The Knockturnal: Star Power Meets Purpose: Bottom Line’s Spring Benefit Lights Up New York
With honors for Liza Colón-Zayas, John B. King Jr., and Mark H. Cox, the evening celebrated student triumphs, educational access, and the future of equity-driven leadership.
By JaMir Robert at the Knockturnal
May 8, 2025
An Evening of Purpose and Celebration
On a breezy spring evening, New York’s skyline shimmered in tandem with the promise of brighter futures at Bottom Line’s Spring Benefit: Educate, Elevate, Celebrate: Building a Better New York Together. The benefit honored Emmy Award-winning actress Liza Colón-Zayas, John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of SUNY, and Mark H. Cox, Bottom Line National Board Member and former Chair of the NY Regional Advisory Board.
This signature event united education advocates, donors, and alumni in a heartfelt celebration of impact, highlighting Bottom Line’s unwavering mission: to support first-generation and low-income students as they get into college, graduate, and launch successful careers.
About Bottom Line
Founded in 1997, Bottom Line is a nationally recognized nonprofit that provides one-on-one, culturally responsive college advising. Their data-proven model closes opportunity gaps and empowers degree-aspiring students with the resources, guidance, and confidence to go far in life. With thousands of success stories across cities like New York, Boston, and Chicago, Bottom Line is a crucial force in reimagining equitable education.
Student Stories That Inspire
I had the opportunity to speak with several attendees, and two personal stories particularly stood out. One young woman spoke about her mother, herself a first-generation student, whose academic journey paved the way for their family’s upward mobility. These are not isolated stories—they represent the ripple effects of an organization doing the deeply human work of mentorship, support, and belief.
Honoring Changemakers
Liza Colón-Zayas: Shattering Ceilings On and Off Screen
Liza Colón-Zayas stars as Tina Marrero in FX’s critically acclaimed series The Bear. Her portrayal earned her an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, making history as the first Latina to win in that category. Liza is also a decorated theater artist, a founding member of the LAByrinth Theater Company, and the force behind Allswell in New York, which won Best Screenplay at the 2022 Tribeca Festival.
Her speech was equal parts gratitude and groundedness—reminding the room that representation isn’t a trend, but a responsibility.
John B. King, Jr.: Leading SUNY into the Future
As Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), John B. King, Jr. oversees the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the U.S. His tenure has been marked by rising enrollment, historic funding increases, and the expansion of wraparound services—including mental health care, disability accommodations, and food access. A former U.S. Secretary of Education under President Obama and the first Black and Hispanic state education commissioner in New York, King is reshaping public education with vision and inclusivity.
Mark H. Cox: A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Mark H. Cox, Chief Operating Officer of Kingfield Corporation and former Managing Director at BlackRock, was also recognized for his commitment to educational equity and veteran mentorship. A former Marine who served in Desert Storm, Cox helped lead BlackRock’s Veterans Network and continues to mentor young professionals in finance. His leadership as Chair of Bottom Line New York expanded the organization’s regional footprint and deepened its mission.
A Sunset Filled with Gratitude
As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, the benefit transitioned from emotional speeches to warm embraces and shared laughter. But the heart of the night remained rooted in purpose. This wasn’t just a gala—it was a reunion of values. Everyone in the room celebrated the power of access, representation, and real opportunity.
In a world often caught in political noise and structural inequity, Bottom Line offers a refreshingly tangible solution: community-backed success.
When we lift up young people with resources, belief, and guidance, we don’t just change their future—we change ours, too.