For eight years now, BizTimes Media has proudly recognized the work of southeastern Wisconsin nonprofits and corporate citizens through our Nonprofit Excellence Awards, held this year on Nov. 5.
We recognize that a strong and sustainable nonprofit sector is needed to help our city and region flourish. That’s why we highlighted 25 organizations, leaders, donors and companies each doing their part to make our community better as winners and finalists at our event. We hope the stories of the work these organizations and individuals do in areas like mental health, veterans issues, hunger, education, trauma and more inspire you to make a difference in any way you can.
This year’s program also included two panel discussions focused on workforce development programs having success in connecting people to work and addressing the talent needs of employers. The first panel focused on programs serving high school students and the second highlighted programs working with young adults. Both discussions highlighted the collaboration taking place among for-profit and nonprofit organizations. You can watch the program on demand at biztimes.com/npea.
Thank you to our sponsor, Wegner CPAs, for helping us put the spotlight on these model citizens.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg
Nonprofit Collaboration of the Year: Latino Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Wisconsin
Nonprofit Executive of the Year: Eduardo M. Garza, Jr., president and CEO, The Center for Veterans Issues, Ltd.
Nonprofit Organization of the Year – Large: SaintA
Nonprofit Organization of the Year – Small: Silver Spring Neighborhood Center
Social Enterprise: Franciscan Peacemakers
Corporate Citizen of the Year: Yabuki Family Foundation
Corporate Volunteer of the Year: Joseph Scala, sales representative, Metalcraft Automation Group
In-Kind Supporter: Great Lakes Roofing Corp.
Next Generation Leadership: Wes Warne, director of ticket sales and career advancement, Milwaukee Bucks
Award winner and finalist profiles written by Catherine Jozwik and Lauren Anderson.
Photos taken by Jake Hill Photography.
