At The Chocolate Factory Theater, 38-33 24th Street, Long Island City.
Cocktails: 6pm
Dinner: 7pm
Food and drink by Diana Manalang / Little Chef Little Cafe!
Table Purchases, Sponsorships and Program Ads available; contact Sheila Lewandowski at (718) 482-7069 or sheila@chocolatefactorytheater.org.
Featuring the Artist In Industry Award, which was created in 2016 to recognize business professionals with strong connections to The Chocolate Factory who have demonstrated creativity and artistry in their careers, thus impacting their fields as a whole.
New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado was born and raised in Schenectady, NY and currently resides in Rhinebeck, NY with his wife and twin boys. A graduate of Colgate University, Mr. Delgado earned a Rhodes Scholarship, and after returning home from Oxford, received a law degree from Harvard Law School. Mr. Delgado spent the next 5 years pursuing a career as a hip-hop artist in LA, empowering young people through music. Following that, he worked in the corporate space as an attorney focusing on complex commercial litigation. These diverse experiences inspired Mr. Delgado to step into public service and work to empower all communities. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, he represented New York’s 19th Congressional District – becoming the first person of color to represent Upstate NY in Congress. While in Congress, Lt. Governor Delgado was frequently recognized as one of the most effective and bi-partisan representatives, working with colleagues from both parties at all levels of government, and getting 18 of his bills signed into law – 10 under President Trump and 8 under President Biden. Mr. Delgado was appointed in May of 2022 to serve as Lt. Governor and was elected to a full term in November of 2022. As Lieutenant Governor, he serves as chair of the Hate and Bias Prevention Unit, oversees the Regional Economic Development Council, and was recently tasked with heading up the newly formed Office of Service and Civic Engagement.
Leah Krauss is a senior program officer at the Mertz Gilmore Foundation, where she works to promote a healthy and sustainable dance ecosystem. Since 2009, she has led grantmaking strategies that draw on diversity for new talent and fresh narratives; value differences as a source of creativity and aesthetic excellence; and expand the variety of dance styles available to New Yorkers. Previously, Leah served as a senior program officer at the New York Community Trust where her areas of responsibility included arts and culture, arts-in-education, and historic preservation. Before working in the philanthropic sector, Leah earned a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to serve as a corporate attorney and with the sex crimes unit of the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. She was also an ardent volunteer with Lawyers for the Arts for seven years. Currently, Leah’s volunteer activities include mentoring young people from backgrounds underrepresented in arts leadership; working with families of special education students to obtain IEP eligibility; and?serving as an advisory board member for Dance/NYC. In her free time, Leah takes art history courses, scours the city’s flea markets and consignment shops, unwinds with yoga, and enjoys time with her family.
Jimmy Van Bramer is a dedicated public servant and community advocate, known for his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents in New York City. Born and raised in Astoria, Queens, Jimmy’s passion for public service was ignited at a young age, driving him to pursue a career focused on serving others. With a background in public policy and community organizing, Jimmy Van Bramer has dedicated his career to advocating for progressive change and amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. As a former New York City Council Member representing the 26th District, Jimmy played a pivotal role in shaping legislation and initiatives aimed at promoting social justice, affordable housing, LGBTQ+ rights, and cultural diversity. Throughout his tenure, Jimmy Van Bramer has been a fierce advocate for equity and inclusivity, championing causes that empower marginalized groups and promote equality for all New Yorkers. His leadership and vision have earned him widespread recognition as a tireless advocate for social change and a steadfast ally for those in need. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jimmy Van Bramer is deeply passionate about the arts, culture, and education. As a strong supporter of the local arts community, including the Chocolate Factory, he has worked tirelessly to promote cultural initiatives and expand access to the arts for all residents. Jimmy believes in the transformative power of education and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to quality educational opportunities – including the arts – that unlock their full potential. During his 12 year stint as chair of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee, the arts and libraries saw record increases in funding. Jimmy Van Bramer is guided by a firm belief in the importance of empathy, compassion, and justice in creating a more equitable society. He believes in the power of community engagement and collaborative action to address the most pressing challenges facing our city and build a brighter future for generations to come. Currently, Jimmy Van Bramer continues his advocacy work through various initiatives aimed at promoting social justice, youth and economic empowerment, and civic engagement. His ongoing public service includes his role as an executive with the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, serving as Vice President of the City’s Public Design Commission, as well his service on the boards of the Queens Public Library and the Chocolate Factory. Whether through grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, or community outreach, he remains dedicated to fighting for the rights and well-being of all New Yorkers. Jimmy lives in Sunnyside Gardens with his husband Dan Hendrick. Legally married in 2012, the couple are together for over 25 years.
