An unforgettable evening honoring film producer Joana Vicente, Deloitte, and more
NEW YORK — Upwardly Global, the nation’s leading nonprofit driving workforce inclusion for immigrants and refugees, proudly announces the success of its high-profile 2024 Equity Gala, held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Tribeca Rooftop. The event celebrated the resilience and achievements of immigrants and refugees, along with key corporate partners championing diversity and inclusion in the workforce.
This year’s Gala featured prominent filmmakers while highlighting the essential contributions of immigrants and refugees to the U.S. economy. With a shared commitment to removing employment barriers, the event was a poignant reminder of the importance of inclusion in today’s workforce.
“Immigrants, refugees, and asylees arrive with skills, passions, and dreams, but they are too often left unseen. Our mission is to unlock opportunities that put their dreams on the map,” says Jina Krause-Vilmar, Upwardly Global President and CEO. “This year’s Gala celebrated the extraordinary individuals and organizations actively working to create this equitable and inclusive future.”
The night featured a keynote speech from Academy Award-nominated director Waad al-Kateab, whose documentary “We Dare to Dream” follows five refugee athletes’ journeys to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Special guests also included Olympic Refugee Team member Nigara Shaheen, a judoka from Afghanistan who competed in Paris this summer, and Amal Khalifa, this year’s Upwardly Global alum speaker.
“I arrived in the U.S. with $400 in my pocket. I knew nothing about the U.S., and I didn’t know how I would support myself. I only knew that I needed to survive,” says Amal Khalifa, now an Auditor at the New York Department of Labor. “Upwardly Global saw me. They took my hand and gave me hope. They were the doorway for a professional job in the United States.”
This year’s honorees included Joana Vicente, an Academy Award-nominated producer and former CEO of the Sundance Institute, and Deloitte, the 2024 Corporate Honoree, both recognized for their unwavering support in amplifying immigrant and refugee voices.
“Upwardly Global helps to elevate the narrative for thousands of immigrants and refugees, allowing them to change the ending of their story in the U.S.,” says Joana Vicente. “ They know the importance of immigrants and refugees being seen — this is why our work is aligned.”
For media inquiries, please contact media@upwardlyglobal.org.
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About Upwardly Global
Upwardly Global’s mission is to eliminate employment barriers for low-income immigrant, refugee, and asylee professionals and to advance their inclusion into the U.S. economy. Since 2000, Upwardly Global has empowered thousands of newcomers with the skills, career coaching, and professional networks needed to rebuild their careers. By leveraging these talents, we help create a more inclusive and prosperous society. Learn more at UpwardlyGlobal.org.
