This year’s VE Gala, held on April 27 at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, was a powerful celebration of 30 years of innovation, opportunity, and student success. The evening brought together educators, alumni, VEI Board members, corporate partners, and supporters to honor the transformative impact of Virtual Enterprises and the lives it continues to shape.
One of the evening’s highlights was the recognition of Principal Moses Ojeda of Thomas Edison High School in Queens, New York for his outstanding leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for students. Principal Ojeda was honored for helping launch The Business Of…, an exciting new VE initiative focused on teaching students the business side of skilled trades and career pathways, reflecting VE’s continued focus on preparing students for evolving industries and workplaces.
The gala also marked the introduction of John Widlund as VE’s new President. As Mr. Widlund shared, he is no stranger to Virtual Enterprises, having previously served as the principal of a Career and Technical Education high school that had a successful VE program for many years. He also served as the New York City Chancellor’s designee to VEI’s Board of Directors.
Founder Iris Blanc introduced the second half of the program, which celebrated the enduring impact of VE through the voices of its alumni. Having had the privilege of helping launch and grow VE over the past 30 years, Iris reflected on the importance of celebrating alumni who bring VE’s impact to life through their achievements, leadership, and commitment to giving back.
More than 30 alumni attended the event, representing generations of students whose lives have been shaped by Virtual Enterprises, including featured speakers Deven Williams, Class of 2024 from Brooklyn Technical High School and now a finance major at Baruch College’s Macaulay Honors College, and Lena Sun, Class of 2004 from Fort Hamilton High School and now a Vice President at Blackstone. Both shared inspiring stories about how VE helped shape their personal and professional journeys. They were presented with the Joseph P. Delaney Alumni Award by its namesake, Joe Delaney.
Guests also heard from Helix Delson, CEO of his VE firm at the Manhattan High School for Math and Science, who represented the next generation of VE student leaders. Aspiring to one day become a CEO himself, Helix reflected on meeting Cesar Gonzalez, a former VE student who was once a 17-year-old beginning his own professional journey and is now a successful CEO. Cesar shared this advice with him: “So here’s my advice—keep building. Stay curious. Take risks. And trust that your path will unfold in ways you can’t yet imagine.” The moment beautifully connected VE’s past, present, and future.
The evening concluded with a spirited live auction and appeal, where guests enthusiastically demonstrated their support for VE’s mission. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and attendees, VE successfully met its fundraising goal for the evening.
VE extends heartfelt thanks to its Board of Directors, Dinner Chair and VEI Board President Sandra Krasnoff and Dinner Co-Chairs Steve and Marsee Israel, Jaime Blanc, and Derek Feinman for their leadership, support, and partnership throughout the gala process.
As VE celebrates 30 years of impact, the gala served not only as a reflection on the organization’s remarkable journey but also as an inspiring look ahead to the future of student innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
VE looks forward to continuing to engage gala guests throughout the upcoming school year as mentors, competition judges, leadership event hosts, and guest speakers. Our students need role models so they can truly “see what they can be”. To get more involved with our students in the upcoming school year, reach out to our Director of Strategic Partnerships, Abril Peña – apena@veinternational.org.
You can revisit highlights from the evening by viewing our photo gallery, and watch the 30 Years of Impact gala video below.
