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NEW YORK – Youth INC is proud to honor Adena Friedman, President and CEO of Nasdaq, with the John C. Whitehead Leadership Award at its 27th Annual Celebration Gala on Monday, November 8, 2021. The award will be presented in recognition of Friedman’s distinguished leadership in advancing diversity, social responsibility, and inclusive board governance, as well as Nasdaq’s long-standing support of Youth INC.
Youth INC’s Celebration Gala is the organization’s signature event through which it raises over $2 million annually to provide its network of 75 nonprofit partners with the tools and resources they need to help over 200,000 New York City youth thrive. The event will include a fireside chat with Friedman and former Youth INC Board Chair and current National Advisory Board Member, John Waldron, president and COO of Goldman Sachs.
“Youth INC would not be where we are today, leading the charge for trust-based philanthropy with our large and growing cadre of corporate partners, without the enduring commitment of our most ardent supporters, like Nasdaq,” said Rehana Farrell, executive director of Youth INC. “Adena is a visible force driving diversity, equity and inclusion in business, which helps all young people see themselves as future leaders in their communities, and we could not be more excited to commemorate her exemplary leadership at our Celebration Gala.”
“I am honored to receive this recognition and to help bring awareness to the transformative work Youth INC is doing across New York City,” said Friedman. “Our purpose at Nasdaq is to drive inclusive growth and prosperity across the global communities in which we operate. Over the past 18 months we have seen how the pandemic has disproportionately impacted underserved communities. The vital role that Youth INC plays in supporting its nonprofit partners through coaching, capital and connections facilitates economic advancement and social progress in the areas that need it most, helping to create the next generation of future leaders.”
"As someone who has been involved with Youth INC for 20 years, I can honestly say that I have never been more proud of our work or humbled by the opportunity to help the young people of our city access opportunities to achieve their full potential,” said Youth INC National Advisory Board Member, John Waldron, president and COO of Goldman Sachs. “Goldman Sachs is committed to racial equity and thrilled to support Youth INC’s efforts and recognize Adena Friedman for her trailblazing leadership to advance diversity, equity and inclusion on corporate boards.
The event will also bring together a slate of influential business leaders who will serve as vice-chairs to help Youth INC reach its most ambitious fundraising goal yet, including:
Event Co-Chairs include:
In 2020, Youth INC honored Roger Ferguson, former president and CEO of TIAA, with the John C. Whitehead Leadership Award and successfully raised over $2.1 million to support its network of youth development nonprofits with over $1 million in cash grants in addition to its capacity-building programs and services.
