For five decades, we've partnered with community leaders who are making a real difference in neighborhoods across NYC.
The New Yorkers for New York Gala annually recognizes the community, business, political, and philanthropic leaders who are committed to investing in and elevating New Yorkers at the forefront of change in their neighborhoods.
Monday, June 2nd, 2025 at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers
6 pm Cocktail Hour
7 pm Program Starts
Attire: Summer Cocktail
Meet the 2025 New Yorkers for New York
Jay Goffman is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Smith Goffman Partners, a merchant bank specializing in restructuring. With over 40 years of experience, he has restructured more than $1 trillion in debt, pioneering the concept of prepackaged reorganizations. Previously, he served as Client Chairman at Teneo Financial Advisory, Vice-Chairman at Rothschild & Co., and Global Head of Skadden’s Corporate Restructuring Group. Recognized as one of The National Law Journal’s “Most Influential Lawyers of the Decade” and The American Lawyer’s “Dealmaker of the Year,” he has led high-profile restructurings across industries, including the record-breaking turnaround of MGM. A frequent lecturer and writer on restructuring, he continues to innovate in the field, helping businesses navigate financial challenges with efficiency and impact.
Jay Goffman
Smith Goffman Partners
Jibreel Jalloh is the founder of The Flossy Organization, a grassroots movement dedicated to dismantling inequities through civic engagement and collective action. An Obama Fellow, his work empowers local advocates with the skills to drive change from within their communities. Under his leadership, The Flossy Organization has successfully mobilized residents to prevent harmful developments, such as a proposed pesticide facility in Canarsie, and has trained hundreds of New Yorkers to lead issue-based movements on causes from anti-gun violence to climate justice. Now, Jibreel is focused on leveraging AI-powered technology to expand the organization’s advocacy efforts, bridging the gap between technology and grassroots activism to turn passive community members into active changemakers.
Jibreel Jalloh
The Flossy Organization
Holly Newman Kroft is a Managing Director and Senior Wealth Advisor at Neuberger Berman, where she has worked since 2005. Holly works closely with ultra-high-net-worth families to help develop customized investment solutions and address estate, legacy and philanthropic considerations. Holly also focuses on addressing the unique investment needs of endowments and foundations, from identifying cash flow needs to proper asset allocation and portfolio manager implementation. After receiving her BA from the University of Michigan, she began her career as an investment banking analyst at Oppenheimer & Company and later moved on to working at several boutique media and telecom advisory firms. Holly is a Barron’s Hall of Fame Financial Advisor and consistently ranked as one of the top financial advisors in the United States. She was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Private Wealth by Private Asset Management magazine in 2015. Holly is a regular contributor on CNBC and has participated on FOX Business’s “Wall Street Week”, Barron’s "Roundtable,” Yahoo Finance’s “On the Move” and Bloomberg’s Inspired Investing Conference. Holly serves on the Board of the Jewish Communal Fund, the Advisory Committee for the Hassenfeld Foundation, and is a member of the Wall Street Strategic Council of UJA-Federation of New York.
Holly Newman Kroft
Neuberger Berman
Daniel Puerto is a dedicated activist, organizer, and service provider working to strengthen communities across New York City. With over a decade of experience, he has focused on grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and building support systems for LGBTQ+ and immigrant New Yorkers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Daniel launched Love Wins NYC—a queer-centered, volunteer-run food pantry providing fresh produce to those facing food insecurity, with support from partners like CitizensNYC, the initiative now serves over 11,000 families annually and has expanded to offer services like free dental care through a partnership with Columbia University. Daniel’s work has been featured in outlets including the Washington Post, El Diario, MSNBC, and City & State. A longtime resident of East Elmhurst who grew up in Jackson Heights, Daniel remains deeply committed to building lasting, community-driven change.
Daniel Puerto
Love Wins Food Pantry
50th Anniversary Committee
Janet L. Burak, Esq. | Paul Deutch | Joel Press | Sharon King Hoge | Chris Ruggeri
Hosted by ABC News Anchor Linsey Davis
Linsey Davis is an Emmy® Award-winning anchor for ABC News Live Prime and weekend “World News Tonight,” and a correspondent for ABC’s major programs, including “GMA,” “20/20,” and “Nightline.” She played a key role in ABC’s 2020 election coverage and is known for sharp, equity-focused debate moderation. Davis has conducted exclusive interviews with figures like Baby Roe, Kevin Strickland, and Nick Cannon, and has spoken with leaders including Hillary Clinton, Dr. Fauci, and Anita Hill. Her reporting spans global and national headlines—from the Haiti earthquake and MeToo Movement to in-depth coverage of racial justice and domestic extremism. A bestselling children’s author with five titles, Davis holds degrees from the University of Virginia and NYU.
You Can Make a Difference!
Invest in local heroes. Your gift—at any level—will directly support these community leaders who are transforming our city at the neighborhood level. Together, we can ensure these local heroes have the resources to keep making a difference for years to come.