On a beautiful summer evening in Brooklyn, The Arlo Williamsburg was transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture, possibility, and purpose. The 7th Annual I Am Cultured Fundraising Gala welcomed a passionate community of supporters, creators, and change-makers to honor culture beyond borders. As well as the transformative work of I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D., a nonprofit organization is dedicated to empowering high school youth of color through global exposure, mentorship, and experiential learning.
BATALA Performance with Students
Moreover, the evening’s theme –Bahia, Brazil. Offering a radiant backdrop of live music, cultural performances, artisan vendors, and soul-nourishing cuisine. Guests, dressed in sleek black-tie with flair, mingled under the warm lights, united by a shared belief: that young people deserve the chance to see the world, and in doing so, reimagine their own.
I AM C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D Students
I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. began as a bold response to the stark travel disparities facing underserved communities and it has grown into a powerful movement. The organization immerses high school students in a year-round, holistic program that includes classroom workshops, community service, mentorship, and life-changing international excursions. These young scholars don’t just learn about the world -they experience it firsthand. They discover new languages, broaden their perspectives, and, most importantly, begin to dream bigger.
IAC Founder Karmia Berry
“To be C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. is to be Confident. Unique. Leading. Tenacious. Unstoppable. Regal. Educated. Daring,” says Founder, Karmia Berry. “We’re not just opening their passports, we’re opening their minds.” The results speak for themselves. With 168 student travelers, over 132,000 miles journeyed, nearly 800 hours of community service completed, and more than 6,000 hours of youth development programming, the impact is both measurable and deeply personal.
The Gala honored that mission, and the people who helped bring it to life. Among the evening’s special guests. These guests were in attendance in 2021. 2025 – special guests were TV personality and host Gia Peppers, Travel Weekly Editor-in-Chief Arnie Weissmann. Founder and CEO of AfroFuture, Abdul Karim Abdullah, Founder and CEO of I am CaribBeing, Shelley Worrell, Founder & CEO of Inspiring Minds, Deryck Toles.
Honoree Deryck Toles on the red-carpet
“We often say representation matters,” one speaker shared during the award ceremony, “but what about global representation? These students now see themselves in the world and the world sees them, too.” None of this work would be possible without the tireless efforts of IAC’s dedicated team of volunteers, advocates, and generous donors who understand that transformation begins with opportunity.
As laughter, dance, and reflection filled the night, one truth emerged: this isn’t just about travel. Instead, it’s about freedom. It’s about equity. It’s about planting seeds of possibility in places once defined by borders—both literal and imagined. Stating an important precedent beyond borders.
Guests Party-Popping
With each mile traveled, each mentor’s guidance, and every moment of discovery, I Am C.U.L.T.U.R.E.D. actively cultivates a generation of young leaders who aren’t just seeing the world -they’re changing it. Looking ahead, mark your calendar: their 2026 gala takes place on June 11, 2026. To learn more, visit www.iamcultured.org.
ARLO Hotel Williamsburg
