Poverty is relentless, and so is our fight. Check back every day this January as we celebrate poverty fighters who are building a city where your starting point in life doesn’t define your future.
Co-lead members of the Undo Poverty Flushing collaborative—a Robin Hood Mobility LABs grantee
For 24 years, David has led Henry Street Settlement's fight against poverty, delivering life-changing support and building resilient communities through trust, innovation, and opportunity.
David Garza, CEO of Henry Street Settlement
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Gabriel, a Bronx native and Robin Hood Hero, overcame systemic barriers to graduate college, serve in the military, and build generational wealth, thanks to Robin Hood's investment in CUNY ACE.
Gabriel MacDonna, a CUNY ACE (Accelerate, Complete, Engage) participant, and 2024 Robin Hood Hero
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With bold actions like the proposal to expand the Empire State Child Tax Credit, Governor Hochul and Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery are ensuring every New York child has a chance to thrive.
Robin Hood CEO Richard Buery (left) with New York State Governor Kathy Hochul (right) during the Empire State Child Tax Credit expansion press conference on Jan. 6, 2025 at Vanderbilt YMCA in Midtown New York.
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At KIPP, Brandon and Milly empower students like Kaleb with critical skills and confidence, using education to help break barriers and unlock opportunities for brighter futures.
Brandon Gobourne (left) Director of ES Science, Technology and Engineering, Milly Garcia (center) KIPP Star Harlem Elementary School Teacher, and Kaleb (right) 4th grade student at KIPP NYC—a Robin Hood Learning & Technology Fund grantee
As CEO of City Harvest, Jilly Stephens fights poverty daily—rescuing food, aiding families, and championing policies to make NYC a place where no one has to choose between rent and a meal.
Jilly Stephens, CEO of City Harvest
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Beam Center empowers NYC's underserved youth with creative tools, mentorship, and real-world skills, breaking cycles of poverty. With Robin Hood, they're empowering youth, one project at a time.
Izzi Stevenson (right) Apprenticeships Director at Beam Center, and Angeline (left) a student apprentice at Beam Center
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Filmmakers Daniel Nalladurai & Helena Kincaid-Nalladurai spotlight NYC's rising cost of living, sharing stories from Flushing, Queens families, inspiring action to protect the city's most vulnerable.
Helena Kincaid-Nalladurai (left) and Daniel Nalladurai (right), filmmakers at Sixty First Productions and directors of the Undo Poverty Flushing's "The Cost of Living" documentary
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By teaching AI literacy to NYC kids in underserved communities, Azi is closing the digital divide and unlocking opportunity—helping every child see their potential as a creator and problem solver.
Azadeh "Azi" Jamalian, PhD, CEO and Founder of The GIANT Room—a Robin Hood Learning & Technology Fund grantee
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From being Rising Leaders Collective members to serving on event committees, running races, volunteering, and even fundraising through their birthdays, Alexis and Sean are relentless poverty fighters.
Robin Hood Rising Leaders Collective members Alexis Allen (left) and Sean Allen (right)
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Cinthya Vásquez, Founder of WeSuap and BRL Entrepreneur-in-Residence, is breaking through financial barriers by empowering New Yorkers to "suap" their skills for resources.
Cinthya Vásquez, a Blue Ridge Labs at Robin Hood Entrepreneur-in-Residence and Founder of WeSuap
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Through AI innovation, Playlab helps educators like Wyman, Nkomo, and Ed to redefine education and empower teachers who are not just shaping students—they’re shaping futures.
Nkomo Morris and Ed Castro of NYC Public Schools; Wyman Khuu of Playlab—a Robin Hood Learning & Technology Fund grantee
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John King’s journey from loss and poverty to SUNY Chancellor drives his mission to expand education for incarcerated individuals, breaking cycles of poverty and creating second chances.
John King, Jr., Robin Hood Board Member, SUNY Chancellor, and 2024 Robin Hood Hero
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Nathalia's work as a preschool teacher embodies the fight against poverty and the need for affordable child care—nurturing students, supporting families, and creating lasting change in her community.
Nathalia Daza, Lead Preschool Teacher, Grand Street Settlement
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Sam and his family's gift to Robin Hood unlocked $90M for a state-of-the-art library and 174 affordable homes, tackling homelessness and educational inequity while honoring his parents' legacy to NYC.
Samuel Rosenblatt (center) and his sisters Jill Gordon (left) and Sarah Goos (right) at the ribbon cutting of the Joseph & Sheila Rosenblatt Building in Inwood
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