Springboard’s 25th Anniversary Frequently Asked Questions

A memorable, joyous evening with 250 of our friends, allies, and supporters, with a spotlight on our alumnae! This landmark event marks Springboard’s legacy of 25 years of advancing women entrepreneurs, founders and women-led high-impact companies, and will launch our next, bold new chapter. It is a gathering of entrepreneurs, founders, investors, industry experts, private sector leaders, innovators and champions, all dedicated to ensuring women entrepreneurs have access to the resources they need to be successful. 

This is also Springboard’s annual fundraiser; as a nonprofit organization we deeply appreciate your support. 

Tuesday, October 28, 2025 

Doors and check-in open at 6pm; event closes at 9:30pm

Dinner will be from 6 – 7:30pm; please arrive with adequate time to eat and network before the formal program begins.

Nasdaq Marketsite

151 W 43rd Street, 10th Floor (between Broadway and 6th Ave)

New York, NY 10036

Please visit Welcome to Times Square for recommendations on getting there via public transportation, and nearby hotels and restaurants

Yes! Nasdaq requires that all guests complete a security screening onsite, in order to enter the building. This includes a check of personal ID, and all personal belongings (purses, bags, packages) will be screened. Once your security screening is complete, an attendant will walk you to the elevators to take you to the 10th floor where Springboard greeters will welcome you. Please note the following: 

• Government issued photo ID is required 
• Prohibited items include but are not exclusive to:
  • Firearms, weapons, mace and flammable liquids
  • Bags or packages that exceed the following dimensions: 29W x 20H x 36D 
• Prohibited items cannot be stored at the security desk or anywhere inside the building

There are a few small but important changes this year. 

• We have gone completely digital! The event program – order of events, sponsors, speakers, fundraising items and more – will be digital only and accessed via a QR code. We will not be providing hard-copy, written programs.
• We have designed the evening to include more time for networking, including an extended cocktail “hour”.
• We will serve dinner but it will be at your own pace. This means there will be plentiful variety – including vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options – but it will not be served to you at your table, via courses. Instead we will offer multiple passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates, as well as two dinner stations. You will still have an assigned table, but you are welcome to eat in any of the many designated areas including the bar area, the outdoor terrace and/or at your table. 
• We shortened the program portion of the evening and will not present awards. 
• We will be centering and showcasing our alumnae and other women entrepreneurs, including during the programming. 
• There will also be a few fun surprises!

Most guests will be wearing cocktail attire, which is more dressy than business casual but less formal than black tie. We want you to wear something you feel fabulous and comfortable in; something you’d wear to the party of the year. 

For inspiration, see photos from Springboard’s 2024 Gala 

We do recommend having the option of a layer. There is a beautiful outdoor terrace, weather permitting, and even indoors it is difficult to fully control the temperature at events such as these.

Dinner will be plentiful and consist of passed hors d’oeuvres and small plates, and two dinner stations, which will be a combination of self-serve and served by a station chef. You are welcome to eat at your assigned table, or in any of Springboard’s designated spaces, including the outdoor terrace. 

Dinner will be available from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Once the program begins there will only be drink service; please arrive with adequate time to eat and network before the formal program begins. 

Following the program we will offer coffee and dessert. A full bar, including non alcoholic options, will be available throughout the evening.

After dinner the formal program begins:  

• You’ll be inspired by Kay Koplovitz’s founding story of Springboard, and new CEO Umbreen Bhatti’s bold vision for the organization’s next chapter.
• You will hear about the experiences and wisdom from entrepreneurs over 25 years of Springboard, and insight into the future of female entrepreneurship.
• Broadway and TV star Chris Hanke will have us laughing and giving, as our fundraising host and auctioneer.

Thank you for asking! Yes, this celebration is Springboard’s annual fundraiser. We will have a live paddle raise, led by the very funny, extremely talented Broadway and TV star Chris Hanke (a.k.a Hanke). 

The star auction item is an Exclusive, Luxury adventure in Cortona, Tuscany. It’s perfect for a group friend getaway or family holiday trip; start thinking about who you want to bring with you on this trip of a lifetime! The package includes: a stunning 4-bedroom villa with a private pool for 8-days & 7-nights; daily breakfast prepared by a private chef; a private cooking class in the villa; a full day wine tour including lunch, transportation by private car. 

Paddle raise fundraising and donations will be processed through a digital platform – Givergy, a certified B-corp. Each guest will have digital access to Givergy throughout the event and fundraising program, to record pledges, complete donation payments and more. Donations can also be made directly on Springboard’s DONATE page. You are not obligated to make a donation but as a nonprofit organization, we deeply appreciate your support.

Please purchase your ticket here! If you need assistance, please contact Mary Keslo

Yes! Please contact Anna Melbin, Vice President of Development, to discuss sponsorship opportunities.