LSHV 2025 Gala

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About the Gala

Our Annual Gala is the signature fundraising event for Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), bringing together a powerful network of nearly 300 leaders, advocates, and community members from the legal, business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. This inspiring evening celebrates our unwavering mission to protect and promote the rights of those who cannot afford legal representation. It highlights the extraordinary individuals and organizations who stand with us in that fight.

As our premier fundraiser of the year, the Gala is critical in sustaining LSHV's free legal services for low-income individuals and families across the region. The funds raised directly support our efforts to prevent homelessness, protect survivors of domestic violence, uphold the rights of people with disabilities, and ensure access to justice for vulnerable communities.

The event is more than a celebration-it reflects our collective impact and shared vision for a fairer, more equitable society. Through powerful stories, heartfelt tributes, and meaningful connections, guests leave the Gala inspired to champion justice and deepen their commitment to LSHV's mission.

Join us as we honor those who have made a difference and rally together to continue building a community where justice is not a privilege, but a right.

2025 Equal Access to Justice Gala Journal

Our Esteemed Honorees

Senator Shelley Mayer represents New York's 37th District and has been a tireless advocate for education, civil rights, and community well-being throughout her career. A lifelong public education champion, she currently chairs the Senate Education Committee, where she has led efforts to increase school funding, expand pre-K, and support special education. Prior to her Senate role, she served six years in the State Assembly and held senior legal positions including Chief Counsel to the NYS Senate Democrats. Her earlier work focused on healthcare, civil rights, and consumer protection. Senator Mayer holds degrees from UCLA and SUNY Buffalo Law School and lives in Yonkers with her husband, Lee Smith.

Jane Sovern is a leading education law attorney at Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, advising higher education institutions on issues including Title IX, campus safety, governance, and regulatory compliance. She previously held senior legal roles at CUNY, including Interim General Counsel and Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs. At CUNY, she oversaw legal matters for 24 campuses, serving over 270,000 students and 45,000 employees. Jane also led a team of 20 attorneys and supported the NYS Commission on Higher Education. She is widely recognized for her legal expertise and leadership in the education sector.

Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and the Gerstner Philanthropies Team Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Chairman of Gerstner Philanthropies, served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of IBM Corporation from 1993 to 2002. Over the past 30+ years, the Gerstner family's philanthropy has been centered on the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve stability and long-term success. Gerstner Philanthropies has invested over $300 million across four core program areas: Biomedical Research, Education, Environmental Sustainability, and Helping Hands-a one-time emergency cash assistance program which helps over 6,000 individuals stabilize from unexpected crises each year. Kara Klein, Executive Director, will accept the award on behalf of Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and the Gerstner Philanthropies team.