Dr. Ellen Markowitz, founder of PowerPlay NYC, exited the stage at last night’s Sports Business Awards and said, “This is surreal.” The organization she brought to life nearly 20 years ago was honored with SBJ’s Celebration of Service Award because of its impact through sports on girls ages 8-18. The recognition was what Markowitz and Vivian Santora, the nonprofit’s President & CEO, called “validation” for PowerPlay’s efforts to change the lives of young women. Using sports as its main platform, PowerPlay advances the lives of inner-city girls through a year-round program. The group works with schools and other community organizations to create after-school and summer programs. They say it fills a need, especially for girls of color living in poverty. In '18, PowerPlay was selected for the fifth consecutive year as the lead organization of the STARS (Sports Training and Role Models for Success) Citywide Girls Initiative. “What we’re trying to do is develop leaders and it’s hard work,” Markowitz said. “So, to receive this kind of recognition really means a lot."
