CCC's 2026 Celebration Breakfast

A pediatrician and longtime leader in children’s health, Dr. Katie Lobach has dedicated her career to improving the health and well-being of children and families through leadership at Jacobi Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, and in local government where she served as Assistant Commissioner for Child Health Services at the NYC Department of Health. She is also Professor Emerita of Pediatrics and Epidemiology & Population Health at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Katie is a longtime CCC board member and volunteer advocate whose expertise, leadership and commitment have helped advance CCC’s work on behalf of New York City’s children and families. She will receive the Eleanor Roosevelt Award in recognition of her extraordinary professional and volunteer leadership and lifelong commitment to improving outcomes for children.

Dr. Julia Iyasere is Senior Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian and a leading voice on health equity and innovation. She has led NYP’s Dalio Center for Health Justice since its founding, advancing work that uses data, research, community partnership and institutional change to address health disparities.

A physician and dedicated CCC partner, Julia has been an important champion of CCC’s data and its potential to illuminate disparities, guide investment and improve outcomes. Her leadership exemplifies the Vanguard Award’s recognition of those using innovation and evidence to create meaningful change for children, families and communities.

For nearly 50 years, City Limits has provided independent reporting on the policies and institutions shaping the lives of New Yorkers, with a particular commitment to communities and issues too often overlooked by mainstream media. Executive Director Gary Clemons, a nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience supporting underserved communities, will accept the award on the organization’s behalf. 

City Limits’ commitment to rigorous reporting and human storytelling makes it a particularly meaningful honoree for a program exploring the connection between stories, evidence and change.

Lisa Gelobter is New York City’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Commissioner of the Office of Technology & Innovation (OTI). The Chief Technology Officer coordinates technology-related projects and policy across the City and leads OTI’s work to enhance government services for New Yorkers.

As CTO and head of OTI, Commissioner Gelobter oversees the City’s technology infrastructure, cybersecurity efforts, and data management initiatives. The focus is on using technology to expand access to vital City services and advance digital equity across New York City.

Commissioner Gelobter brings vast and varied experience in technology, public service, and social impact. Most recently, she founded tEQuitable, a technology platform that helps organizations identify and address systemic workplace culture issues and build more equitable workplaces.

Previously, Commissioner Gelobter served in the Obama Administration as Chief Digital Service Officer at the U.S. Department of Education, where she worked to improve access to government services and strengthen outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations. She also served as Interim Chief Digital Officer at BET Networks, supporting digital experiences designed to entertain, engage, and empower the Black community.

Commissioner Gelobter has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses and was named to Fast Company’s list of Most Creative People. She is also one of the first 40 Black women to have raised more than $1 million in venture capital funding.

Earlier in her career, Commissioner Gelobter helped pioneer several foundational Internet technologies, including Shockwave, Hulu, and the ascent of online video.

Raysa S. Rodriguez joined Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York (CCC) as Executive Director in March 2025, bringing more than two decades of experience advancing equity and opportunity for children and families. A lifelong advocate, she has championed reforms in early childhood education, housing, child welfare, youth justice, and economic security, with a focus on evidence-based solutions that strengthen public systems and improve outcomes.

Raysa previously held leadership roles at FPWA, WIN, United Way of New York City, and the NYC Mayor’s Office. Her connection to CCC spans decades, beginning as a graduate intern and later serving as Associate Executive Director for Policy and Advocacy.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Raysa began her career as a public school kindergarten teacher. She holds degrees from Cornell University and Columbia University School of Social Work, where she also serves as an Adjunct Professor. She lives in Queens with her husband and two children.