Community Champion Award:
2026- Kenny Riley at Carole Robertson Center
2025- Tracy Dace at DREAAM
2024- Raquel Young
2023- Latasha Battie
2022 – Dr. Lolita Cleveland
2021 – Paula Short
2020 – No Conference Held
2019- Susan Stanton
Inspiring Futures Program Award:
2026- Healing Through Justice at Communities United
2025- DuQuoin 21st Century Program
2024- Art Inc, Peoria, IL
2023 – Carole Robertson Center for Learning, Chicago, IL
2022 – By the Hands Club for Kids – Moving Everest, Chicago, Illinois
2021 – Gary Comer Youth Center – Chicago, Illinois
2020 – No Conference Held
2019 – Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, Carbondale, IL
Visionary Board Award:
2026- Setara Sous
2055- Kat Holstlaw
2024- Nichole Miller
2023 – Nichole Miller
2022 – Deborah Rogers-Jaye
2021 – Camille Harmon
2020 – No Conference Held
2019 – Stacie Ealey
National AfterSchool Association Next Generation Honorees
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 7, 2024 – The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders, has selected Katelynne Girard and Arielle Lentz as two of NAA’s 2024 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
In selecting its 2024 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders.
“At the National AfterSchool Association, we understand the connection between program quality and positive youth outcomes — a connection that can only be facilitated by strong leadership and a thriving workforce,” said Gina Warner, Chief Executive Officer of NAA. “We look forward to seeing how these emerging leaders make their mark on their organizations and the broader afterschool profession.”
An estimated 7.8 million young people participate in afterschool programs each year and the industry employs an estimated 850,000 professionals and leaders. The National AfterSchool Association is the professional membership association that fosters positive youth outcomes by supporting, developing, and advocating for afterschool professionals and leaders.
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREES
Janet Maruna
Dave Robisch
Linda Satterfield