On July 1, 2025, The HOPE Program officially welcomed Alix Oliver as its new Board Chair. Alix’s appointment follows 3 years of Board service. On August 12, Alix shared the following remarks,
Dear friends and HOPE community,
My journey to HOPE began more than 15 years ago, when I read a book called Random Family by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc—a powerful portrait of life on the margins in New York City. The book opened my eyes to the systemic forces that keep so many New Yorkers trapped in cycles of poverty and addiction. Until then, I had not understood how deeply poverty can persist when people are denied access to the resources that shaped my own life: quality education and safe and supportive communities. I knew that I wanted to help.
I began volunteering with HOPE in 2017 and was immediately inspired by its impact – providing job training and lifelong career support for close to 900 New Yorkers each year. HOPE empowers our students and graduates to achieve financial independence while strengthening the environments that we serve.
It is with deep gratitude and humility that I accept the role of Board Chair of the HOPE Program. I am especially thankful for the leadership of my predecessor, Lauren Samuel who guided HOPE through a global pandemic, a pivotal executive transition, and the build out of a multi-year strategic plan. Lauren’s impact as Board Chair is immeasurable, and she remains a board member and a friend and mentor to me.
I am deeply proud to serve alongside our dedicated Board of Directors and Executive Director, Tracey Capers, whose leadership—together with HOPE’s committed staff—continues to advance our mission with vision, compassion, and meaningful and measurable impact. Our collective efforts ensure that HOPE remains grounded in community, driven by purpose, and inspired by possibility.
The road ahead will be challenging. We are navigating a shifting funding landscape and growing needs in the communities we serve. But HOPE stands on a strong foundation. Our multi-year strategic plan—Home Of Prosperity and Empowerment—offers clear direction centered on expanding economic mobility, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping graduates build brighter futures for themselves and their families, and within their communities.
I have no doubt that HOPE will rise to meet this moment—with your support. I invite your continued partnership in the days and years ahead. Together, we can ensure that HOPE remains a powerful force for opportunity and resilience in the greatest city in the world.
