This past fall, The Bronx Defenders hosted its annual gala at the New York Botanical Garden. The evening’s theme, “Growing Power, Seeding Change,” reflected the organization’s commitment to redefining public defense and transforming the justice system itself. Returning to its roots, The Bronx Defenders facilitated an evening centered on growth, justice, celebration, and community.
The Bronx Defenders is a public nonprofit organization that is radically transforming how low-income individuals in the Bronx are represented within the justice system while also working to reform the system more broadly. Each year, the organization defends nearly 20,000 Bronx residents in criminal, civil, child welfare, and immigration cases. In addition to legal representation, it supports outreach programs and provides community intake services, including in-person meetings with non-attorney advocates, individualized needs assessments, and referrals to other essential resources.
The gala celebrated changemakers across the nonprofit sector, highlighting the impact of the organization’s work and honoring visionary leaders in the community. Among those recognized was Dr. Basil Smikle Jr., professor of practice and director of Columbia’s M.S. Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program, who received the 2025 Annual Gala Ally in Pursuit of Justice award for his deep commitment to advancing equity and justice through political education, public service, and civic leadership.
“From shaping public policy to mentoring the next generation of changemakers, Dr. Smikle’s impact has been both far-reaching and profound, especially to those passionate about the Bronx and communities like ours,” noted the organization.
Dr. Smikle is a political analyst and public servant with decades of experience in education, politics, and advocacy. As the former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party and a senior aide to Hillary Rodham Clinton on her Senate staff, he has helped shape policy at both the state and national levels. Widely recognized for his commitment to civic engagement and education equity, he also serves on several nonprofit boards and regularly offers political commentary on MS Now (formerly MSNBC).
NOPM student LeShunta Sanders attended the Gala and reflected on her experience.
“The Bronx Defenders’ mission to provide holistic legal defense and advocate for justice and dignity for marginalized communities resonates deeply with me as someone who has been formerly incarcerated,” Sanders shared. “Their commitment to addressing the systemic inequities affecting individuals and families in the criminal legal system aligns with my passion for creating pathways to empowerment and reform. Participating in this event enriched my experience as a student in the Nonprofit Management program in ways I never imagined.”
Beyond the meaningful connections she formed and the stories she heard, the event further solidified her interest in nonprofit work.
Logan Leeper, another NOPM student who attended the event, was similarly inspired by the diverse backgrounds and shared sense of purpose among gala participants.
“I want to pursue nonprofit management with a focus on environmental justice and supporting Black and brown communities and children impacted by underrepresentation,” Leeper said. “Being there reminded me exactly why I’m on this path.”
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
