A dazzling night in New York City was had at the Literacy Partners 2025 Gala.
Erroll McDonald, Cynthia McFadden, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Bob Woodward were placed in a well-deserving spotlight that was highlighted by a special guest appearance by Oprah Winfrey.
The inspirational dinner touched the hearts of attendees who listened to remarks from Literacy Partners students and honorees. The Gala also included a special tribute to the late author Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Lesley Stahl, Neil deGrasse Tyson (BFA / Madeline Thomas, PMC)
“We are proud to celebrate these remarkable honorees who exemplify the values at the heart of our mission — resilience, courage, and a belief in the power of education to unlock opportunity,” said Asaf Bar-Tura, CEO of Literacy Partners.”
The four extraordinary individuals whose leadership and service reflect the organization’s mission were bestowed with the award included: Erroll McDonald, Trailblazing Executive Editor and Vice President at Alfred A. Knopf, Erroll McDonald has shaped American literature for decades, championing some of the most iconic and diverse voices in modern publishing; Cynthia McFadden, Award-winning anchor and correspondent, known for her fearless reporting and commitment to uncovering truth and elevating untold stories; Neil deGrasse Tyson, Renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, has made complex scientific ideas accessible to millions, inspiring curiosity and learning through media and education; and Bob Woodward. One of the most influential investigative journalists of our time, Mr. Woodward’s decades-long career at The Washington Post has defined accountability in American political reporting.
Bob Woodward, Carl Bernstein ( BFA / Madeline Thomas, PMC )
Notable attendees included: Erroll McDonald, Cynthia McFadden, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bob Woodward, Oprah Winfrey, Asaf Bar-Tura, Ronan Farrow, Lesley Stahl, Carl Bernstein, Courtney E.K. Lewis, Lesley Stahl, Elyse Mayer, Spencer Graham McFadden Hoge, Jean Shafiroff, Jonathan Karp (CEO Simon & Schuster), Jon Yaged (CEO, Macmillan); Joni Evans, and Elizabeth T. Peabody.
Literacy Partners advances literacy two generations at a time by supporting adults, parents, and caregivers in nurturing the literacy skills they and the children in their lives need to thrive. Established in 1973 as a tutoring organization, the scope of Literacy Partners has grown tremendously. Today, Literacy Partners utilizes a two-generation model to tackle the literacy gap, a growing problem in the United States.
By leveraging creative digital media and context-based learning, coupled with strong strategic partnerships, we have significantly enhanced literacy skills among adults, caregivers, and their children. Our commitment to sustainability and program scalability sets them apart, with operations spanning thirty states reaching in-need communities nationwide.
For more information on the remarkable work of the organization, please visit HERE.
