This year’s ninth annual gala was held at ARTECHOUSE, an immersive art and technology space in DC. ARTECHOUSE is an innovative leader in the field of digital and experiential art, expanding the possibilities of art and how we experience it. The featured galleries included art and poetry by Vince Fraser and Ursula Rucker, celebrating the Black experience through their perspectives.

The team enjoyed delicious small plates, drinks, and desserts, courtesy of Rose’s at Home, who curated a custom menu featuring dishes from each of their three Michelin-starred restaurants (Rose’s Luxury, Pineapples and Pearls, and Little Pearl).

To close out the evening, Zach Wahl, CEO, and Joe Hilger, COO, took time to recognize special milestones with jacketing and the outstanding work of two individuals through annual CEO and COO awards. 

Jacketing marks an employee’s three-year anniversary with the organization. This year we had twelve employees to celebrate as they hit this milestone.

Adam Eltarhoni, Consultant, was the 2022 winner of the CEO award for best exhibiting the spirit and culture of the EK Way. From day one, Adam has exhibited the EK Way: exuding positivity, and innovation even in the face of opposition, embracing new challenges and opportunities, and demonstrating care and compassion for colleagues in the most subtle and humble ways. Sara Nash, Senior Consultant, was the 2022 winner of the COO award for demonstrating excellence in client delivery and project management. She has become recognizable across EK divisions with her positive attitude, quick thinking, and calm demeanor. Sara has a gifted way of asking questions around a solution in a way that is non-threatening, but she also pushes teammates to think creatively and deeply.