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We are proud to announce the honorees for the 6th annual Change Maker Impact Awards, an event that recognizes individuals and groups who are making significant contributions to the Central Florida community. The event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 6:00 p.m. at Orlando Museum of Art. and tickets are available here.
This year, the LIVE UNITED Impact Awards will be presented to five extraordinary Change Makers:
- Live United Impact Award for Leadership: Linda Landman Gonzalez, Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, for her significant contributions to Central Florida through her professional and personal contributions to numerous boards, committees, and events in support of important causes.
- Live United Impact Award for Advocacy: Donna Wyche, Orange County Government, for her career of advocacy particularly in the area of mental health.
- Live United Impact Award for Children: Gary Cain, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida, for a career of caring for the well-being and development of children in our community.
- Live United Award for Equity: Aeras Foundation for their work to close the digital divide.
- Live United Impact Award for Health: Orange County Public Schools for recognizing food insecurity and investing in solutions to ensure no child goes hungry.
The five honorees selected from the Community Choice nominations include:
- Unsung Hero: Lashea Reaves, 8 Cents in a Jar, a nonprofit organization serving Central Florida to create opportunities for students in marginalized communities to achieve intergenerational mobility through financial education.
- Women United Impact Award: Mia Poinsette, Poinsette Foundation, for her work in uplifting children and families in Central Florida.
- Mission United Impact Award: John Gionet, Orange County Mayor’s Veterans Council and retired Marine, for his work ensuring family members of Veterans who have passed away receive the benefits they deserve.
- Emerging Leader Impact Award: Samuel Vilchez Santiago, American Business Immigration Coalition, for his work in supporting immigrant families in Central Florida.
- Change Maker Junior: Kaylan Patel, 17-year-old student, for the work of his nonprofit Lending Hand Global Foundation to help Central Florida children see beyond their circumstances and dream big.
Congratulations to all this year’s honorees!
To join us in celebrating this year’s honorees, register to attend this year’s Change Maker event. Sponsorships are also available. For more information about available sponsorships, click here.
