New York, NY, April 13, 2026 – MCW Global welcomed over 200 guests to its 2026 Annual Gala at New York University for an evening celebrating youth leadership, impact, and global community. Supporters, board and team members, beneficiaries, alumni, and young leaders gathered to reflect on the organization’s achievements and reaffirm their commitment to creating positive change. The event raised over $675,000 to support MCW Global’s programs across the United States, Africa, and beyond.
The gala started with inspiring remarks from Kristie Patten, Professor and Counselor to the President at New York University, followed by the Master of Ceremonies, Ali Velshi, Host, “Velshi”, MSNOW, who set the stage for a night of impact, connections, and partnerships. Next, Dr. Yaw Nyarko, Professor of Economics at New York University and Founding Director of NYU’s Africa House, and Edward Bergman, MCW Co-Founder and President of the MCW Board of Directors, delivered opening remarks highlighting the power of education, health, and youth leadership in driving sustainable change and strengthening communities worldwide.
Further, Khalid Elachi, MCW Global Executive Director, provided updates on the organization’s remarkable achievements following its 25th Anniversary last year, including the Young Leaders Program, which continues to equip young leaders worldwide with the skill set and connections they need to thrive in today’s world. Khalid invited guests to feel part of the milestones celebrated in the evening’s special video [watch here].
MCW Global took this moment to honor its supporters and partners, showcasing their vital role in nearly two decades of impactful work.
The recipients of the MCW Global 2026 Awards are:
- MCW Lifetime Achievement Award- presented to the late Dr. Ruben Cohen, Founder, MCW Oral Health Outreach Initiative, by Congresswoman Grace Meng, New York’s 6th Congressional District, Dr. Wayne Kye, and Dr. Anthony Vernillo, Board of Directors, Emeritus, MCW; Former Professor, Oral Pathology, NYU College of Dentistry, and accepted by Dr. Ruben Cohen’s Family: Ranika Cohen and Rosemary Cohen;
- The Spirit of MCW Award- presented to Dr. Lois Cohen by Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Henry Schein, Inc., and Dr. Marion Bergman, Director, Healthcare Projects (Volunteer), MCW Global, and accepted by Dr. Lois Cohen, Consultant, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health;
- The Spirit of MCW Award- presented by Kabinga Pande to Coach Butch Hines, Founder of the Zambia Tennis Program, who accepted the award.
“These individuals embody MCW’s vision for communities throughout the world to achieve greater levels of education, improved health, and increased economic security,” noted during his speech Edward Bergman, Co-founder and President of the MCW Board of Directors.
Later in the evening, guests heard a special message from Frederick M. Lowery, CEO of Henry Schein, Inc., who was introduced by Stanley Bergman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Henry Schein, Inc. Dr. Thierno Thiam, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tuskegee University, represented Tuskegee University in place of President and CEO Dr. Mark Brown, and introduced a powerful performance by the Tuskegee University “Golden Voices” Concert Choir, bringing energy and inspiration to the evening.
The 2026 MCW Global Gala concluded with remarks from MCW’s Board of Directors, reflecting on an evening of impact, partnership, and global community. The celebration continued with a reception, buffet, and silent auction, bringing everyone together in support of MCW’s mission.
MCW Global is committed to addressing pressing needs in communities worldwide, fostering leadership, and creating positive change. Over the past 26 years, the organization’s programs have had a significant impact on leadership, economic security, education, and health, highlighting the organization’s effectiveness and encouraging continued engagement.
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). The organization empowers current and future leaders to address pressing community needs through programs such as its Young Leaders Program, Africa Programs, and Oral Health Care Program.
For more information about MCW Global and its mission, please visit www.mcwglobal.org.
