L to R: Arbor Rising Co-Founder Sammy Politziner, YPIE Alumna Alicia, YPIE Board Chair Ellen Cutler Levy, YPIE CEO Sam Wallis, YPIE Board Chair Emeritus David Westin
This year’s YPIE Gala was an unforgettable evening celebrating students on the path to success in college and beyond.
YPIE proudly honored Board Chair Ellen Cutler Levy, who inspired guests by highlighting principles that have guided YPIE for 18 years and created lasting, meaningful impact on students.
“It’s tempting to want to topple entire systems, especially these days. But what I’ve learned at YPIE is that deliberate action can be just as powerful…small steps, done consistently, can grow into real impact.” – Ellen Cutler Levy, YPIE Board Chair
Alicia, one of Ellen’s mentees, reflected on the role Ellen played in her journey: “Ellen’s care, combined with my family’s support and my own personal drive, helped create the person I am today. After Yonkers High School, I graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Binghamton University, and I’m proud to say that I am the first generation in my immediate family to follow the path of a lawyer.”
YPIE also honored Arbor Rising for their transformational partnership that has deepened YPIE’s impact and helped YPIE expand into new communities: “Over our 15 year history, we’ve looked at over 2,000 early-stage nonprofits (mostly in the New York area), and we’ve funded only 45…even among a group of incredible organizations and incredible leaders, YPIE is a standout.” – Sammy Politziner, Arbor Rising Co-Founder
YPIE Board Member and Alumna Charlyn Brea expressed gratitude to outgoing Board Chair David Westin: “David, on behalf of the entire YPIE Board of Directors, and from me, a deeply appreciative alum of YPIE, thank you for your visionary leadership and your unwavering commitment to our mission. You have elevated YPIE’s impact throughout your tenure.”
YPIE CEO Sam Wallis closed the program by highlighting the impact of education: “If a growing wealth gap is a defining problem of our era, then education is a winning issue. I’ve been at YPIE for 10 years. We have seen literally thousands of you people who have educated themselves to better lives.”
A performance from The Current capped off this event, which was held at Sarah Lawrence College with catering by Zuppa Restaurant.
YPIE thanks New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, and the many other elected officials, volunteers, school district leaders, and friends who joined this event.
The evening was a celebration of community, connections, and the power of education to ensure young people have bright futures. Learn more at ypie.org
