Action for a Better Community to Honor Community Leaders at 2026 Signature Awards Breakfast

Rochester, NY — Action for a Better Community, Inc. (ABC) will host its 2026 Signature Awards Breakfast on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Memorial Art Gallery, honoring outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership, advocacy, and service are strengthening the Greater Rochester community.

The Signature Awards Breakfast recognizes individuals and institutions whose work advances equity, reduces poverty, and creates lasting opportunity for individuals and families across Monroe and Ontario counties.

The 2026 honorees include:

• Dr. Tokeya C. Graham, recipient of the James M. McCuller Award for Excellence, recognized for her visionary leadership in racial equity, literacy, healing, and community care.

• Faheem Masood, President & CEO of ESL Federal Credit Union, recipient of the Signature Citizen of the Year Award, honored for his transformative leadership and deep philanthropic commitment to the Rochester region.

• Josie McClary, Monroe County Chief Community Engagement Officer, recipient of the Lena M. Gantt Distinguished Community Service Award, recognized for a career dedicated to community health, wellness, and civic engagement.

• Rochester Regional Health, recipient of the ABC Corporate Citizen Award, honored for advancing inclusion, equity, and opportunity through community-centered healthcare and partnership.

• Rochester Educational Opportunity Center, recipient of the Elliott Landsman Head Start Community Volunteer Award, recognized for its long-standing impact on adult education, workforce development, and economic mobility.

“The Signature Awards Breakfast is a moment to pause and recognize the people and organizations who show up for our community—especially during uncertain times,” said Jerome H. Underwood, President & CEO of ABC. “Their work reminds us what’s possible when commitment, compassion, and collaboration come together.” Media representatives are encouraged to attend this celebratory event, which brings together nonprofit, business, government, philanthropy, higher-ed and community leaders from across the region. The breakfast offers opportunities for interviews, photography, and coverage of award recipients whose stories reflect the strength and resilience of Greater Rochester.

The Signature Awards Breakfast is part of ABC’s broader 2026 Signature Conference Series, Strength & Solidarity: Rising Together Through Uncertain Times.

Event Details:

• What: 2026 Signature Awards Breakfast

• Who: Action for a Better Community, Inc., community leaders, honorees, and partners

• When: Thursday, January 22, 2026 | Breakfast: 8:00 am and program time: 8:30 am.

• Where: Memorial Art Gallery, 500 University Avenue, Rochester, NY

• Website: https://www.abcinfo.org/2026-signature-awards-breakfast-4/

To confirm attendance or schedule interviews, please contact Christopher Bell at cbell@abcinfo.org or 585-202 6992.