United Way names region’s top young philanthropists for 2023

INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana has recognized five winners of the ELEVATE awards, an annual event that honors the region’s top young philanthropists.  

Winners were selected by a panel of five judges and announced Saturday at the fifth annual awards, held at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis. ELEVATE also serves as a fundraiser for United Way’s Basic Needs Fund, which helps provide Hoosiers with healthy food, affordable housing, reliable transportation and access to health care services.  

This year’s event was presented by Old National Bank. 

ELEVATE recognizes advocates, leaders, nonprofit employees and volunteers between the ages of 21 and 40. More than 80 nominations were submitted, and 20 finalists were selected. 

The finalists also were eligible to be named the People’s Choice winner, which was awarded by the public. 

This year’s winners are:  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Eli Lilly and Company: Britt Sutton, ArtMix 

Emerging Leader of the Year, presented by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: De'Niece Harrison-Hudson, OneAmerica Financial Partners 

Nonprofit Employee of the Year, presented by Delta Faucet Company: Rachel Santos, Indiana Latino Institute 

Volunteer of the Year, presented by Roche: Waleed Al-Hamed, IndyHub 

People’s Choice, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller: Stacia Murphy, Indy Chamber