Please join Kota’s founder and board of directors at an end of year fundraising reception on December 5, from 6pm-8pm, at the Kota Nest when we host Celebrating Harlem Women! Our goal is to raise money to support the expansion of our programs and to meet more needs in the Harlem community and beyond. The evening will honor two champions who have been building a vision for a better future in Harlem and across New York throughout their careers, artist Ruthy Valdez and healer DeenaLynn Dockery-Collins.

Tickets are $95 each. The evening will feature cocktails, delicious hors d'oeuvres, live music, and more during the closing night of The Meaning of Place Exhibit!

Corporate sponsorships and in-kind contributions to our silent auction are also welcome. We hope you can join us for this celebration and investment in the present and future of Harlem!

PLEASE NOTE: Event is for ages 21+ .

Meet the Honorees

Ruthy Valdez is a surrealist artist from Harlem and Washington Heights. She creates imaginative pieces imbued with symbolic meaning by skillfully blending colors and intricate patterns. Through her thought-provoking and dynamic paintings, Ruthy unravels life’s deeper mysteries and meanings. Growing up in a culturally diverse environment and influenced by Dominican and Turkish traditions, Ruthy’s art is infused with a unique cultural perspective that is both timeless and universal.

In Ruthy’s world, the simple flutter of a butterfly becomes a symbol of a more intricate relationship. Every brushstroke in her paintings celebrates life’s endless variety and experience.

DeenaLynn Dockery-Collins holds a Master’s in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, an A.O.S. degree and licensure in Massage Therapy and is a Certified Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master and Teacher. Her holistic approach focuses on building curricula and partnerships that promote well-being, particularly within disenfranchised communities, including BIPOC/QTBIPOC+. With over 20 years of experience as a healer and trauma healing facilitator, DeenaLynn combines mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, movement, breath-work, and bodywork to help clients reset and achieve balance in their lives.

Her journey as a healer began over 35 years ago, inspired by personal trauma and a deep desire for inner peace. This led her to spiritual healing, African spirituality, and alternative medicine. Today, her mission is to guide others toward conscious, joyful, and balanced living through natural healing techniques.