BUILD The Future 2025
Recap, Highlights & Photos
What an unforgettable night! From the lively student-led Sales Bazaar to the inspiring Pitch Competition on the outdoor stage, to the heartfelt stories from alumni and honorees — BUILD the Future 2025 held on October 7, 2025 captured the heart of what we can accomplish when community and purpose come together. Thanks to your generosity and enthusiasm, we raised $420,000+ to empower students nationwide with the entrepreneurial skills, confidence, and opportunity to become the CEOs of their own lives. As Ayele Shakur said: “The best way to predict the future is to BUILD it.”
There’s still time to help us reach our $500,000 goal while our $100,000 donation match is ongoing: http://build.org/btf.
Highlights of The Night
Student Sales Bazaar – The evening opened with a vibrant marketplace of student-run businesses, featuring everything from branded hats with custom logos to engraved wood-cut coasters — some even customized on the spot to customers’ color preferences.
FamBiz CEO Simulation – The evening’s program launched with an interactive activity that brought to life the same curriculum our students use in classrooms every day. Guests answered questions as the CEO of a cookie company, making real-world business decisions just like our students.
PawPerfect – The winning student pitch team opened by sharing not just their product — an innovative pet bed — but also the inspiration behind it, introducing the faces of their own pets on their slides and concluding with how the skills they’ve gained through BUILD will guide them into the future.
ElderStroll – The runner-up team captured the audience’s attention with a lively opening skit, sharp black suits, and a confident, well-reasoned pitch — including their impressive 77% profit margin.
BUILD Eras Live – Our three CEOs told the story of BUILD’s journey: Suzanne McKechnie Klahr shared the challenges of starting the organization in 1999; Ayele Shakur reflected on leading through the pandemic and launching BUILD’s first digital program; and current CEO Thais Rezende charted a bold digital vision to scale our impact even further after reaching students in all 50 states.
Ay’Anna Moody – Inspiring Alumni Moment – The Executive Director of the Warriors & Valkyries Foundation shared her journey from BUILD student in Oakland to national leader, ending with a heartfelt on-stage embrace with her mentor, Suzanne. We were joined by Alumni from across BUILD’s history — we are grateful to all of them for coming and sharing their inspiring stories
Beads of Generosity – Guests raised their hands high to pledge support, unlocking gifts from $25,000 to $1,000 and beyond — including an inspiring anonymous $100,000 gift.
We loved having you with us — and we’re thrilled to share some of the incredible photos and highlight videos to help you relive the magic!
View the full photo album here.
