Central Indiana’s top young philanthropists honored at United Way’s ELEVATE awards

INDIANAPOLIS – United Way of Central Indiana has named six winners of this year’s ELEVATE awards, an annual event that recognizes the region’s top young philanthropists.  

A panel of seven judges selected the winners, who were announced Saturday at ELEVATE, held at THE LUME, inside the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields. 

Now in its seventh year, the event recognizes advocates, leaders, nonprofit employees and volunteers between the ages of 21 and 40. ELEVATE also serves as a fundraiser for United Way’s basic needs initiatives, which help provide Hoosiers with food, housing, transportation and access to health care services.  

This year’s event raised over $62,000 and was presented by Old National Bank. 

Nearly 100 people were nominated for ELEVATE, and an external committee composed of volunteers from the community selected 25 finalists. 

The 2025 winners are: 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year: Wendy Catalan Ruano, Starfish Initiative   

Emerging Leader of the Year: Peter Hanscom, Free Press Indiana   

Nonprofit Employee of the Year, presented by Delta Faucet Company: McKenna Houston, STARTedUP Foundation   

Volunteer of the Year, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis: Stephanie Marshall, Brendon Park Civic Association   

United Way Champion of the Year: Brandon Cobb, Eli Lilly & Company   

People’s Choice, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller:  Logan Metzger, Adjutant Solutions Group