Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) Foundation will host its third annual gala, “Year of the Woman: Unmasking Her Power,” on May 30 at the Newark Museum of Art. The event, with a Mardi Gras theme, will recognize four women for their contributions to their communities and raise funds for scholarships benefiting Elizabeth residents pursuing higher education.
This year’s honorees are:
- Crystal Orr, president and CEO of the Urban League of Union County (Urban Changemaker Award)
- Cristina Pinzon, president and CEO of Stateside Affairs (Brand Amplifier Award)
- Iliana Chevres, site director at Prevention Links, Elizabethport Community Center, and Elizabeth Board of Education member (Community Champion Award)
- Natasha Davis, founder of the BLOC Society and nonprofit Someone’s Daughter (Construction Trailblazer Award)
The gala serves as a primary fundraiser for the HACE Foundation’s programs, including a college readiness initiative, college tours, and six $2,000 scholarships. Previous scholarship recipients have attended schools such as Morgan State University, Clark Atlanta University, and American International College.
This year’s scholarships include:
- John Robert Rumola Memorial Scholarships (two awards)
- William D. Jones HBCU Scholarship (one award)
- YouthBuild Scholarship (one award)
- Commissioners’ Scholarships (two awards)
The deadline to apply for scholarships is April 15, 2025.
“We are deeply committed to creating educational opportunities that leave a lasting impact and drive sustainable change within our community,” said Curtis Myers Jr., HACE’s director of finance and administration and scholarship committee chair. “By providing scholarships, resources, and recognizing incredible women who are breaking barriers, we are proud to demonstrate the kind of agency we strive to be.”
The event will include networking opportunities, an awards ceremony, and a celebration of community leadership, with corporate leaders, community advocates and public officials expected to attend.
Tickets and Sponsorships
Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorships range from $1,000 (Bronze) to $10,000 (Platinum). Tickets, sponsorships and donations can be made here.
