April 24, 2024
NEW YORK, May 16, 2024 – Safe Horizon proudly hosts its 28th annual Champion Celebration on Thursday, May 16th at the world-renowned Gotham Hall in New York City. This year’s honorees include Safe Horizon board member, Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader and New York State Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The ceremony will also feature special appearances by New York’s own PIX11 Morning Show news anchors, Dan Mannarino and Hazel Sanchez, hosting the event’s live appeal.
Sonia Sande joined the Board of Directors of Safe Horizon in 2015. Sonia is a management consultant, currently serving as EY’s Americas Consulting Talent Leader, and is a member of the firms Inclusiveness Advisory Council. She was recognized with a ‘Women Leaders in Consulting’ achievement award from Consulting Magazine in 2018. Sonia was born in India, grew up in the UK and studied in the UK and Canada. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in economics from the University of Cambridge.
Assemblywoman Cruz took office in 2019 representing New York State Assembly District 39 in Queens. The Colombian native migrated to Queens at age nine as a DREAMer, living in the United States for more than 10 years as an undocumented American. She is a dedicated advocate for survivor rights, standing proudly with Safe Horizon, survivors and legislators to get the New York State Child Victims Act passed in 2019 that opened a one-year lookback window for adult survivors of child abuse to gain justice against their abuser.
Prior to getting elected, Assemblywoman Cruz, became an attorney, fighting for tenant protections, immigration reform and workers’ rights. She also held various positions in city and state government in NYC City Council. Assemblywoman Cruz has passed more than 20 new laws to combat food insecurity, curtail the high cost of healthcare, protect aging New Yorkers, among other issues, and continues leading the charge to make sure her constituent’s needs are met. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor from the City University of New York’s School of Law.
A special feature of at this year’s ceremony will be The Things We Carry gallery exhibit. The gallery features photographs of items that survivors were able to bring with them as they started their journey towards healing. Each piece is an original artwork by Kelly Marshall and Philippa Brathwaite, and is paired with an audio recording describing the items.
“We are so proud to celebrate Sonia Sande and Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz for their dynamic achievements and commitment to prioritizing survivors, dedicating their service to ensure survivor access to resources for justice and healing is a mainstay,” said Liz Roberts, CEO, Safe Horizon. “The Champion Awards are a time for the tremendous accomplishments of our survivors, staff and partners to be recognized and we look forward to highlighting them during this special evening of unity.”
“I’m deeply appreciative of all the important work that Safe Horizon does to help thousands of New Yorkers at challenging times in their lives – it is an honor to be recognized by such a great organization,” said Sonia Sande, EY Americas Consulting Talent Leader.
“I am honored to receive this award from Safe Horizon. As a former client, I know first-hand the incredible impact Safe Horizon has had on my life and the life-changing support this organization provides other survivors in their greatest time of need. Safe Horizon and its dedicated staff are always there to ensure victims can get the mental, physical and legal help they need to begin healing. Through their advocacy and services, they have ensured that survivors are seen, heard and believed. I am truly humbled and grateful for this full circle moment,” said Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz.
The Champion Celebration will begin at 6:30 pm (reception at 5:30 pm). For more information, please visit our official Champion web page at www.safehorizon.org/champion.
About Safe Horizon
Established in 1978, Safe Horizon is the largest non-profit victim services agency in the United States. It touches the lives of more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected by crime and abuse throughout New York City each year. Safe Horizon envisions a society free of family and community violence, leading the way by empowering victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking to move from crisis to confidence. Safe Horizon’s mission is to provide support, prevent violence and promote justice for victims of crime and abuse, their families, and communities. For more information, please visit www.safehorizon.org.