New York, NY, April 23, 2025– MCW Global celebrated its 25th Anniversary Gala at New York University, bringing together more than 250 guests, including supporters, board members, beneficiaries, and young leaders, for an inspiring evening of reflection, celebration, and global connection. The 25th Anniversary Campaign raised over $1 million to support MCW Global’s programs in the U.S., Africa, and beyond.
Angie Kamath, Dean of NYU School of Professional Studies, and Morgan Brenn, Co-Anchor of CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime” and Master of Ceremonies, opened the evening with warm remarks. Then, a video message was shared from Ali Velshi, Host of “Velshi” and chief Correspondent of MSNBC, who, continuing a yearly tradition with his presence, acknowledged MCW Global’s impact over two decades.
The floor was then passed to Eddie Bergman, Co-founder and President of the MCW Board of Directors, who delivered the opening remarks, acknowledging the enduring commitment of MCW Global’s friends and supporters, enabling the organization to thrive for over 25 years.
In his speech, Eddie remarked, “25 Years of MCW’s Local Change through Global Exchange®, with the unwavering support of friends, family, donors, beneficiaries, and so many others. I am filled with immense gratitude and even greater hope for the future. The world needs young leaders now more than ever, leaders who are equipped with the skills, the knowledge, and the passion to tackle the complex challenges we face.”
Eddie expressed his gratitude to the entire MCW Global community, including the dedicated board and team members and volunteers, for their unwavering support and collective contributions to MCW’s mission. He also recognized the role of partners and affiliates in Africa (MC-Rwanda, MC-Tanzania, and MC-Zambia) in providing transformative services and activities at the community level.
Further, Khalid Elachi, Executive Director of MCW Global, provided updates on the organization’s achievements, highlighting the important work of the young leaders who have spearheaded numerous projects aimed at improving health, education, and economic security in their communities worldwide.
Khalid shared recent accomplishments from MCW Global’s programs, including:
- 400 students trained and certified in vocational skills (tailoring & ICT) in Rwanda, 100% of the vocational training students being teenage mothers or people living with disabilities
- 221 children trained in literacy and re-enrolled in the formal education system in Zambia
- Over 400,000 community members across Tanzania were reached with oral health services by Community Health Fellows
Khalid also invited guests to enjoy a short video celebrating the many faces and phases of MCW Global’s journey [stream the video here.]
MCW Global Leadership Awards were presented to individuals who have made a significant impact:
- Lorena Bloom, Vice President, Office of the CEO, Henry Schein, Inc.
- Michael Ettinger, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Henry Schein, Inc.
- Howard Stapler, Vice President, Henry Schein Cares Foundation
The MCW Global Community Partnership Award was presented to:
- Deloitte, accepted by Antonio D’Angelo, U.S. Tax Consumer & Industrial Products Leader and Managing Director at Deloitte
The evening brought a surprise tribute from the MCW Global Board to our very own Khalid Elachi, Executive Director, who was honored with the MCW Global Leadership Award for his outstanding commitment and years of dedicated service.
Beyond the connections and awards, guests enjoyed a buffet and silent auction while enjoying music by Malian master kora player, Yacouba Sissoko. An early preview of the special edition booklet celebrating 25 years of MCW Global was also shared with attendees [flip through the booklet here].
Closing remarks were shared by MCW Board Members, Anna Condoulis and Paul Bergman, who reflected on the incredible journey and the future MCW Global community is building together.
View our photo gallery from the 25th Anniversary Gala by clicking here, and check out the booklet program here.
About MCW Global: MCW Global is a non-profit organization with a vision for communities worldwide to achieve greater levels of education, improved health, and increased economic security. Founded in 1999, MCW is based in New York with affiliate organizations in Africa (Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia).
In honor of its 25th anniversary, MCW Global launched the “Transforming Communities for 25 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward” project over the past year. This initiative features stories and reflections from individuals who have been part of the organization in various roles, including team members, alumni, board members, affiliates, beneficiaries, supporters, and donors.
To explore these stories and learn more about MCW Global and its programs, please visit www.mcwglobal.org.
