Student Sponsor Partners (SSP) is pleased to announce its 27th annual Founder’s Dinner, which will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the iconic Waldorf Astoria in New York City.
With the theme of “Where Hope Grows,” the gala will honor Peter Forlenza (pictured below), Global Head of Equities, and his team at Jefferies, one of the world’s leading investment banks and financial services companies. They are being recognized for their decades-long support and commitment to the mission of SSP, creating opportunity for underserved youth across New York City to help them break free of the cycle of poverty and achieve their highest potential.
“Peter and his wife, Ellen, have touched countless lives through their generosity, personally sponsoring and mentoring SSP students in their pursuit of college-prep, high school education,” said Debra De Jesus-Vizzi, Executive Director of Student Sponsor Partners. “Their commitment and care continue to open doors and inspire futures every day.”
The Forlenzas have sponsored the education of dozens of SSP students over the years and mentored five through high school. Since 2018, Jefferies and its employees have funded the education of 40 SSP students, with more than 100 team members on board as sponsors, mentors, donors, or volunteers who help SSP plant seeds of hope for future generations.
The “Where Hope Grows” Founder’s Dinner will double as a celebration of SSP’s 40th anniversary — four decades of nurturing hope and transforming the lives of New York City students through education and mentorship. Like a flourishing garden, SSP has nurtured possibilities and cultivated futures, thanks to the steadfast support of sponsors, donors, and mentors, whose generosity has opened doors for more than 10,000 deserving students to date.
Guests at the Founder’s Dinner will be welcomed with a reception beginning at 6:30 PM, followed at 7:30 PM by dinner and the main program, featuring inspiring speeches from the honorees at Jefferies, students, alumni, and guest speakers.
To attend SSP’s “Where Hope Grows” Founder’s Dinner, visit sspnyc.org/foundersdinner2026 or contact Margaret Buttery at mbuttery@sspnyc.org. If you are unable to attend, please consider donating in support at sspnyc.org/donate.
About Peter Forlenza
Peter Forlenza is Global Head of Equities at Jefferies and a member of the firm's Executive Committee, with more than three decades of leadership and innovation in global financial markets. Since joining Jefferies in 2013, Pete has overseen the firm's worldwide equities platform, building on a distinguished career that began in 1988 at Salomon Brothers, where he was a pioneer of program trading. He later served as Global Head of Equities at Bank of America, where he was a member of the Global Markets Leadership Team and a member of the Global Risk Committee. Prior to Jefferies, Pete was Regional Head of Equities for the Americas at UBS and founder and CEO of Outpost Investment Group, a global macro hedge fund.
Equally central to Pete's career is his longstanding commitment to Student Sponsor Partners. His relationship with SSP began in the late 1990s, when he sponsored and mentored his first two students. Over the years, Pete has sponsored dozens of SSP scholars and personally mentored five students through their entire high school journey, forging meaningful, lasting relationships that have helped shape their academic and personal growth.
What began as an individual commitment grew into a powerful institutional partnership. In 2018, Pete introduced SSP to Jefferies, inviting SSP leadership to present the organization's mission and impact to his colleagues. That initial meeting sparked immediate action, with dozens of Jefferies employees signing on as mentors, sponsors, or both — supported by the firm's matching contributions.
Today, more than 100 Jefferies employees have engaged with SSP as sponsors, mentors, donors, and volunteers, supported by regular workshops and career-focused programming for students. Rooted in Pete's leadership and example, the Jefferies/SSP partnership continues to grow, creating opportunity, expanding horizons, and changing lives for generations of students.
About Student Sponsor Partners
Student Sponsor Partners harnesses the power of quality education and mentorship to help New York City youth in underserved communities escape the cycle of poverty and reach their highest potential. For 40 years, SSP has paired thousands of students across the five boroughs with sponsors who fund scholarships and education programs and mentors who guide them through their journeys. Evolving with the changing education and social landscapes, Student Sponsor Partners continues to create a far-reaching impact on students, their families, their communities, and beyond.
Media Contact: Maria Asteinza at masteinza@sspnyc.org or (646) 917-5710
