Wednesday, July 10, 2024
ANNOUNCING THE 2024 AGLET AWARD WINNERS
We are excited to announce the winners of the 2024 Aglet Awards! If you’re in need of some inspiration, take a look at the list of awesome humans below.
Our judges chose the ten 2024 awardees out of more than 50 exceptional nominees, every one of them worthy of recognition. As one of our judges put it so well, “this was a difficult task, but I love knowing so many people are fighting for causes that they believe in and working to make their community a better place.”
A big thank you to all who contributed to the success of the Aglet Awards this year, especially all the people who took the time to nominate someone in your community. To our top ten: Your $100 cash prize is yours to use in any way that brings you happiness; it is meant as a gesture of appreciation for the work you do every day.
Aglets are not very well known. They are the plastic things at the end of our shoelaces. Even though most people don’t think about them much, it would be a lot harder to tie our shoes without them. Aglet Awards are for someone you know who provided critical support, leadership, insight, capacity, creativity, morale or anything else that comes to mind to help an important cause. When you nominate someone for an Aglet Award, the nominee will be informed that they have been recognized for their efforts.
Kevin Dua
History Teacher, Mentor, Leader, and Catalyst for Change
Massachusetts
An excerpt his their nominator’s submission:
“Kevin Dua has made exceptional contributions to education and civic engagement through his roles as an educator, mentor, and curriculum developer.
From guiding students in evaluating political systems to pioneering programs for underrepresented teachers, Kevin's dedication to fostering critical thinking, cultural responsiveness, and social justice in education is unparalleled. His efforts have not only empowered students but have also inspired positive change on a systemic level. Kevin's tireless advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion has left an indelible mark on the communities he has served, and his impact continues to resonate far beyond the classroom. Kevin's extensive list of accolades and achievements speaks volumes about his commitment to advancing educational excellence and social equity.
He is not only a teacher but also a mentor, leader, and catalyst for change. His passion for empowering others and creating inclusive learning environments is truly commendable, and he is incredibly deserving of recognition for his invaluable contributions to education and civic engagement.”
When asked for any links he may want to uplift, Kevin told us he encourages interested/aspiring individuals ages 18-24 to apply to "City Year,” and he asks anyone able to donate to "The Teachers' Lounge,” a growing organization in the Greater Boston area) that is committed to providing the resources, opportunities, and quality programming to ensure educators of color remain happy, healthy, and thriving in the profession, and encourages everyone to inform themselves and others on local/national civic duty within upcoming election via vote.org.
Kara Latiolais
Advocate for Sexual Assault Survivors
Midland, Texas
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
“A former prosecutor, Kara volunteers as a SANE victim advocate. This means that when she's on call, if a person goes into the ER for a sexual assault exam, she goes to the ER and helps them through the process.
I know that every time she goes out for one of these calls, it's an emotionally difficult experience, but that the victim really needs to have someone there to be a calm and informed advocate for them.
She's also just a really great friend.”
Kimberly Ho
Mental Health Support and Services for the Pan-Asian Community
Los Angeles, California
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
"Kim is a remarkable community leader with a profound passion for supporting new nonprofits, providing steadfast guidance to organizations during their early growth phases.
For the past three years, Kim has been volunteering with the Asian Mental Health Project, undertaking significant roles such as leading the development of both virtual and in-person community care initiatives and building out a mental health assistance grant program.
In addition to her work with the Asian Mental Health Project, Kim is deeply involved with fund development and fundraising efforts at Entwine Community, which provides mental health and support services for Asian, Asian American, and multicultural communities in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Her professional career (in something completely different - accounting!) in higher education has positioned her to mentor many students, especially international students experiencing acculturative stress. She is a beacon of inspiration, tirelessly working to support and uplift communities in both her professional and volunteer capacities."
When asked for any links she may want to uplift, Kimberly shared the Asian Mental Health Project and the Entwine Community.
M Jade Kaiser
Racial, Gender, Economic, Decolonial Justice with a Faith Perspective
Iowa City, Iowa
An excerpt from their nominator’s submission:
“M was the first openly trans ordained minister in the United Methodist Church (they have since left the church). They have fought their whole adult life for racial and gender justice, especially the centering of those divine individuals historically most marginalized and harmed by the church.
They help others see and create a world where everyone's preciousness is honored. They helped to create enfleshed to resource allies and co-conspirators.
Their work is unique, deep, and life saving.”
Check out the organization M cofounded and co-directs, enfleshed.com.
AshleyCae Lee
Health Care Reform for Cancer Patients and Other Patients with Chronic Illnesses
Flint, Michigan
Excerpt from her nominators submissions:
“AshleyCae is battling terminal cancer yet she still shows up and beyond for other people. I had a speaking engagement where we needed someone with insight in the battle with cancer and she showed up. Right after chemo, walking cane in hand, and smile on her face. She spoke with such power and compassion. She stayed around after to speak and give resources to other people who needed it. AshleyCae is a wonderful young woman who is only 28 years old. She has made such an impact on the cancer awareness community. She brings light and life into every room she crosses.”
“I saw her speaking event in March where she looked visibly tired. She walked with a cane but had a smile lit up the room. She spoke about advocating for your health not allowing your doctor to speak over you. She did this with such pose and confidence. When she was done speaking she walked around the room shaking hands and hugging people. When she reached me she was red in the face, but smiling. She is a beautiful spirit and I’m just grateful to have met her.”
AshelyCae was nominated twice by two separate people. You can follow her on Instagram.
Mags Goerig
Shelter Dog Rescue
Sacramento, California
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
"Mags is a volunteer dog walker at the Front Street Animal Shelter and focuses on dogs that are the highest risk for euthanasia.
She creates amazing, hilarious narrated videos of the dogs and shares them on social media, where she's received tens of thousands of views and has gotten many dogs successfully adopted. One dog was even transported as far as Alabama, and Mags coordinated the entire adoption including transport. [See the story here.]
But most extraordinary is the time, care, and devotion Mags has for her foster dog, Majik. An older pit mix, Majik is highly reactive towards other dogs, so he barks and lunges when he sees other dogs. Mags has been doing nonstop training with Majik to overcome this. She also coordinated a much needed eye surgery for him, and has rehabilitated him since his painful, traumatic stint at the shelter. She pulled Majik right before he was to be euthanized. She's had him for four months, and he clearly loves her with all his heart."
Mags Goerig is photographed here with Majik, one of the many dogs she has helped rescue. Majik is available for adoption through NorCal Bully Breed Rescue. You can follow Mags’ efforts on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Kaori Hirakawa
Language Access and Immigrant Integration
Montgomery County, Maryland
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
“Kaori Hirakawa has done tremendous work in immigrant integration, diversity and language access.
She spent more than 16 years working locally to help immigrants to be a vibrant part of our community and fully access public services, improving diversity and understanding, and creating the county's language access program during the Covid-19 pandemic. She has been part of the Welcoming movement to ensure that our cities, counties, and nation are truly welcoming to immigrants, especially during these times when so many would demonize newcomers to our country.
For the last year and a half she has taken her language access and immigrant integration skills national, helping communities across the country ensure that they are providing information and services in a way that is fully accessible to all residents, regardless of literacy level, disability, or limited English proficiency. I appreciate her incredible work to ensure that everyone in our communities can thrive.
She's also a kind, supportive person who so many of us appreciate working with.”
Olivia Marant
Advocacy for Indigenous People and LGBTQ+ Youth
Louisiana
An excerpt from their nominator’s submission:
“Olivia works hard to spread awareness about the importance of the #LandBack movement and reformation of the federal recognition process for Native American tribes. They raise awareness for other indigenous groups like those in Central and South America because they are often excluded in discussions about indigenous people.
They’ve done this through writing articles and being a founding member/leader of their school’s Indigenous Students of the Americas club. They also serve as the state chair for the Louisiana High School Democrats.
They manage to advocate for the queer community as well, serving on the High School Democrats of America’s LGBTQ+ caucus’ executive board while also being the rising vice president of their schools Gender and Sexuality Alliance club.”
Heather Gilchrest
Elementary School Administrator
Maine
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
“Heather is a dedicated and passionate member of the Village Elementary School community. In her work as an administrator, she oversees departments to ensure that they are adequately funded so that teachers can do important work of educating children.
Recently, Heather helped brainstorm a list of playground equipment items for students to play with during kindergarten and first grade recess. This list of items includes: bubbles, chalk, dance ribbons, hula-hoops, and velcro catch. These playground recess items are loved by the students and are used up quickly.
It's my hope that this nomination will provide much needed funds to purchase the playground recess items listed above which are not typically budgeted for in the school budget and often come out teachers own paycheck.”
AdrianA Ines Quiñones Peña
Volunteer ESL Teacher, Latinx Youth Mentor, and Pro-Bono Therapist
Minneapolis, Minnesota
An excerpt from her nominator’s submission:
“Adriana undertook double shifts to qualify as a sponsor and provide financial support for her family in Puerto Rico. Consequently, she decided to sponsor a Venezuelan immigrant to come to the United States and provided them shelter. In the meantime, Adriana dedicated her time to empowering the BIPOC community, with a particular focus on the Latinx community. In addition, she is currently a full-time student in a Psychology program and also works as a committed mental health therapist, particularly for individuals from the BIPOC community.
Adriana's kindness is truly exceptional and deserves to be acknowledged."
Learn more about Adriana on her Linkedin and Psychology Today profiles.
Thank you once again to our amazing panel of judges:
Robbie Dornbush, Chief of Staff, Accountable Tech
Alex Field, Senior Managing Director, Wide Eye
Sara Gold, Coach and Facilitator, Sara Gold Coaching
Samantha Herrick, Samantha Kate Design
Suzanne Ito, Communications Director, First Amendment Coalition
Alexis Kochka, Visual Arts Teacher; Artist
Matt Kohut, Author, and Managing Partner, KNP Communications
Henri Makembe, Seasoned Public Affairs Strategist & Campaign Consultant
Ariane Moore, Senior Podcast Publicist, Frontier PR
Nassim Moshiree, Chief Program Officer, ACLU of North Carolina
Bridget Todd, Founder, Unbossed Creative; Host, There Are No Girls on the Internet
Check back spring 2025 for the next year’s Aglet Awards. In the meanwhile, think of any of the many unsung heroes in your community you may want to nominate.