United Way Steps to Success Awards

Celebrating what can be done when we come together.

Our Steps to Success Awards are a celebration of our work in the community and the people and organizations that made it all possible. Engaging local leaders and donors for this annual event is a powerful reminder of all the good things that can happen when we come together for our community.

We have been hosting the Steps to Success Awards since 2019. We just wrapped up our 5th annual event. See below for information on winners, nominees and sponsors.

Sponsorship

Interested in being an event sponsor for next year’s event? Reach out to Heather Farber, Director of Major Gifts, for more information on benefits and requirements.

Email Heather

2023 Award Winners and Nominees

Corporate Partner of the Year Award—The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

United Way’s Corporate Partner of the Year Award recognizes an organization that exemplifies what it means to support United Way through a workplace campaign. This award goes to an organization that understands a successful campaign requires close coordination with United Way staff, advanced planning, support from senior leadership and a healthy dose of creativity.

Nominees: Bremo Pharmacy, Eaton Corporation

Community Champion Award—Rachel Casselberry, EY

United Way’s Community Champion Award recognizes an outstanding individual that invested time and talent to engage, excite and unite colleagues in support of United Way. Community Champions do everything possible to ensure their organization has a successful campaign.

Nominees: Sara Johnson (South State Bank), Suzanne Fielden (Southern States Corporation)

Leadership Circle Award—Britt Glisson

United Way’s Leadership Circle is the foundation of the work we do. The Leadership Circle Award is given to a member who demonstrates a shared commitment to improving our region through generosity, advocacy and community engagement. This individual recognizes the power that each of us has to improve the lives of our neighbors.

Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award—Betsy Martin (In Memoriam) with Michael Martin

United Way’s Alexis de Tocqueville Society is an elite group of local leaders dedicated to creating positive change and fueling high-impact work in the Greater Richmond and Petersburg region. The Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award is given to a member who embodies the American spirit of giving and volunteerism witnessed by Alexis de Tocqueville as he traveled to the United States in the mid-1800s.

Giving Community Award—JoLinda Underwood, Molina

The Giving Community Award recognizes a volunteer member of our giving communities. The individual receiving this award exemplifies the true spirit of giving: not only as a leader in the giving community, but as an active hand in United Way’s programming and an advocate for United Way’s work across the region.

Community Impact: Group Award—EAB

None of our work would be possible without outstanding partners and volunteer groups that display a strong dedication to the work of United Way. The Community Impact: Group Award goes to a team of volunteers that shares our commitment to transforming lives in the community.

Nominees: Wegmans, Publix Super Markets

Community Impact: Individual Award—Andrew Etheredge

United Way relies on hundreds of individual volunteers supporting our work. The Community Impact: Individual Award goes to someone that shares our commitment to transforming lives in the community.

Steps to Success Award—The City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building

United Way brings together our region’s nonprofits, businesses, schools and volunteers. We identify key areas of need and create community-based and community-led solutions that provide everyone in our region with a clear path to success.

The Steps to Success Award is given to an outstanding partner, group or organization that shows their commitment to improving our region for everyone who lives here and exemplifies our mission to support every individual on their path to success.