By: Richard L. Smith
The Housing Authority of the City of Elizabeth (HACE) Foundation recently hosted its third annual gala, “Year of the Woman: Unmasking Her Power,” at the Newark Museum of Art, bringing together community leaders, educators, corporate sponsors, and elected officials to champion equity, empowerment, and education.
According to information released by the Elizabeth Housing Authority, the event celebrated four trailblazing women whose leadership has made a powerful impact on their communities:
• Crystal Orr, President & CEO of the Urban League of Union County, received the Urban Changemaker Award.
• Cristina Pinzon, President & CEO of Stateside Affairs, was honored with the Brand Amplifier Award.
• Iliana Chevres, Site Director for Prevention Links at the Elizabethport Community Center and Elizabeth Board of Education Member, earned the Community Champion Award.
• Natasha Davis, Founder of the BLOC Society and Someone’s Daughter, accepted the Construction Trailblazer Award.
The evening also marked the retirement of Cathy Hart, who was honored for 40 years of dedicated service to HACE.
Her leadership helped transform the agency and touched thousands of lives throughout Elizabeth.
A highlight of the night was the presentation of six $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing higher education at colleges, universities, and trade schools:
2025 HACE Scholarship Recipients:
• John Robert Rumola Memorial Scholarship: D’Saani Lewis (Rutgers University), Matthew Jackson (Saint Peter’s University), Rafael Torres (Kean University)
• Commissioners Graduate Scholarship: Tamiya Finch (University of Connecticut)
• William D. Jones HBCU Scholarship: Jasiyah Holley (North Carolina A&T), Jai’Ani Dockery (Morgan State University)
“I’m really thankful to the Elizabeth Housing Authority for this scholarship,” said recipient Rafael Torres. “It’s going to make a big difference for me and my family.”
Curtis Myers Jr., HACE Director of Administration and Finance and Gala Chair, praised the event's success: “Celebrating our third gala while honoring remarkable women and supporting our youth shows our community’s strength and commitment.”
The HACE Foundation thanked all sponsors, supporters, and attendees for helping raise critical funds for scholarship and college readiness programs.
Contributions to the Foundation’s work can be made at www.hacenj.com.