Marilyn Askelson
Director of Product Program
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
“Marilyn provides support and guidance for thousands of girls and volunteers during the Girl Scout Cookie
Program.”
Throughout the years, Marilyn has worked tirelessly to provide guidance and support to thousands of girls and volunteers throughout our Girl Scout council while leading our product program. Marilyn is always going above and beyond to give everyone the best experience possible, helping girls learn how to set, work towards, and achieve their goals. Marilyn continues to think outside the box to come up with new ways to engage the girls and their communities and educate them on the value of the program. No matter what comes her way, Marilyn greets any challenge with a smile on her face and a drive that is unparalleled.
Mike Barnhart
President & CEO
Horizons
“Mike leveraged his own life experiences into visions and projects that help marginalized and vulnerable
populations.”
During his tenure, Mike guided NTS and Horizons through challenging situations such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also oversaw the strategic focus on Horizons’ three current services. “I have been fortunate to work alongside some very talented and dedicated individuals,” said Barnhart. “I am deeply grateful for the support, collaboration, and camaraderie shared with the Horizons staff and the community at large. Everyone’s commitment to excellence and passion for our mission have been constant sources of joy for me.”
Katie Benedix
Director of Business and Development
Brucemore
“Katie does the difficult and inglorious work of attracting and managing the funding that makes our work
possible.”
Katie shuns the limelight and embraces her essential but unheralded role. Her leadership is reflected in her constant search for doing the right things and keeping things moving. She has reframed Brucemore’s accounting system, development strategies, and banking processes. She exemplifies the Spirit of Minnie Rubek because she works passionately and diligently in her role, even though it is often behind-the-scenes. The last four years have been extraordinarily complex for Brucemore’s finances and contributed revenue with the conclusion of Brucemore’s first capital campaign, the pandemic, and the derecho. Katie embraced the enormous responsibility for: navigating insurance adjusters and complex project tracking for $3 million in structural damage to historic buildings; working with FEMA for over $200,000 in debris removal; working with the complex requirements of the State of Iowa to secure Historic Preservation Tax Credits; launching Brucemore’s first Legacy Society for gifts of estate; and securing hundreds of thousands of dollars from public and private granting sources. She does this all while never hesitating to spend extra time creating positive connections with each person she interacts with on behalf of Brucemore. She is not motivated by credit or personal accolades, but throws herself into her work with great devotion to Brucemore’s mission and belief in the value of our impact.
Michele Davis
Project Manager
Eastern Iowa Health Center
“Michele coordinated two Free Vision Clinics in Cedar Rapids, providing care and glasses to over 800 community members.”
Michele Davis lives Eastern Iowa Health Centers mission every day. She shows incredible commitment to our community. Recently, Michele’s work and dedication was highlighted by her work in coordinating two free vision clinics that served over 800 patients. Her dedication to improving lives through accessible healthcare exemplifies our organization’s values and highlights the profound impact one individual can have. Michele’s work on this project and her drive to continually work towards making a difference in so many lives is inspiring.
Melissa Dean
Director of Health Equity & Community Partnerships
Mercy Medical Center
“Melissa’s quiet yet powerful impact, dedication to our mission, strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to serving the underserved—bringing her innate respect of all people with her in each action—make her an ideal candidate for this award.”
In her role as Director of Health Equity and Community Partnerships, Melissa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to serving the underserved in our community. Her work is characterized by a genuine compassion and a tireless dedication to improving the lives of those most in need. Melissa has been instrumental in many projects that, in collaboration with others in our organization and community, have not only advanced our mission but have also brought hope and tangible improvements to the lives of many individuals and families. Melissa has expanded our community benefit efforts and has helped Mercy have a more focused approach in sharing resources. She is respected both locally and nationally as she is often called upon by the Catholic Health Association to participate in educational programs regarding community benefit. One of the most remarkable aspects of Melissa’s contributions is her ability to make a significant impact without seeking recognition. She steps up time and again, humbly doing what needs to be done, always with a positive attitude and a collaborative spirit. Her quiet leadership and steadfast dedication inspire all she interacts with.
Emma Disterhoft
Senior Events Manager
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
Photo Credit: Jill Christine Photography
“Emma organizes and facilitates events that celebrate the mission of Junior Achievement with grace and enthusiasm.”
Emma Disterhoft is a gem of a colleague. She is a consistent and steady presence on the development team, planning and executing fundraising events that showcase and celebrate the mission of Junior Achievement. Emma is reliable in her work, attending to the details that would otherwise get lost in the long list of things to manage. With the Hall of Fame, she makes the honorees feel valued and goes out of her way to ensure that the preparation process and day of the event are seamless and special. As a team member, she is always using her gifts of organization to support others in their work and is a calming influence. We are so grateful to have Emma as part of our team and know that if Emma is handling it, it will be amazing!
Rob Ferguson
Accountant
United Way of East Central Iowa
“Rob went above and beyond to ensure our conversion to the new financial system was smooth and successful.”
Rob has consistently gone above and beyond in the past six months, particularly during our transition to new financial software. When a team member left, he stepped in to ensure that all tasks were completed accurately and on time, demonstrating his commitment and reliability. His proactive approach has been invaluable to our team’s success during this period.
Ashley Fries
Assistant House Manager
St. John of the Cross Catholic Worker House
“Ashley is everything to our organization! She comes up with fun new ideas for our clients to keep them busy
while in shelter.”
Ashley is amazing in more ways than one. She makes sure we know what needs to be done on a daily basis, works with the clients to achieve their goals, and has taken fundraisers to a new level for our organization.
Penny Galvin
Director of Survivors’ Program
Waypoint
“Penny supports families who have lost a loved one to homicide or vehicular homicide, and those impacted by
a violent crime.”
Penny has been a part of the Survivors’ Program for 18 years, having joined after Waypoint took over from Horizons in 2002. Throughout her tenure, she has gone above and beyond to support families affected by homicide, vehicular homicide, or violent crime. To equip these families with the necessary resources, Penny has cultivated strong relationships with law enforcement, court systems, nonprofits, and funeral homes. Over her 18 years, she has profoundly impacted countless lives. She consistently prioritizes the needs of families as they navigate traumatic events in their lives, approaching her work with compassion, professionalism, and a caring heart. Penny wholeheartedly embodies Waypoint’s mission of inspiring individuals to move forward by not only offering unwavering support and guidance but also empowering families to find strength in their journeys, fostering resilience and hope as they navigate the path toward healing and new beginnings.
Kenzie Gittings
Clinic Operations Supervisor
Tanager
“Kenzie unwaveringly empowers kids, families, and teams with support and a laugh.”
Often when we think about meeting mission in our realm of the nonprofit sphere, we think of staff who are directly providing services to clients. However, at Tanager, providing services that inspire, empower, and heal takes a village. The unofficial mayor of our village in the Mental Wellbeing Clinic is Kenzie Gittings. From her start as Tanager’s first Clinic Intake Coordinator to her current role as Clinic Operations Supervisor, Kenzie has gone above and beyond in ensuring that the Clinic runs smoothly, families can receive services they need, and the team feels supported. She is one of the first people to help when there is a need and goes out of her way to make her staff feel heard. Kenzie leads with heart, authenticity, and humor and inspires others to do the same. She normalizes people’s challenges without judgement – as just a part of being a human. Kenzie frequently demonstrates the ability to function outside of her comfort zone, is incredibly efficient, and gracefully and effectively handles difficult conversations. She also supports mental health awareness and support in the community by teaching Youth Mental Health First Aid. The impact Kenzie has at Tanager extends to clients, families, the Agency, and our community.
Stephanie Hartson
Chief Executive Officer
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids & East Central Iowa
“Stephanie has gone above and beyond in her role as interim-Chief Executive Officer since March 2024,
leading our organization with unwavering dedication to ensure our mission and vision were met and driving us to the highest level of success.”
Stephanie exemplifies the Spirit of Minnie Rubek through her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment as a team member at Big Brothers Big Sisters since 2014 and her time as the interim-CEO since March 2024. In the nonprofit sector, the role of a CEO is often marked by complex challenges—balancing limited resources, navigating community needs, and ensuring organizational sustainability. Stephanie stepped into this role with grace and determination, going above and beyond to maintain and even elevate our mission during a critical transition. Her strategic vision and deep understanding of nonprofit dynamics have been crucial in driving our organization forward, ensuring that our programs continue to thrive and that our impact on the community remains strong. Her ability to lead with empathy, inspire staff, and engage stakeholders has made her an indispensable leader, embodying the spirit of dedication and excellence that Minnie Rubek represents.
Cindy Johnson
Business Office Manager
HACAP
“Cindy expertly guides our team in maintaining financial discipline, ensuring our budgets are met, and resources
are optimally allocated.”
Cindy Johnson’s unwavering commitment to our nonprofit is exemplified by her remarkable 46 years of service, during which she has played a pivotal role in steering our team towards financial responsibility. As our business office manager, Cindy has expertly guided us in maintaining financial discipline, ensuring our budgets are met and resources are optimally allocated. Her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her meticulous attention to detail, has not only strengthened our financial health but has also inspired her colleagues to uphold the values of transparency and accountability. Through her leadership, Cindy continues to be a cornerstone of our organization, driving us toward sustainable growth and impact in the community.
Brandon Kriegel
Construction Director
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity
“Brandon builds more than homes; he builds community with partner families, volunteers, and our community partners.”
Brandon has such a positive impact on everyone he meets. He is well respected by Habitat’s crew leaders and others in the industry. His gentle nature calms inexperienced volunteers and reassures eldery repair program participants. Because of his role and personality, he has become the face of Habitat.
Doriene Loomis
Administrative Coordinator
The Arc of East Central Iowa
“Being a jack of all trades, Doriene makes everything run smoothly and efficiently and does it all with a
smile.”
Doriene has been committed to the mission of The Arc for the past 18 years. She wears many hats and enhances the effectiveness of our organization through her stellar attention to detail and exceptional knowledge in the areas of databases, payroll, benefits, and Excel (and mail merges!). If you ask Doriene on any day how she is doing, she will always say “Super!” We love that she loves the theater, cats, and riding her bike everywhere she goes. Doriene’s spirit and positivity are qualities which exemplify those of Minnie Rubek.
Allison Maahs
Director of Family Support
No Foot Too Small
“Allison supports and uplifts grieving families as they navigate the loss of a child.”
Ali exemplifies the Spirit of Minnie Rubek through her deep commitment to supporting families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. Ali has dedicated herself to creating safe spaces where grieving families can find solace, share their stories, and receive emotional support. Her initiatives not only provide resources but also foster a sense of community and understanding. Ali’s ability to inspire and uplift those in need highlights her resilience and commitment to making a meaningful difference, embodying the very essence of Minnie Rubek.
Barb Madlon
Stained Glass Teaching Assistant
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy
“Barb dedicates her time preparing classes, promoting our financial aid program, maintaining a safe
environment, and creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for students and staff.”
Barb Madlon is a tremendous asset to the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy due to her unwavering commitment, passion for our mission, and incredible knowledge of stained glass, which inspires people to keep signing up for classes. Her meticulous preparation ensures students have a seamless, enjoyable experience, while her promotion of our financial aid program makes the arts accessible to more children. Barb’s dedication to maintaining a clean, safe environment—even outside of regular hours—allows us to offer a wide range of programming, from rock bands to evening classes, without disruptions. Her kindness and encouragement create a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff, building a supportive and positive community. Her presence strengthens the Academy and directly contributes to our success. We are a better non-profit because of Barb Madlon.
Mollie Marti
CEO
Worldmaker Resilience Institute
“Mollie leads our organization and develops evidence-based resilience education that strengthens and saves
lives.”
Since founding Worldmaker, Dr. Mollie Marti has led the organization with a deep dedication to our mission to equip first responders, veterans, community service providers and their families to navigate adversity and thrive. She donates extensive time and resources in our community and in her hometown community in northeast Iowa to support youth, parents, teachers, counselors, first responders and veterans.
Denine Rushing
Shelter & Outreach Services Director
Willis Dady Homeless Services
“Denine leads with passion and is committed to helping educate our community regarding homelessness.”
Addressing homelessness requires a blend of passion, education, and empathy. Denine exemplifies this daily in her work as Willis Dady’s Shelter & Outreach Services Director. Her efforts are manifested in the organizing of community events, volunteerism, and simply being a voice for those who are often unheard. Denine is an asset to Willis Dady and the community at large. With the many misconceptions surrounding individuals who are homeless, Denine goes above and beyond to educate the community in advocacy of systemic matters such as affordable housing shortages, mental health challenges, and overall economic instability. Denine and her team continue to offer both internal and external workshops, discussions, and outreach programming to engage the population we serve as well as local organizations. Denine diligently encourages our communities to see beyond the existing circumstances of an individual who is experiencing homelessness and acknowledge the humanity of individuals and assist in creating a more supportive community. She does this with integrity and grace all while working toward sustainable solutions.
Lizbeth Salas Landa
Parent Educator
YPN
“Lizbeth connects with all participants who come to our organization.”
Lizbeth works hard to connect the Latino/a community to local resources which will help them create a stable home for their family. Lizbeth meets each family where they are and helps them create a successful future building on their current strengths. She works quietly in the background not looking for accolades but working to ensure the participants she works with are gaining the knowledge they need for long-term success.
Rosa Salazar
Therapist
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Dubuque
“Rosa connects with the Hispanic community, helping to decrease the stigma surrounding mental health
and reducing barriers to helping people get the services they need.”
Rosa’s therapeutic and language skills are in great demand in the Cedar Rapids area and she could work anywhere she wants to. However, she chooses to work for a nonprofit because it allows her to serve her community in a way that private practice does not allow. At Catholic Charities, no one is turned away for their inability to pay for counseling services, and this helps to eliminate a barrier to serving the Hispanic community. Rosa goes above and beyond in her commitment and dedication to Catholic Charities and its mission by providing community outreach at local events, as well as events directly aimed and serving children and their families. Rosa, and Catholic Charities, work daily to help reduce poverty through the work we do with vulnerable populations.
Nancy Schrimper
Office Administrator
Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center
“Nancy exemplifies radical hospitality in everything she does.”
Nancy always keeps a calm and friendly presence leading the way for hospitality at Prairiewoods. She’s one of those people who quietly has all of the answers whenever a question arises and can help in any situation. Nancy has been dedicated to the Prairiewoods mission for over 12 years, making here one of the longest tenured employees. Nancy brings her whole self to the center each day. I often say that her position is a “ministry of interruptions.” Hers is an expansive heart. She quickly stops whatever she is doing to be fully present to whoever is in front of her in person or on the phone: Prairiewoods staff, guests, first timers to Prairiewoods, a Prairiewoods volunteer who just lost a close family member, a person who has no home and is looking for resources. She organizes holiday gifts for families in need. Her generosity, dedication and spirit are priceless!
Jessi Stoll
Program Manager
Central Furniture Rescue
“Jessi takes on operational leadership of volunteers to transform a place to live into a home for individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness.”
Jessi Stoll embodies the Spirit of Minnie Rubek through her unwavering dedication and compassionate leadership at Central Furniture Rescue. As Program Manager, Jessi took on the crucial task of coordinating and guiding volunteers to help individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. Her ability to jump in, learn all aspects of the program, and work seamlessly with the volunteer team to continue our mission reflects her commitment to restoring dignity and hope to those in need. Jessi’s tireless work ensures that every person served by Central Furniture Rescue feels valued and supported, making her a true beacon of kindness and community spirit.
Charity Tyler
Executive Director
Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation
“Charity is championing a $10M capital campaign to build a permanent library on the Westside of Cedar Rapids, and in doing so, is fostering community growth and connection, creating possibility, and Inspiring Big Dreams.”
As the Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation, Charity embodies the spirit of Minnie Rubek by harnessing community support for a new Westside Library. The Library Foundation was the beneficiary of a nearly $2M estate gift from Nadine E. Sandberg. Charity has worked tirelessly with Library leadership and community stakeholders to leverage this generous gift to bring a new, larger library to the City’s Westside. With an expanded children’s area, more public computers, a new teen section, and additional community rooms, this new facility will be a transformative community hub for years to come. We celebrate Charity’s dedication and passion for her commitment to our community.
Elizabeth Weyer Davis
Attorney
Kids First Law Center
“For more than a decade at Kids First, Elizabeth has skillfully advocated for children in divorce and custody conflicts, making sure their voices are heard and that the kids come first.”
Elizabeth has dedicated her entire legal career to representing children in high-conflict family law cases. For more than a decade, she has worked tirelessly as a children’s attorney at Kids First, ensuring children’s voices are heard. Elizabeth’s superpowers include making the management of a heavy caseload look easy, possessing an infinite amount of empathy and kindness, and exceptional courtroom advocacy. Elizabeth also works evenings and weekends leading workshops for children of divorcing parents to help kids cope with the trauma of divorce. In her tenure at Kids First, Elizabeth has helped more than 1,300 children in the Corridor. Elizabeth is a leader in training new staff attorneys, managing Kids First’s internship program, and improving processes to maximize the impact of our work. Elizabeth is also a gifted artist and has produced beautiful artwork to bring Kids First’s annual reports to life. Like Minnie Rubek, Elizabeth is making a transformative impact on the community, utilizing her commitment and dedication to go above and beyond to benefit the lives of children.
Zia Ud Din Zakhail
Refugee Cases Manager
Catherine McAuley Center
“Zia Ud Din leads our organization with passion and selflessness.”
Zia Ud Din Zakhail came to the US in our first wave of Afghan refugees and parolees in 2021. He saw a need and asked to be a part of our team to help his fellow countrymen and women become connected to their new community. In the years he has been in Cedar Rapids and at the Catherine McAuley Center as a Reception and Placement Case Manager, he has helped hundreds of Afghans gain English skills, housing, employment, and connections to their new community. He has concurrently helped refugees from around the world do the same – his passion for helping others connect is clear in every interaction he has had in his new country. He was forced to flee Afghanistan without his wife and then 1-year-old daughter, and even through the adversity of being alone in a new country, he has continued to support refugee families, his own family in Afghanistan, and his new, adopted “work family” with heart, care, and kindness. The Spirit of Minnie Rubek and of Catherine McAuley is evident in everything he has done since coming to the United States.