United Way of Central Indiana names finalists for ELEVATE awards
INDIANAPOLIS – The finalists for the 2024 ELEVATE awards are advocates, activists, volunteers and change-makers.
Their work addresses economic mobility, mental health awareness, equitable access to health care and healthy food, and diversity, equity and inclusion. They support children and teens, Hoosier women, people with disabilities and cancer patients.
United Way of Central Indiana today announced 24 finalists for the ELEVATE awards, an annual event that recognizes the region’s top young philanthropists ages 21 to 40. The awards, which also serve as a fundraiser for United Way, are now in their sixth year.
Winners will be announced at the event, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24 at Mavris Arts & Event Center, 121 S. East St., Indianapolis. This year’s ELEVATE carries a prom theme and is sponsored by Old National Bank.
Tickets starting at $50 can be purchased at uwci.org/elevate.
The finalists for 2024 are:
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Advocate of the Year, presented by Eli Lilly and Company:
Maria De Leon
Jasmine Johnson
Demarcus Langston
Ellise Smith
Luke Zhang
Emerging Leader of the Year:
Milan Ball
Whitney Melton
Joe Pellman
Svitlana Ramer
Jada Turner
Nonprofit Employee of the Year, presented by Delta Faucet Company:
Amanda Boyd
Richard Dixon
Brenda Ewigleben
Delaina Lipsey
Ephraim Palmero
Volunteer of the Year:
Ashley Bridges
Moussa Ibrahim
Patrick Jessee
Ariel A. Relf
Paige Vanzo
United Way Champion of the Year:
Shannon Britt
Alisha Dick
Lamica Simmons
Sarah Thurman
Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges:
Katie Blair, director of advocacy and public policy, ACLU
Sandie Chavez, co-founder and president, Creators Camp USA, Inc.
Brandon Cosby, CEO, Flanner House
Britt Griffin, vice president of people and culture, Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives, Inc.
Kent Kramer, president and CEO, Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana
The 24 finalists also are eligible to win the People’s Choice Award, presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller. Members of the public can vote for their favorite finalist at uwci.org/elevate.