L to R - 2023 Honorees - Clarissa Moses-Washington; Linda G. Levy; Kenneth Ebie; Kim Davis; HR&A Advisors
2023 Champion Honorees
Linda G. Levy
Catalyst Champion
President
The Fragrance Foundation
Portrait by Michael Avedon
Kim Davis
Leadership Champion
Senior Executive Vice President
National Hockey League
Clarissa Moses-Washington
Rising Star Champion
Manager - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
JetBlue Airways Corporation
Kenneth Ebie
Equity & Inclusion Ambassador
Executive Director & Chief Development Officer,
Black Entrepreneurs NYC
HR&A Advisors
Recruitment, Retention & Belonging Champion
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For over a century, the New York Urban League has been working to help underserved New Yorkers live the lives they deserve to lead. Champions is our city’s signature event celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion.
Champion's half-day conference brought together experts to share knowledge and empower our community for continued change in DEI practices as well as award organizations and respected thought leaders for their outstanding corporate citizenry and positive advancements embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into their organizational culture.
Champions are considered to be one of the highest accolades for individuals and organizations committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. As one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, the New York Urban League seeks to celebrate companies and individuals who embody the pillars of our mission for equity.
Being recognized as a Champion not only brings praise to the winners, but it also exemplifies to others how DEI practices contribute to the success of an organization. Champions Honorees exemplify leadership and a commitment to an inclusive and equitable future. Past Champions of Diversity include Citi, Blackstone, UPS, McKinsey & Co.; Company, PwC, Roundabout Theatre Company, and TD Bank.
Awards for Champions were presented during the luncheon on February 15 at The Plaza in New York City.
2023 Event Recap
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Keynote Speaker
Rashida Jones, President of MSNBC
Rashida Jones is President of MSNBC, the premiere destination for breaking news, award-winning journalism, in-depth analysis and informed perspectives. Prior to taking on the role of President in February 2021, Jones served as Senior Vice President, NBC News and MSNBC. In this position, she spearheaded cross-platform breaking news and major events for both networks.
Champions Host and Emcee
David Ushery, Anchor NBC 4 New York
David Ushery is the anchor for NBC 4 New York’s 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. weekday newscasts. He is a member of the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame and a member of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, New York Chapter’s Silver Circle, recognizing more than 25 years of journalistic excellence and service to the Tri-State.
Symposium Topics and Speakers
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Champions Event Chair
Helen C. Shelton
Senior Partner, Global Chief Diversity Officer
FINN Partners
Board Member of New York Urban League
Champion Sponsors
CATALYST SPONSOR
DIVERSITY SPONSORS
EQUITY SPONSORS
2023 Jury Granted Award Categories
2023 Champions Jury
Jeanelle Beach, Warner Bros. Discovery
Richard Brown & Christine De La Rosa, The People’s Ecosystem
Lauren Maillian
Christina Ovalles, OMD
Rebecca Russel, GEICO
Lisa Skriloff, Multicultural Marketing Resources, Inc.
Recruitment, Retention & Belonging Champion
This Champion has achieved diversity across sectors of their organization through innovative and successful recruitment, retention, professional development, affinity group and mentorship programs, practices and strategies.
Supplier Diversity Champion
This Champion has a robust supplier diversity initiative and processes in place to ensure small, diverse, women and veteran-owned classified and certified suppliers and vendors are considered and utilized.