2023Â 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 nominees for the categories: Supervisor of the Year, Associate Board of the Year, Young Professional of the Year, and Nonprofit of the Year. Cast your votes from now until June 21.
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.
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DR. ABIODUN DUROJAYE
Executive Director, Urban Alliance Chicago
"Dr. Durojaye embodies the definition of being a servant leader. She leads the Urban Alliance Chicago office with strength and grace. She is a boots on the ground type of Executive Director/supervisor. She goes around to different Chicago area high schools to recruit students for our training program while overseeing 100 other priority items. Under her leadership, this is the first time in my life that I have grown in confidence and have gained the experience to become a stronger leader. She is always looking out for her team and the young people we serve."
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.
HISPANIC ALLIANCE FOR CAREER ENHANCEMENT (HACE) CHICAGO AUXILIARY BOARD
"The Chicago Auxiliary Board for HACE has set the national blueprint for all other chapters at HACE has across the country. They have meticulously carried out the vision and mission of HACE to aid in the development, and advancement of current and aspiring Latino professionals in the workplace. The Aux Board has created quality, high-value opportunities for professionals of all backgrounds to join, whether they are Latino-identifying or not. This shift in making initiatives fully inclusive is what sets the Chicago chapter apart. The strong executive leadership has innovated, challenged the status quo, and delivered incredible results including exceeding give-get requirements by 330% by raising nearly $35,000 and having $20,000 go toward student scholarships. This is the first time in their history of a Board raising that quantity."
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.
JADE IVY
Senior Development & Events Associate, Girls Inc. of Chicago
"Jade has earned her position as the Senior Development & Events Associate for Girls Inc Chicago. In 2022 she organized the Associate Board of Girls Inc Chicago, and currently still leads this board. Jade is an amazing leader in her professional and personal life. Through advocacy, volunteerism, and community planning she has shown herself to be a trendsetter in the nonprofit community.
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.
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RESIDENT ASSOCIATION OF GREATER ENGLEWOOD (RAGE)
"RAGE is a phenomenal organization and a model for what community-led change, racial and economic justice can look like. Their leadership works tirelessly to ensure that Englewood residents are centered in any decision-making for and about the community, which is an incredible task, but shouldn't be. They're also incredibly collaborative with other Englewood groups/org - demonstrating how community organizations can work together to bring resources, work on economic development, education, housing, and, most recently, food/grocery."