Heart of Charlotte Awards

Presented by My Brother’s Keeper Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Northeastern University in Charlotte recognizes the next generation change makers of our community who are not just waiting for the future, they are building it today. This honor celebrates the young leaders who understand that true impact radiates outward, influencing their peers, families, and wider community. They are the emerging catalyst to the heartbeat of their community’s health, proving that with passion and purpose, a single voice can create a ripple effect of positive change. This award is for the visionary students and emerging advocates who embody the Heart of Charlotte’s commitment to a healthier, more equitable future for all.

(Note: Examples of nominees may include student leaders, youth advocates, volunteers, or organizers who have championed causes related to health, education, equity, or community well-being. Nominees should be enrolled in high school or college at the time of nomination.)

This award recognizes an individual who has made an impact as a mentor in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), guiding and inspiring others while championing advocacy, equity, and community-based access to services. Through intentional mentorship, this individual has cultivated future leaders, empowered families, and influenced the professional growth of others working to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities. Beyond their role, the recipient has modeled what it means to lead with purpose, advocating for policy changes, raising public awareness about ABA, or advancing inclusive practices that benefit underserved populations. Their mentorship has not only elevated the next generation of ABA professionals but also helped shift systems and perceptions that impact real lives in the Charlotte community and beyond.

 (Note: Nominees may include, but are not limited to, ABA supervisors, parent mentors, educators, or professionals who have consistently invested in the development of others while advancing access, quality, and equity in ABA services.)

Award honoring a caregiver who has shown extraordinary dedication and compassion in supporting individuals receiving Applied Behavior Analysis services. The recipient will be recognized for their unwavering commitment to implementing ABA strategies, fostering skill development, and creating supportive environments that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to reach their full potential. Their patience, consistency, and advocacy have made a profound impact on the lives of those they serve and their families. Through their exceptional care and dedication, they exemplify the highest standards of caregiving in the ABA field, demonstrating how compassionate support can transform lives.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from direct care staff, paraprofessionals, family members providing ABA support, residential care providers, and support specialists working in schools, clinics, or community settings who have made notable contributions to the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.)

Award honoring an organization that has made a significant, positive impact in the Charlotte community by addressing critical issues such as health, education, job creation, economic mobility, or social justice. The organization will be recognized for its ongoing commitment to impacting or improving the wellbeing of Charlotte, empowering marginalized groups, and/or fostering inclusive growth with efforts showing measurable improvements in the lives of community members, demonstrating their dedication to creating lasting change.

Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in fostering connections within the Charlotte community. Through their efforts, they have engaged with their community to strengthen neighborhood ties, support local businesses, promote social justice or racial equity, or make Charlotte a better place to live or work. Their efforts have created a more vibrant, inclusive community, and should be celebrated for their role in driving positive change and building a sense of belonging among residents of Charlotte.

Award highlighting a member of the Northeastern University community who has made a significant impact through their engagement with local organizations and residents. The recipient will be honored for their ability to craft respectful, impactful relationships benefitting the university and the broader community. Their leadership drives collaborative projects addressing community needs, demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement.

Award acknowledging an individual who has shown outstanding leadership in the field of education within the Charlotte community. The recipient will be recognized for their commitment to student success, innovative teaching methods, and efforts to create inclusive learning environments. Their dedication to education is an inspiration to both students and colleagues, contributing to a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in their institution.

Award recognizing a healthcare administrator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing healthcare
services that benefit the Charlotte community. The recipient demonstrates an ability to lead teams, make meaningful improvements in patient care, and addressing public health challenges. Their strategic vision and commitment to service have a lasting impact on the well-being of Charlotte, making them a pivotal figure in the local healthcare landscape.

Award celebrating a nurse who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to patient care and community service. This individual will have demonstrated compassionate care, clinical excellence, and a commitment to improving the health and well-being to those they serve.

Award honoring an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving public health outcomes in the Charlotte community. The recipient will have made significant contributions through advocacy, direct service, or innovative initiatives that address critical public health challenges. Their work exemplifies a commitment to creating healthier communities by promoting disease prevention, advancing health education, or implementing evidence-based interventions. Through their continuous efforts, they have positively impacted the health and well-being of Charlotte residents, particularly those in underserved populations, making them a true champion for public health excellence.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from community health advocates, public health researchers, healthcare outreach coordinators, wellness program leaders, and professionals working to address social determinants of health.)

Award recognizing a public health educator who has made outstanding contributions to health education within the Charlotte community. The recipient will be honored for their ability to translate complex public health concepts into accessible, actionable information that empowers individuals and communities to make informed health decisions. Their innovative educational approaches, whether through community workshops, digital platforms, or grassroots outreach, have resulted in measurable improvements in health literacy and behavior change. Their dedication to education serves as a catalyst for positive health outcomes and stronger, more informed communities.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from community health educators, public health program coordinators, health communication specialists, nonprofit health education directors, and professionals developing public health curricula or leading community health literacy initiatives.)

This award celebrates a speech-language pathologist who has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare by improving communication abilities among patients in medical settings. The recipient is recognized for their expertise in treating speech and language disorders related to neurological conditions, post-surgical recovery, or chronic illnesses. Their work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or clinics has been instrumental in helping patients regain essential communication skills, ultimately improving their overall health and quality of life. Through their clinical excellence, patient-centered care, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, they have played a crucial role in advancing the standard of care in speech pathology within the medical community.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from hospital-based SLPs, clinicians in rehabilitation centers, or specialists in neurological speech therapy within medical settings.)

This award recognizes a speech-language pathologist who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in enhancing communication skills within educational or community-based settings in the Charlotte area. The recipient is honored for their dedication to developing and implementing speech and language programs that support children and adults in overcoming communication challenges. Their innovative approaches in schools, early intervention programs, or community organizations have led to measurable improvements in participants’ social and academic achievements. By working closely with educators, families, and community members, they have fostered an inclusive environment where every individual is encouraged to reach their full communication potential.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from school-based SLPs, early intervention specialists, or those leading community outreach programs focusing on language development.)