Celebrating a landmark moment for representation and youth empowerment, Figure Skating in Harlem has been nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Program for the organization’s role in the Disney+ docuseries “Harlem Ice.” This recognition shines a spotlight on the achievements and stories of young women of color in a sport where they are historically under-represented, reinforcing the importance of visibility and opportunity in youth development.
Figure Skating in Harlem, featured in last year’s popular five-episode series directed by Samantha Knowles and executive produced by Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Sara Bernstein, Meredith Kaulfers, Justin Wilkes, Geeta Gandbhir, and Robin Roberts, will attend and present at the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences 4th Annual Children & Family Emmy Awards on Sunday, March 1, and Monday, March 2, at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Two of the docuseries stars, seniors at Figure Skating in Harlem, will also present another award at the ceremony, recognizing excellence in children’s and family programming.
“Our excitement has been through the roof since learning of the nomination,” said Jazz (Jasmine) Reed-Cordero, director of communications and development at Figure Skating in Harlem. “It is amazing to see ‘Harlem Ice’ recognized at that level, affirming our students that their stories matter — that their hard work, resilience, and excellence are worthy of national recognition.”
Reed-Cordero said the Harlem skaters were extremely excited to be invited to the Emmy Awards to attend and present.
“It’s one thing to be nominated. It’s another to be invited into the room as contributors to an impactful night,” she said. “Our two seniors [Tori and Adrianna] are gaining another unique experience embedded in our mission of sisterhood and youth development. That’s what I love about Figure Skating in Harlem. Whether it’s an experience like our recent cultural exchange trip to South Africa or this moment during the Emmy nominations, our students in many ways are learning how to stand on stages like this; representing themselves, the need for equity in figure skating, and the mission of Figure Skating in Harlem.”
When asked about the impact Harlem Ice has had on the nearly three-decades-old nonprofit, Reed-Cordero pointed to the meaningful growth, reach, and inspiration the series has brought. She shared key milestones and numbers to highlight the transformation shaped by the Emmy-nominated program.
“Harlem Ice has amplified our mission beyond the rink and into living rooms across the country,” Reed-Cordero said. “The series gave audiences a genuine look at our holistic model — how we successfully combine athletic training with academic enrichment, leadership development, and sisterhood. We have served 1,500 alumni in nearly 30 years, with our alumni working across all fields, including tech, finance, banking, entertainment, and entrepreneurship, but most importantly, it shows Harlem girls in their journey to greatness. They can look back and see their own strength, discipline, and courage captured onscreen. And another little girl will see them on screen and think, ‘I can be like that, too.’ That kind of affirmation is lasting.”
To learn more about Figure Skating in Harlem, visit figureskatinginharlem.org, stream “Harlem Ice” to experience the inspiring journey of the Harlem skaters, and consider donating to help expand opportunities for more girls to ensure that every young woman has the chance to shine — on and off the ice.