The New York Urban League has been working for over a century to help underserved New Yorkers live fulfilling lives. The organization recognizes outstanding individuals and companies through its Champions of Diversity awards, which celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. As one of the oldest civil rights organizations in the country, the New York Urban League aims to honor those who embody the values of its mission for equity.
The Champions of Diversity event is New York City's signature celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It recognizes organizations and respected thought leaders for their outstanding corporate citizenry and positive advancements in embedding DEI practices into their organizational culture. Winning the award not only brings praise to the winners but also exemplifies to others how DEI practices contribute to the success of an organization. Honorees are exemplary leaders committed to creating an inclusive and equitable future.
The National Hockey League, The Fragrance Foundation, Citi, Blackstone, UPS, McKinsey & Co., PwC, Roundabout Theatre Company, and TD Bank are among the past Champions of Diversity winners. The 2025 Champions for Diversity Awards will be presented on February 24th at The Plaza in New York City.
2025 Champion Honorees
Legacy Award
The Legacy Award honors an individual whose unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has fundamentally transformed the trajectory of their sector and interconnected organizations within their ecosystem. This award recognizes a visionary leader who, through tireless advocacy and innovative DEI practices, has broken barriers, challenged the status quo, and set new standards of practice to make their field more equitable and just.
Heide Gardner
Former Global Culture Officer, Interpublic Group (IPG)
Pioneer Award
The Pioneer Award honors a visionary company that has been a trailblazer in embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion long before it became a widespread societal priority. This award recognizes companies that took bold, proactive steps as early adopters of DEI practices and embraced NYUL’s vision to acknowledge the significance of DEI, specifically during the 2006-2011 period when Champions was first launched.
Business Consulting and Services
Honorary Chair
Ezra KnightPresident of SAG-AFTRA New York
Rising Stars Class of 2025
Rising Star Champion
The Rising Star Award recognizes early-career professionals who are making significant strides in integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into their work and organizations. This award celebrates individuals who, despite being in the early stages of their careers, have demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to advancing DEI principles.
The nomination window for 2025 Champions of Diversity is now open.
Deadline: Submit nominations by January 31, 2025
For more information, please contact the NYUL Champions of Diversity Office at NYUL@thewakemanagency.com.
Interested in sponsorship opportunities or ticket packages, click below to learn more.
2024 Champions Recap
Photo Gallery
2024 Champions Honorees (L to R)
Recruitment, Retention & Belonging Champion (Saks representative ~ Ryan Kenny)
Rising Star Champion (Carlton Charles)
Leadership Champion
(Novartis representative ~ Wanda Sims)
Disruptor Award
(SAG-AFTRA representative ~ Ezra Knight)
