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The Most Inspiring Morning In Brooklyn

Jameela Syed

This week, over 350 dedicated New Yorkers came out to support racial justice and lasting change at the 2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Breakfast, proving that when our community shows up, the sun can shine even on a rainy day.

The love in the room was palpable as we celebrated the five winners of the $100,000 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize, organizations defined by an ingenuity that is distinctly, unapologetically Brooklyn: Drive Change, Neighbors in Action, Power of Two, Sure We Can, and Youth Design Center. Their work touches people at pivotal moments of their lives — when families grow, when young people reimagine their futures, when immigrants seek new opportunities — and all of it is connected, at its core, by hope.

As our President & CEO Dr. Jocelynne Rainey stated in her address, “we want to make Brooklyn a beacon for the world, not just in culture and style, but in equity and justice,” and we are proud to partner with our Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winners on that journey. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of our Spark Prize Committee who selected our winners, and the generosity of our partners including Presenting Sponsor Cleary Gottlieb, and Brilliant Sponsors Kirkland & Ellis, Santander Bank, Lawanna Kimbro and Stardust Fund, Joseph S. and Diane H. Steinberg, and Sweet’N Low.

Throughout the morning, we shared video portraits of the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winners and also heard directly from community members who have been deeply involved in and impacted by their work — if you weren’t able to join us at the breakfast, you can still experience their joy through their stories below. And if you’re wondering how your nonprofit can be considered for the next award, you’re in luck! The application cycle for the 2025 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize is open from March 11th through May 3rd. Interested organizations can learn more and sign up for our upcoming application clinic on April 4th here.

Real, meaningful change is a collective effort. From the time and effort of our Spark Prize Committee Members, to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community partners, the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize is an honor made by and for the community.

As Dr. Rainey shared, “our new era as Brooklyn Org is built upon incredible ambition for what we can achieve when we all come together.”  Without you, we couldn’t advance this transformative work. If you haven’t already, please consider making a donation today to directly support the Brooklyn Org Spark Prize.

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Drive Change

Drive Change’s Alum and Kitchen Operations Associate Dupree Wilson accepted their award, sharing that when he first came to the organization, he was at a “crossroads” in his life. At the time a new father facing barriers to stable housing and employment, Wilson shared that Drive Change offered a new path: “From day one, I was welcomed into a community that believed in me, and saw my potential even when I couldn’t see it myself. Through rigorous training and healing work, I learned the ins and outs of the hospitality industry, gaining practical skills that have opened doors I never thought possible.”

Video

2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winner Drive Change

A Black man is standing at a lectern with a microphone, smiling as he addresses an audience, with a sign reading "Brooklyn Org Spark Prize" visible on the front of the lectern. Video

Dupree Wilson Accepting The Award For Drive Change

Neighbors In Action

Neighbors in Action (NIA) was represented by their Interim Youth Programs Manager Naomie Azor, who first became involved in the organization as a youth program participant while a high school senior. She shared that the program helped her find her voice, and regain “the community-minded focus” instilled in her family by her late mother.

Working with NIA’s youth participants today, Azor has come full circle, sparking “the same passion that was ignited in me all those years ago.” Azor added that although the youth program is just a chapter in participants’ lives, she knows first-hand that the impact of their work will be long-lasting: “The seeds we’ve sown in them will continue to propagate wherever they go.”

A person seen from behind wearing a black hoodie with a logo that reads "save our streets s.o.s. brooklyn. Video

2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winner Neighbors in Action

A woman speaking at a podium with a "brooklyn.org spark prize" banner during an event. Video

Naomie Azor Accepting The Award For Neighbors In Action

Power of Two

Lenis Ramos, Power of Two’s Senior Engagement Associate, accepted their award. After she immigrated with her husband to New York City from Puerto Rico, they struggled to find support and resources for their growing family – until Ramos discovered Power of Two. Their programming was provided in her native language, Spanish, which made her feel “welcomed in the midst of all the insecurities and fears that times of transition can bring.” Power of Two’s coaching helped Ramos develop her parenting skills, and understand her daughter “on a deeper level.” Years later her family is thriving, and Ramos is now a Parent Coach herself, passing along support to parents in need.

A toddler with curly hair sits on the lap of an adult wearing a colorful striped sweater, looking up with a surprised expression, while another adult holding a bottle is visible in the background. Video

2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winner Power of Two

Woman delivering a speech at the brooklyn org spark prize event. Video

Lenis Ramos Accepting The Award For Power of Two

Sure We Can

Josefa Marín, Board Member of Sure We Can and President of the Alliance of Independent Recyclers accepted the award alongside Sure We Can’s Executive Director, Ryan Castalia. Castalia described Sure We Can’s community as “some of the most hard-working, resilient, creative people I’ve ever met, the people who actually turn trash into gold,” calling canners “green warriors on the frontlines of culture change.” Marín, a canner of over fifteen years, expressed that Sure We Can makes the lives of canners easier, and is “like our second home.” Although the work is difficult with long hours and little pay, Marín shared that she and her fellow canners are learning to organize together, adding that “we are so accustomed to being overlooked, so this honor is very meaningful.”

A woman carrying two large clear bags filled with recyclable cans and bottles walks along an urban alleyway. Video

2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winner Sure We Can

Two individuals at a podium with a microphone, with a sign reading "brooklyn.org spark prize," at an event. Video

Josefa Marín and Ryan Castalia Accepting The Award For Sure We Can

Youth Design Center

Youth Design Center was represented by their Board Member Ana Frink. Frink described Youth Design Center as having a unique role in the community, serving as a “beacon of inclusivity” that addresses the lack of communal spaces in Brownsville. Originally drawn to Youth Design Center by the “sense of community and purpose in Brownsville,” Frink first came to the organization as a program participant. While there, she developed her creative, web, and graphic design skills, ultimately finding “not only career and networking opportunities, but also a genuine sense of belonging.” Frink shared that “meeting people from my community who share my identity [and] succeed in the career paths that I had not thought was possible…inspired me to imagine more for myself.”

A young person with shoulder-length dreadlocks and a black outfit smiling in an art gallery with various framed works on the walls. Video

2024 Brooklyn Org Spark Prize Winner Youth Design Center

Woman speaking at a podium labeled "brooklyn.org spark prize. Video

Ana Frink Accepting The Award For Youth Design Center

Photo Highlights

A Black man is standing at a lectern with a microphone, smiling as he addresses an audience, with a sign reading "Brooklyn Org Spark Prize" visible on the front of the lectern.
Event attendees dining and networking in a room with a large sculptural art installation in the background.
Three individuals posing together in front of a backdrop with the text "brooklyn" on it.
Four individuals posing together in front of a blue backdrop with the word "brooklyn" displayed.
Four individuals posing together in front of a sign that reads "brooklyn" with one holding an award titled "spark prize.
A woman appears pensive amongst an audience, with a "shop" sign in the background.
Woman speaking at a podium with "brooklynorg spark prize" signage.
Three well-dressed men posing for a photograph at an indoor event.
Five individuals posing for a group photo in front of a blue backdrop with the word "brooklyn" displayed prominently.
Two individuals sharing a joyous moment at an event.
Two women smiling for a photo in an art gallery with paintings and a sculpture in the background.
A woman with a name tag holds a coffee cup while smiling and conversing with others at a social event.
Two men smiling at a social event with attendees and a large sculpture in the background.
Two women posing for a photograph indoors, smiling at the camera, with one wearing a gray jacket and the other in a camouflaged pattern shirt.
Two smiling adults posing for a photo in a building with brick walls and other people in the background.
Three women smiling and posing together in front of a blue backdrop with the word "brooklyn.
Three people posing together in front of a background with the word "okyali.
Two individuals embracing in a warm hug at an indoor event.
A man delivering a speech at the brooklyn spark prize event.
Two individuals holding an award on stage at a brooklyn spark prize event while an audience member raises their hand in applause.
Two individuals stand together on stage at an event, proudly displaying a "spark prize" award, as the audience applauds.
Woman speaking at the brooklyn.org spark prize event.
Woman speaking at a podium with the brooklyn.org spark prize sign.
A group of attentive women sitting at a conference event, focusing on a speaker or presentation out of frame.
Woman speaking at a podium labeled "brooklyn.org spark prize.
Woman speaking at a podium labeled "brooklyn.org spark prize.
Woman speaking at a podium with the brooklyn spark prize logo.
Recipient holding an award at a podium during a brooklyn community foundation event with two presenters standing by.
Two individuals at a podium with a microphone, with a sign reading "brooklyn.org spark prize," at an event.
A speaker addresses an audience at a podium with the "brooklyn.org spark prize" sign, accompanied by a person wearing a shawl to their left.
Woman in a patterned dress standing against a backdrop with the text "brooklyn park prize.
A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black and orange outfit standing together in an interior space with a large framed painting in the background.
Two individuals smiling for a photo in front of a banner that reads "brooklyn spark prize.
Two women posing together in front of a backdrop with the text "brooklyn park prize.
Four women smiling for a photo at a brooklyn event.
Two women smiling for a photo at a brooklyn book festival event.
Man in a grey suit and black turtleneck posing in front of a "brooklyn park prize" banner.
Two women smiling for a photograph inside a modern building with transparent walls and ceiling.
A speaker addresses an audience at an indoor event, with their image projected on a large screen above the stage.
Three individuals posing for a photo at an event with a backdrop that reads "brooklyn.
Woman in patterned dress stands smiling before a backdrop with 'brooklyn spark prize' text.
Two men engaging in a lighthearted conversation at an indoor event.
Two individuals smiling for a photo at an event with a backdrop displaying "brooklyn.
Three women smiling at the camera, standing together indoors, with a modern glass and metal structure in the background.
Guests mingling at a formal event with tables set for dinner and a "love rules" neon sign in the background.
Two men engaging in a conversation at a social event.
Woman in a patterned dress smiling at an event with a blue backdrop.
Two men shaking hands at a brooklyn markowize event.
Two women shaking hands and smiling at a social gathering indoors with other guests in the background.
A woman gesturing during a conversation with two others in an indoor public space.
Man smiling in front of a banner reading "brooklyn spark prize.org.
Woman standing in front of a "brooklyn book prize" backdrop with a name tag, smiling for the camera.
A woman in glasses and a black outfit with a pearl necklace is conversing with others at a social gathering.
Two men engaged in a standing conversation at a crowded event with seated guests and a large sculpture in the background.
Two individuals posing together in front of a blue backdrop with the word "brooklyn" on it.
Three women smiling at a social event.
Two women sitting at a dining table during an event.
Three individuals engaging in a handshake and conversation at a social event.
Two individuals engaged in a conversation at a social event.
Two women smiling for a photo at a social event.
Two smiling women posing together in an indoor setting.
Two women posing for a photo at a formal event indoors.
Group of adults engaged in a conversation at a social event, with an illuminated sign in the background.
Two women smiling for the camera at a social event.
A woman with a joyful expression is engaged in a conversation at a social event.
Two young individuals smiling at a formal event with tables and guests in the background.
Three people posing for a photo at an indoor event.
Event attendees dining and networking in a room with a large sculptural art installation in the background.
Two individuals engaging in a conversation at an event with a banner reading "xprize" in the background.
Two women smiling and holding an award together indoors.
Two individuals posing for a photograph in front of a blue background with the text "brooklyn" visible.
Two individuals smiling for a photo at a "brooklyn talks" event.

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SPECIAL THANKS

Our Sponsors:

Presenting

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

Brilliant

Lawanna Kimbro & Stardust

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Santander

Sweet & Low

Joseph S. & Diane H. Steinberg

Ignite

The Ichigo Foundation

National Grid

Michael Gillespie & Lauren Glant

Hilary & Edwin Jager

Mamie Kanfer Stewart & Justin Stewart

Harsha & Meera Marti

Noa Meyer

Amanda & Patrick Nichols

Sparkler

Gabe & Jolie Schwartz

Sedreddine & Whoriskey, LLP

Tim Simons

Rabbi Rachel Timoner, Congregation Beth Elohim

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