OUR 2023 GALA HONOREES
We are thrilled to honor Barbara Kafka and Capital One as key contributors who have made a significant impact in our community through their tireless dedication and commitment to increasing access to opportunity for hundreds of our area's young people. Their contributions have not gone unnoticed, and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize their achievements at our annual gala.

Above: Honoree Barbara Kafka
The previous recipients of the Gould Family Award include: Emily van Agtmael (2017); Lori Kaplan (2018); and Romana Li (2019).
2023 HONOREE: BARBARA KAFKA
The Gould Family Award recognizes an individual, organization, or corporation that has made a lasting impact on the lives of young adults, setting them on pathways to their own new, bright futures.
Established in 2017, the Gould Family Award was originally named in honor of New Futures’ beloved founder, Mike Gould, an inspiring advocate for underserved young adults who has dedicated the last two decades of his life to turning possibilities into opportunities. His tenacity, warmth and unwavering belief in human potential have changed the lives of hundreds of young people from across our region and have set them on pathways to rewarding careers.
2023 HONOREE: CAPITAL ONE
The New Futures Award is presented annually at our benefit to a local leader who embodies the spirit of our mission.

Past honorees include: Dr. DeRionne Pollard, President of Montgomery College; José Andrés, Chef and Philanthropist; Antonio Tijerino, President and CEO of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation; Don Graham, The Washington Post and TheDream.US; Anthony Carnevale, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce; Katherine Bradley, CityBridge Education and 2017 Washingtonian of the Year
OUr 2023 gala Sponsors
Whether you were there and want to relive the memories or couldn't join and want to catch a glimpse of the festivities, our photo gallery and video from the speaking program will immerse you in the spirit of the night!
Scroll down to see highlights from an unforgettable evening among the New Futures community!
Click to enlarge photos
THANKS TO OUR GALA COMMITTEE MEMBERS!
Our gala wouldn't be possible without the hard work and dedication of our committee's volunteers. Thank you for helping make this year's event a success!
HONORARY CHAIR
Michael Gould (New Futures Founder)
Co-CHairS
Susan Krause Bell, PhD & Heather Wathington, PhD
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Jennifer Ibe Aiken, Michael Kershow, Elizabeth Looney Lorenz, Earl McJett, Veronica "Ronie" Nieva, Louise Novotny
New Futures Staff
Elizabeth Ash, Molly Friesenborg, Nicholas Lorenz, Shiree Skinner