Determined to Educate Celebrates 18 Years of Empowering Youth With Star-Studded Fundraising Gala

Cindy Senyah Baah Joins Sway In The Morning Alongside Jeff Redd, Alishia Goodridge and Comedian Talent to Discuss the Organization’s Mission and Upcoming Celebration

For 18 years, Determined to Educate has been opening doors, creating opportunities, and helping young people envision a future beyond their immediate circumstances. Now, as the organization celebrates nearly two decades of impact, founder Cindy Senyah Baah is preparing for a milestone celebration that brings together education, entertainment, philanthropy, and community leadership.

Baah recently stopped by Sway In The Morning, joined by recording artist and music executive Jeff Redd, Alishia Goodridge, and comedian James “Talent” Harris, to discuss the organization’s continued mission and its upcoming 2026 Determined to Educate Awards Fundraising Gala.

The conversation highlighted the power of mentorship, the importance of exposing young people to new experiences, and the collective responsibility of helping the next generation succeed.

18 Years of Opening Doors and Creating Opportunities

Founded by Cindy Senyah Baah, Determined to Educate (DTE) has spent 18 years working to expand educational opportunities and connect young people with experiences that can shape their futures.

At the heart of the organization’s mission is a simple but powerful belief: exposure creates opportunity.

Through educational tours, guest speaker visits, and mentorship programs, DTE works to introduce students to new environments, career possibilities, and influential individuals who can help broaden their perspectives.

As the organization enters its 19th year, its annual fundraising gala represents more than a celebration of past accomplishments. It’s an opportunity for supporters to invest directly in what comes next.

Every ticket purchased, table reserved, and donation made will help fund the programs and experiences that continue to make a difference in the lives of young people.

A Star-Studded Evening Celebrating Community Leaders

The 2026 Determined to Educate Awards Fundraising Gala will recognize individuals who have used their platforms, resources, and influence to create opportunities for others.

This year’s distinguished honorees include:

Simone I. Smith – Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Designer
Renée Culbertson – Philanthropist, Community Leader, and Entrepreneur
Heather B – Media Pioneer, Radio Host, Actress, and Culinary Creative
Jon Winkel – Founding President of LaunchPad
Jeff Fortmann – Co-founder of TruNorth
Jeff Redd – Recording Artist, Music Executive, and Entrepreneur
Sway Calloway – Media Mogul, Broadcaster, Journalist, and Entrepreneur
Allana Park – 2026 DTE Youth Ambassador, Singer, Actress, and Pianist

Among the honorees is Sway In The Morning host and Sway’s Universe founder Sway Calloway, whose career has consistently connected music, journalism, education, and cultural storytelling.

Also being recognized is R&B veteran Jeff Redd, whose contributions to music and entertainment have helped shape generations of artists and industry professionals.

The evening will be hosted by comedian James “Talent” Harris, bringing his signature humor and energy to a celebration centered on service, leadership, and giving back.

An Evening With a Purpose

The gala will feature a cocktail reception, seated dinner, awards ceremony, silent auction, and fundraising initiatives designed to support Determined to Educate’s future programming.

Evening Schedule:

6:00 PM – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
Guests arrive, connect with fellow supporters, and explore the evening’s silent auction offerings.

7:00 PM – Program Begins
Opening remarks and introductions kick off the celebration.

7:15 PM – Seated Dinner
Guests enjoy dinner and a welcome from the Determined to Educate team.

7:45 PM – Awards Ceremony & Silent Auction Winners
The organization honors this year’s distinguished recipients and celebrates their contributions to their communities.

The event brings together supporters from across entertainment, business, education, and philanthropy, united by a shared commitment to helping young people succeed.

Investing in the Next Generation

While the gala will celebrate 18 years of achievements, its greatest impact may come from the opportunities it helps create for the next generation.

Proceeds from the evening will support educational tours, mentorship opportunities, speaker visits, and programs designed to help students discover possibilities they may not have previously considered.

For Baah and the Determined to Educate community, the goal is to ensure that the organization’s 19th year creates even more opportunities than the 18 that came before it.

The appearance on Sway In The Morning serves as a reminder that when influential voices use their platforms to champion education and community empowerment, the impact can extend far beyond the spotlight.

Watch the full conversation on Sway In The Morning to hear Cindy Senyah Baah, Jeff Redd, Alishia Goodridge, and Talent discuss the mission behind Determined to Educate and the importance of investing in our youth.