Five Alumni Honored as Baruch’s 2026 Changemakers

September 22, 2026

Baruch College celebrated its fifth annual Alumni Changemakers Awards on September 17, honoring five graduates whose leadership, innovation, and commitment to service are making a meaningful impact across their fields and communities.

The 2026 honorees represent a range of professions, from filmmaking to healthcare and nonprofits to government agencies. Their work reflects a shared commitment to creating change—advocating for maternal health, supporting marginalized communities, advancing education, and strengthening disaster and emergency medicine.

At the ceremony, President S. David Wu noted that each honoree “lives and breathes Baruch’s values,” embodying the work ethic and grit that is so characteristic of Baruch’s alumni network of more than 185,000 worldwide.

Meet the 2026 Award-Winners

• Kerry Coddett (’07) – Filmmaker, Comedian, Showrunner
• Donald Donahue (EMBA ’89) – President, World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine
• Somia El-Rowmeim, (EMPA ’24) – Founder and CEO, Women’s Empowerment Coalition of NYC
• Doris B. Gonzalez (’82) – Acting President, NYS Higher Education Services Corporation
• Marny Smith (MSEd ’17) – Co-founder and Director of Maternal Health Initiatives, PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy

Learn more: Read each honoree’s profile in the program booklet to discover how these alumni are shaping their professions, industries, and communities.

Stay Connected, Get Involved

Alumni are an essential part of the Baruch community, and there are many ways to stay connected with fellow graduates and current students. Join an affinity network, meet with alumni through a regional chapter, or explore opportunities to mentor Baruch undergraduates.

Throughout the year, the Office of Alumni Relations and Volunteer Engagement hosts dozens of in-person and virtual events, including reunions, workshops, and corporate meetups.

Follow the Baruch alumni network on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.