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CHANGING LIVES ONE STORY AT A TIME
The Key Awards
Tuesday, June 3
The United Palace, New York City
4:00 PM Pre-Show | 6:00 PM Show Begins
Join us as we celebrate mentorship and the transformative impact of guiding underrepresented youth toward brighter futures.
THIS YEAR'S THEME:
Changing Lives, One Story at a Time
This year, we honor the power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and drive change. Every shared experience is a bridge — connecting mentors to mentees, leaders to learners, and communities to opportunity.
Join us as we celebrate the voices shaping a more inclusive future — one story at a time.
Meet the 2025 Key Awards Hosts
Phil Taitt
Emmy Award-winning journalist and Eyewitness News morning reporter, Phil Taitt, brings his passion for storytelling and deep connection to New York City to the Key Awards stage. A Brooklyn native with Caribbean and British roots, Phil is known for his impactful coverage of pressing issues—from gun violence and housing to social justice and politics. His powerful reporting has placed him at the forefront of historic events, including the NYC mayoral election and the social justice movement following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. One of his proudest moments: Next Generation Dreams, his Emmy-winning special filmed at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s family home. Beyond the newsroom, Phil uplifts youth through his nonprofit focused on opportunity and access.
Zhané Caldwell
PIX11’s Zhané Caldwell is a dynamic general assignment reporter driven by truth, empathy, and the power of representation. From breaking news to stories on housing and homelessness, she brings heart and clarity to every assignment. Before joining PIX11, she reported for News 12 Brooklyn and began her career as a one-woman newsroom at WKTV in Utica. A proud ECU alumna and founding member of the university’s first student-run news outlet, Zhané has always led with passion and purpose. As a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, her commitment to community-focused journalism and authentic storytelling continues to shine—on air and now, on stage at the Key Awards.
Join Us at The Key Awards
Reserve your seat and help us honor the changemakers shaping the next generation.
ABOUT URBAN VILLAGE MENTORING
Empowering NYC Students Through Mentorship
The Urban Village Mentoring initiative supports NYC Public School students by building a strong network of mentors who guide them through academic and personal challenges, broaden cultural horizons, and empower them to achieve their goals. We develop diverse mentoring programs to meet the unique needs of students from elementary to high school.
About the key awards
The Key Awards is a red-carpet celebration honoring mentors, mentees, and the powerful stories that connect them. This one-of-a-kind event shines a spotlight on changemakers empowering NYC’s next generation.
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Join Us at The Key Awards
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