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2025 URI Celebration: Rise Up!

Join us for Urban Resource Institute’s (URI) annual gala as we honor the strength of survivors, the dedication of our staff, the generosity of our supporters, and the commitment of our partners. This year’s theme, Rise Up!, is a powerful call to action—standing together to ensure survivors not only find safety and healing but thrive. URI champions dignity, hope, and resilience. Your support funds life-changing programs that end the cycles of domestic violence, homelessness, and poverty.

Watch highlights from the 2024 URI Celebration:
Honoring the Human-Animal Bond.
Time:

6:00pm – Cocktail Reception
7:00pm – Dinner & Awards Program
8:30pm – Post Reception

For questions: 347.906.4324 | events@urinyc.org

Event Highlights

HONOREES

Trailblazer award

Raamla Mohamed
Raamla Mohamed

Creator, Writer, and Executive Producer of Reasonable Doubt
Trailblazer Award

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Born and raised in Los Angeles, Raamla Mohamed is the Creator and Showrunner/Executive Producer for Onyx Collective’s first scripted drama, “Reasonable Doubt.” The hit series is currently in production on season three. Raamla recently renewed her overall deal with ABC, where she started as a PA on Grey’s Anatomy.

She was a writer/co-executive producer on Hulu’s Emmy-nominated “Little Fires Everywhere”. Prior to that, she was a writer and producer on “Scandal,” and wrote eleven episodes including the crossover episode with “How to Get Away with Murder.” Raamla graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. and has an M.F.A. from USC. Her other projects include films for Amazon and Universal Pictures.

Triumph award

Once survivors of domestic abuse, Obina and Aaliyah found refuge at Urban Resource Institute (URI), where they transformed their lives and rose up to inspire others. Obina, a young mother at the time, embraced URI’s support to rebuild her confidence and create a stable future for her family. Her daughter, Aaliyah, grew up witnessing this resilience, shaping her own path as a leader.

Obina Escort

Founder of Obina Holistic Brands
Triumph Award

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Obina, founder of Obina Holistic Brands, has been a holistic practitioner and skincare expert for over 14 years, helping women cultivate self-care, business, and personal growth. She is also an NYC auxiliary police officer, flight attendant, and devoted mother.

Aaliyah Duah

Founder of Financial Revolutionn
Triumph Award

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Aaliyah, a Virginia State University graduate, is the founder of Financial Revolutionn, empowering Gen Z and African American communities through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and political awareness. Through workshops, school programs, and her podcast The Young and Dumb Show, she helps young people build generational wealth.

Together, they embody what it means to Rise Up!—turning adversity into strength, breaking barriers, and creating a thriving future filled with empowerment. 

Visionary award

Lisa A. Ross, MD, MBA

Visionary Award

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Dr. Lisa Ross is the Director of Anesthesia at the Harlem Hospital and also serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Anesthesia at Columbia University Medical Center.

Prior to her position at Harlem Hospital, Dr. Ross was the Program Director/Vice Chairperson of the Department of Anesthesiology at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center until its closure in 2010. She has presented at several anesthesia conferences around the country and continues to be involved in performance improvement and research at Harlem Hospital.

Since 1998, Dr. Ross has traveled on a yearly medical mission to Milot, Haiti as part of a team sponsored by the Order of Malta. She is a Lifetime member of the National Action Network and the Greater Metropolitan Chapter of Jack and Jill of America.

Dr. Ross holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Harvard University and received her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons where she went on to complete anesthesia residency at Presbyterian Hospital.

Event committee

  • Martha Espinoza
    Eden Feseheye
    Kim Fields
    Sharelle Hicks
    Keanu Hypolite
    Valerie Mason-Cunningham
    Lesley M. Myers
    Alycia M. Powell, JD
    Barbara Ross Miller
    Sharon and Chuck Royce
    Robert J. Sattler
    Amy Schack Egan
    Helen Shelton
    Peta-Gaye Shoucair
    Linda Wolff

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

  • Whittaker Mack III, MBA, CFP®
  •  Chair, Board of Trustees
  • Vivian Y. Bright, MS
  • Nina Y. Esaki, PhD, MSW, MBA
  • DeCosta Headley, Sr.
  • Keanu Hypolite
  • Alan Kolod
  • Esther Lainis
  • Adrienne Y. Peterson
  • Kenneth Pollak, CPA
  • Alycia M. Powell, JD
  • Vivien L. Salmon, PhD
  • Carmen J. Smith, MPA
  • Philip Tugendrajch, JD
  • Roy A. Williams
  • Tabitha Williams