Seven Caribbean-American leaders honoured at Get Real with Shameeza gala in Queens
Guyanese-American media personality Shameeza Ally hosted the fifth annual recognition dinner on June 28, which also highlighted her charity’s work in New York and Guyana.
NEW YORK, United States. Seven Caribbean-American leaders were honoured for their service to the community at the fifth annual Get Real with Shameeza Recognition Gala Dinner, held in Queens on June 28.
The event was hosted by Guyanese-American entrepreneur and media personality Shameeza Ally and brought together community members, elected officials, business leaders, family and friends.
Each honouree received an award recognising their leadership, dedication and impact on the Caribbean-American community. The ceremony included presentations on the recipients’ achievements and tributes from colleagues and supporters.
“This event is about celebrating people who continue to uplift others and make a positive difference in our communities,” Ally said. “Their work inspires all of us.”
Five years of recognition
The recognition programme was established in 2021 as part of the celebration of Ally’s talk show, Get Real with Shameeza. It honours people whose work has strengthened communities through public service, education, healthcare, business, social justice and philanthropy.
The evening included music, networking and dining, with many guests reflecting on the importance of recognising community leaders whose efforts often take place behind the scenes.
Charity work in Guyana
The gala also highlighted SafAri for Empowerment, the non-profit organisation Ally founded to support survivors of domestic violence and underserved families, with initiatives in New York and Guyana.
The organisation has run coat drives, toy distributions, holiday meal programmes and school-supply initiatives benefiting hundreds of children and families. It has also worked with community stakeholders in Guyana to support women, young people and families in underserved communities.
Ally said the success of this year’s event reinforced the importance of recognising those who dedicate their lives to helping others. “The evening was a beautiful celebration of service, leadership and community,” she said.
