Celebrating OppNet's Impact

Each year, supporters across the Opportunity Network community come together at our annual Night of Opportunity Gala to honor the achievements of OppNet Fellows and industry leaders who have committed to expanding inclusion, opportunity, and access in critical ways. We invite you to celebrate with us on May 8, 2024.

Sponsorship Levels

Honorees
Honoree

Anu Aiyengar
Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, J.P. Morgan

Anu Aiyengar is the Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at J.P. Morgan, a member of the Global Banking Management team and serves on the Steering Committee of Women On the Move for JPMorgan Chase. Since 1999, Anu has advised both domestic and international clients on nearly $1 trillion dollars’ worth of transactions. Anu serves on the Board of Trustees of Smith College and is on the Board of Youth INC and Dress for Success. She is also a founding member of the Smith Business Advisory Council. Anu was named to Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” list and recognized by American Banker as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Finance”. Anu is involved with several initiatives across J.P. Morgan and Wall Street to recruit, mentor, and develop women. Anu is often a panelist and speaker at industry events.
Honoree

Jamie Hector
Actor, Director, and Philanthropist

Brooklyn-born actor Jamie Hector discovered his love for acting during his teenage years, but his star ascended with the role of Marlo Stanfield in the legendary epic The Wire. Hector’s career now encompasses a rich tapestry of characters spanning over TV, film, and stage, which include Bosch, Max Payne, and Othello. Beyond acting, Hector is co-authoring two films, and is slated to executive produce three TV series. He is a partner at Ovrdo Media Company, which focuses on sharing narratives of ordinary individuals accomplishing extraordinary feats. Recently, Hector published Chloe Wonders — a children's book series inspired by his children. In 2007, Hector founded Moving Mountains Inc., a NY-based, nonprofit theater organization where inner-city youth can study the arts.
Honoree

Rashida Jones
President, MSNBC

Rashida Jones is President of MSNBC, the premiere destination for breaking news and award-winning journalism. Prior to taking on the role of President in February 2021, Jones served as Senior Vice President, NBC News and MSNBC. In this position, she spearheaded cross-platform breaking news and major events for both networks and simultaneously led MSNBC’s dayside and weekend news programming. Jones won an Emmy for coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision on same-sex marriage and executive produced the most-watched Democratic presidential debate in history during the 2020 election cycle. Jones has won two Emmys and three Edward R. Murrow Awards and was honored with the Radio Television Digital News Association 2022 First Amendment Award, which recognizes journalists and news executives who make major contributions to protecting First Amendment freedoms.

Opportunity Award Recipients
Opportunity Award Recipient

Tahrif Chowdhury
OppNet Class of 2028

Tahrif Chowdhury is a high school senior at Francis Lewis, known for his academic prowess. As a vocal member of his school, Tahrif has advocated for numerous initiatives to enhance school spirit and community service, including a successful campaign to reduce the school's carbon footprint. With a GPA that places them at the top of their class, Tahrif excels in Advanced Placement courses, particularly enjoying AP Microeconomics and AP Literature. His passion for sports and the arts is evident in his role as part of the school's cricket team and karaoke club. Tahrif’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom as a volunteer tutor for children. As he looks forward to attending a prestigious university, Tahrif’s ambition is to pursue a career in cybersecurity, aiming to make a significant impact on IP protection efforts.
Opportunity Award Recipient

Windy Dias
OppNet Class of 2022

Windy Dias is a seasoned professional adept at global marketing coordination and executive assistance. As the Global Marketing Coordinator at Calvin Klein, she serves as the primary liaison for international marketing teams, ensuring seamless collaboration and scheduling. With prior experience at Nickelodeon and Viacom, Windy has contributed to strategic marketing initiatives and the launch of Paramount+. Her creative prowess shines through her roles at The Food Network and Oscar De La Renta, where she led content creation and raw materials management. Windy holds a degree in Strategic Design and Management from Parsons School of Design and is fluent in English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. She is celebrated for her tenure as an OppNet Fellow and her notable early career achievements. As an immigrant, Windy is committed to shattering cultural and gender norms, aspiring to emerge as a future leader in the fashion industry.
Opportunity Award Recipient

Sen Feng
OppNet Class of 2025

Sen Feng is a junior at Carnegie Mellon University majoring in Information Systems with a concentration in Data Analytics. With a strong focus on database design, data analytics, and machine learning, he is skilled in extracting actionable insights from data. In the past summer, Sen served as a web designer, executing a significant website redesign that enhanced user-friendliness and boosted engagement. Currently, Sen is a project manager at re:Bloom, a Pittsburgh nonprofit digital agency to help minority and women-owned small businesses flourish in the digital world. Outside of academics and work, Sen enjoys weight training, reading novels, biking, hiking, and the development of personal side projects such as Chrome extensions. Sen aims to drive innovation by bridging the gap between tech and business.
Opportunity Award Recipient

Silvana Navia
OppNet Class of 2024

Silvana Navia is a senior at Barnard College of Columbia University, pursuing a degree in Sociology with a minor in Educational Studies. On the pre-law track, she plans to attend law school after gaining some professional experience post-graduation. Interested in the intersection of law, policy, and technology, Silvana aspires to become a lawyer specializing in the domains of privacy, cybersecurity, civil rights, and artificial intelligence. Born and raised in Queens, Silvana’s upbringing has greatly shaped her academic interests and endeavors. At Barnard, she has been recognized as a torchbearer for her unwavering commitment to the field of law. She has engaged in research on migration and surveillance in NYC, in addition to spearheading an educational program for adult immigrants. Extending her efforts beyond academia, she secured funding to provide humanitarian aid and legal support to asylum seekers in the border region. Silvana’s work reflects her passion for serving marginalized communities and effectuating change in the lives of others.

Emcee
Emcee

Taylor Rooks
Host & Executive Producer, Taylor Rooks X

Emmy-nominated sports journalist Taylor Rooks is an acclaimed interviewer whose probing questions give rise to some of today’s most pressing discussions beyond the game. Rooks is the Host and Executive Producer of Taylor Rooks X, her interview show for Bleacher Report, among other duties for Turner Sports. In 2022, Rooks joined Amazon's Thursday Night Football as a Feature Reporter and most recently launched her newest show, Two Personal, with close friend Joy Taylor. Rooks is known for asking daring questions that lead to revelatory conversations with some of sports’ biggest stars. Rooks was praised in a profile by the New York Times, “Taylor Rooks gets the interviews that go viral.” This past year she was also recognized as one of Complex’s 25 Most Entertaining Sports Media Personalities of 2023.

Correspondents
Correspondent

Shamima Ahmed
OppNet Class of 2028

Shamima Ahmed is a high school senior from Queens who is passionate about studying Business. She aspires to launch her own business that promotes inclusivity and equity. Shamima is a Design Hive Intern and plans to complete the internship by collaborating on a clothing piece. Her creativity flows when she journals and writes stories for Chalkbeat, a fellowship that offers journalism workshops. She was one of three students selected from New York for this experience. As an America on Tech Alumni, Shamima learned how to code, created her clothing brand website, and became a skilled product manager through this experience. When she's not busy working, she likes to unwind by spending time with her mother and two older siblings. Her father passed away, but she keeps his memory alive in her heart. Shamima is always keen on learning new skills and describes herself as compelling, compassionate, and courageous.
Correspondent

Ryan Carty
OppNet Class of 2025

Ryan Carty is a junior/rising senior at Ithaca College and is a Roy H. Park School of Communications Park Scholar who studies Emerging Media and Animation. Ryan is a member of the Black Artist Student Union and IC Strike, alongside committing towards their school community by volunteering at the town's library through elementary education and supporting senior citizens in Technology Literacy. Their student jobs also include motion graphics and VFX at the student-driven Park Productions and the media literacy education nonprofit Project Look Sharp. He is currently set on the career path of becoming a 3D Environmental Developer and On-Set Operator towards Virtual Productions and XR Filmmaking, paving the way for newer and sustainable forms of filmmaking and indie creativity.
Correspondent

Yannick Doumde
OppNet Class of 2025

Yannick Doumde, a Lehigh University Junior graduating in June 2025 with a BA in Psychology and minors in French Literature and African Studies, is an active member of the OppNet community. He exemplifies a commitment to fostering inclusivity and support within the academic sphere by leading an affinity space for Black and African students. Yannick is involved in initiatives like the Men of Color Alliance and the taekwondo club on his campus. He volunteered with the United Planet nonprofit in Ghana, educating people on mental health awareness and showcasing his dedication to global mental health awareness. As a brand ambassador for Coach Inc.'s Dream it Real Program, Yannick shares his inspiring life story, emphasizing the transformative power of education and mentorship. With a multifaceted skill set, a passion for education, and a commitment to community service, Yannick is poised to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Correspondent

Esther Nuñez
OppNet Class of 2023

Esther Nuñez is a NYC native who believes that community and connection are part of her purpose. With a love for all things creative, she uses her skills to bring people together both digitally and physically. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Baruch College with a focused study on Communications, Digital Media and Culture. Esther is an advocate for youth empowerment and has extensive experience in youth leadership and development. She was a Program Supervisor for the Student State Ambassador Program at Roc Nation, leading 20 college interns and helping them execute nationwide outreach initiatives for the Second UJC Roc Nation Summit. Esther is currently an Account Coordinator for a marketing communications agency, and she’s excited to delve deeper into media, creativity, and social responsibility. As the first in her immediate family to be an entrepreneur and to participate in corporate roles, Esther hopes to continue to pave the way for those who come after her.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Leadership Circle

Champions

Benefactors

Night of Opportunity Supporters

OppNet’s work would not be possible without our community of partners and friends. We are deeply grateful to the individuals, companies, and foundations who have so generously supported this year’s Night of Opportunity. We are fortunate to have you in our network and appreciate the critical resources you bring to our work.

Leadership Circle

Coach Foundation | JP Morgan Chase | Kirkland & Ellis LLP | Anna Kovner and Seth Meisel* | KPS Capital Partners, LP | Jeremy Palmer and Raquel Vargas Palmer* | Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP | The Rees Family* | Salesforce | Verstandig Family Foundation | Rachel Weisz* and Daniel Craig*

Champions

American Express | Mr. David Chiang* and Dr. Vannita Simma-Chiang | Jennifer and Sean Cohan* | Danjaq, LLC (Alumni Table Sponsor) | Michael and Jennifer Davis* Deloitte | Evercore | Goldman Sachs | GreenPoint Partners | Robin and Michael Psaros | Bharat and Ferha Sahgal* | Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP | Kimberly Welch*

Benefactors

Acertitude / Kevin O'Neill | Anu Aiyengar | Aon | Atlas Holdings LLC | Axonic Capital | Tanya and Ryan Baker | Bank of America | Jay Bernstein | BNP Paribas | Cahill Gordon & Reindel | Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP | Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP | Debevoise & Plimpton LLP | Dentons | DexKo Global | EMCOR Group | Freshfields | Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP | Colin S. Graham* / Spencer Stuart | Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher | The Katie McGrath & J.J. Abrams Family Foundation | Jeffrey Klein and Craig Nossel | Lear Corporation | LionTree LLC | Madison Industries | Morgan Stanley | NBCUniversal | NEA | Sarah and Dan O'Keefe* | PNC Bank | David P. Shapiro and Abby Pogrebin | Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP | Sullivan & Cromwell LLP | Warner Bros. Discovery | Norah and Brian Weinstein* | Wells Fargo

Investors

Advent International | AlixPartners | Allen & Overy | Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group | Michael Archer and Elizabeth Nieto* | ArentFox Schiff LLP | Barclays | Blue Owl Capital | Bill and Christine Campbell | Katrien Carbonez | Citi | John Connaughton | CPM Holdings Inc. / David Webster | Excel Sports Management | Executive Leadership Council | EY | FGS Global | Dave and Julie Friedland | Jaclyn and Leo Greenberg | Peter and Debbie Gyenes | Hernan Lopez Family Foundation | Carlos Hernandez | KPMG | Jay Mandel and Molly Stern* | Mayer Brown | Okapi Partners LLC | OManagement | PJT Partners | Proskauer Rose | PwC | RBC Capital Markets | Linnea and George Roberts | Ropes & Gray, LLP | Abrielle Rosenthal* | Santander Corporate & Investment Banking | Joanne and Paul Schnell* | Kim Sharky-Lytle and Shawn Lytle* | Karen Simon | SL Green Realty Corp | Teremana Tequila | George Thanopoulos and Kim Marsh | TowerBrook Capital Partners L.P. | Valuation Research Corporation | Marc and Dana Weingarten§

Underwriters

Bain Capital Community Partnership | Joy Booker* | Ryan Cotton | Dave Eisman | Jefferies | Kekst CNC | Phil and Ellie Loughlin | National Basketball Association | Anna Peng and Justin Kish | Lou Robinson and Caron Veazey* | Schulman Insurance | SearchOne Advisors, LLC | Rahul Sevani and Megha Chopra | Aisha Thomas-Petit* | UBS | Virtu | Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP | Debbie and Chet Wood | Ian and Gigi Woods* | ZMC

Patrons and Partners

Greg Boguslavsky | Laura Born | Maury Bradsher | Kaelin Goulet | Randi Gray | Shirell A Gross, Esq. | Tia Hodges | Hogan Lovells | Kim Huskey and Gary Maurer | Julia Kahr | Russell Kellner | Elizabeth and John Kilgallon | Rich Kleiman | Laura Marquez* | Blythe Masters | Nicole Pullen Ross / Goldman Sachs Gives | Vasudha Saxenda | Joseph Selby§ | Helen Shan | Kester Spindler | Jennifer Sturman and Arnaud Desombre | Anna and Michael Switzer | Stephen Thomas | Stephen Turchan§ | Elizabeth van Schilfgaarde and Margaretha Wilkenhuysen / NautaDutilh N.V.

Friends

Jonathan Belitsos | Cindy Berkman | Ashley and Christopher Everett | Robert Farkas | Susan Levine | Blaine Lourd | Grace Mollard | Nneka Norville* | Erik Oken | Trudy Rautio | Jack and Jodie Russi | Adriana G. Salazar§ | David Spiller | Bryan Verbel | Natalie Waters Wright and Rod Wright | Richard H. Yun^§

* Board of Directors
^ OppNet Alum
§ Associate Board of Directors

All proceeds benefit The Opportunity Network, a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization.

Our tax ID is 43-1984494. Tables and tickets are tax-deductible.

85 Broad Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10004
P 646.237.4090
F 646.736.5569

Created by Constructive