UNCF New England Gala Raises Funds for HBCU Students with Corporate Leaders in Spotlight

Event summary

  • UNCF New England will host its annual 'A Mind Is...' Gala on March 12, 2026, at the Seaport Boston Hotel.
  • The event honors three leaders: former Governor Charlie Baker (NCAA), Pamela Everhart (Fidelity Investments), and Demond Martin (WellWithAll).
  • Proceeds support scholarships for students attending UNCF’s 37 member HBCUs.
  • UNCF highlights HBCUs' $16.5 billion economic impact despite systemic underfunding.

The big picture

UNCF’s gala underscores the critical role of corporate partnerships in bridging funding gaps for HBCUs, which remain underfunded despite their significant economic contributions. The event highlights a broader trend of private sector engagement in addressing systemic inequities in higher education. With $16.5 billion in direct economic impact, HBCUs represent a strategic investment in future leadership and workforce development.

What we're watching

Corporate Engagement
How sustained corporate involvement will impact UNCF’s fundraising capacity and HBCU student support.
Economic Impact
Whether increased awareness of HBCUs' economic contributions translates into greater public and private funding.
Leadership Influence
The pace at which honorees’ initiatives drive systemic change in education and healthcare equity.