Spirit of service Awards
Awards Descriptions
Volunteer of the Year: Awarded by the Executive Board to a current Thursday Network member who exemplifies service through the giving of their time and resources to the organization throughout the year.
Maudine R. Cooper Community Excellence Award: Awarded to an exemplary community or corporate partner of the Greater Washington Urban League and Thursday Network.
Luminary Award: A recognition bestowed upon an inspirational young professional that exemplifies the National Urban League creed of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives.
Tara Jones Legacy Award: Formerly known as the TN Legacy Circle Award, the Tara Jones Legacy Award is to be awarded to past or current Thursday Network member who has created a lasting legacy through their work with the National Urban League movement and the greater community at large. To be eligible, recipient must be a past board member of Thursday Network. The recipient will be chosen by the Executive Board by advisement of the President.
Community Catalyst Award: Given to an individual that is exemplifying the truest words of Catalyst. They are leading an event, initiative, or program that is laying the foundation for a thriving community for years to come. They must be between the ages of 16-22; be enrolled full-time in high school or accredited college/university.
Past Honorees
Volunteer of the Year- 2025: Anthony Baise
- 2022: Jennifer Early
- 2019 and 2021: Kawanza Billy
- 2018: Melissa Gomes
- 2017: Kristin Shymoniak
- 2016: James Jeter
- 2015: LaTricea Adams
Maudine R. Cooper Community Excellence Award
- 2025: Avalon Bay
- 2022: Avalon Bay
- 2021: Black Millennials of Flint
- 2019: Ben's Chilli Bowl
- 2018: Black Millennials for Flint
- 2017: Eli Lilly
- 2016: Ron Busby, US Black Chamber of Commerce
- 2015: Capital Cause
- 2014: Gilbert Campbell Volt Energy
- 2025: Janelle Edge
- 2022: Keyonna Jones
- 2021: Jamila White
- 2019: Shawn Ruffing
- 2018: Rashid Darden
- 2017: Michelle T. Mabson
- 2016: Samantha Davis
- 2014: Deena Smith
- 2025: Gregory Wayne
- 2022: Krystin Shymoniak
- 2021:Joseph Kitchen
- 2019: Sylvester Ezeani
- 2018: Charis Goff
- 2017: Kendra Oates
- 2016: Larry Meadows
- 2015:B. Michael Young
- 2025: MaKaila Eddings-Quick
- 2022: London Jones
- 2021: Ceon Dubose
- 2018: Stephen Garrett
- 2017: We Work
- 2016: AvalonBay Communities, Inc.
- 2014: American Jewish Committee
For questions, reach out to our Fund Development Chair, Andre Tunstill, at funddevelopment@thursdaynetwork.org.
If you're unable to attend, please consider making a donation at ThursdayNetwork/Donate.org. Select "General Programming" and specify "Spirit of Service" in the comment section. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact.