On April 15th, Jackie Robinson Day, the New York Urban League (NYUL) will host a landmark Equity Summit at Yankee Stadium, a powerful convergence of legacy and action. This event, held in partnership with the New York Yankees, a 40-year ally in NYUL's education and employment initiatives, honors the enduring impact of Jackie Robinson's courage and commitment to breaking barriers.
For over a century, the NYUL has championed civil rights and worked tirelessly to advance equity for African Americans in New York City. This Summit builds on that legacy, providing a critical platform to address the pressing challenges of our time. It moves beyond celebrating equity champions to fostering tangible solutions and collaborative strategies to meet the needs of our city's current demographics.
The Equity Summit is designed to empower leaders from across sectors to connect, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. Participants will engage in facilitated workshops, insightful panel discussions, and interactive sessions focused on developing actionable solutions for a more inclusive and equitable future.
NYUL Equity Summit: April 15, 2025
Yankee Stadium | 9 AM - 3:30 PM EST
Summit Program Details
Time
Session
8:30 AM
Open Doors
9:00 AM
Welcome: Arva Rice, President & CEO, NYUL
9:15 AM
The New York Yankees: Equity in Action
9:45 AM
Keynote: Janai Nelson, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
10:30 AM
Facilitated Breakouts: Protecting the Diversity Ecosystem
Cecilia Nelson-Hurt, Chief Inclusion Officer, Heidrick & Struggles
Adrianne Smith, SVP and Chief Equity and Impact Officer, FleishmanHillard & Founder and President, Cannes Can: Diversity Collective
Corey Smith, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion, LVMH
12:00 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM
Legacy Award Presentation: Heide Gardner
1:30 PM
Workshop Round-up Panel: Protecting the Diversity Ecosystem
2:15 PM
Panel: An Active Crisis: This is Not a Drill
MODERATOR - Alphonso David, President & CEO, Global Black Economic Forum
Kim Davis, Senior Executive Vice President, National Hockey League
Heide Gardner
Wendy Lewis, Founder & CEO, AllySHIFT and Former Global Chief Diversity Officer, McDonald’s
3:15 PM
Looking Ahead: Arva Rice, President & CEO, NYUL
3:30 PM
Conclusion
Key Highlights of the Summit Include:
Keynote Address
Janai Nelson , President and CEO of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, will deliver a powerful keynote address, setting the stage for a day of impactful dialogue.
Yankees: Equity in Action
The New York Yankees will open the event, showcasing their commitment to diversity through their Diversity Council and highlighting their ongoing partnership with the NYUL.
CEO Roundtable
A closed-door, candid discussion will be moderated by Arva Rice, President and CEO of the NYUL. The invite-only Roundtable will convene CEOs to share strategic insights on diversity investments, campaigns, and messaging.
Champions Awards & Lunch Remarks
The NYUL will recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations making significant strides in advancing equity including Heide Gardner, former Chief Diversity Officer, IPG.
Focused Workshops
& Panels
Deep-dive sessions will explore strategies, resources, and actionable solutions to address systemic inequities.
2025 Champion Honorees
Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors an individual whose unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has fundamentally transformed the trajectory of their sector and interconnected organizations within their ecosystem. This award recognizes a visionary leader who, through tireless advocacy and innovative DEI practices, has broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and set new standards of practice to make their field more equitable and just.
Heide Gardner
Former Global Culture Officer,
Interpublic Group (IPG)
Rising Stars Class of 2025
Rising Star Champion
The Rising Star Award recognizes early-career professionals who are making significant strides in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work and organizations. This award celebrates individuals who, despite being in the early stages of their careers, have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing DEI principles.
The nomination window for 2025 Class of Rising Stars is closed.
Deadline: Submit nominations were by March 28, 2025
For more information, please contact the NYUL Champions of Diversity Office at NYUL@thewakemanagency.com.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or ticket packages, click below to learn more.
In Honor of April 15th, Jackie Robinson Day
Jackie Robinson
Jack Roosevelt Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who became the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era. He was also a civil rights leader and a key figure in the advancement of equal opportunity.
The impact Robinson made on Major League Baseball is one that will be forever remembered. On April 15 each season, every team in the majors celebrates Jackie Robinson Day in honor of when he broke the color barrier in baseball, becoming the first African-American player in the 20th century to take the field in the American or National league. He opened the door for many others and will forever be honored for his contribution to the game.
A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.
Jackie Robinson
2024 Champions Recap
Photo Gallery
2024 Champions Honorees (L to R)
Recruitment, Retention & Belonging Champion (Saks representative ~ Ryan Kenny)
Rising Star Champion (Carlton Charles)
Leadership Champion
(Novartis representative ~ Wanda Sims)
Disruptor Award
(SAG-AFTRA representative ~ Ezra Knight)