Changemakers from around the world gathered to celebrate at the 2026 David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Awards, recognizing exemplary individuals who embody bridging leadership – the unique ability to build trust for collective action.
It is the type of leadership that’s led to remarkable results in Synergos programs around the world for almost 40 years. And it is exactly the type of leadership we need now more than ever.
First presented in 2003 and named in honor of David Rockefeller Sr., the Bridging Leadership Awards recognize leaders whose impact stems not only from what they achieve, but how they lead-building trust across lines of difference, convening unlikely partners, and advancing shared solutions to complex challenges.
Attendees represent the breadth of Synergos’ global network, including members of our Global Philanthropists Circle, Senior Fellows, country and regional programs, and a diverse community of donors, Board members, and partners. Throughout the evening, old friends reconnected, new relationships began, and conversations flowed across sectors, geographies, and generations.
This year’s honorees, Farwiza Farhan of Yayasan HAkA and Peter Bakker of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, embody Bridging Leadership in practice: bringing people together to advance collaborative solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges.
2026 Awards Sponsors
Trust-Builder Peggy Dulany • Carlos & Gabriela Rodríguez-Pastor
Champion Bloomberg Philanthropies • David and Susan Rockefeller • William H. Donner Foundation • Anonymous
Leader Darren Manelski • Maeve Rockefeller • Sarah Timpson • UBS • Mercedes Zobel
Collaborator Adele Simmons • Ameriprise • AM Group • Serge Dumont • Mayra Hernandez, IXIM • Just Be Capital GK • Mimi and Peter Haas Fund
Awards Jury
Peggy Dulany • Serge Dumont • Hosh Ibrahim • Camille Massey • Paul Polman • Valerie Rockefeller • Zainab Salbi
The New York Historical, New York City | Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 6:00-10:00PM