2025 Annual Report
Dear StreetWise Supporters, Partners, and Friends,
I am pleased to share StreetWise Partners' 2025 Annual Report, highlighting a year of resilience, partnership, and continued impact.
In 2025, the path to economic mobility remained uncertain for many job seekers. Rapid changes in the labor market created new challenges, but also new opportunities for those equipped with the skills, confidence, and connections to navigate them. StreetWise Partners remained committed to ensuring talented individuals could access the networks and support needed to move their careers, and their lives forward.
StreetWise served over 600 job seekers through mentorship, career readiness training, workshops, networking opportunities, and employment support. We also strengthened our programs to reflect today’s hiring landscape, expanding access to technology-enabled resources and connecting participants with employers and professional networks that can open doors.
None of this work happens alone. Every mentoring conversation, networking introduction, workshop, and career milestone was made possible by a community of dedicated staff, volunteers, employers, donors, and partners who chose to invest their time, expertise, and resources in someone else's success.
Strong leadership and responsible stewardship guided the organization throughout the year. As 2025 drew to a close, the Board successfully launched the organization's next leadership chapter of impact and growth, and we are thrilled to welcome our new CEO in August 2026.
As we look ahead, we do so with optimism. With a strong foundation, an engaged community, and a shared commitment to career mobility, StreetWise is well-positioned to expand opportunity for the people we serve.
Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the potential of every job seeker. Together, we are creating pathways to career mobility, strengthening communities, and proving what is possible when talent is met with opportunity. Thank you for being part of this work.
With gratitude,
LAUREN SILBERSTEIN
Interim Chief Executive Officer
StreetWise Partners
Program Impact Statistics
StreetWise Bridge is our flagship mentoring and career coaching program designed to drive career mobility for adults from under-served communities. Through a 13-week intensive mentoring experience and up to two years of continued career coaching and employment services, job seekers build the professional skills, social capital, confidence, and industry connections needed to secure meaningful employment and advance their careers. From personalized career planning and interview preparation to direct connections with employers through our Talent Services team, StreetWise equips participants with the tools and support to successfully navigate today's job market.
In 2025, our outcomes included:
Opening doors, building stability, creating a ripple effect for families and future generations
Corporate Partners
Corporate partnerships remain essential to our mission, providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, hiring connections, and financial support that help adults from under-served communities build professional skills, social capital, and confidence. We are deeply grateful to all our partners for their commitment to opening doors to opportunity and helping build the workforce of tomorrow.
In 2025, StreetWise Partners welcomed several new corporate partners, including Randstad US Foundation, First Eagle Investments, and Citizens. Their support strengthened a growing community of employers, volunteers, and advocates committed to advancing career mobility. These organizations, alongside longstanding partners such as Blackstone Foundation, Deutsche Bank, Fitch Group, KKR, LinkedIn, Morgan Stanley, Paul Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, Piper Sandler, and others, helped fuel more than $1 million in annual corporate support, engaging over 1000 employees, and expanding opportunities for more than 600 job seekers pursuing meaningful careers.
New Faces on Our Team
In 2025, we grew our DC Program team and added a new member to our Board of Directors.
New Team Members
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Senior Program Director (DC)
Meet Bina: Bina (she/her) joined StreetWise Partners in May 2025, bringing over 13 years of experience in talent acquisition and program management across both enterprise and startup environments.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Film and Media Studies from Stanford University. Throughout her career, Bina has been driven by a passion for creating pathways to opportunity - advancing the careers of individuals from underserved communities through thoughtful recruitment strategies and impactful programming.
Outside of work, she enjoys catching the latest blockbusters, writing, and drawing.
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Program Recruitment and
Community Partnerships Lead (DC)Meet Hannah: Hannah Kelly (she/her/hers) joined StreetWise Partners in December 2025, driven by a commitment to removing barriers and expanding access to educational and career opportunities.
Her professional background includes nonprofit work focused on workplace culture and access to opportunity, after-school program management, and qualitative research and consulting across the educational lifespan. In her recent work, Hannah has focused on elevating lived experience, shifting power dynamics within research, consulting, and program settings, and gathering participant feedback for continuous program improvement. She is especially motivated by supporting people on their paths toward agency and self-determination, and by helping demystify the often unspoken rules of navigating a rewarding career.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys visiting local yarn stores, sipping iced matcha or decaf coffee, practicing yoga, and taking long walks through Rock Creek Park in Washington, DC.
New Board Member
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Meet Russell: Russell is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and is head of the Alternative Capital Solutions practice for the firm.
He has spent 19 years in broader investment banking, primarily in global capital markets with roles in Equity Capital Markets, Leveraged Finance and Alternative Capital Solutions throughout his career. Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2022, Russell was a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs, where he led the Industrials and Business Services Equity Capital Markets verticals. During his career, Russell has worked on over 275 bookrun transactions, raising over $115Bn in proceeds for clients across industries.
Russell graduated magna cum laude from The College of William & Mary with a double major in History and Finance. He holds an MBA from Columbia Business School and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Expanding Our Reach with Standalone Workshops
In 2025, we expanded our reach through a new series of stand-alone workshops offered in partnership with schools and community-based organizations.
Designed for job seekers who may not be able to participate in our full 13-week StreetWise Bridge program, these sessions provided practical guidance on topics including resume writing, interview preparation, personal branding, and overcoming imposter syndrome.
By meeting job seekers where they are, we were able to connect with and support even more individuals across our community, helping them build confidence, strengthen professional skills, and take meaningful steps toward career mobility.
Annual Partnership Breakfast
The 2025 StreetWise Partners Annual Partnership Breakfast brought together 300 supporters to witness our mission in action and invest in the future of career mobility. Centered around this year’s theme, ACCESS, the event highlighted a critical truth: without access to role models, opportunities, and professional skills, career success is not possible.
Together, our community raised $400,000 through the generosity of our honorees, corporate and individual sponsorships and direct donations, fueling the next chapter of impact and supporting over 600 job seekers on their path to meaningful employment.
Throughout the morning, attendees experienced the power of the StreetWise Bridge program through stories like Denise’s, which brought to life how mentorship, career coaching, and expanded networks create real pathways to success. These stories reflect the transformative outcomes that occur when job seekers gain access to the tools and relationships needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
We were proud to honor two exceptional partners whose long-standing commitment continues to drive career mobility:
Tradeweb Markets, recipient of the Partnership Award, has been a dedicated partner since 2023. Their team has contributed over 110 volunteer hours through mock interviews, workshops, and speed networking events, supporting nearly 100 job seekers. Fred Strobel, Managing Director and Global Head of Human Resources at Tradeweb Markets, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Gallup, recipient of the Champion Award, was recognized for a 15-year partnership that has shaped the StreetWise Partners experience for countless job seekers. Their contributions include hundreds of volunteer hours, providing space for programming, and access to the CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool that helps participants identify and communicate their strengths with confidence throughout their job search. Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup, accepted the award alongside Susan Clifton.
We extend our gratitude to our Board Members, staff, and sponsors for their leadership and commitment that made this event possible. Their continued investment ensures that more job seekers gain access to opportunity, build professional networks, and achieve lasting career success.
Raising the Ante Poker Tournament
The 16th Annual StreetWise Partners Poker Tournament brought together 500 guests at City Winery New York for a high-energy night of poker, connection, and celebration. The event set a new record, raising $920,000 and creating a memorable experience that reflected the strength and spirit of the StreetWise Partners network.
Matthew Cohen claimed the Grand Prize, earning a trip to the World Poker Tour Championship in Las Vegas. We also recognize top finishers Brian Beideman, Ray Ash, Rob Lax, and Ed Kim for an exciting and competitive run at the tables
We extend our appreciation to co-chairs Brian Beideman and Brian Foster, the Poker Committee, and the StreetWise Board of Directors for bringing this event to life. Their leadership helped create an experience centered on connection, energy, and shared celebration, with the true highlight being the community that came together throughout the night.
Financial Overview
During FY25, the organization exceeded fundraising and program impact goals, in8creased participants served year-over-year, and embarked on targeted capacity-building investments while maintaining program spend.
Moving Stories of Success
Shaquille, Alumnus
Shaquille, who moved from Jamaica to New York at a young age, discovered StreetWise Partners while attending BMCC, where he was balancing academics with family responsibilities and striving to build a strong future. Through the StreetWise Bridge program, he developed critical professional skills and gained confidence with the support of his mentor, forming a relationship grounded in trust and accountability. That foundation helped him secure competitive internships and ultimately launch a career in finance at Fidelity Investments. Reflecting on his journey, Shaquille shares, “StreetWise gave me the confidence to know that step by step, I could achieve my goals.”
Tiffany, Alumnus
Tiffany, a Brooklyn native, joined the StreetWise Bridge program seeking guidance and confidence as she navigated uncertainty about her career path. Through mentorship, she built critical professional skills, expanded her network, and gained hands-on experience in human resources, including securing an internship that solidified her career direction. With the support of her mentor, Tiffany developed the confidence to step outside her comfort zone and pursue new opportunities. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “Without StreetWise I would not have been on this career path.” Today, Tiffany is focused on continuing her growth and hopes to one day return as a mentor to support others on their path to career mobility.
Darul, Alumnus
Darul, who moved to New York from Bangladesh, joined StreetWise Partners while studying finance at Brooklyn College and navigating the challenges of breaking into the professional world without a network or clear starting point. Through the program, he built foundational skills, gained confidence through mock interviews and networking events, and developed a strong relationship with his mentor, who provided hands-on guidance and exposure to the industry. This support helped Darul advance to final-round interviews at Bloomberg, a milestone that strengthened his confidence and sense of possibility. He went on to secure a full-time role at STRATCO Property Solutions, where he contributes across accounting, operations, and sustainability projects. Reflecting on his experience, Darul shares, “Mentorship means meeting people where they are.”
Board of Directors
Our Valued Donors
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Blackstone Foundation
Jim and Susan Clifton
KKR
Piper Sandler Foundation
The Pinkerton Foundation
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Brian and Vanessa Korb
Carroll and Milton Petrie Foundation
Fitch Group
Kirk Palmer
LinkedIn Foundation
Mizuho Americas
Nadja Marcoz and Adrian Chalk
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Symphony
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Barclays plc
Barnes & Thornburg
Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
David and Tracey Kurzweil
Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation
Fried Frank
General Atlantic
Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Herrick, Feinstein LLP
HSBC Foundation
Insight Partners
Marsh McLennan Foundation
Matt and Jen Gorin
Nomura
Padma Elmgart
Rahul Advani
Randstad US Foundation
Soros Fund Management LLC
The Gallup Foundation
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
The Ready Foundation
The Women's Bond Club
Todd and Karen Greenbarg
Tradeweb Markets
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Ajit Naidu
Alex and Jennifer Kaplan
Alliant Insurance Services, Inc.
Anchin, Block & Anchin
Anita Khushalani
Aravalli Capital Management
Avenue Capital Group
AXA XL
Bank of America
Brian Foster
Citco
Clarion Partners
CNA Financial Corporation
Colin Smith and Anna Rogers
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
DLA Piper LLP
EagleTree Capital
Erickson Immigration Group
Fidelity Title Insurance
Fred Strobel
Gitanjali and Douglas Workman
Harneys
Hein Park Capital Management
Herb Block Foundation
IPC Systems
Kabir Shahani and Noreen Ramji
Keith Banhazl
Kirkland & Ellis
KPMG LLP
Latham & Watkins LLP
Macquarie Global Services (USA) LLC
Mahendar Rajani
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Marc Andersen
Maya Pochiraju
Moody's Corporation
Morgan Stanley Foundation
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation
Proskauer Rose LLP
Purrington Moody Weil, LLP
Rahul Sabarwal
Ropes & Gray
SageSure Insurance
Sher Tremonte LLP
Sidley Austin LLP
Tazia Smith and Michael Molnar
TriState Capital Bank
Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP
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Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP
Arcesium
Assured Guaranty
Blackstone
Crestview Advisors LLC
David Hensle
Fitch Ratings
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Jessie Zhu
Joe Ferraro
Jonathan Stanhope
Laurie Hutchins
Matheson
Monica Aggarwal
Orion Services Group
Phil Titolo
Starr Insurance
Starwood Property Trust
The Hartford Insurance
Westfield Specialty Insurance
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Adam Casella
Allison Lubin
Andrew Albstein
Andrew Yuder
Angie Batterson
Ari Geller-Clark
Arnold Ha
Bethany and Euan Menzies
Brendan Cody
Brett Kalesky
Brian Beideman
Brianna Gelsomini
Bryan Barreras
Certified Financial Services
Charles and Betti Saunders Foundation
Charles River Associates
Christian Paragot-Rieutort
Cindi Hamm
Conyers
Courtney Carson
Davis Kaufman
Edis Hadzija
Erik Barrios
Ernst & Young
Evan Michael
Evan Odim
Evan Raskin
Fiona Cheng
First Eagle Investments
George Teixeira
Hugo Barreca
James Yi
Jewish Communal Fund
John Rugel
Jon Korngold
Justin Hewett
Katharine Lavino
Kevin Hammond
KeyBanc Capital Markets
Kimo Peluso
Kira and Robert Almeida
Lauren Silberstein
Lauren Wiesenthal
Lawrence Silfen
Mark Dunec
Mark Gerson
Mark Mathias
Marshall Rothstein
Matthew Cohen
Max Lu
Megan Noh
Michael Gorman
Mustafa Lone
Natasha Puri
Nicole Hikmat
Ogier
O'Melveny & Myers LLP
Paul Trotta
Pramit Sheth
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Ralph Poore
Ryan and Blair Troiano
Ryan Olsen
Samantha Vega and Dewin Vasquez
Sandler, Reiff, Lamb, Rosenstein & Birkenstock PC
Sandy Crystal
Sean Bruestle
Sean O'Donnell
Steve Antonson
Stone Point Capital
Sumitomo Mitsui
Ted Harro
Todd Richheimer
Tom Griffin
Troy Dixon
William Burdo
Ziad Kubursi