(October 1, 2024, Atlanta, GA) – A night of boundless celebration, philanthropy, and transformative change will take center stage as nsoro Educational Foundation hosts its 20th Anniversary Starfish Ball on January 25, 2025, at St. Regis Atlanta. This milestone event promises to be an unforgettable evening that convenes a powerhouse of corporate visionaries, global dignitaries, and philanthropic champions united with one mission: to empower youth aging out of foster care and give them the tools they need to achieve higher education and gainful employment!
Proceeds will fund nsoro’s holistic program, Fostering Futures, providing gap tuition, executive level coaching, mentorship and essential wraparound services, stabilizing scholar housing, ensuring food security for remarkable young adults, aging out of foster care as they embark on their journey to independence.
This year’s honorees, Jeff Sprecher, Founder, Chair, and CEO of Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), and Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, trailblazing CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, epitomize the bold leadership, resilience, and generosity that are at the heart of nsoro’s mission. Their unwavering dedication to advancing social equity, fueling education, and creating transformative opportunities for underserved communities has left an indelible mark, inspiring change, and empowerment at every turn.
As King and Queen of the 2025 Starfish Ball, Jeff and Cynt join an illustrious lineage of honorees who share nsoro’s vision of a future where every young adult, regardless of their circumstances, can thrive.
Jeff Sprecher is a pioneer of digital networks and the electronification of trading and marketplaces. Jeff’s leadership has transformed ICE from a small startup in 2000 to a Fortune 500 company with 14,000 employees. Jeff has overseen acquisitions, including the New York Stock Exchange, Interactive Data Corporation and Ellie Mae, propelling ICE to the forefront of exchanges, data, and mortgage technology. Widely recognized for his visionary foresight, Jeff has been named one of Barron’s “World’s Best CEOs” for six consecutive years, among a host of other honors and awards for his leadership and philanthropy.
Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, the first Black female CEO in NBA history, is celebrated for her transformative leadership of the Dallas Mavericks and her trailblazing career. Known for her focus on creating inclusive corporate cultures, Cynt’s work has empowered employees and set a new standard for organizational
excellence. From her early days as a groundbreaking student leader to her current role as a corporate leader, she has consistently advocated for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Starfish Ball will immerse guests in an evening of elegance and celebration, honoring its cherished Mardi Gras theme with live entertainment by nsoro’s Class of 2024-25 and exclusive, curated auction experiences.
More than just a gala, the Starfish Ball serves as a powerful call to action for those who believe in the transformative power of education to break the cycle of poverty and give promising youth the opportunity to redefine their futures.
Founder and Chair Darrell Mays reflects on the momentous occasion: “As we celebrate 20 years of nsoro’s impact, I am humbled by the power of community. Together, we have ensured over 470 scholars have not just access to education but also the tools to thrive. This year, we honor the legacy of our work, but more importantly, we look forward to the next 20 years of transforming lives.”
Executive Director, Monica Pantoja, emphasized the foundation’s expanded vision for the future: “As nsoro enters its third decade, our commitment remains laser-focused on driving equitable outcomes. We are more than an educational lifeline; we are a village of unwavering support in the absence of stable families and social capital. With the support of partners like Jeff and Cynt, and the many corporate sponsors, loyal Starfish patrons, community partners, and the greatest army of volunteers east of the Mississippi, we can continue bridging the gap and building a brighter future for thousands of our young people.”
In 2025, nsoro marks a major milestone – two decades of championing the futures of youth aging out of foster care, ages 16-26. To join in this celebration and invest in the future of these resilient scholars, tickets and sponsorships for the Starfish Ball are available now. Visit StarfishBall2025.givesmart.com or scan the QR code below to secure your place at one of Atlanta’s premier philanthropic events. Together, we are fostering futures.
About the nsoro Educational Foundation
Founded in 2005 by Darrell Mays, nsoro provides educational scholarships and life skills programming to youth aging out of foster care. nsoro scholars receive vital resources, mentorship, and guidance as they navigate post-secondary education and build pathways to self-sufficiency. With a focus on education, employment, and empowerment, nsoro is dedicated to severing cyclical setbacks, dismantling barriers to financial independence and disrupting the trajectories of our nation’s youth aging out of foster care.
