Figure Skating in Harlem Gala: Celebrating 25 years of Excellence and Sisterhood
Vera Wang and FSH Students
“The best place to grow and develop yourself into being a respectful, confident, and intelligent woman.”
The Figure Skating in Harlem Gala celebrated 25 years of Excellence and Sisterhood at Gotham Hall in Manhattan. The gala was hosted by CBS New correspondent Vladimir Duthiers, and honorees included students and alumni, the U.S. Figure skating team, Olympic skater Nathan Chen, Whoopi Goldberg, Unilever COO Esi Eggleston Bracey, singer Valerie Simpson, Dean of Students Bernice DeAbreu, also known as the Godmother of Figure Skating in Harlem.
USA Olympic Figure Skaters & FSH Students
“FSH gave me the most essential skill in life, self-discipline.”
Figure Skating in Harlem is the only organization globally for girls of color that combines education with access to figure skating to teach artistic discipline and a championship mindset. Girls in the organization are segmented based on their age and ability and placed into Learn to Skate USA groups where they are taught technique, self-esteem boosters, and healthy lifestyle changes through exercise and skating.
“You put wings on their feet which become wings on their hearts and wings on their mind. You make it happen.”
FSH Skaters in Action
Over 400 supporters attended to celebrate students and alumni, as well as the honorees. FSH alumnae filled two tables at the gala, who shared their experiences and the impact FSH has had on their careers and personal development. Notable experiences this year included a resumption of FSH’s annual skating show at Riverbank State Park and staking during Alicia Key’s live performance at Rockefeller Center.
Sharon Cohen, Founder of FSH and FSH Students
“The mission has remained rather steady for all these years because the need still exists to diversify skating and to help young women have opportunities - the need to proactively support young people hasn’t changed.”
Figure in Skating incorporates education into their program by designing a curriculum that improves reading, writing and math, in addition to financial literacy, social skills, and emotional skills. FSH has been recognized by CNN Heroes, Beyond Sport, the International Olympic Committee, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
“I did not know of them but now the world will ”