The Organization for Women Empowerment of the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (OWE-CSA) invites you to our Second Annual Scholarship Dinner, a powerful celebration of resilience, leadership, and progress toward gender equality.
Date: March 8, 2025
Location: Giando’s on the Water, Brooklyn, New York
This special event takes place on International Women’s Day, uniting people from all walks of life to honor the accomplishments of women leaders and raise support for scholarships that uplift the next generation of female leaders. This year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” emphasizes the urgent need to take swift and decisive steps toward gender equality in our communities and schools.
This is more than just a dinner—it’s an evening dedicated to uplifting and inspiring future women leaders. Your attendance is an opportunity to make a difference, contribute to meaningful scholarships, and be part of a movement pushing for equality.
Dear OWE-CSA Members, Friends and Supporters,
On behalf of the OWE CSA community—thank you for showing up, showing love, and making our 2nd Annual Scholarship and Gala Dinner on March 8, 2025, a night to remember! Held at the beautiful Giando’s on the Water in Brooklyn, this unforgettable evening was a joyful celebration of International Women’s Day, leadership, sisterhood, and the incredible power of community.
To those who were unable to join us—please know you were missed and were with us in spirit. We hope to see you next year for another unforgettable celebration!
A highlight of the night was undoubtedly honoring our 2025 OWE CSA Scholarship recipients—five rising stars whose passion, brilliance, and drive left us in awe:
Hilary Chery – Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School Mia Claudio- The Laboratory School of Finance & Technology Traceena Z. Lynch- Food & Finance High School Lauren Meertens- Queens High School of Teaching, Liberal Arts and the Sciences Margarida Sergio Tivanes-Kurt Hahn Expeditionary Learning School
These young women are already making their mark—and reminding us exactly why investing in future change makers matters so much. They’re the definition of purpose, perseverance, and potential.
With our 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” we honored women who are pushing boundaries, smashing ceilings, and making waves in education and beyond. These extraordinary honorees are leading with purpose and lighting the path for others:
Chancellor Melissa Ramos Avilés Wanda López Ramírez Tess Millares Dr. Deborah Francis Pierre Winnie Bracco Gail Irizzary
Each one is a powerhouse—lifting others as they lead, mentoring with heart, and redefining what’s possible.
We also celebrated the retirement of one of our very own: Liza Caraballo Suarez, a founding member of OWE CSA. Her legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering advocacy leaves an enduring impact on generations to come.
Of course, no celebration is complete without a little rhythm—and Batalá New York brought the fire! This all-women Afro-Brazilian percussion band lit up the night with their electrifying performance, filling the room with energy, empowerment, and joy. As ambassadors of the global Batalá movement, their music and presence reminded us of the power of collective rhythm and sisterhood. We’re still buzzing!
And none of this would have been possible without our amazing sponsors. Thank you to:
Women Excelling in Leadership, Just Right Readers, Study Smart Tutors, Middle School Principals’ Association, Buddha Booth, Educate LLC, Prism, Amplify & Elevate Innovation, Acaletics, and our foundation and forever partner, CSA. You helped bring this vision to life.
Let’s keep the energy going! 
Revisit the magic, share your favorite moments, and relive all the joy:
Flip through our Digital Journal
Watch Chancellor Ramos Avilés’ inspiring message
View and download event photos 360 Photo Booth Moments
From the speeches and spotlights to the dancing and snapshots—we felt the love. Thank you for being part of a movement that uplifts, connects, and celebrates the power of women in education.
We’re already planning next year’s extravaganza!
Mark your calendars for our 3rd Annual Scholarship Lunch—we can’t wait to see you there!
Sunday, March 8, 2026
Let’s keep going—together, with heart, with vision, and with unstoppable purpose.
With deep gratitude,
OWE-CSA Executive Board
Each registration is individual. Please complete one form per person. If purchasing a table please note table will be held under the name indicated and we will email you for names of your additional guests.
Description and Cost of Tickets:
Regular Pricing- Non-OWE-CSA Members
• Individual Ticket- $150.00
• Table of 10- $1,500.00
