L-R: YPIE Board Member Shari Turell; YPIE alumna Natalie Maldonado; Eric Cohen, Principal, PwC Advisory; YPIE Board Chair Ellen Cutler Levy; and YPIE CEO Sam Wallis at the 2026 YPIE Gala.
Yonkers Partners in Education (YPIE) celebrated students and their pathways to college and career success at its 2026 YPIE Gala on September 17 at Sarah Lawrence College.
The evening brought together YPIE students and alumni, volunteers, supporters, community leaders, and education partners to celebrate the opportunities and experiences that help students build their futures.
This year, YPIE honored longtime volunteer and Board Member Shari Turell for her dedication to YPIE students and PwC US for its commitment to expanding opportunity for young people.
YPIE alumna Natalie Maldonado shared her YPIE experience and the impact of her longtime mentor, Shari Turell. Natalie first met Shari as a ninth grader at Saunders Trades & Technical High School and later graduated from Bennington College in 2025.
“YPIE gave me the mentoring and encouragement that helped me see new possibilities for my future. I am now a first-grade teacher, sharing my love of learning while pursuing my master’s degree in education,” said Maldonado.
During the Student Showcase, students shared their experiences in YPIE Majors, including Science Research, Robotics, Finance, and Entrepreneurship.
Among those joining the celebration were Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers City Council Majority Leader John Rubbo, and other local and community leaders.
Through college and career preparation, mentoring, and hands-on learning opportunities, YPIE provides students with the guidance, experiences, and relationships they need to succeed from high school to college and into rewarding careers. Learn more at ypie.org.