A Better Chance

Thank you to everyone who made the 2026 Kaleidoscope Ball an unforgettable night. Your generosity is opening doors for talented young people ready to change the world.

Scholar Awardee Alexander Bello said it best:
"There are countless young people with extraordinary potential who simply need support, opportunity, and someone willing to believe in them."

We believe. And because of you, we can act on that belief.

Thank you to our donors, sponsors, Scholar Award winners, and honorees Kourtney Gibson, CEO of Retirement Solutions at TIAA, and Kurt Van Wagenen, CEO of Summit Broadband.

Here's to the Scholars whose stories are still being written, the Alumni who prove every day what opportunity makes possible, and the future we're building together.

Alexander Bello, a student at Fieldston School in the Bronx, New York, and recipient of this year’s A Better Chance Family Award, represents the impact of opportunity, leadership, and generational success within the ABC community.

Since entering Fieldston in 5th grade, Alexander has distinguished himself as a leader, activist, and filmmaker. He has led the school’s Black Student Union, Film Society, and Students of Color Matter activism group while pursuing opportunities that expanded his perspective through travel, storytelling, and community engagement.

In addition to his leadership work, Alexander pursued acting opportunities across Broadway, television, and film before discovering his passion for storytelling behind the camera. His directorial debut, The Funeral, earned multiple awards and affirmed his belief in filmmaking as a tool to build empathy, strengthen community, and amplify underrepresented voices. This fall, he will continue his studies in film and creative writing.

Alexander’s journey is also part of a larger family legacy within A Better Chance. His older brother, Adam Bello, attended The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry through ABC beginning in 8th grade and is now a sophomore at Bowdoin College in Maine. Together, the Bello brothers exemplify the lasting impact of access to opportunity and the transformative power of education across generations.

The Bello family represents the spirit of the Family Award and the enduring mission of A Better Chance to create pathways for future leaders.

Join us in celebrating Alexander, Adam, and the Bello family at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://abetterchance.org/2026-kaleidoscope-ball/

Christian Rodriguez, a senior at Stuart Hall High School in San Francisco and an incoming freshman at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University, is a member of the A Better Chance community.

Through his academic, athletic, and service commitments, Christian has demonstrated a deep dedication to leadership and community engagement. Inspired by the International Baccalaureate Program, he has cultivated a global perspective and a passion for creating meaningful impact.

At Stuart Hall, Christian serves as student body president, represents his school as a student ambassador, and helped lead his undefeated football team to the school’s first-ever NCS Championship.

Beyond school, Christian has completed more than 150 hours of community service, volunteering with the SF-Marin Food Bank and coaching youth through his nonprofit soccer club. His commitment to service reflects his belief in using leadership to uplift and support others.

Christian represents the power of purpose-driven leadership and community impact. This fall, he will attend Boston University to study International Business, where he hopes to use his understanding of global markets and economies to help bridge inequality and create a more equitable future for communities around the world.

Join us in celebrating Christian and his fellow scholars at the Kaleidoscope Ball on June 9th! To learn more: https://abetterchance.org/2026-kaleidoscope-ball/