On June 11th , Roads to Success hosted its
2nd Annual Spring Benefit at
The Edison Ballroom
in New York City, recognizing a lineup of visionary leaders whose unwavering
dedication to education, workforce development and community advancement have made a
lasting impact. With more than 170 guests in attendance, the evening acknowledged Roads to
Success inspiring students, dedicated supporters and incredible, transformative programs.
Hosted by award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien, the Spring Benefit’s 2025 Leaders
of Change honorees included:
Timothy Tapia, External Affairs Director, AT&T
Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, District Four, Community Superintendent
Larissa Longchamp, Market Manager, Citi
Community Relations, and
Omari Holtz, Senior Cloud Solutions Architect, Microsoft. Each honoree represents the pinnacle of leadership and dedication to youth empowerment, and
their unique contributions have supported Roads to Success programs and fundamentally
shaped the opportunities available to young people.
Roads to Success CEO Sheila Duke delivered a powerful reminder of what it truly takes
to create lasting change. She said, “In a world where nonprofits face increasing demands and
dwindling resources, continuing to thrive and not just survive requires a collective effort. It
takes vision, resilience, and above all, people. People who believe in the mission, people who
lean in when the path ahead is unclear, people who give not just their dollars, but their time,
their talents, and their hearts.”
Roads to Success Board Chair Gregorio Concha Toro, amplified this message with an
emotional tribute to the importance of mentorship. He said, “Mentorship is one of the most
powerful things we offer. Yes, we support students academically. Yes, we prepare them for
careers and college. But perhaps most importantly, we teach them how to ask for help, build
trust, and believe in themselves through meaningful relationships. That social and emotional
guidance and mentorship... that’s what changes the game.”
The Spring Benefit also included heartwarming comments by a Roads to Success parent
who talked about what community support means to her family and her two sons who are
grateful for the Roads to Success role models who guide them each day. In addition, two young
adults spoke of the profound impact Roads to Success had on them as children and continues
to have as they both are current staff members.
About Roads to Success
Roads to Success, a nonprofit organization, empowers our future leaders and changemakers by
helping young people, ages 4 to 24, discover their potential, pursue their passions and open
doors to brighter futures. Founded in 2001, Roads to Success serves over 7,000 youth and
young adults annually. The comprehensive approach encompasses academic support, social-
emotional learning, workforce skill development, financial literacy, wellness and post-
secondary orientation. For more information please visit: https://www.roadstosuccess.org/
see images below
George Osai and Kellie Hodge
Crissy Andre, Road to Success CAO; Allie O'Shea, Road to Success Board Director; Sheila Duke, Road to Success CEO; Soledad O'Brien, Gala hostess.
Gregorio Concha Toro, Road to Success Board Chair.
Odaliz Vasquez, a Roads to Success parent, with her two sons, Rafael, 11, and Ethan, 8
Gregorio Concha Toro, Roads to Success Board Chair
Event Host Soledad O’Brien
Bashan Fernandez, Roads to Success CPO
Honoree Larissa Longchamp, Market Manager, Citi Community Relations
Sheila Duke, Roads to Success CEO
Chrissy Andre, Roads to Success CAO
Honoree Omari Holtz, Senior Cloud Solutions Architect, Microsoft
Honoree Timothy Tapia, External Affairs Director, AT&T Honoree Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, District Four,
Community Superintendent
Sheila Duke, RTS CEO
Honoree Larissa Longchamp, Market Manager, Citi
Community Relations
and Chrissy Andre, Roads to Success CAO
Honoree Timothy Tapia, External Affairs Director, AT&T with his son and Sheila Duke,
RTS CEO
Honoree Omari Holtz, Senior Cloud Solutions Architect, Microsoft and Sheila Duke,
RTS CEO
Sheila Duke, Roads to Success CEO
Honoree Dr. Kristy De La Cruz, District Four,
Community Superintendent
and Bashan Fernandez, Roads to Success CPO
Sheila Duke, RTS CEO
Honoree Larissa Longchamp, Market Manager, Citi
Community Relations
and Chrissy Andre, Roads to Success CAO
