United Way’s ELEVATE presented by GEICO celebrates up-and-coming community leaders in central Indiana
United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) has announced the winners of this year’s ELEVATE awards, an annual celebration of the next generation of philanthropists, volunteers and activists in Central Indiana.
More than 100 nominations were submitted across six recognition categories, including those honoring the top Community Ambassador; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate; Nonprofit Employee of the Year; and more. This year’s ELEVATE award recipients are:
Community Ambassador
Jo Garcia, Community Outreach Manager, Indianapolis Indians
DEI Advocate presented by GEICO
Stephanie Singh, Director of Communications and Marketing, Town of Plainfield
Employee Resource Group presented by Eli Lilly and Company
Cummins Black Network
Nonprofit Employee of the Year presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller
Sarah Frey, Director of Development and Marketing, Indianapolis Cultural Trail Inc.
Volunteer of the Year presented by Roche
Jaden Brown, Director of Chapter Services, Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity
Volunteer Leader of the Year presented by BMO Harris Bank
Amna Sohail, Senior Investment Analyst, Elevate Ventures
People’s Choice presented by BGBC Partners, LLP
Sara Hindi, Community Engagement Coordinator, Exodus Refugee Immigration
This year’s event theme was “Around the World in 90 Minutes” in recognition of Indianapolis’ sister cities of Campinas, Brazil; Monza, Italy and Taipei, Taiwan.
“Indianapolis continues to become a better place for all because of the dedication of young philanthropic professionals like those awarded tonight,” said Ann Murtlow, President and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana. “UWCI is honored to recognize the countless passionate and active young leaders in our community.”
Proceeds from United Way’s ELEVATE presented by GEICO benefit United Way’s basic needs fund – a collection dedicated to providing critical supplies and support for people in crisis situations. This year, ELEVATE raised more than $51,000 to support individual and family access to safe and affordable housing, healthy food and nutrition programs, healthcare services, transportation and more.
This year’s ELEVATE awards also featured the “People’s Choice” award. Thanks to the generosity of award sponsor BGBC Partners, LLP, “People’s Choice” winner Sara Hindi also received $250 to donate to a Central Indiana nonprofit of their choice. In honor of Women’s History Month, Hindi will donate her winnings to Women4Change.
Given the current guidelines for social distancing and in-person events in Central Indiana, United Way hosted ELEVATE as a virtual event. A recording of the event is available here.
