Gary Axelbank is the host and senior producer of BronxTalk, the borough’s flagship talk show on BronxNet cable television. Since the program’s debut in October 1994, Gary has hosted more than 1,200 weekly editions of BronxTalk, including 72 political debates, more than 100 programs on education, and dozens of programs on crime and policing, youth, parks, healthcare, arts and culture, community issues, and more.

Councilwoman Diana Ayala is the Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council. Councilwoman Ayala has worked for nearly two decades serving the people of East Harlem in social service agencies and government, and is a passionate advocate on issues including housing, gun violence, and senior services. We are truly humbled to present her with our Outstanding Public Service Award.

Mutual of America Financial Group has served the employees of EXPONENTS for over twenty years, and we are proud to present them with the inaugural Corporate Partner of the Year Award. 

Dr. Uché Blackstock is a renowned physician and thought leader on bias and racism in healthcare. She is the Founder and CEO of Advancing Health Equity, whose primary mission is to engage with healthcare and related organizations about bias and racism in healthcare. For her commitment to dismantling racism in healthcare and closing the gap in racial health inequities, we are honored to present Dr. Blackstock with our Visionary Award.

K. Bain is the Founder and Executive Director of Community Capacity Development, a progressive non-profit organization with a mission to uproot the systemic challenges facing marginalized communities of color. Mr. Bain is renown for pioneering anti-gun violence initiatives and specializing in community-led public safety approaches, and we are exceedingly proud to present him with our Innovative Leadership Award.