Last night, the OppNet community gathered at our annual Night of Opportunity Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Together, we celebrated our achievements and reaffirmed our dedication to empowering young people to achieve their fullest potential.
Over 800 guests from the finance, entertainment, philanthropy, and media industries gathered to raise $3.4 million in support of OppNet's mission to close the opportunity gap and give students access to colleges, career opportunities, professional networks, and support that empowers them to achieve their goals. If you were not able to attend but would still like to donate in support of OppNet's critical work, you can do so here. We extend our deepest gratitude to our generous and vibrant community.
In addition to raising critical funds to expand educational and professional access, the evening featured powerful remarks from OppNet's leadership, our honorees, and current and former OppNet Fellows.
Emceed by American sports journalist and broadcaster Taylor Rooks, this year's event recognized the service and achievements of esteemed honorees: Anu Aiyengar, Global Head of Mergers & Acquisitions, J.P. Morgan; Rashida Jones, President, MSNBC; and Jamie Hector, Actor, Director, and Philanthropist.
This year's student and alumni honorees included Silvana Navia, OppNet Class of 2024; Sen Feng, OppNet Class of 2025; Tahrif Chowdhury, OppNet Class of 2028; and Windy Dias, OppNet Class of 2022, whose speeches touched on key themes of discovery and perseverance.
Silvana shared that since becoming an OppNet Fellow, she has consistently been empowered and encouraged to strive for more. She shared that she was grateful for the guidance she received from her mother, the support she received from OppNet, and her mentor for setting her on the path to success.
Windy Dias gave the audience a glimpse into her life and career via a special video recording, where she shared her journey from talented and driven high school student to seasoned global marketing professional. Her remarks highlighted the importance of networking not just for career advancement but for personal growth and developing meaningful life-long relationships.
Congratulations to all four recipients of the Opportunity Award. We are so proud of you and can't wait to cheer you on in all your future endeavors.
As we reflect on the success of the Night of Opportunity Gala, we are reminded of the significant strides we have made and the work that lies ahead. Thank you again to our community. We are so grateful for your strength, compassion, and generosity.
