2025 CELEBRATION AWARD FINALISTS
In May, individuals and organizations were nominated for consideration by peers, colleagues, or self-nomination through an online application process. A special Awards Committee of the YNPN Chicago Executive Board blind-reviewed applications and selected the finalists below based on a scoring rubric measuring accomplishments, collaboration, community impact, uniqueness of contributions, and other qualities.
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Below are the finalists for the categories: Supervisor of the Year, Associate Board of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year.
SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR
A good supervisor is crucial to supporting young nonprofit professionals in navigating career challenges and inspiring and sustaining dedication to the sector. YNPN Chicago’s Supervisor of the Year Award recognizes someone who provides exemplary mentorship to emerging nonprofit leaders in Chicago through active personal and professional development. We seek to recognize an individual who exceeds the expectations of their professional and/or volunteer role(s) in the sector.
Rachel Vasquez (She/Her/Hers)
Community Engagement Manager, Cradles to Crayons Chicago
Rachel Vasquez is the Manager of Community Engagement at Cradles to Crayons Chicago. Rachel has always had a passion for community outreach and loves the work she does to support children in low-income situations throughout Chicagoland. She also loves being a supervisor and strives to be the best manager for her team members as well as a source of support for her colleagues and professional network.
ASSOCIATE BOARD OF THE YEAR
Associate Boards (a.k.a. Junior Boards, Auxiliary Boards) are an essential link between the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, broadening support for nonprofit organizations, and developing a leadership pipeline for nonprofit governing boards. YNPN Chicago’s Associate Board of the Year Award will recognize an outstanding non-governing board that serves as an asset to the nonprofit community by allowing individuals from across professional sectors to unite in support of a nonprofit organization and the nonprofit community. This award will honor an Associate Board demonstrating innovation and maximizing collaboration to achieve measurable annual goals.
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The Junior Board of the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter
The Junior Board of the Alzheimer’s Association, Illinois Chapter is a collective of over 100 passionate young professionals who share a personal connection to Alzheimer’s and/or a commitment to ending the disease. We engage in fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and volunteer efforts to support the 250,600 people in Illinois living with Alzheimer’s and their 316,000 caregivers, ensuring they have the resources and support they need.The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia - by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
YOUNG NONPROFIT PROFESSIONAL
OF THE YEAR
YNPN Chicago’s annual Young Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award recognizes a young professional who has made an outstanding contribution to the Chicago nonprofit sector through exemplary leadership at their organization and/or through volunteer involvement in the Chicago community. We seek to recognize an individual who exceeds the expectations of their professional and/or volunteer role(s) in the sector.
Julio Flores (He/Him/His)
Program Director - Alliance, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC)
Julio is a dynamic and passionate non-profit leader with 10+ years of progressive experience in Illinois’ social impact sector. A strategic thinker committed to advancing systemic change for youth, families, and communities. I’ve had the privilege of working with LGBTQ+ youth, magical beings whose resilience, wisdom, and drive to create positive change continue to inspire my work. My leadership is rooted in equity, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of community-led transformation.
NONPROFIT OF THE YEAR
Chicago is home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations. The diversity of their missions and programs allows them to address some of society’s greatest needs. They serve as leaders in the community, and, with few resources, work to make the world a better place. This award will honor a nonprofit organization that exemplifies leadership in the sector and provides support for the young professionals it employs.
Urban Alliance, Chicago
Urban Alliance is a nonprofit focused on advancing economic equity for young people from underserved communities. They offer paid internships, job‑skills training, one‑on‑one mentoring, and professional development to high‑school students and young adults. By partnering with schools, employers, and communities across cities like DC, Baltimore, Chicago, and Detroit, the organization helps participants gain meaningful work experience, build career pipelines, and graduate high school with a plan for college or career. Since 1996, Urban Alliance has served over 30,000 youth—connecting more than 6,000 high‑school seniors to paid internships—and aims to foster diversity and economic mobility in the workforce.