Dear Friends,

Thank you for participating in the 2025 Power of Purpose Social Impact Awards. Your presence, encouragement, and commitment to our mission helped make this celebration one to remember. Together, we honored leaders whose work reflects what Metropolitan College of New York stands for: purpose, service, and community.

We invite you to relive the day through the event photos and the short thank-you video included above. I hope you feel the same pride and joy I did seeing our Scholars, alumni and friends come together united by our mission to advance opportunity and empower future leaders.

Your generosity makes this possible. We hope we can count on you to stay active in the MCNY community as we continue to grow and create opportunities that change lives. The holidays will soon be upon us, and as you think about your end-of-year giving, remember that our students are the best investment you can make.

Together…We Rise, building a future shaped by purpose and powered by possibility.

With gratitude,

Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
President
Metropolitan College of New York

Thank you to our honorees, sponsors, and friends who make this work possible.

There is still time to support the Together…We Rise Scholarship Fund at mcny.edu/give.

Master of Ceremonies

Dr. Cheryl Wills

We are honored to have Dr. Cheryl Wills, journalist, author, recipient of Doctor of Humane Letters, Metropolitan College of New York and primetime news anchor, Spectrum News NY1, as our MC!
Dr. Cheryl Wills is an Emmy award-winning journalist, author, and trailblazer whose powerful voice and commitment to truth and justice have made her one of the most respected figures in American media. As the first African American woman to anchor a prime-time newscast for Spectrum News NY1, she has been a nightly presence in New York homes for over three decades. Since joining NY1 at its launch in 1992, she has earned the trust of viewers through fairness, deep reporting, and pursuit of truth.

Dr. Wills also hosts In Focus with Cheryl Wills, a weekly public affairs show featuring interviews with influential leaders and cultural icons. A proud alumna of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, she began her career with fierce dedication to storytelling and a passion for elevating voices too often unheard—a commitment that continues beyond the newsroom.

Cheryl Wills has authored acclaimed books tracing her family’s powerful legacy from slavery to freedom, including Die Free, The Emancipation of Grandpa Sandy Wills, Emancipated, and EMMA. Her great-great-great grandfather, Sandy Wills, served in the United States Colored Troops—a story she brought to national attention in 2024 when he received a long-overdue military burial, featured on 60 Minutes.

Her deep connection to history and justice resonates with the mission of Metropolitan College of New York. Dr. Wills’ story and her family’s journey mirror that of many of our students: rising above obstacles, reclaiming identity, and lifting others along the way. A longtime friend of MCNY, she hosted our 50th Anniversary celebration and continues to stand with us in the fight for equity, access, and education.

In 2025, Cheryl Wills received the Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, at MCNY’s 48th Commencement Ceremony. A celebrated humanitarian, she has received the Gracie Award, the Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award, and recognition from the United Nations, Associated Press, and New York Press Club. She is also Commander and Lifetime Member of the New York Chapter of the Sons and Daughters of the United States Colored Troops. Cheryl Wills is more than a journalist—she is a voice for justice, a steward of history, and an inspiration to us all.

African American Woman, Cheryl Wills in red dress

Special Guest Host

TT Torrez

With over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry, TT Torrez has carved out a legendary reputation as a respected multimedia executive, multimedia personality, brand builder, and advocate for women and youth. She is a dynamic force whose work spans across radio, television, label & talent relations, artist development, podcasting, and community empowerment.

For over a decade, served as the Vice President of Artist & Label Relations, Music Director, and Multimedia personality at HOT 97. In this dual role, she was responsible for curating the station’s musical direction, maintaining high-profile relationships with artists and labels, and leading strategic talent development and content initiatives that helped generate millions in revenue and garner high ratings success. Under her leadership, the station delivered some of its most iconic moments, including multiple sold-out Summer Jam concerts, securing legacy acts and breaking new talent on one of the biggest stages in hip hop. She orchestrated key exclusives, strengthened artist partnerships, and drove initiatives that kept HOT 97 at the forefront of cultural relevance.

She is also the creator and host of Tap In With TT, a compelling radio show and podcast known for its deeply connected conversations with some of today’s most relevant artists and cultural figures. The show has surpassed over a million downloads and continues to grow across platforms like Audacy Content Creator’s Lab, Spotify, and YouTube.

TT is also the visionary behind the #GoGetHer Foundation, a leadership platform designed to give high school girls, college students, and young women from underserved communities access to mentors, training, and resources across the music and media industries.

TT Torrez is known across the industry for her relentless work ethic, strategic brilliance, and ability to deliver results that shape culture. A Summa Cum Laude graduate of Metropolitan College of New York, she earned her degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA, a testament to her unmatched discipline and drive. TT has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the Virginia State Broadcasters Award and the New York State Broadcasters Award, cementing her status as one of the most respected voices in the field.

Whether it was overseeing playlists, programming, or managing artist relations, TT’s music legacy is defined by consistency, innovation, and influence. Her experience and accolades are a reflection of her larger mission: opening doors, shifting narratives, and building a powerful media platform that inspires the next generation.

Introducing the inaugural “Chairman’s Award”

Metropolitan College of New York is proud to announce the inaugural “Chairman’s Award,” to be presented by the Board of Trustees Chair Gary P. Jenkins, MPA ’06, at the 2025 Power of Purpose Social Impact Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 30, at Manhatta in New York City.

The 2025 recipient is Premtim “Tim” Gjonbalic, Founder and CEO of Promise Hospitality Group — a Brooklyn native and son of Albanian immigrants whose career began with opening his first restaurant at 19 years old. His ​​innovative approach to community-centered hospitality and his deep commitment to charitable food programs exemplify the spirit of Purpose-Centered Leadership. His journey reflects what MCNY stands for: transforming success into service and ambition into impact.

Born and raised in Brooklyn to Albanian immigrant parents, Premtim “Tim” Gjonbalic grew up with a deep appreciation for family, food, and hard work. Those values shaped his journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader redefining what hospitality means in today’s world.

At 19, Tim opened his first restaurant in New York City inside a major hotel. That early experience taught him that food is more than a business; it’s a way to connect people and create opportunity. In 2016, he founded Butler Hospitality, an innovative room service platform that transformed underused hotel kitchens into delivery hubs serving nearby hotels. Under his leadership, Butler expanded to serve more than 60,000 rooms nationwide and raised over $65 million in venture capital.

In 2022, Tim launched Promise Hospitality Group (PHG) with a mission rooted in care, quality, and community impact. PHG manages dining programs for luxury hotels and also provides nutritious meals to children, families, and individuals in need throughout New York City. For Tim, hospitality is not just about great food; it’s about dignity, inclusion, and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together.

Over the past 12 years, Tim and his team have served millions of meals across the city, from senior centers to shelters, from hotels to community programs. His work continues to reflect a deep belief that every plate served has the power to inspire change and strengthen the communities we call home.

Meet the Social Impact Award Honorees

The Honorable Vanessa L. Gibson
Social Impact Award Honoree

When people say Bronx Strong, that strength comes from its people—and it starts with leadership. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson made history on November 2, 2021, when she was elected as the 14th Borough President of the Bronx, proudly representing more than 1.4 million residents. She is the first woman and first African-American woman to hold this office.

A native New Yorker, Borough President Gibson began her career in public service in the West Bronx.

While studying at the University at Albany in 2001, she joined the New York State Assembly Intern Program and worked with the late Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene. After graduation, she rose from Legislative Aide to District Manager, overseeing the Bronx office’s daily operations and constituent services. When Assemblywoman Greene resigned in 2009, Gibson ran in a special election to represent the 77th District and won, launching her own career as an elected official.

She served two terms in the New York State Assembly before being elected to the New York City Council in 2013, where she succeeded term-limited Council Member Helen Diane Foster. On the Council, she made history again as the first African-American woman to chair the Public Safety Committee. She was a leader on education, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, tenant protections, and police accountability. She also co-sponsored the landmark “Right to Counsel” law, securing free legal representation for low-income tenants facing eviction, and advanced food equity policies requiring the City to create a ten-year food strategy.

In 2020, Borough President Gibson announced her run for Borough President with a platform centered on public safety, housing security, health and wellness, food equity, gender equity, and support for the LGBTQIA+ community. She won the primary and general elections and took office in January 2022.

Throughout her career, she has been a committed supporter of Metropolitan College of New York and our Bronx Campus, recognizing MCNY’s role in creating opportunity and transforming lives.

Phil Taitt

Social Impact Award Honoree

Emmy Award-winning reporter Phil Taitt wakes up with the city each weekday as morning reporter for Eyewitness News.

Before joining WABC, he anchored weekend evening newscasts at NEWS12 and reported nightside and on breaking news in the city. As a journalist, he strives to be out front and at the epicenter of important events and issues that matter to New Yorkers, with memorable and meaningful reports. Topics he’s highlighted include gun violence, housing, politics, and social justice. Hitting the streets of his hometown, Phil is Brooklyn-bred with both Caribbean and British roots.

Memorable reports of his include days-long coverage of the social unrest following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. He also led highly watched political coverage of the NYC Primary of Mayor Eric Adams, and the historic election of Vanessa L Gibson, the first woman to represent the Bronx as Borough President. Also, during one of the city’s darkest hours, the Twin Parks tragedy, a fire that claimed the lives of 17 New Yorkers, Phil helmed several hours of live coverage, keeping New Yorkers informed.

One of Taitt’s proudest works was his Emmy Award-winning 30-minute special, Next Generation Dreams. Phil graduated from St. Francis College with a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, and advertising. He interned at FOX 5 Good Day New York and Spectrum NY1 and has worked for other media outlets. Phil is a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists. When he isn’t reporting, you can catch him serving his community through his local non-profit, which aims to give young people access and opportunities by engaging with today’s leaders.

Grace C. Bonilla, Esq.

Social Impact Award Honoree

Grace C. Bonilla, Esq. is the President and CEO of United Way of New York City (UWNYC), leading their efforts to drive lasting, systemic change and empower all New Yorkers with dignified access to tools and resources needed to thrive. While at UWNYC, she has spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at bridging the equity gap across New York City’s most vulnerable populations. Those efforts have included leading programs that have distributed more than 14 million pounds of food to families in need and providing more than 230,000 books and 5,000 stocked backpacks to students in the New York City public school system.

With Grace at the helm, UWNYC expanded preventative healthcare access for over 100K community members, and partnered with other organizations to provide more than 50,000 New Yorkers with health education and wellness events, as well as over 5,000 free preventative health screenings.

Under her leadership, UWNYC published the True Cost of Living Report, which found that
50% of New Yorkers are struggling to make ends meet. In addition, UWNYC has partnered
with The Fortune Society and the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development’s Office of Neighborhood Safety to launch the Atlas HOPE program, a community violence intervention designed to serve the men at the highest risk of engaging in community violence. Grace is a lifelong New Yorker and a committed public servant. Prior to her time at UWNYC, she was appointed by NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio to serve as the first Executive

Director of the Task Force on Racial Equity and Inclusion. Grace was also appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in February 2017 as Administrator of the Human Resources Administration. She previously served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Committee for Hispanic Children & Families. She is a member of the NYC Non-profit Council, the New York City Workforce Development Board & Council, the AI for Nonprofits Advisory Board and the Racial Equity Advisory Board. She lives in Queens with her husband and three sons.

Power of Purpose – Trustee Host Committee

Wendy A. Cohen, JD
Estate Planning Attorney
Law Office of Robert J. Smith

Dr. Charles J. Gibbs
President
Metropolitan College of New York

Mrs. Renee Gibbs
First Lady, Metropolitan College of New York
Co-Founder, President and CEO
The Heartbeat Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Nichole L. Flores
Clinical Supervisor, Lutheran Counseling Center
Clinical Supervising Psychologist, New York City Children’s Center-Queens
President & CEO,  Adams-Flores On Call Consultation
Associate Professor, Long Island University

Dr. Richard L. Lucas, Jr.
Chief Advancement Officer and
Executive Director,
University of the
District of Columbia Foundation

Ms. Dawn M. Pinnock
President & CEO,
Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS)

Dr. L’Tanya Spinelli
Head of K-12 Education, NE/ISA T-Mobile
President/Founder ED-TECH/WMBE/MBE

Dr. J. Fidel Turner, Jr.
Dean, School of Education,
Clark Atlanta University

Mr. David F. A. Walker
President,
Exelauno Associates, LLC