Urban Resource Institute Honors Storytelling, Survivor Leadership, and Healing at 2025 URI Celebration: Rise Up!

Urban Resource Institute Honors Storytelling, Survivor Leadership, and Healing at 2025 URI Celebration: Rise Up!

New York, NY – May 9, 2025 – Urban Resource Institute (URI), the nation’s largest provider of domestic violence shelter services and the leading provider of transitional housing for families facing housing insecurities, hosted its annual URI Celebration: Rise Up! on May 8 at the iconic Cipriani 25 Broadway. The evening brought together survivors, advocates, public officials, and supporters to celebrate the transformative power of storytelling and resilience in the journey to end cycles of domestic violence and homelessness. See the full event album here. 

The 2025 Celebration paid tribute to changemakers whose personal and professional stories uplift survivors and spark systemic change across communities. The evening was hosted by Emmy® Award-winning NBC 4 New York reporter Checkey Beckford, co-presented by URI’s own Leo Switzer-Perez, and featured dynamic performances by the acclaimed Sing Harlem Choir.

Nathaniel M. Fields, CEO of Urban Resource Institute, welcomed guests with a message of urgency and hope, “To break the cycle of violence, we have to meet survivors where they are—with housing, healing, and long-term support. URI is proud to serve over 40,000 New Yorkers each year—and we do it by rising up together.”

The Trailblazer Award was presented to Raamla Mohamed, award-winning television writer and creator of Hulu’s Reasonable Doubt, for her bold storytelling and commitment to elevating the lived experiences of survivors. A surprise video tribute featuring Kerry Washington, Pauletta Washington, Angela Grovey, McKinley Freeman, and Lena Waithe spotlighted Mohamed’s groundbreaking work. “I’m grateful to do my part through storytelling and even more grateful that organizations like URI exist to help turn statistics into survivors,” said Mohamed.

Mother-daughter survivor advocates Obina Escort and Aaliyah Duah received the Triumph Award for their shared journey from crisis to leadership. Obina is now the founder of Obina Holistic Brands, while Aaliyah leads Financial Revolutionn, a platform educating youth on financial literacy and generational wealth. “URI doesn’t just offer shelter, it offers sanctuary,” said Obina. “It’s where I found peace, planted the seeds for my business, and helped my children become the first in our family to graduate from college.” “Because of what we learned at URI, I found my voice early and I’ve made it my mission to keep lighting the way for others,” added Aaliyah.

The Visionary Award was presented to Dr. Lisa A. Ross, Director of Anesthesia at NYC Health + Hospitals/Harlem, for her survivor-centered medical leadership and lasting impact on community health access. “When I think of URI, I think of a phoenix rising from something painful. For so many survivors, URI is a pit stop—and with the right support, they rise up and move on,” said Dr. Ross.

Martha Espinoza, Chair of URI’s Board of Trustees, shared closing remarks and a message of appreciation: “Every person in the room tonight is part of this movement. Whether you’re a policymaker, donor, advocate, or survivor—your presence, your passion, and your support fuel the healing and justice we fight for every day.”

Special thanks to our government partners and elected officials NYC Deputy Mayor Suzanne Miles-Gustave, DHS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, DHS Administrator Joslyn Carter, HPD Commissioner Ahmed Tigani, Assembly Members Yudelka Tapia and Michael “Misha” Novakhov, and representatives from Governor Hochul’s Office and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. URI extends deep gratitude to our generous sponsors, and all those who contributed to the evening’s success, including the URI Board of Trustees, Event Committee, and the many survivors, supporters, and organizations who make URI’s mission possible.

Funds raised during URI Celebration: Rise Up! will directly support URI’s trauma-informed programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, legal and economic empowerment services, and holistic support for individuals and families facing domestic violence and housing insecurity.

To learn more about URI and the impact of your support, visit urinyc.org. Email media@urinyc.org for inquiries.

About Urban Resource Institute:
Urban Resource Institute (URI) is the largest provider of temporary housing for survivors of domestic violence in the U.S. and a leading provider of transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. With 24 shelters across New York City, URI provides safe housing for over 3,700 people each night and offers trauma-informed, client-centered programs that reach approximately 40,000 people annually. URI works to end cycles of violence and poverty through holistic, culturally responsive services and policy advocacy. Learn more at www.urinyc.org.