We are profoundly grateful to Francine A. LeFrak, Rick Friedberg, and the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation for hosting the 2026 LeFrak–Friedberg Scholars Summit in New York City—an inspiring two-day gathering that opened doors to global ideas, innovation, and leadership for Bridge2Rwanda Scholars.
Over the course of the summit, Scholars were welcomed into dynamic professional environments and exposed to the workings of leading organizations, including Citadel, Fiduciary Trust International, Goldman Sachs, TikTok, Bank of America, Robinhood, and the Australian Consulate-General in New York. Each visit offered a window into the possibilities of professional life, reinforcing a powerful message: background does not define potential, and ambition, preparation, and vision can open extraordinary pathways.
The summit is part of the broader LeFrak–Friedberg Scholars Program, which currently supports 48 Scholars in the U.S. and 34 in Africa, providing transformative higher education opportunities while creating a ripple effect of impact in their communities. By connecting students with mentors, global experiences, and networks of opportunity, the program empowers the next generation of leaders to pursue their ambitions with confidence and purpose.
We are deeply thankful to our partners and hosts whose vision and generosity make this journey possible—shaping not only individual Scholars’ futures, but also the future of the communities they serve. The 2026 summit was a reminder that when opportunity, mentorship, and courage meet, young leaders can reach extraordinary heights.
