Olympic medalists, Broadway stars, and fashion icons filled the Ziegfeld Ballroom on Monday evening as Figure Skating in Harlem celebrated 30 years of empowering young women at its 2026 “Igniting the Dream” Gala.
Figure Skating in Harlem, founded by Sharon Cohen, combines figure skating with academic enrichment, mentorship, and leadership development for young women of color.
On the red carpet, Olympians reflected on the people who shaped them as young skaters. Isabeau Levito recalled older skaters taking her under their wing during her first Stars on Ice tour, while Jason Brown shared how his father taught him resilience by celebrating his ability to get back up after falling. Madison Chock credited Michelle Kwan as an early inspiration, and Evan Bates reflected on the influence of his older sister, who first introduced him to skating.
Photo credit: Hideki Aono
The “Igniting the Dream” red carpet was followed by a dinner and gala presentation emceed by Adriana Diaz. The evening featured performances and speeches from current students and alumni, including graduating seniors preparing to attend an impressive range of colleges next fall.
One of the evening’s most anticipated appearances came from Team USA’s “Blade Angels.” Amber Glenn, Alysa Liu, and Isabeau Levito spoke about the importance of sisterhood, and Amber Glenn said she “wouldn’t have made it to the Olympics” without Alysa Liu and Isabeau Levito by her side and that they “re-energize her love of skating, training, and competition.” Their appearance underscored one of the evening’s central themes: success in skating does not happen alone.
Remarks throughout the evening came from FSH Chair Candace Matthews, founder and CEO Sharon Cohen, and Vice President of Programming and Student Affairs Brigida Littles, all of whom emphasized the organization’s long-term impact on its students. Featured alumna Tanay Davis, now a senior communications specialist at Mastercard, reflected on the skills and confidence FSH gave her throughout her career.
Throughout the evening, speakers emphasized how mentorship and representation shaped their own careers, themes that sit at the heart of Figure Skating in Harlem’s mission.
Sherrie McPherson and Alexa Knierim presented honoree Tina Lundgren. An Olympic judge and philanthropist, Lundgren previously served as FSH board chair for seven years and now leads the organization’s Facilities Committee. She spoke about skating’s positive impact and how Figure Skating in Harlem is making a difference for so many young women.
Former Figure Skating in Harlem student and current Broadway star McKenzie Lewis presented honoree Anika Noni Rose. She is a Tony Award-winning actress, known for voicing Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of giving these girls a chance to defy the odds. When I caught up with her on the red carpet, she said, “Figure Skating in Harlem is an amazing space in which children are told they belong and are capable. They are taught skills that are honestly out of reach for many people because it’s so expensive. They’re taught skating skills, and not only that, they’re taught life skills. So it is to me, a building block of dreams.”
Photo Credit: Hideki Aono
Celebrity chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson presented a special tribute honoring Agnes Gund, a longtime champion of Figure Skating in Harlem since 1997.
More than a celebration of skating, the evening served as a reminder of what Figure Skating in Harlem has built over the past 30 years: a space where young women are encouraged to take up space, support one another, and imagine bigger futures for themselves both on and off the ice.
