Some leaders build careers. Others build communities. The Honorable Mari Moss, MPA, has spent decades doing both, and this June she will be recognized on two of New York City’s most influential stages.
The Mari Moss AAWIC Luminary Award recognition will take place on June 11, 2026, during the African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) celebration held in conjunction with the Tribeca Film Festival. The honor recognizes Moss’s longstanding commitment to economic development, cultural preservation, community empowerment, and social impact.
The event will spotlight the contributions of Black women in film, leadership, and storytelling while celebrating trailblazers whose work continues to transform communities and inspire future generations.
A Career Built on Community Impact
For years, Moss has been a driving force behind initiatives that connect economic growth with community well-being. As CEO of Midas Touch Consulting, she has supported more than $1 billion in development projects and contributed to the creation of more than 5,000 jobs.
Her work has focused on helping entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and underserved communities gain access to resources, capital, and opportunities that create lasting prosperity.
Beyond economic development, Moss has championed initiatives that strengthen neighborhoods and amplify community voices. She founded the We Love Harlem Initiative, PEACE TV, and Letter to Legislation, a public policy campaign dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, strengthening families, and advancing community-centered solutions.
Bringing the Lenape Legacy to TEDxHarlem
Just over a week after receiving the Mari Moss AAWIC Luminary Award, Moss will take another prominent stage.
On June 20, 2026, she will appear at TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind at the Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater. Her presentation will explore the intersection of economic development, cultural preservation, and community identity through the lens of her Lenape Native American heritage.
“As a Lenape descendant and lifelong advocate for Harlem, I believe economic development should strengthen communities rather than displace them,” Moss said. “My TEDx talk will explore how we can create jobs, build businesses, preserve cultural institutions, and honor the legacy of those who came before us while preparing future generations to thrive.”
Her message arrives at a critical moment as cities across the nation continue to balance growth, investment, and cultural preservation.
A Legacy of Service
A graduate of Hampton University and Metropolitan College of New York, Moss has served on numerous boards and advisory groups focused on education, economic empowerment, youth development, and civic engagement.
She also serves on the citywide Community Action Board of New York City, helping oversee more than $35 million in federal funding distributed to nonprofit organizations across the five boroughs.
Her leadership continues to demonstrate that economic development can be a tool not only for growth, but also for preserving history, honoring culture, and creating pathways for future generations.
As Harlem, New York City, and communities beyond continue to evolve, Moss remains committed to ensuring that progress and preservation move forward together.
Community leaders, elected officials, educators, artists, faith leaders, and supporters are encouraged to attend both events and celebrate a woman whose work has helped shape communities while honoring the stories and legacies that define them.
Event Information
AAWIC Luminary Award Ceremony
June 11, 2026
African American Women in Cinema (AAWIC) Registration
TEDxHarlem: A State of Mind
June 20, 2026
Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater
TEDxHarlem Event Information and Registration