On October 29, 2025, CYD marked our 30th anniversary with a wonderful evening that brought our community together, celebrated students and alumni, and honored long-term supporters. More than 150 guests were treated to an evening of community, inspiration, and joy.
We were honored to present CYD’s Beacon of Opportunity Award to Goldman Sachs Gives and Robert V. Delaney, Sr. and Family. Goldman Sachs has been a true partner since CYD’s founding in 1995, through Board membership, volunteerism, support through Goldman Sachs Gives, and hosting CYD’s Youth Perspectives forums. Board Members Dean Backer, Co-Chair of the Board Development Committee and a Goldman Sachs Partner, and Ramey Watkins, Board Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair and a Goldman Sachs Managing Director, accepted the award.
The Delaney family has been crucial to CYD ever since the 1990s when the late Robert V. Delaney, Sr. started volunteering at MCNDHS. He soon joined CYD’s Board of Directors and helped establish MCNDHS’s first college advising office. Bob started a lasting legacy that his family continues. He and his wife, Marie, established the Robert and Marie Delaney Scholarship Fund for MCNHDS graduates in 2007; his daughter-in-law, Pam Craig, served as CYD Board Chair for 9 years and continues to be active on the Board of Advisors; and many other family members have participated as volunteers and supporters. Three generations of Delaneys were present while Marie Delaney and Pam Craig accepted the award.
Two CYD alumni spoke about how CYD’s programs changed their lives. Ammar Algaithy, a former Delaney Scholar who fled Yemen as a teenager, said, “CYD was—and still is—the bridge between where I was and who I am becoming.” Omari Romain, who participated in CYD’s first Youth Perspectives event, reflected, “A seed was planted that day. It challenged me to aim higher and reminded me of the importance of lifting others as I climbed.”
Ammar Algaithy
Omari Romain
Guests also enjoyed a powerful performance by Broadway veteran Stephanie Pope and a joyful finale by the Forefront Church Choir, capturing the spirit of resilience that defines CYD’s work.
CYD is grateful to our honorees, speakers, performers, and our sponsors: Dean and Anna Backer; Pamela Craig and the Delaney Family; Guardian; and David Bolotsky.
Click here to read the 30th Anniversary Celebration Digital Journal, which includes messages from CYD Executive Director Michael Roberts and Board Chair SoVonna Day-Goins, and highlights our honorees and 30th Anniversary Heroes.
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