GREATER PHILADELPHIA INNOVATIONS AWARD FINALISTS

The Social Innovations Journal is delighted to announce that voting for the annual 2026 Greater Philadelphia Social Innovations Awards Ceremony is now open!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

AWARD FINALISTS

INNOVATIONS IN SYSTEMS AND STRATEGIES

SOCIAL INVESTORS: Innovative strategies driving capital to those who need it most.

  • Hillary Do, PhillyBOLT

  • Vashti DuBois, The Colored Girls Museum, fels foundation, William Penn Foundation

  • Arnett Woodal, West Phillie Produce

SOCIETAL IMPACT: Innovative approaches that respond to the needs of people and society.

  • Donna Duffy-Grimm and Diane Rosati, County of Bucks & Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission

  • Talonda Rogers, 4th Trimester MOMMIE

  • Shana Pistilli, Rubato School of Music

  • Jesse Antonini, Martha's Community Farm

  • Dr. Michelle Carerra Morales, Xiente

  • Asylum Pride House

PARTNERSHIPS: Innovative cross-sector partnerships addressing complex social and environmental issues.

  • Cara Gadzinski, Bucks County Division of Human Services

  • Cory Lovera, Open Hearth, Inc.

  • Valencia Peterson, Open Door Abuse Awareness Prevention (ODAAP)

  • Patricia McCloskey, Pottstown Area Regional Recreation Committee

  • Green Building United

  • Philly Homes 4 Youth Coalition

INNOVATIONS IN SOCIAL MOBILITY

WORKFORCE and ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Innovative models leading to earning a living wage, economic freedom, and community economic development.

  • WOW - Workforce on Wheels, Bucks County Workforce and Economic Development

  • Javonna Wylie, Chester County OIC

  • Delaware County Literacy Council

  • Denise Williams, Be Rezilient

  • The Welcoming Center

  • LaTrista Webb, The Elevation Project

EDUCATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Innovative ideas to develop new ways to advance education in novel and meaningful directions.

  • Bucks County Intermediate Unit

  • Children First

  • Shana Pistilli, Rubato School of Music

  • Dr. Rahmanda S. Campbell, The Reading Clinic, Inc. and The Reading Clinic Cyber Academy

  • Jonathan Edwards, FamFrequency Productions

  • Jalen Belgrave, PhillyBOLT

INNOVATIONS IN HUMAN SERVICES

COMMUNITY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: Innovative models leading to emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

  • Meri Luarasi Gaumond, Dementia Care at Home LLC

  • Mary Hewes, Young Moms

  • Christine Jackson, Hope For Hallie

  • Honorable Andrea Duffy, Drug Addiction Resource Alliance

  • Women Against Abuse

  • Mckayla Warwick, Collective Climb

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Innovative models leading to stable/permanent and sustainable housing.

  • Josh Fields, The Next Step program

  • Home of the Sparrow

  • PANO (Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations)

  • Mike Hays, Montco 30%

  • Dr. Shirlana Dash, SELF Inc.

  • The Landlord Gateway Program, Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services

INNOVATIONS IN HEALTHY LIVING

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES AND ENVIRONMENT: Innovative models integrating Health Care with the Social Determinants of Health and/or models addressing fresh and clean air, drinking water, and sustainable land.

  • Tim Hays, Conservatuion Voters

  • Christy Marshall-Silva, Aidan's Heart Foundation

  • Teachers's Teammates

  • MontCo Anti-Hunger Network

  • Sarah Marley, Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW)

  • Dr. Alina Mateo, University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)


HEALTHY FOOD ACCESS AND NUTRITION: Innovative providing affordable, accessible, and healthy food.

  • Elizabeth Zbinden, Bucks County Opportunity Council

  • Mary Fuller, Phoenixville Area Community Services

  • Evan Ehlers, Sharing Excess

  • Max Kulp and Roberta Consentino, The Best Route

  • Nourish to Flourish Philly

  • Eli Moraru, The Community Grocer


INNOVATIONS FROM COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

YOUNG PEOPLE: Innovative Models in Engaging Young People and/or Young People Social Innovators creating change and impact

  • Sarah Todd, Well Rooted

  • Makaila Davis, Angels Protection Inc.

  • Geordie Brackin, 1Up Coaching

  • Ken Hamilton, GreenAllies

  • Rock To The Future

  • Ken Hamilton, GreenAllies


ADVOCACY and POLICY CHAMPION: Protecting Rights and Advancing Justice

  • Josh Blakesley, The Welcome Project PA (WPPA)

  • Rachel Rutter, Project Libertad

  • Leigh Anne McKelvey, CASA Youth Advocates, Inc.

  • Bill Henning, Discover Lansdale

  • Melany P. Nelson, Northwest Victim Services

  • Kingsessing Heals Community Resiliency Center


THOUGHT LEADERSHIP and CAPACITY BUIDLING: Strengthening the Social Sector

  • Nina Wall, Woods System of Care

  • Square Roots Collective

  • Stephanie Lim Capello, Peter's Place

  • Yaniv Aronson, Destination Conshohocken, Conshohocken Mayor

  • Ayana Bradshaw, AccessMatters

  • Vonee Hill, Linked Family Services and Hillcrest Development and Consulting