“No matter what our chosen profession or passion, VEI gave us all a voice.”
– VEI Alum and Performer Nathaly Lopez
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On April 1, 2014, 400 VEI supporters, and current and former VEI students, gathered at Tribeca 360 for a sold-out “Evening to Benefit VEI”. The students and alumni speakers and presenters handled the stage like seasoned business professionals and captivated the guests even more than the breathtaking view of Manhattan’s nighttime skyline. Other speakers included Carmen Fariña, Chancellor of NYC’s Department of Education, VEI Board Member Matt Chasin, VEI National Director Iris Blanc, Cat Greenleaf of NBC’s Talk Stoop, and longtime VEI supporter and Board Member, Joe Delaney. VEI honored New York Life with the Noel N. Kriftcher Service to Education Award (accepted by Executive Vice President Frank Boccio) and Jack Hidary with the Global Citizen Award.
Videos
James Holmes
Crenshaw High School, Los Angeles, CA – Class of 2014
Pillow Tune’s CEO shares why he’s thankful for the VEI experience and how he wishes every student in his community and similar communities across the United States will get the same opportunity.
Oluwatoyin (Toyin) Shitta-Bey
New Dorp HS, Staten Island, NY – Class of 2014
Watch below to see how VEI prepared Toyin to face challenges in college and the rest of his life.
Pictured below: Anthony Lewis (Class of 2011), Angel Cepedes (Class of 2011), Catherine Perez (CEO, T-Squared, NYC)
Not pictured: Vonzell Byrd (CEO, TigerTech, Inc., Chicago), Slav Kuzmin (Class of 2009), Saul Lopez (CEO, Art Beat, CA), Crystal Helton (VP of Marketing, Eden’s Confections, SC), Jordan Knox (CEO, Versorna, NYC), Bri Smith (Class of 2013), Rosalvens Saint Jean (CEO, 10 Chefs N’ A Gourmet Bundle, Boston), Nathaly Lopez (Class of 2005)
This group of eleven current and former students handled the stage like seasoned business professionals and captivated the guests even more than the breathtaking view of Manhattan’s nighttime skyline.
Watch Mr. Boccio explain why New York Life is a strong supporter of VEI. Introduction by Josuel Plasencia (Class of 2013).
Watch Mr. Hidary’s powerful acceptance speech and his reasons for why VEI is so critical in preparing students to thrive in today’s economy.
Photos
Check out photos below to see the students in action, and consider making a contribution to ensure VEI students can continue finding their voice