The Suzy & Wally Marks Jr. Trailblazer Award

NewGround’s Trailblazer Award Ceremony will be on January 28, 2024, 11:30 AM at the 

Skirball Cultural Center 

 

At NewGround, we believe that conflict is natural and inevitable. Yet it is not intractable – no matter the history. Being stuck is a choice. Therefore, we build relationships between Muslims and Jews in order to transform communities through lasting partnerships. The unique Trailblazer event and its program offer attendees the opportunity to interact with Change-makers and learn how their inspirational work is transforming communities through the power of relationships. The luncheon will leave you with a renewed sense that change is possible, and that Muslims and Jews working together can make an extraordinary impact!

Reserve your ticket or make a sponsorship HERE!

Meals will be halal and kosher-style, with vegetarian options available. 

If you need a certified kosher meal, please reach out to Andrea Hodos at [email protected].

About the Award:

NewGround named the award after Suzy and her late husband Wally Marks Jr. z”l. They have long been one step ahead of the trends to usher us all toward a more just society. Back in 2006 when Muslim-Jewish relations were at their most toxic levels, Suzy and Wally had the foresight to seed fund NewGround to equip Change-makers with the skills, resources, and relationships needed to strengthen Muslim-Jewish relations.

Honorees will be announced soon

 
 

Past Trailblazer Honorees:

2022

Daniel Sokatch & Salam Al-Marayati, with Change-maker Award Recipients: Maya Barron & Umar Hakim-Dey

2021

Keith Ellison, Brie Loskota, & Rev. Gary Mason, with Change-maker Award Recipient: Samara Hutman

2020

Ezra Klein & Hasan Minhaj, with Change-maker Award Recipients: Azizah Ali-Regan, Marissa Gee, Khulood Madany, & Inez Tiger

2018

Dr. David Myers & Dr. Sadegh Namazikhah, with Change-maker Award Recipient: Julia Meltzer & the Zeno Family

2017 

Melissa Balaban & the Aga Khan Council for the Western USA, with Change-maker Award Recipient: The Day School Exchange 

2015 

Nancy Berman and Alan Bloch

2013

Dr. Judith Glass and Nasreen Haroon

 
 

We convene dedicated activists and community leaders at NewGround’s premiere event celebrating the triumphs of our change-makers and honoring those who made it all possible. This unique luncheon and program offer attendees the opportunity to interact with change-makers and learn how their inspirational work is transforming communities through the power of relationships. The afternoon cultivates a renewed sense that change is possible and that Muslims and Jews working together can make an extraordinary impact!

 

Trailblazer Award Attendees Photo

Get inspired. Make an impact. Blaze your trail.