The Regatta has a special relationship with Hudson River Community Sailing (HRCS). They not only host the regatta, providing boats, instructors, and logistical support but also embody our mission of expanding waterfront access. HRCS serves the community through member-based sailing programs, adaptive sailing, and programs for veterans. Their stellar “Sail Academy” program fosters leadership and academic success in underserved New York City youth.
This month, we spotlight one remarkable individual who exemplifies the impact of HRCS: Liberty Abordo. Lisa Jasper brings us her inspiring story of transformation from sailor to scholar to rising engineer.
When Liberty Abordo moved from the Philippines to New York City at age 14, she began looking for an after-school activity to fill her afternoons. Through high school, she learned about HRCS’ Sail Academy, a discovery that has shaped her life for nearly a decade. In the 4-year program, she learned the fundamentals of sailing and marine science, participating in internship and professional development programs. In addition to sailing programs, HRCS engages speakers from diverse fields to expose students to a wide range of careers. In one of these sessions a civil engineer captured her interest. “He opened my eyes to a job that I didn’t even know existed,” she said.
Liberty has been a featured Gala speaker, and served as a Regatta skipper in 2021, which led to coveted internships with Christina Halatsis Architects and Bala Consulting Engineers. “Bala were the first to say Yes, this is where you belong,” she says, cementing her decision to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. She is currently a ports and maritime engineering intern at Jacobs, work she plans to continue when she graduates from City College next year, tying all her experience and passion together perfectly. “HRCS has taught me so much- technical and professional skills, presentation skills collaborative work. Being on the water has made me flexible, nimble, and taught me to think critically and broadly about the big picture.” HRCS is a huge part of her life, sailing recreationally, teaching, and volunteering. “Sail academy opens doors, creates community and a path forward, and provides resources and support for students who might not have it otherwise. I don’t know where my life would be without it.”
According to Maeve Gately, development and program director at HRCS, Liberty was quieter and more reserved when she began her journey 10 years ago. But she credits Sail Academy with helping students to get out of their comfort zones, broadening kids from underserved communities’ horizons (partner schools have +70% Title I students) and painting a broader picture of what the future might be. “Our partnership with the Architects Regatta has been transformative,” she said. “As one of our largest funders, they empower us to grow programs, plan ahead strategically, connect students with a wide range of AEC professionals, and occasionally push us out of our comfort zone, too, helping us to grow over time’.” Liberty is living proof of the partnership’s success, she says. “Liberty was always a rockstar, but she has found her passion and her calling, and we hope to help as many kids as possible do that.”
Learn more about Sail Academy, and the other programs at HRCS here
We have been focusing our newsletters for several months on sharing the impact your donations have made through the organizations we support. As the 2024 Regatta approaches on September 12, our participants will soon be reaching out to many of you, seeking your support for this year’s campaign. When they do, I hope you will consider the value of stories like Liberty’s journey with the Sail Academy at HRCS, as well as similar stories from Brooklyn Boatworks, Soundwaters, Rocking the Boat, and Pellettieri Stonecarvers’ Academy. Perhaps you find inspiration in the US Olympic Sailing team, which we support through the Sailing Foundation of New York, or the Robie Pierce Regattas.
As we shift our focus this month from reporting on the successes these organizations have achieved since our last regatta, I am filled with hope that we can continue providing this level of support year after year. However, to do so, we need your support.
When you receive that email this month from a participant asking for a donation, remember the great stories we have been sharing: you made those happen. Let’s work together to do it again. Click the donate button, consider giving a little more, and be sure to see if your employer will match your donation.
If you don’t want to wait for someone to ask, go here, and donate today!
