Figure Skating in Harlem Gala Honors Anika Noni Rose and Tina Lundgren

Annual event celebrates achievements in figure skating, education, and leadership for girls

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:39pm

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A highly stylized, abstract illustration of a figure skate repeated in a grid pattern, rendered in vibrant neon colors and bold black outlines to capture the celebratory energy of the Figure Skating in Harlem gala.The annual Figure Skating in Harlem gala celebrates the organization's mission of empowering girls through figure skating, academics, and leadership development.NYC Today

Figure Skating in Harlem (FSH), the world's first education and figure skating organization for under-resourced girls, will host its annual Igniting the Dream Gala on May 18, 2026 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The event will honor Tony-winning actress Anika Noni Rose and Olympic figure skating judge Tina Lundgren for their contributions to advancing access and opportunities for girls in academics, athletics, and leadership.

Why it matters

Figure Skating in Harlem has served over 1,500 girls in the New York City community since its founding nearly 30 years ago, using figure skating as a vehicle to promote academic achievement, confidence, and life skills. The annual gala is a key fundraiser that supports the organization's impactful programs.

The details

The Igniting the Dream Gala will feature appearances from members of the U.S. Olympic figure skating team, including gold medalists Alysa Liu, Madison Chock, and Evan Bates. The event will be hosted by 2025 honoree and CBS Mornings co-anchor Vlad Duthiers. Co-chairs for the 2026 gala include fashion designer Vera Wang and Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan.

  • The Igniting the Dream Gala will take place on Monday, May 18, 2026.
  • The red carpet media arrival will be from 5:45 pm to 6:45 pm.

The players

Figure Skating in Harlem

The world's first education and figure skating organization for under-resourced girls, founded by Sharon Cohen.

Tina Lundgren

Olympic figure skating judge and Figure Skating in Harlem board member. She is also the Chairman Emeritus on the Board of Ronald McDonald House for New York.

Anika Noni Rose

Tony-winning and critically-acclaimed actress and singer, currently starring in the Broadway play The Balusters. She is the voice of Disney's first Black princess, Tiana, and has her own attraction at Disneyland.

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What they’re saying

“Tina is a driving force for girls' education and empowerment while being a committed champion of FSH for more than 15 years.”

— Sharon Cohen, Founder/CEO, Figure Skating in Harlem

What’s next

The Igniting the Dream Gala will feature a cocktail reception, a program with honoree and scholarship presentations, a seated dinner, and special guest surprises throughout the evening.

The takeaway

Figure Skating in Harlem's annual gala celebrates the organization's mission of empowering girls through figure skating, academics, and leadership development, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing access and opportunities for young women.