The Heart of Charlotte Awards

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 celebrating a behavior analyst who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their field, significantly improving the lives of their patients. The recipient will be recognized for their innovative approaches and compassionate contributing to better outcomes for patients and their families. Their work exemplifies the highest standards of the profession, making a meaningful impact on the well-being of those they serve.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), behavior specialists, clinical supervisors, and practitioners working in schools, clinics, or community settings who have made notable contributions to the field of behavior analysis.)

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 honors all types of health educators making an impact in our community: those who teach the next generation of healthcare providers, those who teach health education within public education, and those who teach community members how to improve their health. The award will recognize a health educator who has made significant contributions to health education in Charlotte through their ability to communicate complex health information in ways that are accessible or actionable for their audience of learners. Their should train or empower individuals or communities to make informed health decisions, leading to improved public health outcomes and a stronger, healthier community.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from university professors, public school health educators, community health workers, nonprofit health education coordinators, and professionals leading public health workshops or outreach programs.)

Award recognizing an individual who has shown extraordinary dedication to advancing health equity in the Charlotte community. The recipient will have advanced efforts to address disparities in healthcare access and outcomes, particularly among marginalized populations. Through advocacy, policy work, or direct service, they have worked tirelessly to ensure that all community members have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

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 a public health leader who has played a key role in coordinating effective health initiatives that benefit the Charlotte community. The recipient will have demonstrated an ability to work with various stakeholders, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and/or community organizations. Their leadership will have resulted in successful health programs addressing critical public health issues, making a significant difference in the lives of the Charlotte community.

(Note: Examples of someone you may nominate can vary from directors of public health departments, leaders of nonprofit health organizations, healthcare administrators, community health advocates, and coordinators of large-scale public health campaigns.)

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.)