UNCF Announces Sherina Maye Edwards as Chair of the 25th Annual “A Mind Is…” Gala
About the Gala
The 25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala, scheduled for June 14, 2025, at the Geraghty in Chicago, will be a flashback to its original theme, a Black & White Ball. This year’s gala promises to be a festive affair with music, dancing, and exquisite fine dining. Guests will be dressed in black and white formal wear, making it a truly unique and memorable event.
Sherina Maye Edwards Named Gala Chair
Sherina Maye Edwards, an alum of two Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Spelman College and Howard University School of Law, has been named the Gala Chair for the 25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala. Edwards is a proud advocate for higher education, especially for students in need, and is dedicated to helping the next generation of students attend college.
Edwards’ Background
Edwards currently sits on two publicly traded boards of directors: Northwestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE) and Midland States Bank (Nasdaq: MSBI). She is the former President and CEO of INTREN, a subsidiary of MasTec, a $14B Fortune 500 utility infrastructure company, and the former Chief Strategy Officer of MasTec. Edwards has also served a five-year term on the Illinois Commerce Commission and was appointed by President Barack Obama and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx as Co-Chair of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Voluntary Information-Sharing System Working Group.
Edwards’ Commitment to Education
Edwards is committed to supporting education and has a strong track record of championing diversity and inclusion within the utility and energy sector. She has also led the creation of the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council. Edwards serves on the Board of Trustees of Spelman College, where she was a cum laude graduate with a B.A. in Psychology. She is also a graduate of Howard University’s School of Law, where she was a merit scholar.
Fundraising Goal
The fundraising goal for this year’s gala is $1 million, and Edwards is determined to ensure that the goal is met. The funds raised will support UNCF’s mission to help deserving students attend college.
UNCF’s Impact
From 2022 – 2023, UNCF awarded more than 500 scholarships to students in Illinois. Within the last year, UNCF has awarded $2.8 million in scholarships to Illinois students.
Conclusion
The 25th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Gala promises to be a memorable event, with music, dancing, and fine dining, all while supporting a great cause. With Sherina Maye Edwards at the helm, the gala is sure to be a success. We look forward to seeing you there!
FAQs
* When is the gala taking place?
+ June 14, 2025
* Where is the gala being held?
+ The Geraghty in Chicago
* What is the fundraising goal for the gala?
+ $1 million
* How can I get involved or learn more about the gala?
+ Visit www.uncf.org/chicago or contact UNCF at 312-845-2200
