Benefit Gala Event Recap 2025

Our heartfelt appreciation goes out to all who supported the 2025 INROADS Benefit Gala, 55 years of Dreams in Action presented by P&G, held on Thursday, May 8, at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Each year, this black-tie affair brings together corporate and community leaders to support the INROADS mission.

During the event, we saw the impact INROADS has made in the lives of our scholars, alumni and award recipients. We witnessed the dedication of our many sponsors while celebrating together during a fabulous and inspirational evening. Your presence helped raise funds to amplify the mission of INROADS.
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2025 INROADS BENEFIT GALA VIDEO

2025 INROADS BENEFIT GALA RECAP HIGHLIGHTS

Thasunda Brown Duckett, President & CEO of TIAA and proud INROADS alumna, joined Kennedy Cordle, INROADS College Links Scholar, for a powerful and inspiring fireside chat, reminding us of the power of potential, the importance of owning our character, and what’s possible when someone believes in us.

Thank you to Thasunda Brown Duckett and family for their extraordinary $1,000,000 pledge to INROADS. Your generosity is a powerful investment in the future of the students we serve.

Celebrating the retirement of INROADS President and CEO, Forest T. Harper, Jr., after 14 years of leadership and impact. Forest leaves an indelible mark on INROADS — expanding programs, opening doors to opportunities for more than 12,000 interns, and changing lives for generations.

We honored his legacy by renaming our Benefit Gala Rising Star Award in his honor. The Forest T. Harper, Jr. Rising Star
Award is a lasting tribute to his visionary leadership and his gift for paving the way for the next generation to rise.

Ron Houston, MBA/Doctoral Candidate, was announced as the new President & CEO of INROADS. With deep expertise in business development, nonprofit leadership, education policy, financial management, operational efficiency, strategic partnerships and workforce development, Ron is ready to lead INROADS into its next era of impact.