The Uplift Awards, hosted by the Beta Psi Sigma Alumnae Chapter and its charitable arm Aurora's Light Foundation, Inc.,  is a moment to honor and celebrate the contributions of local African American community members on Long Island, and serves as our main fundraising event that helps us support our essential programs and community service initiatives. Consider being a sponsor today and give back to those in need!

Meet Our 2025 Honorees:

Trinity Carter
2025 Youth Award Honoree
Trinity Carter graduated with high honors, ranking in the top 30 of her class. She was honored with the Civic Seal of Readiness and the AP Scholar Award, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to civic engagement. Her faith in God plays a central role in her life, which is reflected in her active participation in her church's youth ministry, where she has demonstrated leadership and service to her community. Trinity's dedication to both academic achievement and spiritual growth exemplifies her well-rounded character and commitment to uplifting others.

Bishop Lionel Harvey
2025 Cynthia Smalls Uplift Awards Honoree
Bishop Lionel Harvey has served as the Presiding Bishop at First Baptist Cathedral of Westbury for 25 years, the President and CEO of the Unified New Cassel Community Revitalization Corporation (UNCCRC), non-profit and community development organization as well as an active and devoted member of the Sigma Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. where he serves as Chaplain. His principal stance is that we, the church, should be the change we want to see. His dynamic and inspirational persona is evident in his service to the Westbury/New Cassel Community, his church and many civic, municipal and national endeavors.

Charline Ogbeni
2025 Nassau County Community Service Award  Honoree
Charline Ogbeni is a proud NICU mom, founder of Supporting Our Mothers Initiative, LLC, and visionary behind the developing Birth By Queens birth center. Her journey into maternal health began when she joined a peer breastfeeding support group while pregnant with her first child. Since then, she has become a staunch advocate for birthing individuals across New York and Long Island. Her work exemplifies the values of excellence, leadership, and service celebrated by Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Cateline Mark

2025 Uplift Awards Honoree for Community Service in Suffolk County

Cathy Mark is an experienced New York attorney. Since 2008, she has successfully operated the Law Office of Cateline S. Mark, Esq., a solo practice focused on civil litigation, with concentrations in personal injury, real estate, contracts, family, matrimonial, and estates law. Committed to access to justice, she also provides pro bono legal services in foreclosure defense, custody matters, and immigration, including assistance with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) filings for displaced individuals. Her dedication to advocacy, access to justice, and legal excellence continues to define her work and her lasting impact on the clients and communities she serves

Natasha Yarborough

2025 Impact Award  Honoree

Natasha Payne-Yarborough is a dedicated middle school English Teacher for 27 years with the Bay Shore School District. Her students feel motivated to succeed when they learn that challenges that initially seem impossible are simply turned into constant reminders of “I’m possible,” with hard work and perseverance. Her dedication to service extends beyond her school; she has inspired her students and others to give back to her community in different ways. Mrs. Yarborough’s impact can be felt across her school and community. 

 Pastor Gayle Brown

KeyNote Speaker

Pastor Gayle oversees Bread of Life World Outreach Center, Wyandanch (Long Island), NY. Pastor Gayle has a special place in her heart for women. Her burden for women

led her to start "Women's Encounter." She has hosted many conferences drawing

women together from different faiths, cultures, and races to empower them with the

Gospel. In addition to Women's Encounter and Ladies Connect, God has also anointed

her to host Marriage Encounter and Family Encounter conferences, ministering to the

complete needs of women and their families. Her sole purpose is to be a servant of our Lord Jesus. Pastor Gayle is a sought- after speaker, published author, morning radio show host, accomplished entrepreneur and revered Pastor, loving mother and grandmother and a devoted wife; she is truly a Proverbs 31 woman.

Suggested Sponsorship Levels:

Pearl: $1,000 - complimentary event admission for up to 2 sponsor representatives and meals; table space to promote your brand to guests attending; listing in event journal

Ruby: $2,000 - complimentary event admission for up to 2 sponsor representatives and meals; table space to promote your brand to guests attending; listing in event journal with logo and optional QR code; logo on promotional advertisements

Gold: $5,000 - complimentary event admission for up to 4 sponsor representatives and meals; table space to promote your brand to guests attending; full-page advertisement in event journal with logo and optional QR code; logo on promotional advertisements; branded company items included in VIP gift bags