The gala featured a fireside chat with Hinojosa and Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, former juvenile lifer, and the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States to ever win a Pulitzer Prize Award.

Five exalt graduates were awarded The New York Community Trust exalt scholarships of $20,000 each to support their academic and career goals.

 Internship partners CIVILIAN and Douglas Elliman received the Changemaker Award.

NEW YORK, NY – exalt, a leading nonprofit organization that empowers justice-involved youth through transformative educational and career-readiness programming, hosted its annual ‘Innovating for Impact’ Gala yesterday to celebrate changemakers who are reimagining possibilities for young people in New York City. The event honored Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Founder of Futuro Media Maria Hinojosa, with the nonprofit’s first-ever Luminary Leader Award for her tenacity, bravery and lifelong commitment to uplifting marginalized voices. She received the award from Luis “Suave” Gonzalez, the subject and collaborator on the eponymous podcast he and Hinojosa created and won Pulitzers for. Once a juvenile lifer, Gonzalez is the first formerly incarcerated person in the United States to ever win the prize. 

“Now, in this moment of national inflection, we are not retreating – we are scaling,” said exalt CEO Dr. Gisele Castro. “Young people don’t need punishment to change—they need opportunity, support, and adults who believe in them before the world does. The exalt model works. In a time that demands urgency, we’re harnessing the power of community to change the trajectory of young lives. We’re not just supporting youth—we’re building transformative pathways that empower every justice-involved student to succeed and thrive long-term.”

Emmy-winning journalist Monica Morales was the evening’s master of ceremonies. Held at Trinity Commons in Manhattan, the evening brought together philanthropic leaders, community partners, elected leaders, and supporters to recognize individuals who are driving equity and opportunity for youth. 

“While I do this work because it matters, this is 100% fact-based journalism—rooted in human stories—that can help us confront the systemic injustice, violence, and impossible choices faced by Suave and so many of exalt’s youth,” said Maria Hinojosa, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Founder of Futuro Media. “Being recognized by exalt—an organization deeply grounded in research and committed to systemic and behavioral change—is a profound honor. I share this recognition with Suave and hold it close to my heart. Your belief in hope and possibility, and your work to spread that gospel, is truly powerful.”

Five exalt alumni were awarded the New York Community Trust scholarships up to $20,000 each to help them support their academic and career goals. Since 2019, exalt has awarded former court-involved youth with over $400,000 in scholarships. The 2025 awardees are Adkiel Jean Paul, Chase Jones, Kezie Gray, Ajanae Waisome, and exalt alumni Danajah Young, who spoke on behalf of the 2025 winners. 

“Through exalt, we found a safe space surrounded by incredible teachers, wise mentors, and talented peers who believed in us, challenged us, and helped us grow into the individuals we were always meant to be,” exalt alumni Danajah Young. “This scholarship is just a small part of exalt’s ongoing commitment to the justice-involved youth they serve. exalt opens doors to opportunities you may have never imagined for yourself, paving a path to success, and, most importantly, teaching that your past does not define your future. We are creating our own path and setting our own standards for success.”

Hugh Hobbs of Dougalas Elliman and Nicko Elliott of CIVILIAN accepted changemaker awards for being exemplars of corporate partners welcoming exalt youth as interns.

“We are honored to receive the Changemaker Award. At CIVILIAN, we believe in the power of creating pathways for young people to succeed, especially those who have faced significant challenges,” said Co-Founder and Principal of CIVILIAN Nicko Elliott. “Our partnership with exalt allows us to support the next generation of leaders, equipping them with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. Hosting an exalt intern is not just goodwill, it is a smart, strategic choice.”

“I’m honored to receive the Changemaker Award on behalf of The Jessica Peters Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate,” said Hugh Hobbs of the Jessica Peters Team, a leading real estate group in New York City. “We proudly support exalt’s mission to empower at-risk youth and create pathways to success. At the Jessica Peters Team, we’re passionate about helping clients navigate New York real estate and equally committed to investing in our community. Through internships and mentorship, we help young individuals build confidence and professional skills. We’re proud to support the next generation and continue this meaningful partnership.”

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s honorees. Your outstanding leadership and dedication to empowering young people directly advance exalt’s mission to create a positive, constructive future—and a real pathway to economic opportunity for our students and their families,” said exalt Board Chair, Yumari L. Martinez, Esq. “Being part of this incredible organization—one that is dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline and investing in the success of the next generation has been the greatest honor of my career.”

“exalt is about building a future that allows a young person to unlock their true potential, and what happens when young people have access to opportunities and resources that allows them to flourish and thrive,” said exalt Vice Chair of the Board and President of the Fund for the City of New York Dr. Lisette Nieves. “It is a privilege to be part of the community that makes up the exalt family. We have seen tremendous progress for countless young New Yorkers who simply needed a chance. Tonight, we are reminded of the power and promise of exalt, and tomorrow, we will remain energized and resolute in our commitment to continue fighting for their success.”

All proceeds from the evening went to support the organization’s mission and programming to help hundreds of young people annually avoid future involvement in the criminal justice system.