At this year's Brooklyn Changemakers Ball we are privileged to honor Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and Gabriel Schwartz and Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz for their changemaking commitment to the people of Brooklyn. 

Rep. Jeffries is currently in his sixth term in Congress representing Brooklyn's diverse Eighth Congressional District. He is the Democratic Leader—the highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives—unanimously elected by his colleagues last November. 

In Congress, Rep. Jeffries is a tireless advocate for social and economic justice. He has worked hard to help residents recover from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, reform the criminal justice system, improve the economy for everyday Americans, and protect access to affordable healthcare.

Rep. Jeffries was born in Brooklyn Hospital, raised in Crown Heights and is a product of New York City’s public school system, having graduated from Midwood High School. He lives in Prospect Heights with his family.

Congressman Jeffries will be honored alongside immigrant rights champions Gabriel Schwartz and Jolie Curtsinger Schwartz during the inspiring and unforgettable night of celebration. Through Gabe and Jolie’s generous leadership and support, we established the Immigrant Rights Fund following the 2016 election to ensure a fair and just Brooklyn for all immigrants who call our borough home. Since then, the Fund has distributed over $2M to frontline organizations.

Gabe is Co-Deputy Executive Managing Member of Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP, a global investment management firm, which he joined in 2009. Prior to that, he was a Managing Director in the Special Situations Group at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. Jolie is a theater, film, and television actor and producer. She is the founder and Artistic Director of InProximity Theatre Company and the founding producer of PROJECT W, a theater festival with a mission to present new works written by female-identifying playwrights. They live in DUMBO with their two children. 

This will be a night to remember, celebrating some of Brooklyn’s greatest champions—and major news about our future. We look forward to seeing you on October 12th!