Mark your calendars! Thursday Network's 11th Annual Spirit of Service Awards returns on September 10 for an inspiring evening celebrating the people and organizations making a difference across the DC region.
Join us as we honor volunteers, community leaders, young changemakers, and partners whose commitment to service is creating lasting impact. Whether you're passionate about giving back, looking to connect with purpose-driven professionals, or simply want to celebrate the best of our community, this is a night you won't want to miss.
More details are coming soon—but for now, save the date!
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.