Celebrating 25 Years of Guiding Futures: Roads to Success Spring Benefit 2026

For 25 years, Roads to Success has believed in one simple but powerful truth that every young person deserves the opportunity, support, and encouragement to reach their full potential.

What began in 2001 serving just 40 students has grown into an organization that has empowered more than 100,000 young people across New York City through afterschool programming, college and career readiness, workforce development, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. Behind that number are thousands of individual stories of confidence built, dreams realized, and futures transformed.

On June 5, 2026, more than 200 supporters, partners, educators, Board members, alumni, and friends gathered at 'The Edison Ballroom' to celebrate this remarkable milestone at the Roads to Success 25th Anniversary Spring Benefit. The evening was not only a celebration of everything RTS has accomplished over the past quarter century, it was a powerful reminder that our work is far from over. Every young person we serve represents another future waiting to be shaped, another community strengthened, and another life changed.

Hosted by award-winning journalist Monica Morales, the evening celebrated the people whose vision, leadership, and partnership have helped Roads to Success become the organization it is today.

Among those recognized was Natalie Cuchel, Founding Executive Director and current Board Member of Roads to Success, who received the RTS Trailblazer Award.

Reflecting on the organization's early years, Natalie shared how the vision for RTS was inspired by a simple question: What made school meaningful when we were children? The answer was often found beyond the classroom, in afterschool clubs, sports, performances, and activities where young people discovered confidence, belonging, and purpose. That belief became the foundation on which Roads to Success was built, and it continues to guide our mission 25 years later.

The RTS Community Impact Award was presented to Concorde Education, with Founder and Director of Programming Jonathan Holub accepting on behalf of the organization. Jonathan spoke about the shared values that unite Concorde Education and Roads to Success and the importance of creating environments where students are encouraged to dream bigger than they ever imagined possible. His remarks celebrated the power of creativity, collaboration, and partnerships in expanding opportunities for young people throughout New York City.

One of the evening's most memorable moments came from Matthew Foster, a freshman at Boston Secor Community Center and member of the RTS Youth Council. Standing before a room of supporters, Matthew shared how Roads to Success has become a second home, one where he has developed confidence, leadership skills, discipline, and a sense of belonging. His story perfectly captured why organizations like RTS matter. Every investment made by our supporters ultimately creates opportunities for young people like Matthew to discover their potential and believe in themselves.

In her remarks, CEO Sheila Duke reflected on the significance of the organization's 25-year journey.

She said "Tonight is more than a celebration of where we have been. It is a declaration of where we are going. When a community comes together around young people, barriers become opportunities, challenges become possibilities, and potential becomes achievement."

The evening also marked an important leadership transition as Roads to Success expressed heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Gregorio Concha-Toro for his years of dedicated service and welcomed Larry Hackett as the organization's incoming Board Chair. Larry reminded guests that every contribution made that evening represents an investment in the future of New York City's young people.

Guests enjoyed an elegant evening featuring dinner, meaningful conversations, inspiring stories, and exciting silent and live auctions, with unforgettable experiences ranging from a Tuscan getaway and JetBlue travel certificates to an exclusive golf experience at the Maidstone Club.

While the evening celebrated 25 years of impact, its true purpose was to invest in the future. Every dollar raised will help Roads to Success continue providing life-changing opportunities for young people across New York City, ensuring they have access to caring mentors, enriching experiences, academic support, workforce development, and the tools they need to succeed.

As we celebrate this milestone, we also look ahead with renewed purpose. The first 25 years have shown what is possible when communities come together around young people. The next chapter is even more ambitious. Together, we will continue opening doors, creating opportunities, and empowering the next generation of leaders, reaching thousands more youth and building on a legacy that has already impacted more than 100,000 lives.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the generous sponsors, partners, and supporters who made this unforgettable evening possible. Your investment extends far beyond a single event, it creates opportunities for young people to discover their strengths, pursue their aspirations, and build brighter futures. Your belief in our mission enables Roads to Success to continue providing life-changing programs that empower New York City's youth every day. Thank you for standing with us as we celebrate 25 years of impact and look ahead to the next chapter of transforming lives together.

To everyone who joined us, supported us, and believes in our mission, thank you. Your partnership makes this work possible, and together, we are guiding futures for generations to come.