inspires Action

Our CEO, Sheila Duke, delivered a powerful reminder of what it truly takes to create lasting change:

"In a world where nonprofits face increasing demands and dwindling resources, continuing to thrive and not just survive requires a collective effort. It takes vision, resilience, and above all, people. People who believe in the mission, people who lean in when the path ahead is unclear, people who give not just their dollars, but their time, their talents, and their hearts.

That's why tonight is so meaningful to me. We would not be where we are without the unwavering support of our board members, our community partners, our funders, and the phenomenal staff who show up with purpose and passion every single day. You all make this possible."

RTS Board Chair, Gregorio Concha Toro, amplified this message with an emotional tribute to the transformative power of mentorship:

"Mentorship is one of the most powerful things we offer. Yes, we support students academically. Yes, we prepare them for careers and college. But perhaps most importantly, we teach them how to ask for help, build trust, and believe in themselves through meaningful relationships. That social and emotional guidance and mentorship... That's what changes the game."

Celebrating Champions of Change

The evening reached new heights as we honored four extraordinary individuals whose dedication to youth empowerment has created ripple effects across our communities. Timothy Tapia, External Affairs Director- AT&T, Larissa Longchamp, VP Market Manager-CITI, Omari Holtz, Senior Cloud Solutions Architect -Microsoft, and Dr. De La Cruz, District 4 -Superintendent, each represent the pinnacle of leadership and impact. Their unique contributions have not only supported our programs but have fundamentally shaped the opportunities available to the young people we serve.

The Heart of Our Mission: Real Stories, Real Impact

One of the evening's most profound moments came through the authentic voice of Odaliz, an RTS parent whose words painted a vivid picture of what true community support looks like:

"As a working parent, knowing my children would enter school and need a safe place to stay until I could pick them up in the evenings was a challenge. From our first orientation I could see that Roads to Success, or as our family so lovingly calls it, RTS, was special! Seeing your children grow up in a safe, inspiring space is everything. RTS has given my children that space since 2017. It's more than after-school, it's a family."

Watching her sons, Rafael and Ethan, beam with pride as they shared their love for the RTS role models who guide them daily was a testament to the profound bonds we create.

The evening's another inspiring revelation came through the stories of Kellie and George, two current staff members whose journeys embody the full-circle transformation of RTS. From kindergarten participants to Dance Instructors and Group Leaders, their evolution represents the limitless potential we nurture.

George shared,

"Now we get to be part of shaping that belief in others. We hope that when our youth see us, they will see what is possible. That they know someone just like them walked the same halls, sat in the same circles, and is now standing right here."

Kellie added,

"We hope to inspire current RTS participants to dream big. To feel seen. To feel like they belong, because they do."

A Legacy in Motion

This wasn't simply a fundraiser; it was a powerful declaration of our shared commitment to youth empowerment and a glimpse into the extraordinary future we're building together. Our heartfelt gratitude extends to our generous sponsors who transformed this vision into an unforgettable reality.

The anticipation is already building for next year's celebration, when we'll mark the 25th anniversary of Roads to Success, a milestone that represents not just our history, but our unwavering commitment to expanding impact across New York City.