Urban League of Greater Rochester honors Bob Duffy with 2025 Community Impact Award at 60th Anniversary Gala celebrating decades of service and transformative leadership

Rochester, New York – Last month, the Urban League of Greater Rochester celebrated its 60th Anniversary Gala, marking an important milestone with an event that brought together community leaders and influencers. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 Community Impact Award to Bob Duffy, the esteemed President & CEO of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.

The gala, held on February 14, 2025, was not only a celebration of six decades of service by the Urban League but also an acknowledgment of the significant contributions made by Duffy to the community.

Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President & CEO of the Urban League of Rochester, during her award presentation, praised Duffy for his extraordinary leadership and vision.

“This award honors Bob Duffy’s extraordinary leadership and vision, as well as the profound impact he has made throughout his career. From his transformative work as President and CEO of Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce to an unwavering commitment to advancing economic growth, inclusivity, and opportunity, Duffy exemplifies the very essence of a community trailblazer,” said Dr. Hawkins.

Duffy’s career has been marked by a commitment to dismantling barriers to equity and elevating diverse voices, aligning with the Urban League’s mission to empower communities and change lives. His efforts have drawn comparisons to historical figures such as Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, whose legacies have profoundly shaped Rochester’s history.

The gala also recognized other luminaries in the community, including former Urban League CEOs William A. Johnson, Jr. and William G. Clark, as well as community advocates Essie Calhoun-McDavid and Emerson U. Fullwood, highlighting their contributions to the league’s success over the years.

The Urban League of Rochester offers more than 25 programs that range from youth services and support for individuals with developmental disabilities to initiatives focused on economic development, employment services, family and children services, education, homeownership, and entrepreneurial assistance. This broad spectrum of services underscores the organization’s comprehensive approach to community support and development.

The evening ended with a sense of renewed commitment among all attendees to continue the work of fostering a community that values progress, unity, and inclusivity. Duffy’s receipt of the 2025 Community Impact Award stands as a reminder of the power of dedicated leadership in creating lasting change.