Shaping the Future: Our 2024 Champions of Change
As part of Room to Grow’s Annual Gala celebration, we’re thrilled to honor an esteemed group as “Champions of Change” for their commitment to supporting Room to Grow communities, championing equity, and advocating for families and children.
From world-renowned athletes to groundbreaking organizations, join us as we celebrate these champions and their ongoing commitment to shaping a more equitable future.
Ali Krieger, 2x World Cup Champion, NWSL Champion, Olympian & ESPN Analyst
Ali Krieger's career in professional soccer is distinguished by her remarkable achievements and leadership on and off the field. During her collegiate years at Penn State University, she set a precedent with her versatility, earning All-American honors in two distinct positions, a testament to her exceptional skill and adaptability. Her professional career spanned several top-tier clubs, including a significant stint at FFC Frankfurt, where her contributions were crucial in securing the UEFA Women's Champions League, marking her as a key player on the international stage.
Krieger's defensive prowess was instrumental in the U.S. Women's National Team's successes, notably participating in three FIFA Women's World Cups and securing the championship in 2015 and 2019. The 2015 victory was underscored by a defense that set a record for holding opponents scoreless for 540 minutes, showcasing Krieger's defensive mastery. Her resilience in overcoming a severe knee injury to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics further exemplifies her dedication and commitment to soccer at the highest levels.
Culminating her illustrious career, Krieger achieved a significant milestone by captaining Gotham FC to their first-ever NWSL Championship in 2023 before announcing her retirement. This victory highlighted a career filled with perseverance, skill, and significant off-the-field contributions to women's soccer. Krieger is currently working with ESPN as a studio analyst and is a proud mom to Sloane and Ocean.
Epiphany School
Epiphany School, a tuition-free independent school in Boston, has been a transformative partner to Room to Grow for close to a decade. Their dedication is evident in how dynamic and holistic our partnership has become over the years, including generously opening up space at the Early Learning Center for Room to Grow’s first satellite site in Dorchester, referring new ELC families to our program, collaborating with our team to provide wraparound support for our shared families, and continuing to amplify Room to Grow throughout the community. With a shared mission of promoting equity and helping families thrive, Epiphany School is a trusted and revered partner of Room to Grow.
Dr. Robert Peracchia & Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Robert Peracchia and Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry have been invaluable partners to Room to Grow, serving as a referral partner in New York since 2016. As an esteemed assistant clinical professor at Columbia University’s School of Dental Medicine and a passionate advocate for pediatric dentistry, Dr. Peracchia’s commitment to continuing education and innovation reflects the spirit of excellence we aspire to at Room to Grow. His active involvement in the NYU College of Dentistry Global Student Outreach Program further underscores his devotion to expanding access to high-quality dental care for children and families in need. Dr. Peracchia and Central Park West Pediatric Dentistry provide care, education, and advocacy to our community and Room to Grow families.
Love to Dream
Love to Dream, an innovative leader in the world of baby sleep solutions, has partnered with Room to Grow to support the sleep needs of infants in our program. This year, they donated nearly 15,000 items to Room to Grow, including 7,500 swaddles, sleep bags, and other products designed to support safe sleep, a critical factor in healthy child development. Love to Dream's commitment to our mission reflects their dedication to helping parents and caregivers foster a nurturing environment for their children’s early growth and well-being.
The Viking Global Foundation
Since 2017, The Viking Global Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Viking Global, has been a pillar of support for Room to Grow. Uniquely, their financial support was instrumental in the launch of our randomized controlled trial with Columbia University, which is coming to a conclusion this year. They have gone beyond monetary contributions to host volunteer groups and collection drives of baby and toddler items for families in our program. By investing in early childhood development, The Viking Global Foundation demonstrates its commitment to addressing systemic inequities and making a positive impact in their communities.
These remarkable honorees have not only supported Room to Grow but have also contributed to a broader movement of uplifting equity and advocating for all children. We are grateful for their dedication, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements at our Annual Gala.