Welcome to The Speak Hope Foundation
The Speak Hope Foundation 2nd Annual Gala
Join us for an exciting night of dinner and dancing for a great cause - Helping those who are struggling to pay for mental health services.
2nd Annual Gala will take place on Sunday January 15, 2023
5:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
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Gala Keynote Speaker
Dr. Fernandez
Dr. Fernandez received his degree in Clinical Psychology from the New School University, followed by a Doctorate of Psychology degree from Alliant International University, CSPP. He then received intensive training in an acute psychiatric inpatient setting at North Central Bronx Hospital, and then provided outpatient psychotherapy at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the South Bronx, NY. He then served as the Clinical Director at EAC Queens TASC Mental Health Diversion Program, working with the Queens Supreme Court. In 2015, Five Borough Forensics is a dedicated forensic psychological evaluation team providing culturally competent assessments in both English and Spanish for clients that are involved in federal and local court systems. Dr. Edward Fernandez has taught various psychology undergraduate and graduate level courses as an Adjunct Professor at Hunter College, John Jay College, Roger Williams University, and York College.
Our Honorees
Ms. Jasmine Cross
Ms. Jasmine Cross
Jasmine Cross is a native New Yorker from Hollis Queens and has a true desire to serve her community. As a teen she participated in “Top Teens of Distinction”, an organization thathelps develop service-oriented teens. Her dedication and successled to serving in leadership positions in Top Teens of Distinction. She now serves as the president of the Top Ladies of Distinction Gotham Chapter of The Greater NY area. The organization does impactful work such as participating in the “Feeding the Multitudes” program which feeds over 3,000 people per year. She also leads the effort to donate “Dignity bags” to homeless and indigent people. This bag contains toiletries and other necessities.
Additionally, Jasmine started “You Can Sit with Us” an organization that empowers women of color to clarify their values and dreams. She offers robust networking and informational services, that has led to the creation of several successful corporations and LLCs.
During College Jasmine started a 501C3 organization called “Keep it Zweet”, a non-profit organization that helps fund prom expenses for high school seniors in need. KIZ provides gowns, tuxedos, accessories, nails, hair, and makeup services and she mentors those same students as they go off into the undergrad careers.
Jasmine creates innovative ways for people to revolutionize their businesses and maximize their monetary gains. Jasmine's slogan is "Some people flip houses; I flip businesses and mindsets." Jasmine is also a life influencer and helps individuals gain clarity, break generational curses, & live their lives unapologetically through powerful workshops and retreats. Jasmine helps people navigate this thing called life even when unforeseen circumstances arise.
She continues to lead through various acts of service and financial literacy seminars. Jasmine plans to keep uplifting and transforming mindsets for the elevation of her community.
Beverly Torres is a Social Worker dedicated to supporting underserved communities on Long Island, NY through a range of roles- School Social Worker, Private Practice Owner, and Founder of the Long Island Black & Latinx Therapists Network. She is a first-generation Salvadoran who received degrees from New York University and Columbia University. Beverly attributes her experience of breaking through the cycle of poverty to the support received from her community and family. In return, she is committed to supporting individuals in achieving success and happiness by empowering them to overcome personal and systemic obstacles. In 2019, she started her Private Practice, BEmotionally Fit, in Freeport, her hometown to increase access and opportunities for Black and Latino people to work with someone from their community. A year later she launched the Long Island Black & Latinx Therapists Network in response to the high rate of requests for therapists of color from community members. The network now has over 80 therapists across Long Island and the tri-state, who have served as a free referral service and connected over 125 people to therapy this year alone. The network is also focused on community building for Black and Latino therapists to connect and support each other as many often work in isolation or in majority white spaces. Through her various roles, Beverly hopes to fight the stigma of mental health treatment and decrease obstacles for the Black and Latino community to receive therapeutic treatment.
Ms. Beverly Torres
Win a Private Catered Dinner for Eight from
Executive Chef Tim Pitts
