Meet the finalists: 2022 ELEVATE Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Roche

The Volunteer of the Year Award will be given to a young professional volunteer whose unselfish and dedicated service has made a meaningful and lasting impact in Central Indiana.

All three of this year’s nominees bring something special to Indy, and we’re excited for you to meet them at ELEVATE later this month.

Want to shower them in love and beads before the big event? Cast your vote for People’s Choice by going here.

Lauren Fiedler, vice president at Bohlsen Group, on behalf of animal rescue organizations

When Lauren Fiedler says she loves animals, she means it.

“I think at this point I’ve fostered 92 dogs and cats,” she said. 

Fiedler spends her Monday evenings volunteering at Indy Humane and gives a great deal of her time to other animal-focused organizations.

“I started volunteering with a rescue group. They take you to a shelter to see the dogs on the rescue-only list, which means they won’t get out of the shelter unless they have a foster,” Fiedler said. “I got to see behind the scenes and the need for fostering parenting. I got my first foster dog that day.”

The pandemic hit all corners of our community, including animal shelters. Fortunately, volunteers like Fiedler stepped up to care for animals. 

“I hope people start realizing what goes into happy, healthy animals, because that also creates happy, healthy people as well,” she said.

What does being a great volunteer mean to Fiedler?

“Being selfless with your time, being aware of people around you and helping where your help is needed,” she said.

Connect with Fiedler on LinkedIn.

Vote for Fiedler for People’s Choice.

Devina Jani, Indiana University School of Social Work, on behalf of DJ Center for Youth

Jani established her own nonprofit, DJ Center for Youth, which integrates the arts and academics. 

She trains youth and lets them use their voices to lead community projects from inception to execution. 

“They implement the data, research the program, find sponsors, write grants and pitch the ideas,” Jani said. “As an adult volunteer, we step in and support the kids when they need to be supported.”

Dancing is important to Jani, but it can be costly. So she wanted to provide a performance outlet for kids on a sliding scale. 

The organization grew from focusing on dance and performance to include other fun, educational opportunities for students. 

Some notable projects include “Hips for Hunger,” a Zumba-based food drive, and “Riding Responsibly,” a car show that highlighted the importance of safe driving for teens. 

“We have a lot of fun components that are tied to an activity, but the activity is with intent and meaning, so the students have ownership of it,” Jani said.

What does being a great volunteer mean to Jani?

“It’s really important as a volunteer that we actively listen to those that we are working alongside because it makes us great leaders,” Jani said. 

Connect with Jani on LinkedIn.

Vote for Jani for People’s Choice.

Brandy Moorhead, nurse at a local hospital, on behalf of Indy RBI

Moorhead realizes the importance of life lessons learned through a group sport like softball. 

Through her work with Indy RBI, Moorhead provides kids from underserved neighborhoods with an opportunity to play baseball or softball.

“A big part of what we do is teaching about the sport but also teaching those life skills like teamwork and determination, skills they might not get from the people around them or their school districts,” Moorhead said. 

Through the program, kids are provided college resources, Federal Student Aid help and more.

Initially, Moorhead stepped up to help Indy RBI short term. She wasn’t a fan of baseball or softball originally. 

“My goal was to get the organization where it was supposed to be and to quickly step away, but I fell in love with the program,” Moorhead said.

“I was that kid. I grew up in these neighborhoods. I want to be that person I needed when I was younger.”

What does being a great volunteer mean to Moorhead?

“Taking the skills that you have and offering them to the people around you in your community to make an impact on the future,” she said.

Want to learn more about Moorhead? Connect with her on LinkedIn.

Vote for Moorhead for People’s Choice.