UNCF “A Mind Is…” New England Gala
(L to R) Christine DeLay accepted the Corporate Partnership Award on behalf of Santander Bank, Phill Gross accepted the Leadership Award on behalf of Adage Capital Management and Valerie Mosely was our Trailblazer Award Honoree
We are still feeling the momentum and support from so many of you who helped raise $750,000 at our impactful UNCF ‘A Mind Is…’ New England Gala, held on March 13, 2025. An impressive $200,000+ was raised from the floor during the evening through a lively auction and paddle raise!
It was a proud moment as we joined together in true New England fashion to champion our nation’s historically Black colleges and universities and the talented students we serve from New England and beyond. The evening recognized the remarkable contributions of Adage Capital Management, Santander Bank, and Val Mosely. A highlight of the night was hearing from Co-Founder and Managing Director of Adage Capital Management, Phill Gross, who shared his personal motivation behind the groundbreaking Project ACCLAIM. It was powerful to witness his reunion on stage with several students from our UNCF Lighted Pathways Program – showcasing the real impact of creating pathways for HBCU students in the Asset Management Industry.
We were all deeply moved by Val Mosely’s words. She spoke passionately about the crucial role of mentors, specifically Wellington senior executives Duncan McFarland and Dena Willmore, in her career journey. Her story highlighted how their guidance helped her find her voice and ultimately become Wellington’s first Black female partner. Now, Val is committed to paving a trail for others to follow. Santander Bank graciously accepted their award, reaffirming their strong commitment to education and to continue elevating their partnership with UNCF. Their ongoing support is instrumental in empowering our nation’s HBCUs and students.
The evening served as a powerful reminder of the vital role HBCUs play as engines of social mobility and ladders of opportunity, ensuring that a student’s zip code never defines their potential because “A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a wonderful thing to invest in.” ™
Please take a moment to view photos from the second photographer during the event:
To learn more about upcoming events, please contact Arleaya Martin. To donate to UNCF New England in support of this important work, please visit Uncf.org/bostongive.
#UNCFNewEnglandGala #HBCUStrong #BetterFutures #HBCUEffect